7 Must-See Holiday Lights In Los Angeles

Los Angeles might not get snow, but it makes up for it with lights that fill every corner of the city. From botanical gardens that transform into glowing dreamscapes to classic neighborhood traditions, LA shines with creativity during the holidays. These are the best light displays to experience around the city this season.

1. SPARKLE DTLA at The Bloc

Where: 700 W 7th St, Los Angeles

When: December 7 to 31, 2025

SPARKLE DTLA brings 18 million hues of lights to The Bloc in Downtown LA. The synchronized light show is set to festive music and fills the plaza with color and movement. You can walk through interactive installations and enjoy photo-worthy moments across the display.

The Grand Debut on December 6 includes live performances, cocoa, face painting, and family activities. The event is free, pet-friendly, and open to all ages, making it one of LA’s most accessible and joyful holiday traditions.

2. Enchanted Forest of Light at Descanso Gardens

Where: 1418 Descanso Dr, La Cañada Flintridge

When: November 16, 2025 to January 4, 2026

Tickets: Adults $27–45 | Kids $17–30

Enchanted Forest of Light is an immersive nighttime experience set along a one-mile walking path through Descanso Gardens. The event features glowing “stained glass” houses by artist Tom Fruin and geometric light sculptures from HYBYCOZO. Each section has its own theme, including the vibrant Flower Power Promenade and the softly lit Ancient Forest.

3. L.A. Zoo Lights: Animals Aglow

Where: 5333 Zoo Dr, Los Angeles

When: November 13, 2025 to January 11, 2026

Tickets: Tickets start at $19 | Free parking

L.A. Zoo Lights turns the zoo into a glowing world of animal-inspired lanterns and light sculptures. Walk among illuminated butterflies, birds, and flowers, plus scenes representing African and Southeast Asian wildlife.

The event also includes interactive installations, a giant kaleidoscope, and plenty of food and drink stations. Families can take photos with Santa or ride the carousel surrounded by twinkling lights. Every ticket supports wildlife conservation and local community programs, adding purpose to the fun.

4. Holiday Lights Train Ride at Griffith Park

Where: 4400 Crystal Springs Dr, Los Angeles

When: November 29, 2025 to January 3, 2026

Tickets: General $7 | Priority $12 (online only)

The Griffith Park Holiday Lights Train Ride is a long-time family favorite in LA. Passengers board the miniature train for a one-mile loop through a festive landscape filled with thousands of lights.

Each ride lasts about ten minutes and departs every 20 minutes. The track is lined with themed holiday scenes that change each year. The event runs nightly, weather permitting, and offers an easy, fun outing for families with kids of all ages.

5. Christmas Tree Lane

Where: Santa Rosa Ave between Woodbury Rd and Altadena Dr, Altadena

When: Through early January

Christmas Tree Lane is one of LA’s oldest and most beloved holiday traditions. For over 100 years, this mile-long stretch of deodar cedar trees has been covered in colorful lights each December. The lane lights up nightly until 10 PM and tends to get busy early in the evening.

6. Astra Lumina at South Coast Botanic Garden

Where: 26300 Crenshaw Blvd, Palos Verdes Peninsula

When: Select evenings, November 2025 to January 2026

Tickets: Adults from $29 | Kids from $20 | Ages 4 and under free

Astra Lumina transforms the South Coast Botanic Garden into a cosmic light journey created by Moment Factory and Fever. The hour-long walk takes visitors through glowing celestial scenes inspired by stars and galaxies. Each section combines light, music, and projections for an otherworldly effect. It’s less about holiday themes and more about wonder and imagination.

7. Festival of Lights at The Mission Inn

Where: 3649 Mission Inn Ave, Riverside

When: Until January 6, 2026

The Mission Inn’s Festival of Lights is one of the grandest holiday light shows in Southern California. The historic hotel glows with over 10 million lights and hundreds of animated figures.

You stroll through the property, ride the festive attractions, or enjoy the shops and restaurants nearby. The festival draws thousands each year and has been voted “Best Public Lights Display” by USA Today. It’s a magical holiday experience worth the drive from Los Angeles.

Let the Lights Bring You Home

The holidays can be busy and sometimes stressful, but there is something about walking or driving through a world of lights that brings instant calm. These displays around Los Angeles give locals a chance to slow down, reconnect, and feel the warmth of the season.

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