All About LA Guide to LA

Best Places to See Holiday Lights & Decorated Malls in LA 2023

things to do in la december: santas workshop the grove

The Grove Los Angeles

Walking around and looking at beautiful Christmas and holiday lights is some of the best quality time you’ll get around this festive time of year. You might want a night out with the kiddos or maybe your beau, but if you’re going to go see lights in Los Angeles, you’ll want to see the best of the best. Here are the 9 best places to see holiday lights and decorated malls in LA

Harbeck Lights|Pasadena

Friendly crowds gather at Pasadena’s famous neighborhood light shows from 5:30PM to 10:00PM all throughout December 2 to January 2nd! Harbeck Lights has been an LA local staple for years, and has been featured on ABC 7 News for awards of the best holiday light shows. Start at 1215 Tropical Ave. and work your way up the hill to the larger houses that have more lights and decorations. You can walk around or drive through, but if you do choose to drive through, make sure to tune in to 99.1 FM to hear the music for the light shows!

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Venice Canals|Venice

Since people usually look at these beautifully decorated houses at the Venice Canals on foot or from a boat, parking can be tough so plan to come early. Don’t imagine Venice Beach when you think of the Venice Canals because it is a whole different world. The houses and bridges are laced in lights that reflect off the canals. You’ll want to start at Dell Avenue and work your way around the canals from there.

Christmas Tree Lane|Altadena

On top of our tall, iconic palm trees, we Angelenos are spoiled with giant cedars as well. Christmas Tree Lane looks straight out of Pinterest or a holiday postcard. You’ll find these beautifully decorated trees on Santa Rosa Avenue between Woodbury Avenue and Altadena Drive. Lights are on everyday from 5:30 ’til midnight

 

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Candy Cane Lane|Woodland Hills

For more than six decades, Candy Cane Lane has been the holiday thing to do out in Woodland Hills. It consists of eight cheerful blocks around Lubao Street and Oxnard Street. One of our favorite decorations we’ve seen so far is a train made to look like the Polar Express in someone’s front lawn (talk about holiday dedication)! Candy Cane Lane has grown very popular the last couple decades so be prepared to come right after sunset to avoid 1+ hour wait times!

 

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Sleepy Hollow Christmas Lights|Torrance on PCH

Sleepy Hollow, also known as “Seaside Lights”, is the LA beachside version of Candy Cane Lane open until 10:45PM. To avoid traffic, plan to be there by sundown at around 5:00PM. Our best advice is to park a few blocks away and walk up Robert Rd from Pacific Coast Highway. 

 

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The Village at Westfield Topanga

Not only is the Village of Topanga gigantic, it’s also filled with the best holiday cheer. Get your tickets here for all kinds of holiday events such as Breakfast with Santa at the Neiman Marcus Cafe, riding on Santa’s Trolley, and getting to cuddle with puppies

Westfield Century City

It’s only right for LA’s famous go-to mall to have the best holiday lights and decorations! Get your ticket for $75 and stop by Fridays through Sundays at Santa’s Bungalow. One ticket includes up to 6 attendees, and gives you the chance to visit Santa’s Backyard, meet Mrs. Claus and get special treats from her bakery, and also a photo-op with Santa that you can send out as postcards. On top of the interactive North Pole experience with Santa, the entire mall is decorated with lights, snow, and Christmas trees.

 

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The Americana At Brand|Glendale

Experience a magical visit to Santa’s House from November 13 to December 25! Enjoy photo ops with Santa and special treats from the jolliest man this season. They also have nightly snowfall until Christmas Day at 7PM and 8PM!

The Grove|Beverly-Fairfax

This LA classic needs no introduction. Since The Americana and The Grove are owned by the same company, the Grove has similar events to The Americana such as Santa’s House and magical snowfall every night.

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Grab a hot drink to take along with you to these holiday festivities with one of the Best Hot Chocolates in LA!