Christmas Events for Kids in Los Angeles (2026)

Christmas Events for Kids
Written by Kelsey Cecil

13 min read

The Los Angeles area has 13 Christmas events for kids we could confirm for the 2026 season, from Winter Frolic in Pasadena on November 6 to A Holiday Wonderland Special in Los Angeles, which runs through January 17. 9 of them are free, and every listing links straight to the host. It is one stop on our guide to Christmas events for kids in California, part of our guide for every state.

The short version

  • 13 kids’ Christmas events confirmed in Los Angeles for 2026, in Los Angeles, Altadena, Bellflower, La Cañada Flintridge, La Crescenta, Lawndale, Maywood, Pasadena, San Fernando, Santa Clarita and Santa Monica
  • First: Winter Frolic, Pasadena, November 6. Runs latest: A Holiday Wonderland Special, Los Angeles, through January 17
  • Free: 25th Annual Christmas at The Grove, All About the Christmas Tree, Twelfth Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony, Holiday Tree Lighting, Children's Holiday Book Fair & Fairview Branch Open House, Winter Family Storytime & Cocoa, Family Gingerbread House Making, Cookie Decorating and Holiday Family Storytime
  • Checked on each host’s own page; each listing links straight to it
Watercolor illustration: Rally the corgi stands on a red train seat looking out at falling snow, a lit Christmas tree and a white dove. Text: Choo choo! The train starting could be heard. Hello cute white bird!
Rally watching the snow and a lit Christmas tree, from the pages of Rally Takes the Train.

Below is every event we could confirm, grouped by city, with the date, time, cost and the small things parents ask about (sign-ups, ages, what is included). Looking for a Santa train instead? Those are on our California Christmas train rides page.

Los Angeles Christmas events for kids at a glance

Kids’ Christmas events
13 confirmed for 2026
Cities
Los Angeles, Altadena, Bellflower, La Cañada Flintridge, La Crescenta, Lawndale, Maywood, Pasadena, San Fernando, Santa Clarita and Santa Monica
Season
November 6, 2026 to January 17, 2027
Free events
9
Kinds of events
holiday crafts, tree lighting, holiday story time and holiday lights
Last checked

Plan your December

When each Los Angeles Christmas event for kids happens

The first is Winter Frolic in Pasadena on November 6; the last runs to January 17. Each bar spans an event’s dates, not every hour in them, so check the host’s page for times.

Look inside the book

Story time with Santa in Los Angeles? Bring Rally home.

Rally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi’s first train ride, hand-painted in real watercolor. It makes a cozy bedtime story after a big day with Santa. Turn a few pages here.

Page 1 of 8

Rally Takes the Train book cover: a watercolor corgi peeking from a red train

Like it so far? See the full book

25 hand-painted pages, paperback, $16.99 with fast shipping from Amazon.

Buy on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

Every page is real watercolor on paper, painted by hand by Leslie Dunn. Nothing in this book was made with AI.

Christmas events for kids in Los Angeles

3 confirmed events for kids in Los Angeles, soonest first.

Los Angeles: A Holiday Wonderland Special

Holiday showBob Baker Marionette Theater · Los Angeles

Host
Bob Baker Marionette Theater (opens in a new tab)
Where
Bob Baker Marionette Theater, 4949 York Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90042
When
Sat November 14 and Sat December 19 (10:30 am), 2026
Cost
$25; children 2 and under free
Ages
All ages
Sign-up
Required ahead of time
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Bob Baker Marionette Theater's Holiday Wonderland Special is styled like a TV holiday special of years past. Host Demitrius Nova Twinklestar III, or Demi Star, welcomes puppet favorites including Pink Cat and the Rockette Reindeers as they deck the halls, sing a few carols and welcome winter. It continues the theater's long holiday show tradition, now in its 63rd year of puppetry.

The show runs November 14, 2026 through January 17, 2027. Saturday shows are at 10:30 am, 1:30 pm and 4:30 pm, Sunday shows at 10:30 am and 1:30 pm, and Friday evening shows at 7:30 pm, with weekday shows starting the week of December 2. A sensory-friendly showtime is set for December 19 at 10:30 am. Tickets are $25, children 2 and under are free, and the show runs about an hour.

