The holidays are a great time to get out with your family and experience some fantastic events and attractions you can only see this time. Whether it's a show, musical, or festive theme park, it's bound to invoke the holiday spirit and bring some great memories along with it.
SO where do you find these events? Right HERE!
We have (and continue to) do all the research for you. Below is a list of local and semi-local ticketed events in and around our area this holiday season. If you follow us on our social media, you can also read our personal reviews for some of these events. No matter who you are or what your holidays look like right now, it's important to keep the spirit high and the days merry and bright fun experiences for everyone.
☕ Macaroni Mom Tips:
Events are coded so you can quickly see at a glance exactly what you are looking for.
| 🚙 | Drive-thru |
| 🚶♀️ | In-person |
- For more information on the events below, click on the link that is attached to the name of the event listed.
- Looking for something to do for a specific date or weekend? Check our event calendar HERE
Christmas In Color (San Dimas) 🚙 - Get ready for an upbeat drive-through holiday adventure at Christmas in Color! This uplifting, musical experience takes the tradition of gazing at Christmas lights through the car window to a whole new level. With millions of lights perfectly synchronized to your favorite holiday tunes, larger-than-life Christmas trees, candy canes and animated snowmen who will serenade you with songs, Christmas in Color is an immersive experience for all ages and abilities! Enjoy 25% off Christmas In Color in San Dimas -Use Promo Code KID2022 for your discount. - From November 25 - January 1, 2023
Disney On Ice (Ontario - Anaheim - Los Angeles - Long Beach) -🚶♀️ Hit the road with Mickey and his pals for a high-octane ride in Disney On Ice presents Road Trip Adventures. Exciting twists and turns await as Mickey, Minnie, Goofy -- and you -- embark on a wild ride to your favorite Disney destinations. Travel with Moana to the sun-soaked Motunui, set off on a safari to the Pride Lands with Simba. Discover a whole new world as you are swept up in Aladdin's princely parade. Play at a larger-than-life carnival with Woody and Forky. Join us for a fun-filled getaway jam-packed with unexpected hijinks and up-close character interactions right in your hometown! Discount Code Until December 4Use code C2022W for up to 35% off
Magic of Lights (Indio) 🚙 - This holiday season will be even brighter, merrier and more colorful as Magic of Lights transforms the Empire Polo Club into a vibrant drive-through holiday-themed light display. Over 40 Scenes of holiday lights displays will be featured during Magic of Lights™, the unique and thrilling family-friendly drive-through holiday lights festival spread over a 1-2 Mile course. November 18 - January 1
Hikari - A Festival Of Lights (Irvine)-🚶♀️ A celebration filled with joy and light! Literally translated, Hikari means shine in Japanese, and this holiday season, we have really made Tanaka Farms shine with over a mile of twinkling lights! Take a cozy wagon ride around the festively lit farm that will take you to the “Land of a Thousand Lanterns” and once off the wagon, you will have the opportunity to wander through the light displays, with photo opportunities throughout. After the wagon ride, make your way down to the Festival Grounds where you can visit with the Barnyard Animals, grab some food from the TANAKA GRILL, take advantage of lots of photo ops, games, Arts & Crafts, meet Santa for a photo, and, of course, more holiday lights! (all activities are priced individually.) Enjoy live music on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights! November 25 - December 30
Holiday Road (Calabasas) -🚶♀️Larger than-life holiday installations, tons of Christmas lights, Santa, Mrs. Claus, Elves, countless candy canes, and all your favorite holiday cheer! November 25 - December 30
Nights of Lights OC by Winter Fest OC(Costa Mesa) -🚶♀️ Southern California’s largest winter festival returns to Costa Mesa from November 25th through January 1st for 26 days and nights of attractions, live entertainment and fun! Winter Fest OC transforms the OC Fair & Event Center into a magical winter wonderland with oversized holiday decor, more than a million lights, and endless opportunities for memory-making. New for 2022, and included in all admission tickets, is “North Pole Journey,” an immersive walk-through experience that guides guests to North Pole Village on an important mission to meet Santa Claus and save the holidays. Outdoor ice skating, ice tubing slide, ice bumper cars, LED mini gold, train rides, snowboard simulator, carnival rides and MORE! November 25 - January 1
Enchanted Forest Of Light at Descanso - (La Cañada Flintridge) 🚶♀️Descanso Gardens is famed for its daytime beauty all year round, but when the holiday season approaches, it brings a special treat. It's a whole new experience to see this SoCal treasure illuminated in glorious light. As the sun sets, the gardens transform into an enchanted forest and your ticket is an invitation to venture in and discover the magical world that waits under the glowing foliage. During this colorful and interactive experience, you can stroll through a mile of Descanso Gardens' most popular areas while marveling at the gorgeous lighted displays. November 20 - January 8
Santa's Speedway Christmas Lights Experience (Irwindale) -🚶♀️ Santa’s Speedway, Southern California’s best-reviewed Christmas light show, is letting visitors leave their car in the parking lot and walk right up to the massive light exhibits. It’s Christmas at a scale that will take your breath away! From the majesty of our 11-story Christmas Light Tree to towering ornaments, you will experience Christmas lights that you won’t find anywhere else and larger than your holiday imagination. Spend time in the Christmas Village, where you can stroll through the reindeer stables, grab dinner or drinks, and meet Santa for the perfect Christmas picture. Speaking of the perfect Christmas picture, we have multiple selfie spots to capture you in this magical Christmas event. December 1 - January 1
Luminaria Nights (Claremont) - 🚶♀️Be enchanted at this Claremont tradition where the California Botanic Garden glows with light for the holidays. Special holiday installations, live music and beverages/snacks for sale. December 9, 10, 16 & 17
LA Zoo Lights (Los Angeles) - 🚶♀️L.A. Zoo Lights returns for the 2022-23 season! L.A.’s brightest winter tradition has been reimagined for the 2022/2023 season! Explore an immersive landscape filled with spectacular lantern sculptures of animals among blooming flowers, towering trees, and more for, a wildlife-centered experience that’s as inspiring as it is breathtaking. Nature is something we all share, and this celebration of nature’s wonders is meant for all to enjoy! November 18 - January 22
Lightscape @ Los Angeles County Arboretum (Los Angeles) - 🚶♀️ The internationally acclaimed Lightscape returns with stunning new installations along a newly expanded trail. Wander through dazzling displays of color, light and sound that include the spectacular Winter Cathedral. Lightscape transforms the Arboretum into a night of wonder and light for an unforgettable holiday event for family and friends. Buy tickets before Lightscape sells out. November 11 - January 8, 2023
Duke's Verry Merry Village @ Castle Park (Riverside) -🚶♀️The most "fun-derful" time of the year at Castle Park is more wonderful than ever! Duke’s Very Merry Village rings in the season with brand new experiences, including Duke’s Holiday Express Train, an incredible new light show and our first ever Krampus Experience fright maze. Celebrate the season with our beautiful light displays and festive decorations throughout the ride park. Savor delicious holiday treats as you stroll through the park and of course don’t miss your chance to meet Santa Duke in-person! November 19 - January 8.
