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Boats light up the seas and the sky at the annual boat parade. Photo courtesy of the Newport Beach Boat Parade
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12/4/22 - By Brian Steele

Happily, there are loads of free holiday events and Christmas events in Los Angeles for when you've blown your budget on Barbie's Little Dream House and a home Skee Ball game, but still need fun, festive things to do with the family!

Christmas in Los Angeles is dazzling, magical, and frankly a little overwhelming. There are more light displays, Christmas parades, tree lightings, immersive experiences, holiday walk-throughs, and Santas to visit than any reasonable family can handle. Don't get your tinsel in a tangle, though. Before you go tapping your Apple Pay for every Christmas experience in the county, check out our list of totally FREE holiday fun. Between boat parades, tree lightings, and Santa Claus visits, there are plenty of Christmas activities to get Nutcracking with—and that's before we even start with the menorahs and kinaras for Hanukkah and Kwanzaa.

Save your cash for the stocking stuffers by filling your festive days and evenings with these free, fun holiday outings. If you need even more ideas for holiday events, check out our Guide to Holiday and Christmas Activities for Los Angeles Families.

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The lights of Sparkle DTLA make for a magical walk. Courtesy of The Bloc, Facebook
The lights of Sparkle DTLA make for a magical walk. Courtesy of The Bloc, Facebook

Best Free Holiday Events & Christmas Events in Los Angeles for Families

Sparkle DTLA

DTLA - November 17, 2022 - January 1, 2023
The magic of the holidays is alive and well at the Bloc in Downtown LA. Each night, millions of lights (over 18 million!) illuminate the night and synchronize to festive tunes, for one of LA’s largest multi-colored interactive holiday displays. READ MORE

Annual Lighting of the Bay

Newport Beach - November 25, 2022 - January 1, 2023
The 32nd Annual Lighting of the Bay kicks off the holiday season at Newport Dunes,  illuminating the bay each evening at dusk with more than 50 electric Christmas trees and holiday decorations. Opening night festivities include live musical performances, stocking decorating, holiday photo booths, a holiday movie on the beach, festive food and beverages, and more. Santa takes center stage at dusk as he flips the magic switch to illuminate the bay with more than fifty floating holiday decorations and Christmas trees.  READ MORE

Mission Inn Festival of Lights

Riverside - November 25, 2022 - January 6, 2023
What could be worth the trip to Riverside? How about one of the nation's largest holiday light collections! READ MORE

Burbank Rose Parade Float Decorating

Burbank - Saturdays, November 25, 2022 - December 17, 2022
The Burbank Tournament of Roses Association invites families to help decorate the city's float for the Tournament of Roses Parade. This is a great opportunity to be part of the big parade, and a way for kids to get volunteer service hours for school requirements. READ MORE

Parks After Dark: Winter Wonderland

Various locations - December 2 - 17, 2022
34 LA County Parks turn into winter wonderlands—complete with snow!—on select weekend evenings this December. The free events include sled and snow play areas, visits with Santa Claus, holiday crafts, hot cocoa and snack stations, edible holiday crafts, stocking decoration, craft zone, and carnival games. The Teen Zone features a DJ, holiday t-shirt silk screening, and Santa hats. READ MORE

Spirit of San Pedro Holiday Parade

San Pedro - Sunday, December 4, 2022
The annual Spirit of San Pedro Holiday Parade celebrates its 42nd year. This festive tradition brings families, little leagues, scouts, students, high school bands, equestrian units, and volunteers to downtown San Pedro to celebrate the holiday season and the community. READ MORE

Santa Cares - Citadel

Commerce - Sundays, December 4 & 11, 2022
Santa Cares is a sensory-friendly opportunity for children with special needs to enjoy the time-honored tradition of meeting Santa Claus. Citadel Outlets turns down overhead music, eliminates the need to stand in line by using a reservation system and provides special activities to keep children engaged and prepare them for their visit with Santa. READ MORE

