Southern California Is Transforming Into A Sparkly Winter Wonderland This November
Sure, Christmas in California might not get all that chilly. But we still know how to celebrate the holiday season. Nothing’s going to stop us from slipping on our ugly Christmas sweaters and enjoying a delicious cup of hot cider. If you’re already scoping out the best places to see holiday decor, you’re in luck. We’ve gathered the top list of when and where you can see the best Christmas lights in southern California this year.
L.A. Zoo Lights
Price: $21.95 per adult
When: November 15, 2019 - January 5, 2020. The box office is open from 6 pm to 9 pm. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day.
Location: 5333 Zoo Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90027
Why You Need To Go: This 60-90 minute self-guided walking tour takes you through beautiful creative light displays, and the whole zoo is alive with Christmas cheer. You can purchase festive food and drinks and explore a wild wonderland of light.
Festival of Lights: Mission Inn Riverside
Price: Free admission
When: November 29 - December 31
Location: 3649 Mission Inn Avenue, Riverside, CA 92501
Why You Need To Go: You can explore an old historic hotel and downtown Riverside decked out in millions of twinkling Christmas lights. There’s fireworks, live music, rides, entertainment, Santa Clause, and so much more!
Holidays at the Disneyland Resort
Price: Free (downtown Disney) or cost of admission to the park
When: November 8, 2019 - January 6, 2020
Location: 1460 South Harbor Boulevard, Anaheim, California
Why You Need To Go: Think Christmas themed attractions, costumed characters, holiday parades and fireworks, and plenty of fantastic themed food and drinks.
Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade
Price: Free to view; $20 for Christmas boat cruise.
When: December 18 - 22; See event site for full hours
Location: 309 Palm St, Newport Beach, CA 92661
Why You Need To Go: This will be the 111th year of the Christmas boat parade, and it never disappoints. You and your friends can sip hot chocolate and watch a spectacular light display on the water.
Los Angeles Arboretum and Botanic Garden: Moonlit Forest
Price: $28 per adult
When: November 9, 2019 - January 12, 2020; Wednesday - Sunday 5:30 pm to 10 pm
Location: 301 N Baldwin Ave, Arcadia, CA 91007
Why You Need To Go: A fantasy light display transforms this garden into a magical winter wonderland.
Enchanted Forest of Light: Descanso Gardens
Price: General admission tickets start at $28 and vary by night and time.
When: November 17, 2019 - January 5, 2020.
Location: Descanso Gardens, 1418 Descanso Dr, La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011
Why You Need To Go: You can walk through a field of technicolor tulips on a light-up pathway. The entire event looks like something out of a storybook!
Grand Park’s Winter Glow
Price: Free
When: December 6 - 25 from 6:30 - 10 pm each night
Location: 210 W Temple St, Los Angeles, California
Why You Need To Go: You can take your friends or SO to stroll through this interactive, free Christmas art installation. It’s gorgeous!
