December is one of the most festive times to explore California. Cities and small towns across the state light up with Christmas displays, holiday markets, winter festivals, and seasonal celebrations.
You can walk through glowing gardens, shop for handmade gifts, enjoy traditional holiday foods, or watch beautifully decorated boats cruise along the coast.
From Northern California to Southern California, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the holiday season. Here are some of the best festivals, events, and seasonal activities happening around California this December.
1. Christmas Nights at 123 Farm, Cherry Valley: November 5 to January 3
Step into a Christmas village filled with sparkling lights during Christmas Nights at 123 Farm in Cherry Valley.
The annual holiday celebration transforms the farm into a festive destination with more than one million lights, decorated pathways, artisan shops, and seasonal activities. Explore the Christmas village, enjoy festive food and drinks, and take photos with Santa on specific dates.
Weekend and weekday opening hours are different, so check the calendar before visiting.
2. IllumaNature: California Coastin’, Santa Barbara: November 11 to January 10
See the Santa Barbara Zoo in a completely different light during IllumaNature: California Coastin’.
This nighttime experience transforms the zoo into a glowing journey inspired by California’s landscapes. Walk through illuminated displays, discover glowing wildlife installations, and enjoy interactive experiences throughout the zoo.
Ride the IllumaNature Express, a festive train that takes you through the illuminated setting.
3. Knott’s Merry Farm, Buena Park: November 20 to January 3
Enjoy a traditional Christmas celebration at Knott’s Berry Farm during Knott’s Merry Farm.
The popular theme park transforms into a holiday wonderland with Christmas decorations, sparkling lights, seasonal entertainment, and festive shows. Enjoy holiday-themed treats, explore the decorated park, and experience the rides and attractions.
4. L.A. Zoo Lights: Animals Aglow, Los Angeles: November 20 to January 10
See the Los Angeles Zoo come alive after dark during L.A. Zoo Lights: Animals Aglow.
This nighttime holiday experience features glowing animal displays, colorful light installations, and festive decorations throughout the zoo. Follow illuminated pathways, enjoy seasonal snacks, and stop for holiday photos.
5. Lightscape at San Diego Botanic Garden, Encinitas: November 20 to January 3
Walk through a glowing garden during Lightscape at San Diego Botanic Garden in Encinitas.
The event features a mile-long illuminated trail filled with creative light displays and artistic installations. Explore colorful pathways, enjoy music, and discover different light experiences throughout the garden.
The 2026 season includes more than 20 new installations from artists around the world, along with returning favorites. Seasonal food and drinks are also available along the route.
6. Redding Garden of Lights, Redding: November 20 to January 3
Enjoy a festive evening surrounded by millions of lights during Redding Garden of Lights at Turtle Bay Exploration Park.
The McConnell Arboretum and Botanical Gardens transform into a glowing holiday destination with illuminated pathways, colorful displays, and light tunnels. Enjoy seasonal treats, warm up beside fire pits, and explore the new Christkindl market for 2026.
7. Enchant Los Angeles, Arcadia: November 20 to December 27
Step into a Christmas wonderland during Enchant Los Angeles at Santa Anita Park.
This large holiday celebration features an immersive light maze filled with glowing displays and Christmas-themed characters. Explore festive photo areas, browse the holiday village, enjoy seasonal food, and watch live entertainment.
Additional attractions include ice skating, a snow slide, and other family-friendly activities. The 2026 event also introduces a new maze adventure called Starlight Flight.
8. Sawdust Winter Fantasy, Laguna Beach: November 20 to December 20
Shop for handmade Christmas gifts and support local artists during Sawdust Winter Fantasy in Laguna Beach.
This seasonal arts festival brings together local creators selling handmade decorations, jewelry, artwork, and other unique gifts. Enjoy live music, watch performances, and take part in creative activities.
9. The Great Dickens Christmas Fair, Daly City: November 21 to December 20
Travel back in time to Victorian London during The Great Dickens Christmas Fair at the Cow Palace in Daly City.
This immersive Christmas celebration transforms the venue into a recreation of 19th-century London, complete with decorated streets, costumed characters, traditional shops, and lively entertainment.
Browse handmade gifts, enjoy traditional foods, watch live performances, and explore different themed areas throughout the fair.
10. Mission Inn Festival of Lights, Riverside: November 21 to January 3
See one of Southern California’s most famous holiday displays during the Mission Inn Festival of Lights in Riverside.