Parent tip: The show is about an hour long. Book the separate sensory-friendly performance on Dec 19 if your child prefers a calmer setting.

See dates and details from Bob Baker Marionette Theater (opens in a new tab)

Los Angeles: 25th Annual Christmas at The Grove

Tree lightingFreeThe Grove · Los Angeles

Host
The Grove (opens in a new tab)
Where
The Grove, 189 The Grove Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90036
When
Monday, November 16, 2026
Cost
Free; parking fees apply
Ages
All ages
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

The Grove marks its 25th Christmas season with a free Tree Lighting Celebration on Monday, November 16, 2026. The evening is hosted by Lance Bass and features performances by Nicole Scherzinger, Jason Mraz, Mark Ambor, Jamie Miller, "O" by Cirque du Soleil, American Authors and others. The program includes the lighting of the Christmas tree, the season's first snowfall, a drone show, a fireworks finale and Santa Claus making his grand arrival.

The event is open to the public at no charge and will be filmed for broadcast, so attendees may appear on camera. The Grove notes that space is limited and parking rates are subject to change. It is a big, busy outdoor evening, best suited to families who are comfortable with crowds and a later night.

Parent tip: Space is limited and the event is filmed for TV, so arrive early. Parking rates may change for the night.

See dates and details from The Grove (opens in a new tab)

Los Angeles: L.A. Zoo Lights

Holiday lightsLos Angeles Zoo · Los Angeles

Host
Los Angeles Zoo (opens in a new tab)
Where
Los Angeles Zoo, 5333 Zoo Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90027
When
Friday, November 20, 2026 to Sunday, January 10, 2027 (select evenings; closed Nov 26, 30, Dec 1, 7, 14, 15, 16, 24, 25, 31 and Jan 4 to 7)
Cost
Tickets from $19; member discounts
Ages
All ages
Sign-up
Recommended
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

L.A. Zoo Lights returns for 2026 with new illuminated paths and large sculptural light displays themed around birds, butterflies, insects, flowers, marine creatures and Ice Age giants. Families can stop for make-your-own s'mores, churros and hot cocoa, pose at festive backdrops and a giant snow globe, and ride the carousel. Most guests spend 60 to 90 minutes walking the route.

The event runs on select evenings from November 20 through January 10, with the box office open 5:45 to 8:45 pm. It is closed on several dates, including Thanksgiving, December 24, 25 and 31. Tickets start at $19, with discounts for zoo members, and parking is free. Santa photos are available for an extra fee on select days, and an artificial ice rink needs a separate ticket. A sensory-inclusive night is set for December 8.

Parent tip: Parking is free. Check the closure dates before you go, and note that Santa photos and skating cost extra.

See dates and details from Los Angeles Zoo (opens in a new tab)

Christmas events for kids in Altadena

1 confirmed event for kids in Altadena, soonest first.

Altadena: Winter Family Storytime & Cocoa

Holiday story timeFreeAltadena Library District · Altadena

Host
Altadena Library District (opens in a new tab)
Where
Bob Lucas Memorial Library & Literacy Center, 2659 Lincoln Ave, Altadena, CA 91001 (near Los Angeles)
When
Monday, December 7, 2026, 4 to 4:45 pm
Cost
Free
Ages
Ages 0 to 5 and 6 to 11
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

The Altadena Library District hosts a special Winter Family Storytime at the Bob Lucas Memorial Library and Literacy Center on Monday, December 7, 2026, from 4 to 4:45 pm. The 30-minute storytime is filled with heartwarming stories, lively songs and playful rhymes designed to spark early learning and give families time together.

Afterward, everyone is invited to warm up with a complimentary cup of cocoa in the library's Reading Court. The program is listed for early learners ages 0 to 5 and children ages 6 to 11, and no registration is listed. It is a gentle, low-key way to celebrate the season with little ones. With a 45-minute total run time and a late afternoon start, it fits neatly after preschool pickup or a school day.

Parent tip: The storytime itself lasts about 30 minutes, with cocoa served afterward.

