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Top Holiday Events in SoCal
November 14, 2022 @ 8:00 am - January 9, 2023 @ 5:00 pm
A large Christmas tree is displayed the fist time in three years for a Christmas at a press preview at the Tokyo Disneyland in Urayasu, suburban Tokyo Monday, Nov. 7, 2022. Special Disney character performance will be held at the Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea from Nov. 8 through Christmas Day. (Yoshikazu Tsuno/Pool Photo via AP)
We’re helping you get into the holiday spirit with a list of the top Christmas/holiday attractions in the I.E. and SoCal.
INLAND EMPIRE
The 30th Annual Mission Inn Festival of Lights
November 25 – December 31
The 2022 Mission Inn Festival of Lights will return with all new 30th Anniversary lighting displays and décor along Main Street. The event will open as a self-guided holiday lighting and décor experience.
The 29th Annual Chino Hills Boat Parade
December 16
Starts and ends on Peyton Drive at Eucalyptus Avenue
The Kiwanis Club of Chino Hills invites the community to enjoy decorated boats, bands, equestrians and other entries. The parade starts at 7pm, but crowds arrive early to park and gather on the route.
chinohills.org
December 16
Starts and ends on Peyton Drive at Eucalyptus Avenue
The Kiwanis Club of Chino Hills invites the community to enjoy decorated boats, bands, equestrians and other entries. The parade starts at 7pm, but crowds arrive early to park and gather on the route.
chinohills.org
Hemet’s Candyland Christmas Parade is Saturday, Dec. 3, at 5 p.m and the annual Holiday Lighting Celebration is set for Sunday, Dec. 4, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
The event will be on the front lawn of the Historic Civic Center, 815 W. Sixth St. It will feature craft and food vendors, live entertainment, train rides and photos with Santa. The tree lighting is set for 6 p.m
Free Holiday Concert in Menifee by the Valley Winds Concert Band
St. Vincent Ferrer Church is performing Friday, Dec. 9th at 6:30 p.m.
Church, 27931 Murrieta Road, Menifee.
The Norco Christmas Festival and Horsetown Parade of Lights on Saturday, Dec. 10.
The Parade of Lights will start at 5 p.m. along Sixth Street and feature equestrian groups, marching bands and floats.
Breakfast with Santa
Take the kids to breakfast with Santa on Dec. 17, at the Bob Glass Gymnasium.
The first breakfast is at 9 a.m. and the second is at 10:45 a.m.
Located at 101 N. D St.
Breakfast with Santa in San Jacinto on Dec. 20, at Regional Park
Meals will be served from 8 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and are $3 a person. Activities will include arts and crafts, children’s games and a visit from Santa. At 9 a.m., there will be drawings for prizes, including a bike and a $600 Disneyland gift card. The Valley-Wide Recreation and Park District is staging the event.
Tickets can be purchased at the Sports Center or Valle Vista Community Center. Regional Park is at 901 W. Esplanade Ave.
The Fontana Christmas Parade
Staged with the Fontana Exchange Club, the event will feature marching bands, holiday floats and local groups marching down Sierra Avenue, Saturday, Dec. 10, at 10 a.m.
Ontario’s 5k Reindeer Run and Rudolph Dash Fun Run
Registration is open until Dec 16 and the race is the next day at 8:30am.
The cost is $40 for an individual, $35 for a team and $5 for the Rudolph Dash.
https://www.ontarioca.gov/5kReindeerRun
A Snowy Hula Day
The Rancho Cucamonga event will include a snow play area, photos with a tropical Santa, crafts, food and music. There is a $10 fee for the snow area. Pre-registration is required. Dec. 10, from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
https://www.cityofrc.us/events/snowy-hula-day
Rancho Cucamonga Chanukah Festival
The event, at the Rancho Cucamonga Civic Center, will include a menorah lighting, music, latkes, doughnuts and holiday crafts. Monday, Dec. 19, at 6:30 p.m.
The Holiday Puzzle Palooza
Teams will compete for prizes to see how fast they can complete a holiday-themed puzzle at the Gibson Senior Center on Dec 9 from 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Magic of Lights
November 18 – January 1
Empire Polo Club
81800 Avenue 51 Coachella Valley
Magic of Lights is a dazzling, drive-through holiday lights experience featuring favorite holiday scenes and characters of the season using the latest LED technology and digital animations.
