Los Angeles with kids
Christmas in Los Angeles with Kids: Lights, Theme Parks and a 2-Day Plan
Christmas in Los Angeles means holiday magic without the cold: the theme parks dress up for the season, gardens and the zoo glow with lights after dark, and you can still have a beach day in December.
This 2-day plan covers the highlights. Dates below are for the 2026 season where they've been announced; for the rest, check the official websites closer to the time.
Day 1 · Theme park holidays
A full day of holiday magic at one of the big parks.
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All day
Holidays at the Disneyland Resort (opens Google Maps)
The holiday season runs from November 13, 2026 to January 6, 2027, with festive decorations, holiday versions of classic rides, seasonal treats and holiday parades and fireworks on many nights.
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Or
Or: Grinchmas at Universal Studios Hollywood (opens Google Maps)
Who-ville comes to life with the Grinch, a giant Grinchmas tree, and Christmas in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. It usually runs from late November to early January and is included with admission.
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Evening · Dinner
Dinner near the park
Downtown Disney or Universal CityWalk are easy for dinner after a long day.
Day 2 · Lights after dark
A slow, sunny day, then glowing lanterns or an enchanted forest at night.
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Morning
A December beach morning (opens Google Maps)
December days are often mild and sunny: walk the sand and the pier before the crowds.
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Lunch · Lunch
Lunch by the ocean
Santa Monica's Third Street Promenade area has easy family options.
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Afternoon
Rest at the hotel
Today ends after dark, so an afternoon break helps.
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Evening
LA Zoo Lights (opens Google Maps)
Giant glowing lanterns of animals, birds and flowers along a walk through the zoo after dark, listed for November 20, 2026 to January 10, 2027. Allow 60 to 90 minutes; book ahead for weekends.
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Or
Or: Enchanted Forest of Light (opens Google Maps)
A mile-long path of colourful light installations through the gardens, with timed entry. It runs from mid-November to early January; check this year's dates.
More holiday ideas
- The Grove: the outdoor shopping centre puts up a giant tree and holiday shows each season.
- Candy Cane Lane (Woodland Hills): a whole neighbourhood decorated by its residents, a free LA tradition to walk at night.
- Holiday train rides and Santa visits: many malls and parks host Santa through December; book popular times ahead.
Tips for December in LA
- The week before Christmas and the days after are the busiest at the theme parks; go earlier in December if you can.
- Evenings get cool, so bring a jacket for the light shows even after a warm day.
- Book timed tickets early for the zoo lights and Descanso, especially weekends.
Questions
When does Disneyland decorate for Christmas in 2026?
Holidays at the Disneyland Resort run from November 13, 2026 to January 6, 2027.
Is Grinchmas included with Universal Studios Hollywood admission?
Yes, the holiday celebrations are included with general admission. They usually run from late November to early January; check the park's website for this year's dates.
What are the best Christmas lights in LA for kids?
LA Zoo Lights and Descanso Gardens' Enchanted Forest of Light are the big ticketed ones; Candy Cane Lane in Woodland Hills is a free neighbourhood favourite.