Christmas Tree Lighting & Laser Light Show

Long Beach - Friday, December 9, 2022
Long Beach Towne Center holds its annual Christmas tree lighting extravaganza featuring a dramatic laser light show with falling snow, a musical performance by Long Beach’s very own Jazz Angels, and a selfie-worthy meet-and-greet with Santa, Mrs. Claus, Frosty, festive stilt walkers, and a life-size holiday Teddy Bear.  READ MORE

Boat Parade of Lights at Dana Point

Dana Point - Friday - Sunday, December 9 - 11, 2022
The annual Boat Parade of Lights returns with a Surfin' USA theme for 2022. READ MORE

Marina del Rey Holiday Boat Parade and Fireworks

Marina del Rey - Saturday, December 10, 2022
The Marina del Rey Boat Parade returns for 2022! Prepare to be awed as spectacularly decorated boats light up Marina del Rey's main harbor. READ MORE

Oxnard Parade of Lights Celebration and Boat Parade

Oxnard - Saturday, December 10, 2022
The Channel Islands Harbor kicks off the holidays with its annual Parade of Lights. This year's theme is “Let it Glow.” Boats are lit brightly, with a holiday twist! The parade starts at 7pm. READ MORE

Miracle on Main Street (Santa Monica)

Santa Monica - Saturday, December 10, 2022
The businesses of Santa Monica's Main Street host an evening of holiday fun for the whole family. The festivities start at the lawn of the California Heritage Museum with crafts and activities for kids, and the lighting of the tree. Festivities then move to Edgemar, where the iconic Shopping Cart Tree is lit. Santa Claus greets kids and poses for photos (bring your own camera). READ MORE

Annual Holiday Concert on the Pier

Redondo Beach - Saturday, December 10, 2022
Redondo Pier celebrates the holidays with the Annual Concert on the Pier. The festivities include live holiday music, activity books, a charity toy drive, a holiday selfie station, and sponsor giveaways. READ MORE

Daisy Avenue Christmas Tree Lane Parade

Long Beach - Saturday, December 10, 2022
The Daisy Avenue Christmas Tree Lane Parade returns to its historic format this year. This neighborhood parade is unique in that it runs through a residential street, not a commercial district. The procession includes marching bands, musical groups, and great floats. READ MORE

Camarillo Christmas Parade

Camarillo - Saturday, December 10, 2022
The theme of the 2022 Camarillo Christmas Parade is "60 Years, Through the Decades!" Parade entries are encouraged to celebrate their favorite decade. Break out the leg warmers or bell bottom jeans and jive or get groovy down the parade route! READ MORE

68th Annual Uptown Christmas Parade

Whittier - Saturday, December 10, 2022
This annual parade attracts more than 15,000 visitors. Entries include marching bands, vintage autos, floats, dance troupes, drill teams, and more. And Santa Claus can be counted on to make an appearance. READ MORE

Apollo Lighting

Downey - Saturday, December 10, 2022
Anyone can light a tree, but it takes rocket scientists to light a space capsule!  Columbia Memorial Space Center illuminates its Apollo capsule, its unique tradition to ring in the holiday season. READ MORE

Glendora Hometown Christmas Parade

Glendora - Saturday, December 10, 2022
Santa Claus is coming to Glendora: he wouldn't want to miss the parade!  READ MORE

Santa's Candy Cane Drive

Santa Monica - Saturday, December 10, 2022
Santa Claus joins forces with Santa Monica's police officers & firefighters to meet children throughout Santa Monica. READ MORE

Tunes, Toys, and Trees Holiday Concert and Tree Lighting (Pasadena)

Pasadena - Saturday, December 10, 2022
Neighbors, family, and friends gather to celebrate the holiday season at La Pintoresca Park. Guests can enjoy holiday music, arts and crafts, storytime, face painting, and a ride around beautiful La Pintoresca Park on a trackless train while awaiting the arrival of Santa Claus. READ MORE

