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Forget the reindeer, Santa is paddling! Photo courtesy of Ventura Harbor Village
Forget the reindeer, Santa is paddling! Photo courtesy of Ventura Harbor Village
12/20/24 - By Toby B

Looking for the best things to do in Los Angeles Christmas weekend? Here are some events and activities to add to your list for this holiday weekend.

Merry Christmas weekend, folks! The gift to us all in 2024 has been the many things to do in Los Angeles with holiday activities, light shows, Nutcrackers, and theme park celebrations everywhere you turn. A few suggestions sure to make spirits bright over Christmas weekend: the magnificent Newport Beach Boat Parade, the holiday version of the Warner Brother Studio Tour which puts a seasonal spin on the Gilmore Girls' Stars Hollow, Las Posadas, the nightly free reenactment of Mary and Joseph's journey to Bethlehem; and the Los Angeles Ballet's stunning production of The Nutcracker in Hollywood. 

And our gift to you is a ticket giveaway! We’re giving away a family four-pack of tickets to The Wiggles Bouncing Balls! Tour Giveaway. You can enter to win by signing up for our newsletter here. 

However you choose to celebrate, happy holidays from all of us at Mommy Poppins! 

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The Annual LA County Holiday Celebration takes place on Christmas Eve. Photo courtesy of the Music Center
The Annual LA County Holiday Celebration takes place on Christmas Eve. Photo courtesy of the Music Center

Best Things To Do Christmas Weekend in Los Angeles

Warner Brother Studio Tour - Holidays Made Here

Burbank
Starts Wednesday, December 18, 2024
The Warner Brothers Studio Tour is getting dressed up in its holiday finest! From December 18 through january 5, guests on the tour can immerse themselves in cinematic holiday magic. This year's event expands the Gilmore Girls theming, as the iconic back lot is transformed into Stars Hollow, Connecticut from the show.  Highlights include photo ops at the Stars Hollow gazebo, Luke’s Diner, and Doose’s Market. Guests can enjoy a cup of Scotty P’s Big Mug Coffee from Luke’s Diner, and taste treats ranging from Pop-Tarts to delicious pastries (available... READ MORE

Newport Beach Boat Parade

Newport Beach - FREE
Wednesday - Sunday, December 18 - 22, 2024
A Christmastime tradition celebrating its 116th year, the country's oldest boat parade sets the harbor alight for five consecutive nights. Beautifully decorated yachts, boats, kayaks, and canoes flow to a holiday theme. READ MORE

62nd Cruise of Lights

Huntington Beach - FREE
Wednesday - Monday, December 18 - 23, 2024
The annual Huntington Harbour Cruise of Lights rings in the season with its annual inverse boat parade in which the boat sails past an array of fully decked out and impressive homes in the harbor. READ MORE

Los Angeles Ballet's The Nutcracker at the Dolby

Hollywood
Starts Thursday, December 19, 2024
Los Angeles Ballet's production of The Nutcracker is a classic with a distinctly Southern California twist. In this production, set pieces are designed to mimic beloved landmarks and trademarks of Southern California, while the ballet stays true to Tchaikovsky's iconic score.  READ MORE

Disney on Ice: Magic in the Stars (Crypto.com)

DTLA
Thursday - Sunday, December 19 - 22, 2024
The shining stars are on the ice in the latest Disney on Ice show. Disney on Ice: Magic in the Stars features 56 favorite Disney characters, including Mirabel, Woody and Buzz, Tiana, Moana and more.  READ MORE

Santa Paddle 2024

Ventura - FREE
Saturday, December 21, 2024
Christmas characters go for a paddle in the Ventura Harbor! Dress up as Mrs. Claus, Santa Claus, elves, reindeer, or another holiday classic and paddle around the harbor- or watch from the docks. Santa leads this festive float, starting at 11am. The event is free to observe from the Ventura Harbor Village. The best dressed Santa wins a prize!  READ MORE

Holiday Celebration at the Long Beach Towne Center

Long Beach - FREE
Saturday, December 21, 2024
Long Beach Towne Center holds its annual Christmas extravaganza. There will be kids crafts, balloon twisters, face painters, Santa, and snow.  READ MORE

El Monte Toy Giveaway

El Monte - FREE
Saturday, December 21, 2024
Santa Claus has some new helpers this year: the El Monte Police Department! At the Annual Christmas Toy Giveaway, children under 13 can pick and take 2 toys. First come first serve, while supplies last. Children must be present to receive toys. READ MORE

Santa Snacks and Stories

Pasadena - FREE
Saturday, December 21, 2024
Stories and snacks, just what was on our wish list! One Colorado and Santa Claus host an enchanting afternoon filled with festive fun and holiday cheer. The fun takes place in the ONE Colorado Courtyard near Sage.  READ MORE

Polar Bear Plunge

Thousand Oaks
Saturday, December 21, 2024
So Cal residents can experience a brief winter chill - by jumping into ridiculously cold water! Conejo RPD's Polar Bear Plunge starts with a 1.5 mile hike up Mountclef Ridge and end with a chilling plunge into the Community Pool at CLU. READ MORE

Home Alone in Concert

DTLA
Saturday & Sunday, December 21 & 22, 2024
Merry Christmas, ya filthy animals. Home Alone screens at the Walt Disney Concert Hall, with John Williams' score peformed live-to-film by the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra. READ MORE

Holiday in Harmony Community Festival

Mid-Wilshire - FREE
Sunday, December 22, 2024
The Council District 5 Community Holiday Festival is a free celebration of the holiday season. The wintery fun includes snow slides and a rock wall for all ages. Families are invited to enjoy live musical performances, and holiday Arts & Crafts for Hanukkah, Christmas, and Kwanzaa. READ MORE

It's a Wonderful Life (Egyptian Theatre)

Hollywood
Sunday & Tuesday, December 22 & 24, 2024
Christmas just isn't Christmas without at least one round of It's a Wonderful Life; The newly reopened Egyptian Theatre offers a chance to catch Jimmy Stewart lifting our hearts on the big screen. READ MORE

65th Annual LA County Holiday Celebration

DTLA - FREE
Tuesday, December 24, 2024
Choirs, music ensembles, and dance companies from the many neighborhoods and cultures of LA celebrate the season during this free, three-hour extravaganza. READ MORE

Fiddler On the Roof Sing-Along

Multiple Locations
Tuesday, December 24, 2024
Without our traditions, our lives would be as shaky as a fiddler on the roof. With this in mind, select Laemmle Theaters offer an alternative Christmas Eve tradition: the annual Fiddler On the Roof sing-along. Costumes welcome!   READ MORE

Las Posadas

DTLA - FREE
Now through Tuesday, December 24, 2024
A reenactment of Mary and Joseph's search for a room at the inn is presented by the Olvera Street merchants, their families, and friends. Visitors are encouraged to join the nightly candlelight processions and Christmas carol singing in Spanish and English. READ MORE

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