'Tis the season to be jolly. And what better way to spread the joy and wonder of the season than by exploring the enchanting and artistic Christmas displays. Los Angeles and Orange County residents are lucky to see their cities light up with the festive spirit.
We, at Hattas Studios, love themed environments just as much as we love the holidays. We made a list of our top 10 local family-friendly Christmas displays guaranteed to bring you and yours holiday joy. So when looking for holiday things to do, look no further than Orange County and Los Angeles, California.
1. LA Zoo Lights
The Los Angeles Zoo puts a wild twist on the holidays. The Zoo transforms into a magical winter jungle. See animal lantern sculptures, a disco ball forest, glowing “Northern Lights” with animal constellations, and the popular Twinkle Tunnel.
The Zoo and its artists collaborate to celebrate the holidays in a memorable way. Plus it provides plenty of photo ops and delights for the whole family.
2. South Coast Plaza Carousel Court
South Coast Plaza North Pole Train Set Display 2023 | Costa Mesa | Photo, Murals and some Sculpture by: Hattas Studios
The holidays are extra special at this Orange County shopping destination. South Coast Plaza showcases glorious decor inside and out. See miles of garland, visit Santa in his workshop village, and ride a reindeer on their iconic carousel.
In fact, Hattas Studios has a big hand in the Santa and North Pole displays at South Coast Plaza. Each year we find ways to enhance and refresh Santa's home and the 40-foot tall North Pole display. This mountain scene is captivating for shoppers. It's filled with murals, a village decorated for Christmas, skiers and ice skaters, a working miniature train, and a glowing icy waterfall. Look up to see Santa's home and reindeer high in the sky.
South Coast Plaza is a must-see for yuletide shoppers looking to find gifts while also getting into the Christmas spirit.
South Coast Plaza Santa Display 2022 | Costa Mesa | Mural by: Hattas Studios
The Grove Christmas Lights & Santa Claus | Los Angeles | Photo: Flickr Thank you (24 Millions) Views
The Grove's Christmas display is a perennial favorite. Every year, this outdoor shopping destination transforms into a Winter Wonderland. Enjoy giant sparkling ornaments, nightly snowfalls, and two of the West Coast’s largest trees, gleaming with 25,000 lights and ornaments. This holiday scene experience is iconic and continues to captivate visitors with the classic charm of the season.
4. Naples Canals, Long Beach
Long Beach’s Naples neighborhood is beautiful throughout the year, but it especially shines during the holidays. Walk along the walkways and canals to see charming waterfront homes decked out in their Christmas finery. Each adorned with lights and decorations ranging from traditional, to kitschy, to over-the-top.
Naples is a great destination for a cup of hot chocolate and a leisurely walk. Boat rentals are also available for visitors who prefer to cruise and dine while they take in the sights.
5. Candy Cane Lane, Woodland Hills
Candy Cane Lane is a neighborhood tradition that has spanned over six decades. Starting with a few homes, some Christmas spirit, and a little friendly competition, it has evolved into a destination. Homeowners decorate with extravagant light shows, twinkling lights, and decorations. This festive atmosphere attracts thousands of visitors year after year.
6. Descanso Gardens Enchanted Forest of Light, La Canada, Flintridge
Descanso Gardens Enchanted Forest of Light Holiday Display | La Cañada, Flintridge | Photo: Wikimedia Commons
The "Enchanted Forest of Light" is an interactive night-time experience, located in one of So-Cal’s most beautiful botanical gardens. Enjoy a full-mile walk through a holiday wonderland . After sunset, nature meets art as the gardens illuminate with stunning light displays among the trees and flowers. And while you're there, you can't miss the beautiful and artistic stained glass town.
7. Griffith Park and Southern Railroad, Griffith Park, Hollywood
The Griffith Park holiday train ride has been delighting families for decades. Starting the day after Thanksgiving each year, guests travel the decorated one-mile track. During the holidays, the vintage train winds through a festive glittering scenes and thousands of colorful lights.
This railroad is a popular destination for young and old alike. While it can get crowded, there are plenty of model trains to look at while you wait. This year, enjoy several themed selfie spots to show off your holiday cheer.
8. Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills
Beverly Hills decks the halls along Rodeo Drive with a display that blends luxury and holiday spirit. This upscale shopping street is as iconic as the Hollywood sign itself. It becomes a glamorous spectacle of lights and decorations. creating a festive ambiance that reflects the opulence of the season.
9. Christmas Tree Lane, Altadena
Christmas Tree Lane | Altadena, CA | Photo: Wikipedia
Located on Santa Rosa Ave, just north of Pasadena, the historic Christmas Tree Lane is the oldest large-scale tree-lighting spectacle in the United States. The tradition of decorating the huge evergreen cedars with colorful lights has been an annual event since 1920. Each year volunteers hang nearly 4 ½ miles of wire and close to 12000 lights on the mile long row of trees. This majestic holiday spectacle is enough to warm the heart of the most hardened Scrooge.
10. Newport Beach Boat Parade of Christmas Lights
Newport Beach Parade of Christmas Lights | Newport Beach, CA | Photo: Flickr fortherock
Newport Beach hosts one of the oldest boat parades, where they turn the harbor into a breathtaking display of lights. The opening night festivities now include brilliant fireworks and a dazzling drone show over the Balboa Bay Club.
Homes and boats, ranging from lavish yachts to decked out Duffys, collaborate to illuminate the waterfront. All this creates a maritime spectacle that reflects the joy of the season.
Bonus: Mission Inn, Riverside
Mission Inn Lights | Riverside, CA | Photo: Wikimedia Commons
While not technically in LA or OC, the Mission Inn Hotel & Spa is certainly worth a mention. This Riverside destination becomes a Festival of Lights during the holiday season. Since 1992 millions of lights have adorned this historic landmark. As one of the largest displays in the country, this radiant event blends history with festive magic.
USA Today voted The Mission Inn as the "best public lights display," and it continues to improves every year. The Inn covers a full city block with shimmering lights and animated figures ... a glorious tribute to the holidays.
Conclusion
Whether you're seeking classic traditions, artistic expression, or maritime merriment, Southern California has something for everyone to enjoy during this joyous season. So, gather your loved ones, embark on a festive adventure, and make lasting memories amid our cities' holiday magic. Wishing you a season filled with enchantment and festive delights!
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