November 18 – January 1
Empire Polo Club
81800 Avenue 51 Coachella Valley
Magic of Lights is a dazzling, drive-through holiday lights experience featuring favorite holiday scenes and characters of the season using the latest LED technology and digital animations.
Santa’s Speedway Christmas Lights Drive-Thru
December 1 – December 31
500 Speedway Drive, Irwindale
With 5 new displays, twice as many lights, three full light tunnels and their signature 110′ tall Christmas lights tree, the whole new course has been created to allow for the new displays, tunnels, photo opportunities, concessions and a brand new grand finale.
santasspeedway.com
December 1 – December 31
500 Speedway Drive, Irwindale
With 5 new displays, twice as many lights, three full light tunnels and their signature 110′ tall Christmas lights tree, the whole new course has been created to allow for the new displays, tunnels, photo opportunities, concessions and a brand new grand finale.
santasspeedway.com
ORANGE COUNTY
magicoflights.com
magicoflights.com
31st Annual Lighting of the Bay at Newport Dunes
November 25 – January 1
1131 Back Bay Drive, Newport Beach
Stroll the bay and savor the sights and sounds of the holidays. The Back Bay will glow from sunset to sunup with festive floating holiday lights.
newportdunes.com
November 25 – January 1
1131 Back Bay Drive, Newport Beach
Stroll the bay and savor the sights and sounds of the holidays. The Back Bay will glow from sunset to sunup with festive floating holiday lights.
newportdunes.com
Winterfest OC
November 25 – January 1
OC Fair & Event Center
88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa
Winter Fest OC transforms the OC Fair & Event Center into a winter wonderland with oversized holiday decor, more than a million lights, and endless opportunities for memory-making.
winterfestoc.com
November 25 – January 1
OC Fair & Event Center
88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa
Winter Fest OC transforms the OC Fair & Event Center into a winter wonderland with oversized holiday decor, more than a million lights, and endless opportunities for memory-making.
winterfestoc.com
Dana Point Harbor Boat Parade of Lights
December 9-11
Dana Point Harbor
The Harbor’s much anticipated annual boat parade will take place with a “Fiesta Holiday” theme. Boaters decorate their vessels to the theme of the parade, for a chance to win cash prizes across several award categories.
danapointharbor.com
December 9-11
Dana Point Harbor
The Harbor’s much anticipated annual boat parade will take place with a “Fiesta Holiday” theme. Boaters decorate their vessels to the theme of the parade, for a chance to win cash prizes across several award categories.
danapointharbor.com
Huntington Harbour Boat Parade
December 10 & 11
Huntington Harbour
The all-volunteer Huntington Harbour Boat Parade is the non-profit Huntington Harbour Philharmonic Commitee’s way of saying “thank you” to the Harbour residents for decorating their homes. Please note public viewing areas at the beaches fill up quickly with very limited parking.
hhboatparade.org
December 10 & 11
Huntington Harbour
The all-volunteer Huntington Harbour Boat Parade is the non-profit Huntington Harbour Philharmonic Commitee’s way of saying “thank you” to the Harbour residents for decorating their homes. Please note public viewing areas at the beaches fill up quickly with very limited parking.
hhboatparade.org
LOS ANGELES COUNTY
Holiday Lights Cruise
December
Naples Canal, Long Beach
Want something different from your average holiday drive thru? Then get ready to board a private Gondola and see an enchanting light show along the Naples Canal with Gondola Getaway’s Holiday cruise! This experience can be a romantic adventure for two or an event for up to 14 people!
gondolagetawayinc.com
December
Naples Canal, Long Beach
Want something different from your average holiday drive thru? Then get ready to board a private Gondola and see an enchanting light show along the Naples Canal with Gondola Getaway’s Holiday cruise! This experience can be a romantic adventure for two or an event for up to 14 people!
gondolagetawayinc.com
Lightscape
November 11 – January 8
Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden
301 North Baldwin Avenue, Arcadia
Wander through the magnificent Winter Cathedral and experience the breathtaking Fire Garden and more. Lightscape transforms the Arboretum into a night of wonder and light for an unforgettable holiday event for family and friends.
arboretum.org
November 11 – January 8
Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden
301 North Baldwin Avenue, Arcadia
Wander through the magnificent Winter Cathedral and experience the breathtaking Fire Garden and more. Lightscape transforms the Arboretum into a night of wonder and light for an unforgettable holiday event for family and friends.
