Lights, Music, Magic: Los Angeles’s Brightest Holiday Events | December 2025

The holidays in Los Angeles arrive with their own kind of sparkle, and we’ve rounded up the very best ways to enjoy the season — for families, night owls, superfans, and anyone looking to experience December at its most festive. This guide highlights the city’s standout events and plenty of unique finds tucked off the beaten path, alongside the annual traditions Angelenos look forward to all year.

To kick things off, we’re spotlighting four major happenings: Folk Cancer: Hooray for Hollydays at the Saban Theatre, a star-powered holiday concert with Rufus and Martha Wainwright supporting musicians facing cancer; Venice’s Holiday Sign Lighting & Block Party, a beloved community celebration marking the annual red-and-green glow-up of the iconic sign; the Frogtown Holiday Hop, a walkable afternoon of art, music, workshops, food pop-ups, and neighborhood fun along the LA River; and Mariah Carey’s Holiday Bar at the Mondrian, a fully decked-out pop-up celebrating the Queen of Christmas

And that’s just the beginning. Inside the post, you’ll find even more unique discoveries, neighborhood traditions, intimate concerts, quirky craft nights, and those beloved seasonal standbys that make December in L.A. feel like the perfect gift. Let’s unwrap it!

(Courtesy ACB)

The Nutcracker Suite
American Contemporary Ballet
November 29 through December 24
One of L.A.’s favorite renditions of the Tchaikovsky holiday classic since 2017. ACB’s immersive wonderland is quick to sell out. Don’t miss it.

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L.A. Zoo Lights
Los Angeles Zoo & Botanical Gardens
November 13 – January 11, 2026
L.A. Zoo Lights is L.A.’s wildest holiday tradition. Guests immerse themselves in a dazzling world of lantern sculptures and lights, with exciting new elements that will delight and entertain the entire family. In 2025 the event brings guests through a holiday themed wonderland; the weird and wonderful world of plants and pollinators featuring larger than life birds, butterflies, insects and flowers; glowing lanterns depicting wildlife of Southeast Asia; and an African landscape that includes representation of the continent’s iconic regions and wildlife, all illuminated by spectacular sculptural lights. In addition to the all-new lanterns and light displays, the Zoo is returning some of last year’s fan favorites including the interactive displays, a giant walk-in kaleidoscope, seasonal treats and cocktails, and photo-ops through the park including Santa Claus himself. (Santa photos will be available for an additional fee.) Guests can ride the carousel and enjoy warming treats like churros, smores, and hot cocoa. Those 21 and older can enjoy beer, wine, and spiked hot cocoa available every night, and credit card bars Friday through Sunday.

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Enchanted Forest of Light
Descanso Gardens
Starting November 16
Descanso Gardens’ dazzling winter tradition, Enchanted Forest of Light, returns to illuminate the season from November 16th through January 4th! Wander through a one-mile pathway of large-scale, interactive installations, including the glowing stained-glass cottages by Tom Fruin and the geometric works of HYBYCOZO. New this year are two special ‘Music & Mixology’ nights on December 10th and 11th, featuring live “yacht rock” hits from Yachty by Nature while you sip craft cocktails. Timed entry starts at 5:30 p.m. on open dates.

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8 Nights at Birdie G’s
Birdie G’s in Santa Monica
December 1-4, December 8-11
This popular Hanukkah-inspired dinner series returns for its fourth year, pairing visiting chefs with local talent for one-night-only menus—but this time, it’s bittersweet, as Birdie G’s will close on December 20. With eight dinners spread across December 1–4 and 8–11, these events offer some of the final chances to dine at the acclaimed Santa Monica spot, and several nights are already booked. Guest chefs include Jordan Kahn, Aaron Lindell, Hannah Ziskin, and Brad Mathews, with specials plus an abbreviated regular menu.

Full lineup:

12/8: Alex Stupak of Empellon and Jordan Kahn of Destroyer

12/9: Beau Schooler of In Bocca al Lupa and Katiana & John Hong of Yangban

12/10: Chris Cosentino of Koast Maui and Brad Mathews of Bar le Cote

12/11: Tracy Malechek of Birdie’s and Tara Monsod of Animae

The Big Fat Christmas Show
El Portal Theatre
Friday, December 5, 8 p.m.
THE BIG FAT CHRISTMAS SHOW is celebrating 10 years during this one night only, Friday, December 5, 2025, unforgettable original Christmas variety show that brings together an elite group of professional Broadway performers from the Los Angeles Entertainment community.  This festive and LIVE, singing and dancing show features Broadway’s Best Show Stopping performers from the NYC Stages!  Many of whom were leads, supporting actors, understudies, chorus men and women, dancers, and choreographers starring in Tony Award Winning shows such as: Hamilton, Chorus Line, Rent, Wicked, Avenue Q, Dreamgirls, Les Misérables, Sweet Charity, Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Little Shop of Horrors, Hairspray, Into the Woods, Miss Saigon, Smokey Joe’s Café, Color Purple, Book of Mormon, Dracula and more.  Friday, December 5, 2025 witness Broadway’s best and brightest performers as they lend their talents and voices to raise funds and awareness for HOPE THE MISSION who is committed to prevent, reduce, and eliminate poverty, hunger and homelessness.

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Folk Cancer: Hooray for Hollydays
Saban Theatre
Saturday, December 6, 7:30 p.m.
Join Rufus & Martha Wainwright on December 6th at the Saban Theatre in Los Angeles for an extraordinary holiday concert – featuring Rufus & Martha Wainwright, Beck, Lucy Davis, Jordan Firstman, Jake Wesley Rogers, and more! Cancer Can Rock + Folk Cancer are deeply honored that this year Martha and Rufus Wainwright have chosen to donate the net proceeds of their beloved annual holiday concert to Folk Cancer: The Kate McGarrigle Project– a heartfelt collaboration between the Wainwrights and Cancer Can Rock. Together, we’re helping musicians facing aggressive cancer preserve their legacy through the healing power of music. If you can’t attend, you can still help musicians facing aggressive cancer cement their musical legacy by donating to this collaborative project.

