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The season of merriment fast approaches. And though we haven’t yet had our Turkey Day or our Black Friday or Cyber Monday, it’s never too early to make a plan for the holidays.
Fun with family and friends is at the top of list, of course, but hopefully that gift comes without forking over big ticket fees. Therefore, in the holiday spirit of giving, we’d like to point you to a variety of free events to attend in the coming weeks, ranging from tree lighting celebrations and block parties to boat parades and sing-alongs.
And for a little candy cane on top, you’ll note everything in our Los Angeles holiday guide is also Metro accessible. So if you want to experience the miracle of transiting around L.A. without worrying about traffic, this is the list for you! You might even want to check it twice 😉
Things To Do for the Holidays in Los Angeles
9th Annual Tree Lighting at Union Station (November 25) -> The 9th Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony at Union Station takes place in the Ticket Concourse this year, where guests will enjoy live music from the Kingston Ska Orchestra and Los Rebeldes Romanticos, photos with Santa in the Waiting Room, and a ceremony to light the signature 30-foot tree. Runs 6 to 9 p.m. Go Metro: Take the A, B or D Lines to Union Station.
The Grove Tree Lighting Celebration (November 25) -> The 23rd Annual Tree Lighting Celebration at The Grove will be hosted by Lance Bass, with special performances by Ryan Tedder, Maren Morris, Rachel Platten, Jesse McCartney, Abi Carter, Robin Thicke, Sheléa, and Cirque du Soleil’s KOOZA and more. Guests can experience the the season’s first “snowfall” plus a drone show and fireworks to welcome and Santa Claus’ arrival. Starts at 7 p.m. Go Metro: Take Line 16 along W. 3rd St OR Take Line 217 or 218 along Fairfax Ave.
Hollywood Christmas Parade (December 1) -> One of the cities largest (and most festive!) annual events is back on the Sunday after Thanksgiving. This year’s Hollywood Christmas Parade will feature a U-shaped parade route running east on Hollywood Blvd, to Vine St, south on Vine St to Sunset Blvd, and west on Sunset Blvd. back to Orange Drive. It all kicks off at 6 p.m. Go Metro: Take the B Line to Hollywood / Highland OR Hollywood / Vine station.
L.A. County Tree Lighting Ceremony at The Music Center (December 2) -> L.A. County’s official holiday tree lightning event at The Music Center’s Jerry Moss Plaza is scheduled for the first Monday in December. The annual free celebration to of open to the public, offering live music, art-making, snow flurries and complimentary hot chocolate. Runs 5 to 7 p.m. Go Metro: Take the B or D Lines to Grand Park / Civic Center station OR take the A or E Lines to Grand Ave Arts / Bunker Hill Station.
Grand Illuminations Opening Night (December 4) -> DTLA Alliance’s Grand Illuminations is bringing a holiday light spectacle to Downtown Los Angeles hosted at The Yard at Cal Plaza. Here you’ll find special installations by LA-based artist group Liquid PXL including large-scale kinetic sculptures, ten radiant Electric Dandelions and a custom designed 25-food LED light tree. It’s all open to the public through January 8. The light sculptures debut during a Grand Holiday Celebration on December 4 when things kick off with a lightning ceremony, live music and refreshments from 5 to 8 p.m. Go Metro: Take the A or E Line to Grand Ave Arts / Bunker Hill Station.
Long Beach Christmas Tree Lighting 2024 (December 4) -> The 10th annual Christmas Tree Lighting in Long Beach returns Live music, photo ops with Santa, food trucks, and a 67-foot tall Christmas tree featuring more than 500,000 lights. Runs 5 to 8 p.m. Go Metro: Take the A Line to 1st St. Station in Long Beach.
Tree Lighting at Pasadena City Hall (December 6)-> Pasadena City Hall gets the holiday treatment with a special tree lighting ceremony hosted by the mayor of Pasadena. The celebration features local singers and dancers, crafts for kids provided by Armory Center for the Arts, light refreshments, and an appearance by Santa Claus. Runs to 5 to 7 p.m. Free to attend. Go Metro: Take the A Line to Memorial Park station.