arboretum.org
World’s Tallest Live-cut Christmas Tree
November 12 through December 31
Citadel Outlets
100 Citadel Drive, Los Angeles
The massive white fir tree from Northern California stands 115-feet tall. It’s lit with more than 18,000 multi-colored and energy-efficient LED lights and adorned with 10,000 ornaments. Guests can experience falling snow every night at 5pm, 6pm, 7pm and 8pm.
citadeloutlets.com
November 12 through December 31
Citadel Outlets
100 Citadel Drive, Los Angeles
The massive white fir tree from Northern California stands 115-feet tall. It’s lit with more than 18,000 multi-colored and energy-efficient LED lights and adorned with 10,000 ornaments. Guests can experience falling snow every night at 5pm, 6pm, 7pm and 8pm.
citadeloutlets.com
Winterlit at Downtown Santa Monica
November 14 – January 16
3rd Street Promenade, Santa Monica
The holidays return to the Third Street Promenade with Winterlit, transforming the downtown district into an immersive, festive experience. Tens of thousands of colorful lights, decor and garland will deck the Third Street Promenade, 2nd and 4th Streets, illuminating convenient shopping and cozy outdoor dining experiences.
downtownsm.com/winterlit
November 14 – January 16
3rd Street Promenade, Santa Monica
The holidays return to the Third Street Promenade with Winterlit, transforming the downtown district into an immersive, festive experience. Tens of thousands of colorful lights, decor and garland will deck the Third Street Promenade, 2nd and 4th Streets, illuminating convenient shopping and cozy outdoor dining experiences.
downtownsm.com/winterlit
SPARKLE DTLA
November 17 – January 1
The Bloc
750 W. 7th Street, Los Angeles
A magical holiday show with 18-million hues of lights that illuminate the night and synchronize to festive tunes. One of L.A.’s largest multi-colored interactive holiday displays where you can capture your perfect photo-op moments.
theblocla.com
November 17 – January 1
The Bloc
750 W. 7th Street, Los Angeles
A magical holiday show with 18-million hues of lights that illuminate the night and synchronize to festive tunes. One of L.A.’s largest multi-colored interactive holiday displays where you can capture your perfect photo-op moments.
theblocla.com
L.A. Zoo Lights: Animals Aglow
November 18 – January 22
5333 Zoo Drive, Los Angeles
The unforgettable nighttime journey includes the world’s largest illuminated pop-up storybook, a magical disco ball forest, giant glittering snowflakes, and a twinkling tunnel filled with dynamic swirls of color.
lazoo.org
November 18 – January 22
5333 Zoo Drive, Los Angeles
The unforgettable nighttime journey includes the world’s largest illuminated pop-up storybook, a magical disco ball forest, giant glittering snowflakes, and a twinkling tunnel filled with dynamic swirls of color.
lazoo.org
Santa Monica Place Holiday HQ
November 19 – December 24
395 Santa Monica Place, Santa Monica
Santa Monica Place will offer an array of festive activities for the whole family to enjoy this holiday season. Santa Claus will be in town and available for photos Nov. 19-Dec. 24. Visitors and shoppers can also catch special performances by the dancing sensation, Santa Monica Beach Belles, and acapella performances by the Oceanaires. Bring your furry friend to a special pet night and “sit” for a photo with Santa on Dec. 14 & 15.
santamonicaplace.com
November 19 – December 24
395 Santa Monica Place, Santa Monica
Santa Monica Place will offer an array of festive activities for the whole family to enjoy this holiday season. Santa Claus will be in town and available for photos Nov. 19-Dec. 24. Visitors and shoppers can also catch special performances by the dancing sensation, Santa Monica Beach Belles, and acapella performances by the Oceanaires. Bring your furry friend to a special pet night and “sit” for a photo with Santa on Dec. 14 & 15.
santamonicaplace.com
Enchanted Forest of Light at Descanso Gardens
November 20 – January 8
1418 Descanso Drive, La Cañada Flintridge
A one-mile walk through unique lighting experience in some of the most beloved areas of Descanso Gardens. New this year will be an entire town of magical stained glass creations built in the Rose Garden by contemporary sculptor Tom Fruin.
descansogardens.org
November 20 – January 8
1418 Descanso Drive, La Cañada Flintridge
A one-mile walk through unique lighting experience in some of the most beloved areas of Descanso Gardens. New this year will be an entire town of magical stained glass creations built in the Rose Garden by contemporary sculptor Tom Fruin.
descansogardens.org