See dates and details from Altadena Library District (opens in a new tab)

Christmas events for kids in Bellflower

1 confirmed event for kids in Bellflower, soonest first.

Bellflower: Holiday Family Storytime

Holiday story timeFreeLA County Library · Bellflower

Host
LA County Library (opens in a new tab)
Where
Clifton M. Brakensiek Library, 9945 Flower St, Bellflower, CA 90706 (near Los Angeles)
When
Wednesday, December 16, 2026, 4 to 5 pm
Cost
Free
Ages
Ages 5 to 12 with caregiver
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

The Clifton M. Brakensiek Library in Bellflower hosts a Holiday Family Storytime on Wednesday, December 16, 2026, from 4 to 5 pm. Children explore how people around the world celebrate the holiday season through picture books and songs.

After the stories, kids create their own holiday-themed art project to take home. The program is designed for ages 5 to 12 with a caregiver, and no registration is listed. It is a nice choice for school-age children who enjoy both stories and hands-on crafts. Since the program combines reading with art, plan on the full hour so your child has time to finish the take-home craft. It is a good fit for families who want to introduce kids to traditions beyond their own during the holidays.

Parent tip: Caregivers stay with children for this program.

See dates and details from LA County Library (opens in a new tab)

Christmas events for kids in La Cañada Flintridge

1 confirmed event for kids in La Cañada Flintridge, soonest first.

La Cañada Flintridge: Enchanted Forest of Light

Holiday lightsDescanso Gardens · La Cañada Flintridge

Host
Descanso Gardens (opens in a new tab)
Where
Descanso Gardens, 1418 Descanso Dr, La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011 (near Los Angeles)
When
Sunday, November 22, 2026 to Saturday, January 9, 2027 (nightly; closed Nov 26 and Dec 25), 5:30 to 10 pm
Cost
Child (2 to 12) $19 to $37, adult $29 to $52; under 2 free
Ages
All ages; children under 2 free
Sign-up
Required ahead of time
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Enchanted Forest of Light turns Descanso Gardens into a one-mile walking route of light installations after dark. This 10th season brings back favorites like Flower Power and the Ancient Forest, adds a laser light show on the Main Lawn that ends in a snowfall finale, and features Giant Koi in the Garden of Good Fortune for the Japanese Garden's 60th anniversary. A holiday market runs December 2 to 6.

The event runs nightly from November 22, 2026 to January 9, 2027, 5:30 to 10 pm, closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Advance timed tickets are recommended because popular nights sell out. Non-member prices are $19 to $37 for children 2 to 12 and $29 to $52 for adults, and children under 2 are free. The route is stroller and wheelchair accessible.

Parent tip: Nights get chilly, so the garden suggests coats, hats and gloves. The route is about a mile and is stroller friendly.

See dates and details from Descanso Gardens (opens in a new tab)

Christmas events for kids in La Crescenta

1 confirmed event for kids in La Crescenta, soonest first.

La Crescenta: Twelfth Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony

Tree lightingFreeLA County Library · La Crescenta

Host
LA County Library (opens in a new tab)
Where
La Crescenta Library, 2809 Foothill Blvd, La Crescenta, CA 91214 (near Los Angeles)
When
Wednesday, December 2, 2026, 5:30 to 7:15 pm
Cost
Free
Ages
All ages; magic show for ages 5 to 12
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

La Crescenta Library holds its Twelfth Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony on Wednesday, December 2, 2026, from 5:30 to 7:15 pm. Families who come early can catch Christopher T Magician's magic show from 4:30 to 5:30 pm, aimed at children ages 5 to 12.

After the show, kids can take holiday photos with the library's snow family and holiday backdrops before the tree is lit. The event is sponsored by LA County 5th District Supervisor Kathryn Barger, the Friends of La Crescenta Library and the Crescenta Valley Town Council. The library notes that food may be served and an ingredient list will be available. The early start and outdoor holiday setting make this a good weeknight outing for families with young children.

Parent tip: Arrive by 4:30 pm for the magic show. Food may be served, and an ingredient list is provided.

See dates and details from LA County Library (opens in a new tab)

Christmas events for kids in Lawndale

1 confirmed event for kids in Lawndale, soonest first.