Huntington Harbour Holiday Boat Parade

Huntington Beach - Saturday & Sunday, December 10 & 11, 2022
The 60th annual Huntington Harbor Holiday Boat Parade cruises through the harbor for two nights, sharing brightly-colored displays. Judging occurs on the first night, and the honorees strut their stuff on the second night. This year, the parade is themed Swingin' through the Sounds and will be led by Grand Marshal Michael Gates.  READ MORE

Manhattan Beach Annual Holiday Fireworks Festival

Manhattan Beach - Sunday, December 11, 2022
Manhattan Beach's annual fireworks extravaganza returns in 2022! Manhattan Beach celebrates the holidays with its annual Fireworks Festival. Activities throughout the day include the Skechers Snow Park, bounce park, Santa Claus, performances including strolling carolers, and of course, fireworks! READ MORE

Hanukkah Celebration at The Point

El Segundo - Sunday, December 11, 2022
The Point in El Segundo celebrates Hanukkah with children’s activities, storytelling, crafts, balloon animals, magic & crafts, and festive eats.  READ MORE

El Segundo Holiday Parade

El Segundo - Sunday, December 11, 2022
The 58th Annual El Segundo Holiday Parade is themed “A Groovy Holiday.” The parade down Main Street features local schools and organizations, joyful marching bands, vintage cars, and creative floats. READ MORE

Homestead Holiday Open House

City of Industry - Sunday, December 11, 2022
The Homestead Museum invites families to discover how Christmas traditions in Los Angeles have changed from the days of the Mexican ranchos.  Tour the museum’s 1920's decorated mansion, La Casa Nueva, take photos, hear holiday music, visit with Santa, sit in for a story, or make a craft during your visit to enjoy these beautiful historic decorations. READ MORE

2022 South Gate Children's Christmas Lane Parade & Festival

South Gate - Sunday, December 11, 2022
The Annual Children's Christmas Lane Parade & Festival has traditionally attracted more than 50,000 residents of South Gate and the surrounding communities. READ MORE

Chatsworth Holiday Parade & Festival

Chatsworth - Sunday, December 11, 2022
The 2022 Annual Chatsworth Holiday event is filled with marching, equestrian, motorized, and float units. This community event also includes a festival area with food vendors, a holiday boutique, games, and more. READ MORE

Santa Claus at the Brentwood Country Mart

Brentwood - Sunday, December 11, 2022
Kids are invited to meet Santa Claus at the Brentwood Country Mart and take free photos with him. Please note that this event has been rescheduled to new dates due to forecasted rain. READ MORE

Newport Beach Boat Parade

Newport Beach - Wednesday - Sunday, December 14-18, 2022
A Christmastime tradition celebrating its 114th year, the country's oldest boat parade sets the harbor alight for five consecutive nights. Beautifully decorated yachts, boats, kayaks, and canoes flow to a holiday theme. READ MORE

Ventura Harbor Parade of Lights

Ventura - Friday & Saturday, December 16 & 17, 2022
The annual boat parade kicks off the holidays in Ventura Harbor. The two-day celebration includes fireworks and a Winter Wonderland Marketplace in the Village, with Santa & Mrs. Claus, reindeer, and faux snow.  READ MORE

Holiday Lights at Heritage Hill Historical Park

Lake F0rest - Friday - Sunday, December 16 - 18, 2022
OC Parks' Heritage Hill Historical Park lights up for the season. Guests can take an evening stroll throughout the grounds during special evening hours, enjoying dazzling displays and photo ops. READ MORE

CAAM Kuumba Kwanzaa Celebration

Expo - Saturday, December 17, 2022
The California African American Museum invites everyone to celebrate Kuumba, the Kwanzaa principle of creativity. READ MORE

