There are several events happening across SoCal this holiday season. It's time to make memories with your family and friends.
Here are some of the events worth checking out.
Santa Barbara ZooLights
On select days through Jan. 12, see the animals and lights at the Santa Barbara Zoo. From 4:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., experience this immersive holiday display featuring thousands of handcrafted silk-covered lanterns aglow with more than 50,000 LED bulbs. The walkthrough experience will take you through tropical habitats and visitors will get to see the animals that live there. Tickets cost range from $21 to $35 and parking is $11 per vehicle.
Palm Springs International Film Festival
The 36th annual festival is scheduled to be held physically from Jan. 2-13, 2025. The annual star-studded Film Awards, honoring the best and brightest performances of the year, is scheduled for Jan. 3. A number of honorees have already been revealed, such as Jennifer Lopez, who will receive the Legend & Groundbreaker Award. For information on how to attend, visit here.
Winter Fest OC
The winter festival has returned for its 10th anniversary until Jan. 5, 2025. It’s located at the OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa.
The event space, which is open from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., features a 150-foot slide for ice tubing, snow play, ice skating, 26-ride carnival, a Santa meet and greet, holiday-themed food and light shows. Guest can also take part in the “North Pole Journey,” mini-golf and if your group wants to up the experience, guests can reserve VIP fireside igloos that seat up to 10 people and include a private bar.
General admission tickets range from $29.99 to $55 for adults. Guests can also purchase a season pass for $64.99 for adults and $59.99 for children ages 3 to 12. While it’s encouraged to purchase your tickets online, a limited amount of tickets will be available to purchase at the door. Parking costs $12 per vehicle.
Holidays at the Disneyland Resort
Disneyland's annual celebration has returned and will run until Jan. 6, 2025, and features a wide variety of festive, family-friendly entertainment, such as character sightings, nighttime spectaculars and live bands. Disneyland guests will now be able to meet Santa Claus and select Disney characters at “Holiday Fun with Santa and Friends!” at the Fantasyland Theatre this year. Meanwhile, Disney Festival of Holidays at Disney California Adventure Park is introducing new entertainment for guests of all ages, such as “Mirabel’s Gifts of the Season,” which brings guests together to sing along to the beloved songs from Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Encanto” in a musical presentation. Click here for a guide to the resort's 2024 holiday entertainment.
Lucky Strike Beverly Hills
Hit the bowling lanes in style at the new location in Beverly Center, featuring luxurious menus, unique cocktails, an expansive arcade and more. There is also the brand's signature lane-side service, with old Hollywood-inspired design elements, soft lounge seating and life-size video walls designed for picture-perfect moments. To reserve a lane and for more information, visit here.
Boba Bear immersive pop-up
In celebration of the upcoming second season of Netflix's animated series "Arcane," Boba Bear Koreatown has teamed up with Riot Games to bring fans an immersive pop-up experience, transforming the restaurant into the show’s Last Drop Bar for a limited time. Through mid-February, visitors can step into a fully reimagined Boba Bear, complete with custom decor, exclusive activations and an "Arcane"-inspired beverage menu. The event is open to all ages. Tickets are $10 and include a beverage (excluding Shimmers). Costumes and cosplay aren’t required but encouraged. Reservations can be made here.
LA Zoo Lights: Animals Aglow
The city's wildest tradition will run until Jan. 5. Tickets will start at $18 and free parking is provided. Kiddos young and old will get to roam around the zoo at night time to explore immersive landscapes and dazling new lantern sculptures. There will be themed nights, including a holiday pajama weekend and pride night. From tickets, vist the zoo's website.
South Coast Botanic Astra Lumina Los Angeles
The nighly walk series has taken over the 87-acre botanic garden again this year. Visitors will get to walk around the garden's trails and special paths. The experience inlcudes lights, scenography, soundscape and projection to send visitors into an imaginative world. Tickets start at $29 per person.
Enchanted Forest of Light
Running until Jan. 5, the yearly event will bring the lights and sounds of the season to Descanso Gardens. Visitors will need timed tickets to stroll the garden, which includes the popular colorful tulips. Ticket prices depend on whether you're a member.
Los Feliz Flea Market at Vintage Land
Although the name still includes "Los Feliz," the flea market has recently moved to a new, two-story space on the border of downtown LA and Echo Park and is now open on Saturdays. It is LA's only rooftop flea market — complete with views of the downtown skyline — and features two full floors of antique and vintage vendors. The flea also features food trucks, a full bar, a misting station for hot days, and is completely pet friendly — plus free admission and parking.
Hollyhock House
Self-guided tours of the Frank Loyd Wraight house are offered from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday to Saturday. Advance tour ticket purchase is recommended.