The historic Mission Inn Hotel & Spa becomes a festive destination covered in more than 10 million sparkling lights. You can admire decorated courtyards, Christmas trees, holiday displays, and seasonal decorations throughout the property.
Enjoy holiday shopping, festive dining, entertainment, and special seasonal experiences.
11. Enchanted Forest of Light, La Cañada Flintridge: November 22 to January 9
Explore glowing gardens and illuminated woodland pathways during Enchanted Forest of Light at Descanso Gardens.
This popular nighttime experience has been running for 10 years and features creative light installations, colorful botanical displays, and interactive artwork throughout the gardens.
Follow the illuminated paths and enjoy different themed areas, including returning favorites and new displays for the 2026 season.
12. WildLights at The Living Desert, Palm Desert: November 24 to December 30
Experience the desert after dark during WildLights at The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens in Palm Desert.
The annual holiday event fills the zoo with millions of colorful lights and illuminated displays.
Walk through the decorated areas, enjoy seasonal treats, take holiday photos and see some of the zoo’s animals.
13. Cambria Christmas Market, Cambria: November 27 to December 31
Experience a European-style Christmas celebration at the Cambria Christmas Market along California’s Central Coast.
Inspired by traditional German Christmas markets, this popular event features more than three million twinkling lights, artisan shopping stalls, festive food, and seasonal entertainment.
Shop for handmade gifts, enjoy German-inspired food and drinks, take a train ride, listen to live music, and meet Santa.
14. Hikari: Festival of Lights, Irvine: November 27 to December 27
Enjoy a Japanese-inspired holiday light celebration at Tanaka Farms in Irvine during Hikari: Festival of Lights.
The farm transforms into a festive nighttime destination with thousands of sparkling lights, illuminated displays, and seasonal activities. Enjoy wagon rides, explore the decorated farm, and visit Santa’s Hilltop Village.
The name Hikari means light in Japanese, and the event celebrates the warmth and happiness of the holiday season.
15. Winter Fest OC, Costa Mesa: November 27 to January 3
Enjoy a winter-themed celebration in Southern California during Winter Fest OC at the OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa.
This large seasonal festival brings winter activities to Orange County, including ice skating, ice tubing, snow play, carnival rides, and holiday attractions.
Enjoy nightly entertainment, Christmas decorations, seasonal food, and festive activities for different ages.
16. Newport Dunes Fire & Lights Festival, Newport Beach: November 27 to January 3
Enjoy a waterfront holiday celebration during the Fire & Lights Festival at Newport Dunes in Newport Beach.
The bay becomes a festive display filled with floating Christmas lights, decorated trees, and colorful holiday decorations. Enjoy fire pits, seasonal treats, photos with Santa, and fire dancer performances on selected evenings.
17. Christmas in the Park, San Jose: November 27 to January 1
Visit downtown San Jose during Christmas in the Park, a beloved holiday tradition that brings festive decorations and Christmas displays to Plaza de San José (formerly Plaza de César Chávez).
The park transforms into a holiday wonderland filled with decorated Christmas trees, colorful displays, and seasonal attractions. Walk through the displays, enjoy entertainment, and take photos with Santa.
18. Festival of Lights at Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens, Fort Bragg: November 27 to December 20
Enjoy a coastal holiday light experience during the Festival of Lights at Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens in Fort Bragg.
The gardens transform after dark with handmade light displays, glowing pathways, and colorful decorations. Explore the illuminated grounds while enjoying the peaceful surroundings of the Mendocino Coast.
19. Grass Valley Cornish Christmas, Grass Valley: November 27 to December 18
Experience an old-fashioned Christmas celebration during Cornish Christmas in downtown Grass Valley.
This annual street festival brings the town’s historic Gold Rush atmosphere to life with festive decorations, holiday lights, carolers, artisan vendors, and seasonal food.
Browse local shops, purchase handmade gifts, enjoy live music, and learn more about the Cornish heritage that helped shape the community. Admission is free.
20. Christmas at the Fair, Stockton: December 3 to 20
Enjoy a holiday celebration at the San Joaquin County Fairgrounds during Christmas at the Fair in Stockton.
This seasonal event combines holiday activities and entertainment with a traditional fairgrounds setting. It offers you another option for enjoying festive activities during the busy Christmas season.
Check the official event page for the latest activity schedule and visitor information.
