Your Ultimate Guide to 2025 Holiday Events in Southern California (Updated)

The best 2025 holiday events in Southern California: theme parks, lights, festivals, and beachside holiday magic across SoCal.

Southern California doesn’t “do winter”—it reinvents it.

Where else can you see palm trees wrapped in twinkling lights, stroll beachside holiday markets, watch parades float down historic avenues, and witness theme parks transform into full-scale winter wonderlands, all without ever putting on a snow boot?

In 2025, holiday events in Southern California expand across Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego, and beyond, offering a kaleidoscope of immersive experiences, cultural celebrations, and dazzling nighttime displays.

Whether you’re a SoCal local ready to refresh your seasonal traditions or a warm-weather traveler craving sunshine with a side of holiday magic, the 2025 holiday events in Southern California promise a festive season unlike anywhere else in the world.

Disneyland Resort – Holidays at the Happiest Place on Earth

Disneyland’s holiday season remains the gold standard for West Coast magic, and Holidays at Disneyland Resort 2025 is set to be one of the biggest yet. Expect new parade floats, an expanded World of Color – Season of Light, and updated overlays for it’s a small world Holiday and Haunted Mansion Holiday.

“Every year, we reimagine traditions,” says a Disneyland show director. “Disneyland is where nostalgia and innovation meet.”

Location: Anaheim, CA
Website: https://disneyland.disney.go.com/
Contact: (714) 781-4636

Crowds are huge—go early or go midweek.

Universal Studios Hollywood – Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

At Universal Studios, Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter brings festive décor, nightly snowfall in Hogsmeade, seasonal treats, and the breathtaking “Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle” projection show. The 2025 edition includes new interactive wand spells and exclusive holiday entertainment.

Location: Universal City, CA
Website: https://www.universalstudioshollywood.com/
Contact: (800) 864-8377

A must-see for Potter fans and anyone craving cinematic holiday vibes.

LA Zoo Lights: Animals Aglow

The Los Angeles Zoo transforms into a dreamlike nocturnal landscape with glowing sculptures, LED tunnels, and illuminated wildlife scenes. LA Zoo Lights 2025 adds a reimagined rainforest path and new animated lantern installations.

Location: 5333 Zoo Dr., Los Angeles, CA
Website: https://www.lazoo.org/
Contact: (323) 644-4200

Beautiful, unexpected, and perfect for families and date nights.

Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade

Dubbed “the nation’s longest-running lighted boat parade,” the Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade turns the harbor into a floating festival. Yachts, sailboats, and electric boats decked out in extravagant holiday displays glide across the water to themed music.

Location: Newport Beach, CA
Website: https://www.christmasboatparade.com/
Contact: (949) 729-4400

Find a waterfront restaurant, grab a cocktail, and watch the show drift by.

Griffith Park Holiday Train Ride

Perfect for younger families, the Griffith Park Holiday Train Ride offers a charming nighttime rail journey through tunnels of lights and whimsical scenes. The 2025 version expands its holiday village with new characters and interactive décor.

Location: 4400 Crystal Springs Dr., Los Angeles, CA
Website: https://www.griffithparktrainrides.com/
Contact: (323) 662-9678

Simple, nostalgic holiday fun at its finest.

Mission Inn Festival of Lights – Riverside

A SoCal classic, the Mission Inn Festival of Lights decorates the historic hotel with over 5 million lights, animated displays, horse-drawn carriages, and nightly entertainment. The 2025 event will spotlight new themed wings and projection mapping across the hotel façade.

Location: 3649 Mission Inn Ave., Riverside, CA
Website: https://www.missioninn.com/
Contact: (951) 784-0300

Go early in the season—weekends get packed.

SeaWorld San Diego – Christmas Celebration

SeaWorld’s annual celebration includes holiday shows, live entertainment, meet-and-greets with holiday characters, and millions of lights sparkling across the park. SeaWorld 2025 introduces a new orca-inspired light show and themed waterfront dining.

Location: 500 SeaWorld Dr., San Diego, CA
Website: https://seaworld.com/san-diego/
Contact: (619) 222-4732

A top choice for families—especially with little ones.

Holidays at the Hotel del Coronado

San Diego’s iconic beachside hotel transforms into a winter wonderland with beachfront ice skating, luxury holiday dining, themed light shows, and lavish decorations. The 2025 holiday theme is rumored to incorporate vintage California glam.

Location: 1500 Orange Ave., Coronado, CA
Website: https://hoteldel.com/
Contact: (619) 435-6611

Skating by the ocean? Only in Southern California.

Dodgers Holiday Festival – Los Angeles

The Dodger Stadium outfield becomes a sprawling holiday festival with ice skating, light displays, themed food, and photo ops. The 2025 festival brings player-themed activations, augmented reality displays, and a new holiday fireworks finale.

Location: 1000 Vin Scully Ave., Los Angeles, CA
Website: https://www.mlb.com/dodgers/
Contact: (866) 363-4377

A home run for baseball fans and families.

San Diego Zoo – Jungle Bells

The San Diego Zoo’s annual Jungle Bells celebration delivers glowing decorations, animal-themed light sculptures, musical performances, and special nighttime keeper talks. 2025 Jungle Bells introduces a new rainforest lantern walk and immersive soundscapes.

Location: 2920 Zoo Dr., San Diego, CA
Website: https://sandiegozoo.org/
Contact: (619) 231-1515

Educational, fun, and undeniably charming.

Why 2025 Holiday Events in Southern California Are Bigger, Brighter & Warmer Than Ever

Southern California thrives during the holidays because it marries sunshine with spectacle. There’s no snow, but there is creativity—lots of it. The 2025 holiday events in Southern California highlight everything the region does best: immersive theme park magic, beachside festivals, garden light installations, culturally diverse celebrations, and community experiences built for all ages.

This is a place where Santa surfs, palm trees glow, downtowns sparkle, and holiday joy spreads from the coast to the mountains. SoCal’s festive season isn’t about tradition—it’s about reinvention. And in 2025, the region is doubling down on experiences that feel joyful, cinematic, and unmistakably Californian.

Why You Must Experience 2025 Holiday Events in Southern California

Make the Most of 2025 Holiday Events in Southern California

Whether you’re planning a winter getaway or curating the ultimate local holiday bucket list, the 2025 holiday events in Southern California guarantee a season full of sunshine, spectacle, and unforgettable memories. From glittering boat parades and immersive zoo nights to iconic theme park celebrations and dazzling hotel light displays, Southern California proves once again that holiday magic doesn’t need snow—it just needs imagination.

The best 2025 holiday events in Southern California: theme parks, lights, festivals, and beachside holiday magic across SoCal.