7 Spots to See Holiday Lights in Los Angeles

Make L.A. your winter wonderland when you head to the best spots to see holiday lights in Los Angeles. Events like Enchanted Forest of Light at Descanso Gardens, The Griffith Park Railroad, and more will help you celebrate the season in light, bright style!!

*This post does contain affiliate links, but it keeps the holiday lights on for this blog and saves you money. 

L.A. Zoo Lights: A Wild Wonderland of Light

Come see the L.A. Zoo decked out in disco lights and see what the animals do at night. This event is taking place now until January 7th, with timed tickets beginning at 6 p.m.

Ticketing Information: Tickets begin at $35 for non-members. Discounted tickets are available here for as low as $29. 

Enchanted Forest of Light at Descanso Gardens

Descanso Gardens in the beautiful neighborhood of La Cañada Flintridge has always been a favorite spot to bring my kids (especially on the monthly free day, hehe). I promise, though, that you’ve never seen it as tranquil and lovely as during their Enchanted Forest of Light event. Taking place now until January 7th, the gardens are lit up and accompanied by zen-like music that drowns out the sounds of overly excited children. Hours are 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m., and they are closed on December 24th and 25th.

Ticketing Information: Tickets begin at $35 for anyone over 2 years old. Members of Descanso Gardens get $5 off admission. Get tickets here or as low as $15 if you can wait until January. 

Holiday Light Festival Train Ride

Going on now until January 5th, 2024, The Griffith Park & Southern Railroad is running a holiday-themed evening train starting every night at 5 p.m. The last train leaves at 8 pm Monday through Thursday and 9 pm Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Be sure to arrive early, as it does get crowded with kiddos!

Ticketing Info: Tickets are available for purchase at the box office at 4400 Crystal Springs Drive, Los Angeles 90027, and are only $7! Get more information here, as each day is different. Online ticketing is also available but that sells out quite fast. 

L.A. Kings Holiday Ice

Taking place at L.A. Live, you can ice-skate nightly during timed sessions beginning at 5 p.m.  until December 31st, 2023.

Ticketing Info:  Dates are now through December 31st. Reserve your skate here for evening skate sessions.Tickets are $25 and under.

Lightscape at the L.A. Arboretum

Similar to Descanso Gardens, the L.A. Arboretum in Arcadia is completely transformed into a light-filled paradise during Lightscape. Each area is perfectly timed with music, and it’s fine holiday fun for all ages. This event runs until January 2nd with timed entrance from 5:30 to 8:45 p.m.

Ticketing Information: Adults are $35 on peak days. Children 3 to 12 are as low as $18, and Kids 2 and under are free. Members can save up to $5 per ticket. Purchase here and save almost $15 per ticket.

Yolanda Lights

Celebrating its 19th year, this neighborhood in Reseda gets positively decked out in a spirit of unity and celebration. The event goes every night from now until January 6th, 2024.

Ticketing Info: There are no tickets needed, but you can sign the digital guestbook here and get more information on any special events. There is a weekly Bonfire. The block address is 7300 block of Yolanda Ave south of Valerio in the city of Reseda, CA. 

Winterland by Caruso

This is another great FREE event to see holiday lights in Los Angeles and get some shopping done. Winterland by Caruso takes place until December 25th at The Americana at Brand in Glendale and The Grove in the West 3rd area until December 31st. It features nightly snowfall at 7 and 8 p.m., along with a whole lot of lights and Christmas crooners playing over every loudspeaker.

Ticketing Info: No tickets are needed. Get more details here.

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