In episode 7 of the LA Dreaming Podcast, I spoke with Caroline from LoveandLoathingLA.com about where to see Christmas Lights in Los Angeles. We both have a passion for the holiday season and are so excited to share with you some of our favorite spots to have an extra magical experience. Los Angeles is a town that truly goes all out for the holiday season which makes it difficult to fit it all in during one season. I hope this episode & guide will help you find a new way to explore LA this year.
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You can listen to the podcast through Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, Stitcher, or Podbean. You might also enjoy our episode about the best things to do for Christmas in Los Angeles.
If you were to ask an Angeleno where is the best place to see Christmas lights in Los Angeles I think every person would tell you a different place. That is due to how blessed we are to have so many great places to see Christmas lights in LA. We have malls that decorate and have snow falling at night, we have neighborhoods that go overboard in the best way, and have so many incredible hotels that make the holiday season really come to life. There are so many ways to get to celebrate the holidays in LA and I hope this post gives you plenty of ideas.
The Grove
The Grove at Christmas time is a favorite for so many because it can give you a Disneyland-type experience for free, minus what you pay for parking. They have nightly snowfall which really adds to the magic of a visit here.
Rodeo Drive
Seeing Rodeo Drive at night during Christmas time is still on my holiday bucket list. I have been during the day and really enjoyed it. They always have a fun photo op and people rave about how it looks at night. For 2022, the Beverly Hills City Hall is show casting “Unwrap the Magic” which is a projection light show.
The Bloc
Sparkle DTLA at The Bloc is happening through January 3rd. 18 million hues of lights are synchronized to festive tunes which is sure to get you into the holiday spirit.
Looking for some Los Angeles-themed stocking stuffers? This LA pocket guide on Amazon might be a great option.
Festival of Lights at the Mission Inn
The fireworks in this photo are from when I went to the opening night of the Festival of Lights back in 2019. There was no kick-off party this year but seeing these lights displayed in person is completely worth the drive to Riverside.
Christmas Tree Lane
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Christmas Tree Lane in Altadena is one of the most popular places to see Christmas lights in Los Angeles. I have to admit, while I did enjoy seeing it in person it didn’t wow me as much as some of the other neighborhood displays. I do think it is worth visiting at least once though. What makes this one stand out the most to me is that these beautiful trees that line the street are all lit up the same. The homeowners who decorate their houses put their own spin on things but from a distance, the street has a beautifully uniform appearance. This particular neighborhood isn’t expected to be fully decorated until 12/11.
600 Mariposa Street
Altadena, CA
Holidays Made Here
Warner Bros Studio Tour is decorating some of the backlot sets that were used in Gilmore Girls for the holiday season. They have decorated Stars Hollow and the Gilmore House. Tour tickets must be purchased to see this. Happening 12/22-1/1.
Upper Hastings Ranch
This neighborhood was recommended to me by another blogger. It wasn’t a disappointment but at the same time wasn’t quite as fabulous as I was expecting. However, when I came to check it out it was closer to New Year so maybe people had started taking stuff down. Either way, one house, in particular, is more than worth the drive to get here so all the other cool decorated houses are just the icing on the cake.
5:30-10:30
1215 Tropical Ave. Pasadena, CA
Holiday Fantasies Come to Life
This house really stands out in its neighborhood. There is always a crowd at night to stare in wonder at the amazing spectacle. When my husband and I went last year we got to meet the owner and also got a picture with Santa Mickey. You can really tell how much they enjoy putting this together and seeing everyone get so excited about it.
1505 N Valley St, Burbank
Lights on Display
We finally went to see Lights on Display in Sherman Oaks and it did not disappoint. This is such a fun and well-put-together show. The show runs Wednesday through Sunday 6 pm to 9 pm. *It will run on Christmas & New Year’s Day.
Address: 3901 Longview Valley Road in Sherman Oaks, California.
Griffith Park Train Rides
The train ride is so cute and family-friendly. It’s a small train (that is not covered) that has a decorated path of lights for you to enjoy. If you can, try and purchase tickets ahead of time in person as that saves you money. It is recommended that you purchase tickets in advance as they do sell out. Daytime open hours are from 10:00 am-3:30 pm (closed for lunch from 12:30-1:15 pm on weekdays). The ticket booth is closed between 3:30 pm-5 pm. At 5 pm the ticket booth reopens and stays open until they sell out. $7/person and babies 18 months and younger ride free.
4400 CRYSTAL SPRINGS DRIVE
Sleepy Hollow
This is one of the most popular and exciting neighborhoods to go see Christmas lights at. But, the important thing to know is that you should go early, and be prepared to walk. It can take over 2 hours in your car to get inside the neighborhood. This area can be known as both Candy Cane Lane as well as Sleepy Hollow. Park near Calle Mayor or Prospect, and walk to Roberts Road, just west of Calle Mayor.
Candy Cane Lane in El Segundo
You can put Candy Cane Lane El Segundo in your gps and it will appear. This was my 1st year to visit and I was blown away. The street is blocked off so that everyone can safely walk around and enjoy all of the beautiful decorations. I found street parking near Center Street & E Maple.
A Disney Themed House in Long Beach
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Disney fans will love this house at 3343 Chatwin in Long Beach. The details are amazing. My husband and I got so excited about finding more and more characters as we looked around.
Venice Canals
Now that I have explored the beauty of Christmas lights at the Naples Canals in Long Beach I am ready to see the lights at the canals in Venice. This would be great to do on a night when you can also see the lights in downtown Santa Monica.
Naples Canals
The Naples Canals in Long Beach are a spectacular place to see Christmas lights. In this area, you can see stunning homes year-round but the holiday season is when this spot is truly brought to life. One thing that makes this spot extra cool is that in addition to walking around to see the lights you can also see them from the water via a rental boat or a gondola ride.
Santa Monica
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The Griswold House in La Mirada
There is a house in La Mirada that has recreated the Griswold house from Christmas Vacation. This is so much fun to see in person. 15912 Golva Drive in La Mirada
LA Zoo Lights
The 90-minute stroll will take you on a journey through the animal kingdom filled with desert, garden, and jungle landscapes complete with larger-than-life glowing sculptures, magical lights, and immersive exhibits in a dazzling display of light and color. Guests can enjoy several animated and interactive displays and numerous photo opportunities. Enjoy delicious treats available for purchase to warm up your experience like hot cocoa and churros as you take in the winter lights.
Lightscape at the LA Arboretum
Wander through dazzling displays of color, light, and sound that includes the spectacular Winter Cathedral.
For the OC locations that I mention please visit my post on Where to see Christmas Lights in Orange County.
123 Farm in Cherry Valley
This was the best surprise. I had not heard of this spot until a few days before Thanksgiving. I was out by Cherry Valley to see my in-laws so my husband and I came to check out the Christmas Nights event which was incredible. The entire time we were walking around I kept saying this is so Christmassy. It was a winter wonderland just minus the snow.
Looking for a gift for someone living in the Los Angeles area? You can check out our 2022 Holiday Guide here.