Lawndale: Family Gingerbread House Making

Holiday craftsFreeLA County Library · Lawndale

Host
LA County Library (opens in a new tab)
Where
Lawndale Library, 14615 Burin Ave, Lawndale, CA 90260 (near Los Angeles)
When
Wednesday, December 9, 2026, 3:30 to 4:30 pm
Cost
Free
Ages
Children
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Lawndale Library hosts Family Gingerbread House Making on Wednesday, December 9, 2026, from 3:30 to 4:30 pm. Families work side by side to build and decorate their own gingerbread houses in this hands-on holiday program.

The event is listed for children, is free, and is generously sponsored by the Friends of Lawndale Library. Because food is part of the activity, the library notes that an ingredient list will be available for parents. It is an easy after-school stop that leaves kids with a festive creation to bring home. Sessions like this are popular during the holidays, so arriving on time is a good idea. The finished houses can be fragile, so bringing a box or bag for the ride home may help.

Parent tip: Food is served, and an ingredient list is available for families with allergies.

See dates and details from LA County Library (opens in a new tab)

Christmas events for kids in Maywood

1 confirmed event for kids in Maywood, soonest first.

Maywood: All About the Christmas Tree

Holiday story timeFreeLA County Library · Maywood

Host
LA County Library (opens in a new tab)
Where
Maywood Library, 4323 E Slauson Ave, Maywood, CA 90270 (near Los Angeles)
When
Wednesday, December 2, 2026, 4 to 5 pm
Cost
Free
Ages
Ages 5 to 12
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Maywood Library invites children to an afternoon all about the Christmas tree on Wednesday, December 2, 2026, from 4 to 5 pm. The program begins with stories about the Christmas tree and the origins of this well-loved holiday tradition.

A hands-on activity then lets kids explore how Christmas trees have changed over the years. The program is for children ages 5 to 12, is free, and lists no registration. It suits curious school-age kids who like a little history mixed in with their holiday fun. Since the activity is designed for school-age kids, it works well as an after-school outing during the first week of December. It is also a good choice for children who enjoy asking how and why traditions began.

See dates and details from LA County Library (opens in a new tab)

Christmas events for kids in Pasadena

1 confirmed event for kids in Pasadena, soonest first.

Pasadena: Winter Frolic

Holiday craftsKidspace Children's Museum · Pasadena

Host
Kidspace Children's Museum (opens in a new tab)
Where
Kidspace Children's Museum, 480 N. Arroyo Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91103 (near Los Angeles)
When
Friday, November 6, 2026 to Sunday, January 10, 2027 (during museum hours; museum closed Nov 26 and Dec 25)
Cost
Included with museum admission; sock skating $6 extra
Ages
Children and families
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Winter Frolic is Kidspace Children's Museum's seasonal take on winter play, running November 6, 2026 through January 10, 2027. Children can slide around a no-ice Sock Skating Rink, ride trikes through a giant gingerbread house into a candyland forest, build sculptures with frostbite-free pretend ice blocks in Penguin Paradise, and dress up a life-size No-Melt Snow Family for holiday photos.

The Winter Frolic activities are included with regular Kidspace admission. The Sock Skating Rink is the one add-on, at $6 per person, with limited capacity to keep skaters safe. The museum is closed Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day, so check the museum calendar for hours before visiting. Winter Frolic fills the whole museum, so plan on spending a good part of the day exploring both the seasonal activities and the regular indoor and outdoor play spaces.

Parent tip: Bring socks for the sock skating rink, which costs $6 per person and has limited capacity.

See dates and details from Kidspace Children's Museum (opens in a new tab)

Christmas events for kids in San Fernando

1 confirmed event for kids in San Fernando, soonest first.

San Fernando: Holiday Tree Lighting

Tree lightingFreeCity of San Fernando Parks and Recreation · San Fernando

Host
City of San Fernando Parks and Recreation (opens in a new tab)
Where
Downtown San Fernando, San Fernando, CA 91340 (near Los Angeles)
When
Saturday, December 5, 2026, 5 to 9 pm
Cost
Free photos with Santa
Ages
All ages
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

The City of San Fernando kicks off the season by lighting the downtown holiday tree on Saturday, December 5, 2026, from 5 to 9 pm. The evening includes holiday carols, live performances and entertainment, Santa's Workshop and local vendors.

