As winter nights draw in and the city slows down, Los Angeles transforms into a shimmering canvas of lights, color, and festive cheer. For residents and visitors alike, the search for the best holiday glow becomes a seasonal pastime. If you’re looking to soak up the magic, here are the top destinations to experience holiday lights in Los Angeles — each with its own vibe, from cozy and whimsical to grand and dazzling.
Enchanted Forest of Light
Where: Decanso Gardens | La Cañada Flintridge
When: Until Jan 4, 2026
One of the most elegant displays in the city, Descanso Gardens’ Enchanted Forest of Light offers an immersive, artful alternative to traditional light shows. Meander through glowing forests, whimsical installations, and a festive model railroad. It’s a bit pricey at peak times—but utterly worth it for a magical night out.
Enchant Los Angeles
Where: Santa Anita Park, Arcadia
When: Through December 28, 2025.
This year, a 10‑acre holiday maze sweeps into Arcadia with a claim to fame: the “world’s largest Christmas light maze.” On top of wandering through twinkling labyrinths, you can glide on real ice, take a spin on the Ferris wheel, and browse a festive village filled with local artisans and seasonal treats.
L.A. Zoo Lights: Animals Aglow – Griffith Park
Where: L.A. Zoo | Griffith Park
When: Until January 11, 2026,
This luminous experience brings oversized glowing animal lanterns, dazzling tunnels, and playful installations to the Los Angeles Zoo. Enjoy an immersive light spectacle that invites guests to wander through glowing trails illuminated by oversized animal lantern sculptures and seasonal displays. It’s a playful, family‑friendly twist on holiday lighting — especially under the California night sky.
Hikari: Festival of Lights at Tanaka Farms
Where: Irvine
When: Until December 28
Tanaka Farms in Irvine transforms after dark into Hikari, a glowing holiday wonderland filled with festive lights and Japanese lanterns. Guests can explore the illuminated fields by wagon ride or on foot, then stick around for the petting zoo, games, crafts, and Santa photo ops. A holiday market, Christmas tree lot, and fresh produce stand round out the cheerful experience. Be sure to grab tickets in advance—weekday visits are more budget-friendly, and weekend parking requires a pass.
Christmas Tree Lane
Where: Altadena
When: Until early-January
This historic avenue of deodar cedar trees becomes a glowing spectacle each December. Thousands of lights drape the branches, turning a simple drive through the neighborhood into a magical, nostalgic holiday ritual. The display typically begins in early December — ideal for a quiet, drive‑through lights experience outside the bustle.
Candy Cane Lane
Where: E. Acacia Ave & California St | El Segundo
When: December 14–23
For more than 75 years, Candy Cane Lane in El Segundo has been one of the South Bay’s most beloved traditions. Each December, this quiet residential street transforms into a glowing corridor of elaborate holiday displays, larger-than-life decorations, and homes lit from roofline to sidewalk. The neighborhood draws visitors from all over Los Angeles who come to experience the nostalgic, small‑town charm that feels worlds away from the nearby airport.
Holiday Road
Where: King Gillette Ranch, Calabasas
When: Until December 27
Holiday Road transforms King Gillette Ranch into a glowing winter escape, complete with towering light installations, a whimsical Christmas village, and appearances from Santa and Mrs. Claus. The nearly mile‑long walking trail winds through the Santa Monica Mountains and offers countless photo moments, festive décor, and seasonal bites from food trucks along the way. It’s a charming outdoor experience ideal for families, date nights, or anyone looking to immerse themselves in holiday magic.
Marina del Rey Holiday Boat Parade
Where: Marina del Rey
When: December 13 at 6:00pm
This beloved coastal tradition brings dozens of dazzling, light‑covered boats sailing through the marina for a festive waterfront spectacle. Crowds gather early at Burton Chace Park or Fisherman’s Village to secure the best views as the illuminated vessels glide by. With this year’s “A Nightmare Before Christmas” theme, expect creative displays, spirited competition, and plenty of holiday cheer on the water.
Tips for Enjoying the Lights Like a Local
- Visit earlier in the evening or mid‑week to avoid crowds — the most popular displays often get packed after 7 p.m.
- Dress in layers — even SoCal evenings can get brisk. A cozy scarf, light jacket, and warm drinks go a long way.
- For immersive/ ticketed events (like Enchant or Zoo Lights), buy tickets in advance — many sell out fast.
- Combine lights with dinner or a casual stroll to turn your outing into a full holiday experience.
This season, whether you crave a stroll beneath glowing lanterns, a dazzling holiday maze, or a nostalgic drive through tree‑lined streets wrapped in light, these picks for the best holiday lights in Los Angeles offer something for every mood. Light up the winters — and let the city’s festive glow be your own Southern‑California kind of snow.