10 Best Christmas and Holiday Events in California for 2025

California does Christmas its own way. From mountain towns and wine country to bustling cities and desert escapes, the state mixes cultural traditions, massive light festivals, and local gems you won’t find anywhere else. 

We’ve sorted through the noise, researched what’s trending for 2025, and pulled together the very best holiday events… so you don’t have to. Here’s your shortcut to the top Christmas celebrations across the Golden State this year.

These events are not ranked in any particular order. Each one is included because it's  popular or worth knowing about. 

1. Mission Inn Festival of Lights (Riverside)

The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa transforms into one of the largest holiday displays in the country, with over 10 million lights, 400 animated figures, nightly “snowfall,” and live entertainment. The Switch-On Ceremony draws thousands with fireworks and music, making it a true California holiday tradition. It’s a free, family-friendly event that feels like stepping into a Christmas village.

• Dates: November 29, 2025 – Early January 2026
  
• Address: Mission Inn Hotel & Spa, 3649 Mission Inn Ave, Riverside, CA 92501
  
• Kid-friendly: Yes
  
• Pet-friendly: Leashed, outdoors
  
• Free: Yes (outdoors)
  
• Website: missioninn.com/festival-of-lights

2. Cambria Christmas Market 

This Central Coast tradition shines with 3 million lights, a German-inspired artisan market, train rides, Santa visits, fire pits, live music, and plenty of festive food. Families often make it a full holiday getaway by booking one of the overnight hotel packages tied to the event. With its mix of small-town charm and big displays, it’s one of the best Christmas markets in California.

• Dates: November 28 – December 31, 2025 (select dates)
  
• Address: 2905 Burton Dr, Cambria, CA 93428
  
• Kid-friendly: Yes
  
• Pet-friendly: Yes (see website)
  
• Free: No (ticketed)
  
• Website: cambriachristmasmarket.com

Cambria Christmas market is one of our 2025 Featured Events. Check out our dedicated page for this event here.

3. Solvang Julefest 

California’s Danish village embraces its heritage with a month of Scandinavian-style festivities, including parades, markets, candlelight tours, and visits with Santa. The charming downtown, decked out in lights, feels like walking through a European holiday storybook. For visitors looking for a cultural twist on Christmas, Julefest is a one-of-a-kind experience.

• Dates: November 28, 2025 – January 4, 2026
  
• Address: Citywide, Solvang, CA 93463 (Main events: Copenhagen Dr & Alisal Rd)
  
• Kid-friendly: Yes
  
• Pet-friendly: Yes (mainly outdoors)
  
• Free: Many free events
  
• Website: solvangusa.com/things-to-do/solvang-julefest

4. Great Dickens Christmas Fair (SF Bay Area)

Held at the Cow Palace, this immersive fair transports you straight to Victorian London with hundreds of costumed performers, pubs, carolers, shops, and theaters. Every corner offers a mix of live entertainment, handcrafted goods, and traditional holiday treats. It’s one of the most unique Christmas experiences you’ll find anywhere in the U.S.

• Dates: Weekends, November 22 – December 21, 2025
  
• Address: Cow Palace Arena, 2600 Geneva Ave, Daly City, CA 94014
  
• Kid-friendly: Yes
  
• Pet-friendly: Service animals only
  
• Free: No (ticketed)
  
• Website: dickensfair.com

5. Enchanted Forest of Light (La Cañada Flintridge)

This nighttime walk-through combines nature and art with interactive, illuminated installations across Descanso Gardens. Guests can wander through glowing trees, tunnels of light, and large-scale artworks designed to spark curiosity and wonder. It’s one of the most creative and visually striking holiday events in Southern California.

• Dates: November 23, 2025 – January 7, 2026
  
• Address: 1418 Descanso Dr, La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011
  
• Kid-friendly: Yes
  
• Pet-friendly: Service animals only
  
• Free: No (ticketed)
  
• Website: descansogardens.org

6. Festival of Winter Lights (South Lake Tahoe)

This two-day celebration lights up the mountain town with holiday displays, local vendors, food, live music, Santa visits, carriage rides, and a Gingerbread House Village. The festival has a community feel, drawing both locals and visitors to the Recreation Complex. It’s a cozy way to experience the season while surrounded by Tahoe’s snowy landscape.

• Dates: December 12–13, 2025
  
• Address: Lake Tahoe Recreation Complex, 1180 Rufus Allen Blvd, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
  
• Kid-friendly: Yes
  
• Pet-friendly: Yes (outdoors)
  
• Free: Yes
  
• Website: cityofslt.us/1260/Festival-of-Winter-Lights

7. L.A. Zoo Lights: Animals Aglow 

The Los Angeles Zoo transforms into a glowing nighttime adventure filled with wildlife lanterns, themed zones, and immersive light experiences. Kids love spotting illuminated animals throughout the park while adults enjoy the artistry of the displays. It’s an easy holiday outing for families in the city.

• Dates: November 22, 2025 – January 5, 2026
  
• Address: 5333 Zoo Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90027
  
• Kid-friendly: Yes
  
• Pet-friendly: No
  
• Free: No (ticketed)
  
• Website: lazoo.org/zoolights

8. San Francisco Union Square Holiday Market & Ice Rink

Union Square is the holiday hub of San Francisco, featuring a European-style market, outdoor skating under towering trees, and famous department store window displays. The market showcases local artisans, making it a great spot to find unique gifts. Skating here has become a classic Bay Area holiday tradition.

• Dates: November 5, 2025 – January 19, 2026
  
• Address: Union Square, 333 Post St, San Francisco, CA 94108
  
• Kid-friendly: Yes
  
• Pet-friendly: Yes (outdoors)
  
• Free: No (skate rental/market purchases)
  
• Website: unionsquareicerink.com

9. Holiday Road (Calabasas)

This walk-through holiday experience features oversized light displays, themed villages, tunnels, and endless photo ops. It’s designed with families and Instagram lovers in mind, offering dozens of creative backdrops. Each year brings new surprises, keeping it fresh and worth revisiting.

• Dates: November 29 - December 28
  
• Address: 26800 Mulholland Hwy, Calabasas, CA 91302
  
• Kid-friendly: Yes
  
• Pet-friendly: Service animals only
  
• Free: No (ticketed)
  
• Website: holidayroadusa.com

10. WildLights at The Living Desert (Palm Desert)

This desert-based holiday event brings together millions of lights, animal-shaped lanterns, tunnels, carousel rides, and live entertainment. It blends the zoo’s natural setting with festive displays for a family-friendly night out. The combination of wildlife and holiday lights makes it unlike any other event in California.

• Dates: Select nights, November 26 – December 31, 2025
  
• Address: 47900 Portola Ave, Palm Desert, CA 92260
  
• Kid-friendly: Yes
  
• Pet-friendly: Service animals only
  
• Free: No (ticketed)
  
• Website: livingdesert.org

Plan Your Christmas in California Without the Hassle

From coastal markets and Scandinavian parades to zoo lantern shows and desert light tunnels, California offers something for every kind of holiday celebration. Go out for a quick family outing or a destination-worthy getaway at one of these 10 events, which are among the best the state has to offer in 2025.

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Have an event to add or see an update we should make? Email us at info@thechristmas.com.