Santa is scheduled to arrive at 6 pm, and photos with him are free. The city's flyer is printed in both English and Spanish. For questions, the Recreation office can be reached at (818) 898-1290 or Recreation@sfcity.org. Because the celebration is held outdoors in the downtown area in the evening, families may want to bring warm layers and plan on parking a short walk away. This is a good pick for families looking for a free, festive community night with a Santa photo included at no cost.

Parent tip: Plan to be there by 6 pm for Santa's arrival. Santa photos are free.

See dates and details from City of San Fernando Parks and Recreation (opens in a new tab)

Christmas events for kids in Santa Clarita

1 confirmed event for kids in Santa Clarita, soonest first.

Christmas events for kids in Santa Monica

1 confirmed event for kids in Santa Monica, soonest first.

Santa Monica: Children's Holiday Book Fair & Fairview Branch Open House

Holiday craftsFreeSanta Monica Public Library · Santa Monica

Host
Santa Monica Public Library (opens in a new tab)
Where
Fairview Branch Library, 2101 Ocean Park Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90405 (near Los Angeles)
When
Monday, December 7, 2026, 4 to 6:30 pm
Cost
Free
Ages
Ages 0 to 17
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

The Fairview Branch of the Santa Monica Public Library brings back its annual holiday open house on Monday, December 7, 2026. Families can stop in to meet library staff, enjoy treats and join in family-friendly activities.

The highlight is the Children's Holiday Book Fair from 4 to 6:30 pm, when kids and teens ages 0 to 17 are invited to choose four free books for loved ones and then wrap them to give as holiday gifts. The program is supported by the Friends of the Santa Monica Public Library. It is a sweet way for children to practice giving, and it costs nothing. Staff will be on hand all day, so families who cannot make the late afternoon window can still stop by for the open house. Bring the list of people your child wants to shop for so choosing goes quickly.

Parent tip: Come between 4 and 6:30 pm for the free book selection and gift wrapping.

See dates and details from Santa Monica Public Library (opens in a new tab)

Looking further afield? Our California Christmas events for kids guide lists every confirmed event in the state, and we have city guides for San Francisco, San Jose, San Diego and Sacramento. The national search sorts every event by distance from your town.

A story for the drive home

A morning with Santa or an evening of holiday stories tends to end the same way: tired kids, a long drive and one more book before bed. Our picture book follows Rally the corgi on his first train ride to see his grand-paw-rents, and every page is painted by hand. If your family is spending December missing someone, it was written for that too. For the car, print our free corgi and train coloring pages.

Rally Takes the Train book cover: a watercolor corgi peeking from a red train

A bedtime story after seeing SantaRally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi’s first train ride, hand-painted in real watercolor by Leslie Dunn. $16.99 on Amazon, ages 0 to 8.

Buy on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

Los Angeles Christmas events for kids: questions parents ask

What Christmas events for kids are in Los Angeles in 2026?

We confirmed 13 Christmas events for kids in Los Angeles for 2026 on each host’s own page: Winter Frolic in Pasadena (November 6), A Holiday Wonderland Special in Los Angeles (November 14), 25th Annual Christmas at The Grove in Los Angeles (November 16), L.A. Zoo Lights in Los Angeles (November 20), Enchanted Forest of Light in La Cañada Flintridge (November 22), All About the Christmas Tree in Maywood (December 2), Twelfth Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony in La Crescenta (December 2), Holiday Tree Lighting in San Fernando (December 5), Children's Holiday Book Fair & Fairview Branch Open House in Santa Monica (December 7), Winter Family Storytime & Cocoa in Altadena (December 7), Family Gingerbread House Making in Lawndale (December 9), Cookie Decorating in Santa Clarita (December 16) and Holiday Family Storytime in Bellflower (December 16). Every one is listed below with times, cost and a link to the host.

What Christmas events for kids are in Los Angeles, California?