21. Balboa Park December Nights, San Diego: December 4 to 5
Celebrate the holiday season at Balboa Park December Nights, one of San Diego’s biggest free holiday festivals.
The two-day celebration brings together food, music, cultural performances, and festive activities throughout Balboa Park. You can enjoy international food, listen to live entertainment, and explore the park’s museums and cultural attractions.
Many participating museums and cultural institutions also offer free admission during the event.
22. Winters Tractor Parade and Festival, Winters: December 4 to 5
See beautifully decorated tractors and farm equipment during the Winters Tractor Parade and Festival in downtown Winters.
This community celebration brings an agricultural twist to the holiday season. Local farmers and participants decorate their tractors with colorful Christmas lights and festive displays, creating a unique parade through town.
The weekend also includes a holiday vendor market, a tree lighting ceremony, and seasonal activities.
23. Holiday Wonderland at Petco Park, San Diego: December 4 to 23
Enjoy a festive winter experience at Holiday Wonderland in Gallagher Square at Petco Park in San Diego.
The ballpark transforms into a Christmas destination with dazzling lights, a decorated Christmas tree, and nightly snowfall. Visitors can meet Santa, ride the Christmas train, enjoy the carousel, play carnival games, and try sledding on real snow.
There are also seasonal drinks, holiday treats, and artisan shopping opportunities.
24. Christmas Tree Lane Lighting and Winterfest, Altadena: December 5
Celebrate a long-standing Southern California holiday tradition during the Christmas Tree Lane Lighting and Winterfest in Altadena.
Christmas Tree Lane is known for its nearly mile-long stretch of deodar cedar trees decorated with thousands of holiday lights. The annual lighting ceremony marks the beginning of the season and brings the community together for an evening celebration.
Winterfest adds even more activities, including local vendors, food, live music, and festive entertainment. The event is free and open to the public.
25. Indio International Tamale Festival, Indio: December 5 to 6
Enjoy one of California’s popular food celebrations during the Indio International Tamale Festival in downtown Indio.
This annual event celebrates the tamale, a traditional dish enjoyed in many Mexican and Latin American communities. You can sample different tamales, explore food stalls, and discover a variety of local vendors.
The weekend also features live music, cultural performances, and family-friendly entertainment.
26. Little Italy Tree Lighting and Christmas Village, San Diego: December 5
Spend an evening enjoying Christmas decorations and seasonal activities during the Little Italy Tree Lighting and Christmas Village in San Diego.
The neighborhood transforms into a festive destination with twinkling lights, decorated streets, seasonal vendors, and holiday entertainment.
Browse the Christmas Village for unique gifts, enjoy live music, try seasonal treats, and watch the traditional tree lighting ceremony. Santa is also expected to make an appearance.
27. La Habra Tamale Festival, La Habra: December 5
Celebrate traditional Mexican food during the La Habra Tamale Festival in Orange County.
This annual food festival brings together tamale vendors, local businesses, and community members for a day of food and entertainment.
Sample different types of tamales, explore vendor booths, and enjoy live entertainment and holiday activities throughout the event.
28. Mad Hatter Holiday Festival and Parade, Vallejo: December 5
Step into a whimsical holiday celebration during the Mad Hatter Holiday Festival and Parade in downtown Vallejo.
Inspired by Alice in Wonderland, this colorful event features fantasy characters, creative costumes, marching bands, and festive entertainment.
Explore the holiday market, enjoy food vendors, and watch the Mad Hatter parade. The celebration also includes a tree lighting ceremony and an illuminated boat parade along the waterfront.
29. Nevada City Victorian Christmas, Nevada City: December 6, 9, 13, 16 and 20
Experience the charm of an old-fashioned Christmas during Nevada City Victorian Christmas.
The historic downtown streets become a festive holiday setting filled with Victorian costumes, traditional carolers, seasonal decorations, and local vendors.
Browse handmade gifts, enjoy holiday food and drinks, and explore the historic streets while listening to Christmas music.
The celebration takes place on five dates in December 2026: Sundays, December 6, 13, and 20, and Wednesdays, December 9 and 16.
30. La Jolla Christmas Parade and Holiday Festival, La Jolla: December 6
Enjoy a festive afternoon by the coast during the La Jolla Christmas Parade and Holiday Festival.
This annual community celebration features decorated floats, music, entertainment, and holiday activities throughout the Village of La Jolla.
Watch the parade, enjoy the festive atmosphere, and explore the nearby shops and restaurants. The event is celebrating its 70th year in 2026.