13th annual Venice Sign Lighting and Holiday Block Party (December 7) -> The Venice Sign is getting lit for the holiday season, and to celebrate the occasion a portion of Windward Avenue will be closed down for a street festival, family activities, and live music. The festivities run from 6 to 9 p.m. Go Metro: Take Line 33 to Main / Grand.
Downtown Burbank Winter Arts Fest (December 7-8) -> A huge vendor marketplace takes over Downtown Burbank for a two-day event featuring 170+ indie sellers on hand offering curated goods including original fashion and jewelry design, paper goods, innovative home decor and housewares, art, photography, food, and more. Free to attend. Runs 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days. Go Metro: Take Line 92 to Magnolia / San Fernando OR Take Lines 154/165/294 to 1st / Magnolia.
Winter Wonderland in Inglewood (December 8) -> Crenshaw Imperial Plaza hosts their annual Winter Wonderland, featuring an afternoon of snow sledding and snow play with a real snowman, kids crafts, holiday ornament decoration, raffle prizes, and photos with Santa. Runs noon to 3 p.m. Free to attend. Go Metro: Take Lines 120/209/210 to Crenshaw / Imperial.
Ivy Station Holiday Market (December 13) – Take a walk and shop for gifts from 30+ local vendors at the Ivy Station Holiday Night Market in Culver City. Plus, you’ll find gourmet food trucks, pop-ups, craft beer from Los Angeles Ale Works, photos with Santa, DIY ornament-making, adoptable dogs from A Purposeful Rescue, and more. Runs 5 to 10 p.m. Go Metro: Take the E Line to Culver City Station.
2024 Holiday Arts and Music Festival (December 14) -> Valley Cultural Foundation’s annual Holidays Arts and Music Festival returns to Warner Center Park with an afternoon of seasonal fun, including a snow play area, onsite foods trucks, and dozens of local vendors to shop. Runs 1 to 5 p.m. Go Metro: Take Lines 150/169 to Topanga Canyon / Marylee.
Marina del Rey Holiday Boat Parade (December 14) -> The Marina del Rey Holiday Boat Parade brings together dozens of boats , each adorned with holiday lights displays. The public can enjoy from viewing spots at Burton Chace Park and Fisherman’s Village. Go Metro: Take the 108 Line to Mindanao / Lincoln.
CAAM Kwanzaa Kuumba Celebration 2024 (December 14) -> California African American Museum hosts a Kwanzaa celebration focused on the sixth principal of Kwanzaa, Kuumba—or creativity. The programming includes a Self-Care yoga session with instructor Constance Hartwell followed by interactive family storytime, and zine making AbleARTS. Runs 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Go Metro: Take the E Line to Expo Park / USC station.
Holiday Block Party in the Arts District (December 15) -> Makeshift Muse, in partnership with Angel City Brewery and Truly LA, is brings their brand of curated vendors to the Arts District for a block party holiday event, featuring food, music, and goods for purchase. Both Rose and Traction avenues will be closed and 50+ local brands will dot the streets ready for you to explore unique gifts. There will be festive bites and seasonal beverages at both Truly LA and Angel City Brewery. Free to attend. Runs 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Go Metro: Take the A or E line to Little Tokyo Station.
Chanukah Celebration at the Original Farmers Market (December 19) -> Spend a joyous afternoon at the Original Farmers Market celebrating Chanukah with  youth performances by JLA, LEGO menorah building, and Chanukah crafts and sing-a-longs. It all takes place on the Market Plaza from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Go Metro: Take Line 16 along W. 3rd St OR Take Line 217 or 218 along Fairfax Ave.
L.A. County Holiday Celebration (December 24) -> The 65th annual L.A. County Holiday Celebration returns live to The Music Center with a diverse lineup of 28 L.A.-based performers, including choral groups, dance troupes and local artists. If you can’t make it out for the show, remember the performance will also be broadcast on PBS SoCal and streamed live on pbssocal.org. Runs 3 to 6 p.m. Free to attend with RSVP. Go Metro: Take the B or D Lines to Grand Park / Civic Center station OR take the A or E Lines to Grand Ave Arts / Bunker Hill Station.
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