Season of Sparkle: Where to Celebrate the Holidays in Los Angeles This Winter
December 11, 2025
December 11, 2025
Season of Sparkle: Where to Celebrate the Holidays in Los Angeles This Winter
Whether you want cozy candlelit dinners, rooftop city views, or magical light strolls, LA has something for everyone this holiday season. Here are some of the best spots and activities for a festive holiday season.
Where to See Lights & Holiday Magic
The Grove at Farmers Market
Location: The Grove, Los Angeles
Dates: Runs through January 4, 2026
The Grove remains a classic holiday destination: biggest Christmas tree in much of the city, nightly “snowfall” shows, festive music, cheerful decorations, and holiday shopping galore. Great for a casual and joyful walk, maybe with some hot cocoa and last-minute holiday treats.
L.A. Zoo Lights: Animals Aglow
Location: Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens — 5333 Zoo Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90027
Dates: Runs through January 11, 2026
A glowing jungle of lantern-sculptures, oversized illuminated animals, neon flora, and interactive light installations — perfect for families, couples, or anyone who wants a magical evening stroll under holiday lights. There are seasonal treats, hot cocoa (and adult beverages on select nights), a walk-in kaleidoscope, and plenty of photo-ops throughout the park.
Enchanted Forest of Light
Location: Descanso Gardens — 1418 Descanso Dr, La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011
Dates: Runs through January 4, 2026
The botanical garden transforms into a shimmering nighttime world — wandering through illuminated "stained-glass" houses, luminous forest paths, glowing art installations, and magical light sculptures. A dreamy, immersive holiday-walk option and a lovely alternative to mall shopping or crowded light-shows.
SPARKLE DTLA (at The Bloc)
Location: The Bloc — 700 Flower St, Downtown Los Angeles, CA 90017
Dates: December 7 – December 31, 2025
A free, music-synchronized light show across the plaza, with hour-by-hour light-and-music spectacles in front of a towering Christmas tree. Great for a quick holiday stroll, photo ops, or as part of a larger downtown night out.
Holiday Light Festival – Griffith Park & Southern Railroad
Location: Griffith Park & Southern Railroad, near Los Angeles
Dates: From Nov 28, 2025 – Jan 11, 2026
Hop on a festively decorated train that winds through a mile-long track surrounded by holiday lights and scenes — a nostalgic, low-stress way to enjoy the season with friends or family without requiring a long drive or complicated tickets.
Image by Griffith Park Train Rides
Enchant Light Maze (Enchant LA)
Location: Santa Anita Park — 285 W Huntington Dr, Arcadia, CA 91007
Dates: November 21 – December 28, 2025
A 10-acre holiday wonderland featuring the world’s largest Christmas light maze, ice skating, festive food and drink stalls, a shopping village, multi-lane snow slide adventure, Santa’s Landing, and a towering tree of lights — this is a full evening out for friends, families, or couples seeking the full holiday-festival vibe.
Holiday Dinners, Rooftops & Festive Restaurants
Il Cielo
Location: 9018 Burton Wy, Beverly Hills, CA 90211
Why go: Since 1986 Il Cielo has earned its reputation as “the most romantic restaurant in Los Angeles — its garden patio becomes a glowing retreat under a clear tent strung with twinkling lights and accented by chandeliers, making it one of L.A.’s most romantic, magical spots for the season. With classic Italian fare, cozy indoor dining rooms, and outdoor seating surrounded by lush greenery and soft lighting, it feels like a festive little escape: ideal for a holiday-season dinner, special occasion, or just a quietly elegant evening under the stars.
Yamashiro Hollywood
Location: 1999 N. Sycamore Ave, Hollywood
Why go: A longtime favorite for holiday dining thanks to its peaceful, lantern-lit ambiance and sweeping city-light views from the hills. Their cozy, garden-roofed setting is ideal for intimate dinners this holiday season — warm, calm, and a bit romantic.
Redbird
Location: 114 E. 2nd Street, Downtown LA
Why go: Redbird serves a three-course prix fixe Christmas Eve dinner, combining refined dining with an easygoing lounge vibe. A good mix of elevated cuisine and laid-back comfort — great for those who want a classy meal without overly formal holiday fuss.
The holiday season in Los Angeles can be as peaceful or as festive as you like. Whether you opt for a glowing light stroll under palm trees and Christmas lights or splurge on a rooftop dinner with skyline views — this city has space for simple holiday magic, warm meals, and joyful memories.
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