For families in and around Los Angeles, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: A Holiday Wonderland Special (Nov 14 to Jan 17; Sat, Sun and Fri shows, weekdays from early Dec, $25; children 2 and under free); 25th Annual Christmas at The Grove (Mon, Nov 16 (evening), free; parking fees apply); L.A. Zoo Lights (Select evenings, Nov 20 to Jan 10; box office 5:45 to 8:45 pm, tickets from $19; member discounts). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Los Angeles section of this page.

What Christmas events for kids are in Altadena, California?

For families in and around Altadena, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Winter Family Storytime & Cocoa (Mon, Dec 7, 4 to 4:45 pm, free). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Altadena section of this page.

What Christmas events for kids are in Bellflower, California?

For families in and around Bellflower, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Holiday Family Storytime (Wed, Dec 16, 4 to 5 pm, free). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Bellflower section of this page.

What Christmas events for kids are in La Cañada Flintridge, California?

For families in and around La Cañada Flintridge, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Enchanted Forest of Light (Nightly, Nov 22 to Jan 9, 5:30 to 10 pm (closed Nov 26 and Dec 25), child (2 to 12) $19 to $37, adult $29 to $52; under 2 free). Details and the host’s link for each are in the La Cañada Flintridge section of this page.

What Christmas events for kids are in La Crescenta, California?

For families in and around La Crescenta, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Twelfth Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony (Wed, Dec 2, 5:30 to 7:15 pm (magic show from 4:30 pm), free). Details and the host’s link for each are in the La Crescenta section of this page.

What Christmas events for kids are in Lawndale, California?

For families in and around Lawndale, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Family Gingerbread House Making (Wed, Dec 9, 3:30 to 4:30 pm, free). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Lawndale section of this page.

What Christmas events for kids are in Maywood, California?

For families in and around Maywood, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: All About the Christmas Tree (Wed, Dec 2, 4 to 5 pm, free). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Maywood section of this page.

What Christmas events for kids are in Pasadena, California?

For families in and around Pasadena, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Winter Frolic (Daily during museum hours, Nov 6 to Jan 10, included with museum admission; sock skating $6 extra). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Pasadena section of this page.

What Christmas events for kids are in San Fernando, California?

For families in and around San Fernando, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Holiday Tree Lighting (Sat, Dec 5, 5 to 9 pm (Santa at 6 pm), free photos with santa). Details and the host’s link for each are in the San Fernando section of this page.

What Christmas events for kids are in Santa Clarita, California?

For families in and around Santa Clarita, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Cookie Decorating (Wed, Dec 16, 4 to 5 pm, free, while supplies last). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Santa Clarita section of this page.

What Christmas events for kids are in Santa Monica, California?

For families in and around Santa Monica, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Children's Holiday Book Fair & Fairview Branch Open House (Mon, Dec 7, 4 to 6:30 pm, free). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Santa Monica section of this page.

Are there free Christmas events for kids in Los Angeles?

Yes. 9 of the 13 events here are free: 25th Annual Christmas at The Grove in Los Angeles, All About the Christmas Tree in Maywood, Twelfth Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony in La Crescenta, Holiday Tree Lighting in San Fernando, Children's Holiday Book Fair & Fairview Branch Open House in Santa Monica, Winter Family Storytime & Cocoa in Altadena, Family Gingerbread House Making in Lawndale, Cookie Decorating in Santa Clarita and Holiday Family Storytime in Bellflower. Some free events still ask you to register, so check each listing.

Where can kids see Santa in Los Angeles this December?

Santa appears at 25th Annual Christmas at The Grove in Los Angeles (November 16), L.A. Zoo Lights in Los Angeles (November 20) and Holiday Tree Lighting in San Fernando (December 5). Times and booking rules are in each event’s listing above.

Where are there Christmas story times for kids in Los Angeles?

Holiday story times on this page: All About the Christmas Tree in Maywood, Winter Family Storytime & Cocoa in Altadena and Holiday Family Storytime in Bellflower. Library story times are usually free; story times with a meal or show are ticketed.

Which Los Angeles Christmas events are best for toddlers?

