If you’re thinking about planning a trip to the states to celebrate Christmas, there are plenty of things to do in California in 2023 that you won’t want to miss! From Santa’s Village to Universal Studios Hollywood to a Marina del Rey Holiday Boat Parade, there’s something for everyone to enjoy!
Los Angeles Master Chorale
The Los Angeles Master Chorale is a dynamic and vibrant cultural treasure. It is a resident choir at the Walt Disney Concert Hall, a place that has a long history in the world of music. Their performances have been called the “painfully beautiful” and “the musical magic of Los Angeles”.
This year they are performing two different shows. One is a traditional holiday show, and the other is a more experimental one. They also have a new five-year plan for diversity in their choral music programming. As a result of this, more than half of their future seasons will be reserved for works by composers who are not currently represented in the choral canon.
During this special night, there will be a variety of festive and entertaining music ensembles and dance troupes, and the concert will be free to attend. However, if you are interested in getting a closer look at the choral arts, there are VIP on-stage tickets available.
Santa’s Holiday Train
Santa’s Holiday Train is a unique train ride. It offers passengers a chance to meet Santa and experience the magic of the season. The ride is free, and you’re sure to enjoy the holiday lights and entertainment along the way.
In addition to a visit from Santa, you’ll have a chance to view the festive decorations on board. During the journey, you’ll hear the story of the Polar Express and enjoy hot cocoa, cookies, and other sweet treats.
If you’re looking for a fun family outing, the Santa’s Holiday Train in California is a great choice. You’ll have a chance to see the lights of the Bay Area and enjoy delicious treats. This event is also perfect for children, as they’ll get to write their wish list and have their pictures taken with Santa.
You can choose between a round trip or a longer tour. Each journey lasts about an hour, and you’ll have plenty of time to relax and have a good time.
South Coast Botanic Garden’s Astra Lumina
Astra Lumina is an enchanted night walk at South Coast Botanic Garden in California. The display is part of a month-long event. Thousands of lights are installed throughout the garden. In addition to the main show, the Garden also hosts an event called Flamboyance, which is a 100 animal topiary display.
As one of the largest botanical gardens in the world, the South Coast Botanic Garden is the perfect setting for an evening light show. The exhibit is accompanied by a soundtrack featuring an original musical score. The Lumina Enchanted Night Walk at the Garden is a one-mile journey through the Garden.
The garden features several plant collections, including the Dorothy and John Bohannon Rose Garden, Tropical Butterflies in the butterfly pavilion, and more. Additionally, the Garden has five miles of trails to explore. Its 87-acre horticultural habitat is a lush and botanical oasis.
There are plenty of other after-dark botanical garden shows in Los Angeles. One of the most popular is LA Zoo Lights, which features towering trees, blooming flowers, and a large assortment of lantern sculptures. However, the show has its faults, such as not being a good option for people who have mobility issues.
Marina del Rey Holiday Boat Parade
The Marina del Rey Holiday Boat Parade is a great way to celebrate the winter holidays. It takes place on the main channel of the marina, and it is an excellent way to get out and enjoy the festive sights, sounds and smells of the season. This year’s parade is scheduled to take place on Saturday, December 10.
While you’re waiting for the parade to kick off, head over to the Marina Park for some nautical fun. You can enjoy a game of whiffle ball or a stroll through the sailboat-themed playground. If you’re looking to eat, there are several eateries within the public viewing areas.
To keep your fingers warm, bring along a couple of pairs of gloves. Also, wear layers. Bring along a warm, insulated coat, and some winter hats and mittens.
For the best view of the boat parade, head over to Burton Chace Park. Located just off of the main channel, this area is a nice spot to watch the show. Along with the boats, you’ll find a variety of other attractions including live music, food vendors, and a number of other activities.
Knott’s Berry Farm
If you’re planning to visit California this Christmas 2023, don’t miss the chance to enjoy some of the country’s best holiday events. From ice skating to Santa’s Village, you’re sure to find something for the whole family.