Santa's Village (Skyforest/Lake Arrowhead) - 🚶♀️SkyPark at Santa’s Village is an Outdoor Adventure Park with year-round mountain biking, hiking, fly fishing and open air activities in the Skyforest section of Lake Arrowhead, California. The Park resides on 230 expansive acres of natural forest with meadowlands, ponds and an apple orchard. At the core of SkyPark is The Village, which includes historic log cabin restaurants and shops, seasonal entertainment, and open-air activities. SkyPark’s nearly 10 miles of year-round mountain bike trails, hiking trails, fly fishing, archery, ziplines, seasonal ice skating or roller skating rink, rock climbing and more are available to the public for the price of admission. During November and December, we transform the entire Park into Santa’s Village – The ultimate Christmas experience! November 17 - January 8
Wild Holidays (Escondido) - 🚶♀️See the Safari Park in a whole new light! Take a holiday expedition of light and travel through places that glow and twinkle with holiday cheer. Holiday tunes set the mood, and seasonal food treats to tempt you throughout your journey. Wild Holidays is included with all admission tickets and memberships. November 25 - January 1
Winter Fantasy (Laguna Beach) -🚶♀️ Sawdust Art Festival’s Winter Fantasy is a one-of-a-kind holiday art and craft festival that offers a festive shopping experience. The festival is highlighted by original artwork handcrafted by 180 international artists who create, showcase and sell their unique gifts of art in an enchanting winter wonderland that has been transformed with thousands of lights and decorations, and falling snow. An annual community tree lighting ceremony kicks off the holiday season with a jolly selection of holiday music and live entertainment, including community performers, Christmas carolers, puppeteers, and daily visits with Santa Claus. Open Weekends starting November 19 - December 18
Polar Express Train Ride (Perris) - 🚶♀️ Set to the sounds of the motion picture soundtrack, passengers will relive the magic of the classic story as they are whisked away on THE POLAR EXPRESS™ for a magical one-hour trip to the North Pole. Once onboard, your car hosts will work their way through the coach and punch your golden ticket before hot chocolate and delicious Walkers Shortbread are served by dancing chefs. Passengers then read along with the classic children’s book, The Polar Express, by Chris Van Allsburg. Santa and his helpers board the train to greet passengers and each guest is given the first gift of Christmas – a silver sleigh bell. During the trip, characters on each car lead passengers in caroling and onboard entertainment just like in the film! Each guest will take home a keepsake sleigh bell and the wonderful memories made on this magical trip. Now - December 28
Knotts Merry Farm (Buena Park) - 🚶♀️ The holiday spirit shines even brighter at Knott’s Merry Farm this year. Experience Knott’s largest Christmas celebration with winter wonderland-inspired décor transforming the entire park into a classic holiday festival, featuring a landscape of thousands of twinkling lights, miles of themed garland, jumbo snowflakes, and a variety of picturesque seasonal settings. Knott’s Merry Farm offers family Christmas activities and joyful experiences inspired by the spirit of the holidays. November 18 through January 8
Holidays at Universal Studios (Universal City) 🚶♀️ Universal Studios Hollywood is the perfect destination for creating new holiday traditions with the whole family. Enjoy Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ where you can see Hogsmeade™ transformed with enchanting spirit, festive décor and holiday-themed food, beverages and entertainment. And experience The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts™ Castle, a holiday spectacle of dazzling lights and music. Spread the cheer and join in on the fun of Who-tacular festivities with The Grinch™, Max and Who-ville with the return of Grinchmas™. End your day at Universal CityWalk, where you can enjoy our spectacular Christmas tree, sumptuous outdoor dining, and fun holiday shopping.
November 25 - January 1
Jungle Bells - Aurora @ The San Diego Zoo (San Diego) This year's Jungle Bells brings the return of Aurora—a magical and spectacular experience with lights, 3D projections, and music. Enjoy traditional lighting displays, musical performances and entertainment, visits with Santa (through December 25), tasty holiday treats, and much more. 'Tis the season to celebrate—join us for holiday cheer! Jungle Bells is included with all admission tickets and memberships. December 9 - January 1