Venice’s Holiday Sign Lighting & Block Party
Saturday, December 6
Pacific Ave. & Windward Ave., Venice
Join the Venice Chamber of Commerce, special guests, and your community for a beloved tradition—the annual changing of the Venice Sign lights to festive red and green for the holidays! Now in its 14th year, this special celebration will take place on Windward Avenue (east of Pacific Avenue), with street closures to make room for live music and family-friendly activities. Don’t miss this magical start to the season!

Palisades Village Lighting
15225 Palisades Village Lane, Pacific Palisades
Saturday, December 6
Join your friends and neighbors for the Palisades Village Christmas Tree Lighting — a cherished holiday tradition. Kick off the event at 4PM with family-friendly activities, music, refreshments and more. Don’t miss a very special visit from Santa Claus himself, who will light the Christmas Tree at 5:30PM, ushering in magical snowfall!

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Frogtown Holiday Hop
Frogtown
December 6
You’re invited to spend an afternoon of art, music, fun, and community along the LA River, where more than a dozen Frogtown venues will celebrate the holiday season with local art exhibits, free or low-cost family activities, discounts, giveaways, arts and crafts, workshops, live performances, and festive holiday programming. Walk or bike over with the kids, the dogs, and even grandma, and to leave the car at home; two designated rideshare drop-off and pick-up points are available in the neighborhood. Explore art exhibits, enjoy music, crafts, and food pop-ups, meet adoptable pets from local rescues, get creative at free or low-cost crafting stations, and take part in the “Find the Frog” Treasure Hunt for a chance to win prizes from neighborhood businesses.

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Nutcracker Holiday Brunch
Four Seasons Los Angeles
Sunday, December 7
On Sunday, December 7, guests are invited to experience the magic of the season with a Nutcracker Brunch Buffet at Culina, in partnership with the Pasadena Civic Ballet. Inspired by the timeless holiday classic, this enchanting family-friendly event pairs a lavish culinary spread with live ballet performances that bring Clara’s dream world to life. Guests will enjoy an elegant selection of teas, coffee, and infused waters alongside an abundant buffet featuring farmers market fruits, artisanal pastries by Riccardo, and refined brunch favourites such as eggs benedict, truffle egg salad sandwiches, and a curated cheese and salumi board. Sweet indulgences abound with freshly made waffle sticks, as well as a whimsical Nutcracker Wonderland, a dazzling dessert display of macarons, sugar plum pom poms, peppermint nutcrackers, and more. Beyond the buffet, little ones and adults alike can delight in a Sugarplum decorating-pointe-shoe area, explore a festive Christmas boutique filled with Nutcracker and ballet keepsakes, and capture the moment at the Nutcracker-themed photo installations. Set to the grace and charm of Tchaikovsky’s beloved ballet, this festive celebration promises to be a magical holiday experience for guests of all ages.

Marina del Rey Holiday Boat Parade
Burton Chase Park
December 13
The Holiday Boat Parade in Marina del Rey sparkles to life every year on the second Saturday in December, turning the harbor into a floating festival of lights. Thanks to the generous support of Cedars-Sinai Marina del Rey Hospital and an enthusiastic community of local businesses, this beloved tradition continues to shine brighter each season. Each year brings a new theme, and for 2025, the parade sets sail with “A Nightmare Before Christmas,” perfectly timed to celebrate the 13th of December. The evening kicks off with a dazzling light show, setting the stage for an unforgettable night on the water. Participating boaters dream up their own creative interpretations—decking their vessels with brilliant holiday lights, whimsical decorations, and spirited touches inspired by the theme. Many join in full costume, dancing, singing, and performing live music as they glide across the marina. It’s a joyful, high-energy spectacle that delights both those on board and everyone watching from the shore.

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Steep LA x Smorgasburg: Festival of Tea
Smorgasburg L.A.
December 14
Smorgasburg L.A. teams up with Steep LA to present the Festival of Tea, a celebration of tea featuring guest vendors, traditional tea ceremonies, and interactive activities. Attendees can also enjoy holiday shopping, music from resident DJs, and specials from Smorgasburg’s regular food and retail vendors. Entry is free, and the first two hours of parking at ROW DTLA are complimentary.

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Hanukkah Festival at the Skirball Cultural Center
The Skirball
December 14
The Skirball’s annual Hanukkah Festival is multigenerational celebration featuring live music, kid friendly activities, tasty traditional treats, and access to exhibition galleries. The Skirball Storytellers will also bring the Hanukkah story to life with a theatrical performance featuring music and puppetry. Then, as sundown approaches, there will be a community candle lighting ceremony.

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Mariah Carey’s Holiday Bar
Skybar at the Mondrian
Until December 28
You’re invited to celebrate “All I Want for Christmas Is You” at Mariah Carey’s Holiday Bar. Mariah Carey’s Holiday Bar is a festive, fully decorated holiday oasis. Visitors step into a holiday-themed space where the magic is in the atmosphere. Guests are fully immersed in the Christmas spirit, surrounded by wall-to-wall Mariah-inspired décor, interactive photo ops, and exclusive holiday merchandise. The revamped experience introduces exciting new moments, including an upgraded “Queen of Christmas” homage, Santa’s Sleigh photo ops, and a signature award wall alongside album-backdrop recreations. This unique pop-up is a must-visit for any die-hard Carey fan or holiday lover. Come for the cheer, stay for the festive vibe.

Happy Holidays!

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