These are aimed at babies, toddlers and preschoolers: Children's Holiday Book Fair & Fairview Branch Open House in Santa Monica (Ages 0 to 17) and Winter Family Storytime & Cocoa in Altadena (Ages 0 to 5 and 6 to 11).

Are there kids' Christmas events in Los Angeles on Christmas Eve or after Christmas?

Yes: Winter Frolic in Pasadena (through January 10), A Holiday Wonderland Special in Los Angeles (through January 17), L.A. Zoo Lights in Los Angeles (through January 10) and Enchanted Forest of Light in La Cañada Flintridge (through January 9).

How much is Winter Frolic in Pasadena?

Included with museum admission; sock skating $6 extra. Winter Frolic is on Friday, November 6, 2026 to Sunday, January 10, 2027 (during museum hours; museum closed Nov 26 and Dec 25) at Kidspace Children's Museum. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is A Holiday Wonderland Special in Los Angeles?

$25; children 2 and under free. A Holiday Wonderland Special is on Sat November 14 and Sat December 19 (10:30 am), 2026 at Bob Baker Marionette Theater. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is 25th Annual Christmas at The Grove in Los Angeles?

Free; parking fees apply. 25th Annual Christmas at The Grove is on Monday, November 16, 2026 at The Grove. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is L.A. Zoo Lights in Los Angeles?

Tickets from $19; member discounts. L.A. Zoo Lights is on Friday, November 20, 2026 to Sunday, January 10, 2027 (select evenings; closed Nov 26, 30, Dec 1, 7, 14, 15, 16, 24, 25, 31 and Jan 4 to 7) at Los Angeles Zoo. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Enchanted Forest of Light in La Cañada Flintridge?

Child (2 to 12) $19 to $37, adult $29 to $52; under 2 free. Enchanted Forest of Light is on Sunday, November 22, 2026 to Saturday, January 9, 2027 (nightly; closed Nov 26 and Dec 25), 5:30 to 10 pm at Descanso Gardens. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is All About the Christmas Tree in Maywood?

Free. All About the Christmas Tree is on Wednesday, December 2, 2026, 4 to 5 pm at Maywood Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Twelfth Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony in La Crescenta?

Free. Twelfth Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony is on Wednesday, December 2, 2026, 5:30 to 7:15 pm at La Crescenta Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Holiday Tree Lighting in San Fernando?

Free photos with Santa. Holiday Tree Lighting is on Saturday, December 5, 2026, 5 to 9 pm at Downtown San Fernando. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Children's Holiday Book Fair & Fairview Branch Open House in Santa Monica?

Free. Children's Holiday Book Fair & Fairview Branch Open House is on Monday, December 7, 2026, 4 to 6:30 pm at Fairview Branch Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Winter Family Storytime & Cocoa in Altadena?

Free. Winter Family Storytime & Cocoa is on Monday, December 7, 2026, 4 to 4:45 pm at Bob Lucas Memorial Library & Literacy Center. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Family Gingerbread House Making in Lawndale?

Free. Family Gingerbread House Making is on Wednesday, December 9, 2026, 3:30 to 4:30 pm at Lawndale Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Cookie Decorating in Santa Clarita?

Free, while supplies last. Cookie Decorating is on Wednesday, December 16, 2026, 4 to 5 pm at Valencia Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Holiday Family Storytime in Bellflower?

Free. Holiday Family Storytime is on Wednesday, December 16, 2026, 4 to 5 pm at Clifton M. Brakensiek Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

Are there Christmas train rides for kids in Los Angeles?

Yes, but they have their own guide. Santa trains and holiday train rides are listed in our Los Angeles Christmas train rides guide, so this page sticks to story times, Santa visits and other events off the rails.

How do you confirm these events?

We list an event only after we find this season’s date on the host’s own website or an official city or tourism calendar. We last checked every listing on November 2, 2026. Hosts change details, so always confirm on the host’s page before you go.

Event names belong to their hosts. Rally Takes the Train is a family picture book and is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by any host listed here. Confirm dates, times and prices on each host’s own site before you go.

Kelsey Cecil
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Christmas Events for Kids in Houston (2026)
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