It may not feel much like Christmas in L.A. by accounts of the weather, but when the sun sets and the twinkle lights turn on, it’s a pleasant reminder. Whether you’re in full holiday mode or could use a little more cheer, we’ve rounded up our favorite holiday light displays in L.A. that are sure to get you in the spirit.
Candy Cane Lane
A neighborhood tradition for more than 60 years, Candy Cane Lane sees some eight square blocks in Woodland Hills transformed into a Christmas wonderland with lights and decorations that would put Clark Griswold’s over-the-top Christmas Vacation light display to shame. The lights are located at the intersection of Lubao and Oxnard Streets and last through the end of the year.
Venice Canals
It’s fun to roam around the historic Venice canals any time of year, but the holidays bring an added draw. Each year local residents decorate their homes and nearby bridges in dazzling light displays that bring endless holiday cheer to the sleepy seaside neighborhood, making for a lovely walk after a decadent meal on Abbott Kinney.
El Segundo Candy Cane Lane
Lookout Woodland Hills, there’s another Candy Cane Lane in town. This South Bay neighborhood light display has been a tradition since 1949, with 26 homes on the 1200 block of East Acacia sure to dazzle. It’s also one of the few displays that requires motorists to ditch their cars and take in the sights on foot.
Christmas Tree Lane
This annual Christmas spectacle in Altadena brings thousands of visitors each year to see the majestic deodar cedar trees on Santa Rosa Avenue decorated in 10,000 lights. The event already kicked off with the traditional lighting ceremony (now in its 96th year!), but it’s still worth the drive to see these grand trees all aglow before the year’s end.
L.A. Zoo Lights
Lights out for the animals means lights on for you at L.A. Zoo. Now celebrating its 50th year, L.A. Zoo Lights brings a dazzling wonderland of holiday lights and decor to the zoo, including an LED monkey-themed Christmas tree, disco ball forest, twinkling tunnel, and of course, Santa and his reindeer. Open now through Jan 8, 6-10 pm nightly. Purchase tickets on the L.A. Zoo Lights website.
Enchanted: Forest Of Light
If you’re not one for holiday kitsch, checkout the interactive nighttime program at Descanso Gardens. Ten artful, illuminated installations are featured throughout the botanical garden grounds—with not a Santa or reindeer in sight! And if all that walking stirs up an appetite, Maple, Descanso Gardens’ new and much touted brunch spot offers pop-up dinner service through the holiday season. For more information visit Descanso Gardens’ website.