The parade and holiday festival take place on Sunday, December 6, 2026. The parade begins at 1 p.m., followed by additional activities at the La Jolla Recreation Center.
31. Hanukkah Festival at the Skirball, Los Angeles: December 6
Celebrate Hanukkah with family-friendly activities during the Hanukkah Festival at the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles.
The cultural celebration includes music, storytelling, food, and hands-on art activities. Visitors can also enjoy live performances, explore interactive spaces, and take part in a community candle lighting ceremony.
32. South Lake Tahoe Festival of Winter Lights, South Lake Tahoe: December 11 to 12
Celebrate the winter season in the mountains during the Festival of Winter Lights in South Lake Tahoe.
This community holiday celebration brings festive lights, seasonal activities, and family-friendly entertainment to the mountain town.
Enjoy a trail of lights, holiday activities, and opportunities to meet Santa. The event also includes activities organized with local community groups.
33. German Holiday Market, Mountain View: December 12
Experience a traditional European Christmas market during the German Holiday Market in Mountain View.
Organized by the German International School of Silicon Valley, the market recreates the atmosphere of a traditional German Weihnachtsmarkt.
Shop for handmade decorations, wooden ornaments, toys, and gifts from local artisans. Food options include German sausages, pretzels, gingerbread, and other traditional holiday treats.
Live performances and arts and crafts activities add to the festive atmosphere. Admission is free.
34. San Francisco Parol Lantern Festival, San Francisco: December 12
Celebrate Filipino Christmas traditions during the San Francisco Parol Lantern Festival.
The annual festival highlights the parol, a traditional Filipino Christmas lantern shaped like a star. These colorful lanterns represent hope, light, and the spirit of Christmas in Filipino culture.
Enjoy illuminated lantern displays, cultural performances, and community celebrations that bring Filipino traditions to the Bay Area. Admission is free.
35. Marina del Rey Holiday Boat Parade, Marina del Rey: December 12
Enjoy a festive evening on the water during the Marina del Rey Holiday Boat Parade.
The annual celebration brings together beautifully decorated boats covered in colorful Christmas lights and seasonal decorations. Watch the boats cruise through the marina while enjoying holiday music and waterfront activities.
The event also includes food trucks, family-friendly activities, and a festive light show at Burton Chace Park.
36. Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade, Newport Beach: December 16 to 20
See Newport Harbor light up during the Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade.
This famous holiday tradition features beautifully decorated yachts, boats, kayaks, and canoes sailing through the harbor. Many waterfront homes and businesses also take part by decorating their properties with elaborate Christmas displays.
Watch the parade from public viewing areas, waterfront restaurants, or special boat cruises.
37. Equestfest, Burbank: December 29
Get a preview of the Rose Parade during Equestfest at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center in Burbank.
The event brings together equestrian groups that will participate in the upcoming Rose Parade. Watch horses and riders demonstrate their skills through riding formations, drills, dances, and other performances.
Explore the stables, learn about different horse breeds, and meet some of the people involved in the equestrian groups.
38. Temecula New Year’s Eve Grape Drop, Temecula: December 31
Celebrate the arrival of 2027 during the New Year’s Eve Grape Drop in Temecula.
This unique wine-country tradition gives visitors a fun way to welcome the New Year with live music, food, and family-friendly activities.
The highlight is an animated grape drop drone show at 9 p.m., allowing you to enjoy an early countdown before the East Coast reaches midnight.
39. Marina del Rey New Year’s Eve Glow Party and Fireworks, Marina del Rey: December 31
Welcome the New Year by the water during the Marina del Rey New Year’s Eve Glow Party.
This family-friendly waterfront celebration takes place at Burton Chace Park and features live DJ entertainment, food trucks, face painting, photo opportunities, and festive glow activities.
The evening also includes two fireworks displays. The first takes place at 8:59 p.m. for an early countdown, while the second takes place at 11:59 p.m. to welcome 2027.
40. The Big Fresno Hmong New Year, Fresno: December 31 to January 3
Celebrate Hmong culture and traditions during The Big Fresno Hmong New Year at the Fresno Fairgrounds.
This major cultural gathering brings together Hmong communities from California and beyond to celebrate the New Year through traditional music, dance, food, clothing, and cultural activities.
Explore the marketplace, watch traditional performances, enjoy community celebrations, and learn more about Hmong heritage.
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