Selfies with Santa

Irvine - Saturday & Sunday, December 17 - 18 & Thursday & Friday, December 22 - 23, 2022
Photos with Santa can cost a pretty penny, but these selfies with Santa at The Marketplace are free! In the spirit of the selfie, no cameras are provided, so make sure that your phone is charged. Santa will stay a short distance away, but is happy to wave and smile for photos.  READ MORE

Hanukkah Fun on the Plaza (Original Farmers Market)

West Hollywood - Sunday, December 18, 2022
Nothing says Hanukkah like a giant Lego menorah! The Farmers Market celebrates the first night of Hanukkah with music, arts and crafts, the building of a giant Lego menorah, and a special menorah lighting ceremony. READ MORE

Hanukkah Winter Wonderland

Malibu - Sunday, December 18, 2022
The Chabad of Malibu invites locals to this festive celebration to kick off Hanukkah with donuts, music, dreidels, hot latkes, snow globe making, a golf cart parade, and a grand menorah lighting. All the fun takes place at Point Dume Village in Malibu.  READ MORE

Menorah Lighting at Palisades Village

Pacific Palisades - Sunday, December 18, 2022
Chabad Jewish Community of Pacific Palisades helps Palisades Village get in a Festival of Lights mood at this annual menorah lighting event. READ MORE

Hike with Santa

East LA - Sunday, December 18, 2022
Hike to get Santa fit and ready for his race around the world on Christmas Eve. If you want an active way to meet St. Nick, this free hike in Ascot Hills Park is the perfect option.  READ MORE

Holiday Fun at the Original Farmer's Market

West Hollywood - December 18 - 24, 2022
The Farmers Market offers holiday fun in the days leading up to Christmas. READ MORE

Hanukkah Menorah Lighting at Sundown

Santa Monica - December 18 - 25, 2022
Downtown Santa Monica celebrates Hanukkah with a traditional menorah lighting at sundown each night during the holiday READ MORE

Hanukkah at the Shoppes - Grand Menorah Lighting (Westlake Village)

Westlake Village - Monday, December 19, 2022
Celebrate Hanukkah with The Shoppes and Chabad of Conejo. In addition to the grand menorah lighting, guests can enjoy special performances, singing, latkes, jelly donuts, crafts, and more. READ MORE

Hanukkah in the Foothills 2022

Sunland - Monday, December. 19, 2022
Families can celebrate the season at the annual Hanukkah in the Foothills celebration.   The free evening includes candle lighting, along with food, games, and door prizes. Guests at the celebration can enjoy latkes.       READ MORE

Outlets at San Clemente Menorah Lighting

San Clemente - Tuesday, December 20, 2022
Celebrate Hanukkah with the Chabad Jewish Center of San Clemente. This free, family-friendly celebration includes a balloon artist, crafts for kids, hot latkes, doughnuts, music, a  variety show, a stilt walker with gelt, and a dreidel parachute drop. READ MORE

Menorah Lighting Ceremony (The Commons at Calabasas)

Calabasas - Wednesday, December 21, 2022
The annual menorah lighting & Hanukkah celebration at the Commons at Calabasas is hosted by the Calabasas Shul. Pre-show activities, including musical entertainment, kid-friendly activities, and complimentary refreshments begin at 4:30pm. READ MORE

63rd Annual LA County Holiday Celebration

DTLA - Saturday, December 24, 2022
Choirs, music ensembles, and dance companies from the many neighborhoods and cultures of LA celebrate the season during this free, three-hour extravaganza. READ MORE

Winter Workshops at the Marketplace

Tustin - Sundays in December 2022 (except Christmas)
Enjoy holiday fun with family experiences every Sunday afternoon from gingerbread painting, ornament decorating, and a potpourri workshop. READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort
Burbank Water and Power
Uptown Whittier, ending near Whittier Community Center.
Glendora Chamber of Commerce
Multiple Parks in Santa Monica, including Virginia Avenue Park
Heritage Hill Historical Park
The California African American Museum