Santa’s Speedway Christmas Lights Experience is an immersive winter experience. With interactive features, you can build your own sleigh, play with lights, and take a train ride to the North Pole. The experience will be the largest in the Southland.
The Christmas Crafts Village is a great place to find holiday gifts. This is also an opportunity to catch live performances of classic Christmas carols. Plus, there’s plenty of holiday food to sample. There’s even an outdoor ice rink on Main Street, pedestrian mall.
You can also check out Riverside’s Mission Inn Holiday Event. It’s one of Southern California’s best-loved winter festivals. At this event, you can see thousands of lights and listen to live music.
Pasadena’s South Lake Avenue HOLIDAYFEST
Pasadena’s South Lake Avenue is a shopping, dining, and entertainment destination. Its community-wide celebrations are long-standing. This year, you can enjoy a variety of festive activities, including HOLIDAYFEST! Presented by the South Lake Business Association.
HolidayFest will feature a diverse mix of free live musical performances. Enjoy musical performances by Quitapenas, an Afro-Latin jazz combo, and Dreaming of You, a Selena tribute band. The event also features a holiday artisan market at the Commons, as well as cooking demonstrations by artisan makers.
Visitors can enjoy the Garden of Lights, a one-mile illuminated trail that features dazzling artistic installations and color. A star tunnel, Cathedral of Light, and Fire Garden also add to the holiday ambiance. There are several parking lots around the main area.
For children, the Teen Zone offers a space to create art and listen to music. In addition, the event will include a visit from Santa Claus and a toy giveaway for ages 0-17.
Universal Studios Hollywood
It’s not too late to take part in the festivities at Universal Studios Hollywood during the holidays. The popular theme park offers many holiday events that are included in the admission price. Guests can enjoy a variety of seasonal treats, seasonal food, and live entertainment.
One of the most popular holiday events is the annual tree lighting ceremony in the Hollywood Grove. This celebration is held on select nights and features entertainment, including a capella music sets and a Christmas-themed dining experience.
Universal CityWalk will be dressed for the holiday season with a 40-foot Christmas tree and festive decorations. In addition to this, the area will have DJ holiday sets and nightly menorah lightings.
At the end of the day, visitors can take the tram ride to experience the magic of Universal Studios Hollywood. During the ride, guests will get to see sets from films such as Jaws and War of the Worlds.
Santa’s Village
Santa’s Village is an amusement park located outside Lake Arrowhead. The park is a family-friendly destination, offering a variety of activities to keep your kids busy for hours.
It offers several rides, including the Northwoods Express train ride. The four-car train travels on a loop through the Santa’s Village. The ride also features a gemstone mining feature. This ride is the perfect activity for a young family, and provides incredible views of the park.
Another fun attraction is the Skypark. A large portion of the park is actually an adventure playground, offering a number of attractions including a climbing wall, zip line, bike trails, and an ice cream parlor. There is also a puppet theater, music venue, and a special concert venue.
Santa’s Village is open from November 17 to January 8. During the Christmas season, the park transforms into a Christmas wonderland. Guests can take a ride on the NorthWoods Express, meet Santa Claus, and see the lights. You can also visit Santa’s house, watch the parade, and try out the ice skating rink.
Home Alone screening at Walt Disney Concert Hall
Home Alone is a holiday classic, and now, you can see the movie as a live concert at the Walt Disney Concert Hall. It’s a full screening of the film accompanied by a live orchestra performing John Williams’ quintessential score. You can purchase tickets online, or by calling the box office. Tickets range from $94 for a Terrace seat to $192 for a Front Orchestra seat.
The Home Alone in Concert is a special event presented by the Los Angeles Philharmonic. This is a three night event that includes a holiday sing-along. Attendees will also get a sneak peek at John Williams’ signature score. Ticket sales are fast and furious, so be sure to get yours while they last.
For a limited number of performances, the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra and conductor David Newman will perform a live-to-picture performance of John Williams’ iconic score. They will also perform a few other Christmas-themed songs – the Christmas music of the season, to be exact.https://www.youtube.com/embed/H4d5RhdjGaE
