Christmas wishes for in-laws USA families love to send at the holidays carry warmth, gratitude, and a little American cheer. Whether you are writing to your mother-in-law in Texas, your father-in-law in Ohio, or your brother-in-law and sister-in-law across the country, the right words can make the family dinner feel even closer. This list brings together heartfelt, funny, and short messages made for American homes, snowy mornings, and long drives home for Christmas. In-laws become family in the truest sense at Christmas. They welcome you to the table, share treasured recipes, cheer for the same football team, and help trim the tree. A thoughtful wish thanks them for that welcome and tells them how much their love means through the year. Use these 45 wishes in a card, a text, a holiday letter, or a toast at the table. Pick one that fits your family, add a personal line about a shared memory, and send it early so it arrives before the turkey is carved and the eggnog is poured. Last up...
Los Angeles might not have snow-covered streets, but Christmas in Los Angeles is one of the most magical holiday experiences in America. With daytime highs in the mid-60s, palm trees wrapped in twinkling lights, and everything from beachside surf Santas to world-class light displays, the City of Angels celebrates the season in its own uniquely sunny style. Whether you're a local looking for new traditions or a visitor spending the holidays in Southern California, there's something for everyone here.
This 2026 guide rounds up the 15 best things to do at Christmas in Los Angeles, from iconic light displays like the Enchanted Forest of Light at Descanso Gardens and LA Zoo Lights to neighborhood gems like Candy Cane Lane in El Segundo. We've also included sunny-day activities you can't do anywhere else, the best Christmas markets, family attractions, festive shows and parades, and practical tips for making the most of a Southern California holiday.
Last updated: September 22, 2026
Jump to: Light Displays | Sunny Outdoor Activities | Markets & Shopping | Family Fun, Shows & Parades | Planning Tips | FAQ
Spectacular Christmas Light Displays in Los Angeles
LA's holiday light scene rivals anywhere in the country — bigger budgets, longer evenings of warm weather, and creativity that only Hollywood could inspire. These five displays are worth planning your December around.
1. Enchanted Forest of Light at Descanso Gardens
The gold standard of LA holiday lights. This mile-long nighttime walk through Descanso Gardens in La Cañada Flintridge turns the botanical gardens into a glowing wonderland of light tunnels, laser effects, and illuminated sculptures. Tickets sell out fast, so book early in December.
2. LA Zoo Lights
Griffith Park's beloved tradition returns with animal-themed light displays, glowing walkways, and festive photo ops. A family favorite that's easier on the wallet than many ticketed displays.
3. Candy Cane Lane, El Segundo
For over 70 years, this Torrance-area neighborhood has gone all-out with synchronized lights and elaborate yard displays. Free to drive or walk through — arrive early in December to beat the crowds.
4. Naples Canals Boat Parade Lights
Long Beach's Naples Canals neighborhood strings its waterfront homes in lights, and the annual boat parade (usually early December) is pure Southern California magic: decorated boats cruising past glowing canalside houses.
5. The Grove's Christmas Tree & Santa House
The Grove's towering Christmas tree is LA's answer to Rockefeller Center. Pair it with shopping, the Santa House, and the nightly tree lighting for a classic holiday evening.
Sunny Christmas Activities Only LA Can Offer
Why fake winter when you can have a 65-degree Christmas? These outdoor activities lean into the Southern California holiday vibe.
6. Surfing Santa at Seal Beach or Hermosa Beach
Each December, hundreds of surfers in Santa hats and full Santa suits paddle out at local beaches. It's the most LA Christmas photo op there is — arrive early for parking.
7. Marina del Rey Holiday Boat Parade
One of the oldest holiday boat parades in the country (running since 1962), the Marina del Rey parade fills the harbor with brilliantly lit boats, fireworks, and waterfront viewing parties.
8. Christmas Day Beach Walk
Santa Monica, Venice, and Malibu beaches are blissfully uncrowded on Christmas morning. Pack a thermos of cocoa, walk the sand, and watch the winter surf roll in.
9. Pershing Square Ice Rink
Yes, you can ice skate outdoors in downtown LA. Pershing Square's seasonal rink runs through the holidays with skate rentals and skyline views — proof that Christmas and sunshine can coexist.
Christmas Markets & Festive Shopping
From luxury boulevards to European-style markets, LA does holiday shopping with flair.
10. Rodeo Drive Holiday Lighting & Shopping
Beverly Hills' famous boulevard goes all-out with holiday décor, twinkling lights, and window displays. Even window shopping here feels like an event in December.
11. Unique LA Christmas Market
Held each December, this curated market features hundreds of independent makers and designers selling handmade gifts — the best spot for gifts you can't find anywhere else.
Family Attractions, Shows & Parades
Holiday entertainment in LA goes big — theme parks, classic performances, and parades included.
12. Universal Studios Hollywood Grinchmas
Who-ville comes to life at Universal with the Grinch, Max, tree lightings, and a Who-bilation celebration. A must for families visiting in December.
13. Disneyland Holiday Season
A short drive away, Disneyland's holiday overlay — "it's a small world" Holiday, the Christmas Fantasy Parade, and snowfall on Main Street — is the gold standard of theme-park Christmas.
14. The Nutcracker at the Music Center
The Los Angeles Ballet and other companies perform The Nutcracker across the city each December. The Music Center's production is the grandest ticket in town.
15. Hollywood Christmas Parade
Stars, marching bands, and larger-than-life balloons wind down Hollywood and Sunset Boulevards. The parade traditionally supports Toys for Tots, so bring a new unwrapped toy.
Planning Tips for Christmas in Los Angeles
- Book lights early: ticketed displays like Enchanted Forest of Light sell out weeks ahead — buy tickets in late November.
- Layer up: days are mild but December evenings dip into the 40s. Bring a jacket for night displays.
- Traffic is real: give yourself extra time getting to evening events; holiday traffic around The Grove and Beverly Hills is intense.
- Free options abound: Candy Cane Lane, Rodeo Drive lights, and Christmas beach walks cost nothing.
- Check event dates: parades and market dates shift each year — confirm on official sites before you go.
FAQs About Christmas in Los Angeles
What is the weather like in Los Angeles at Christmas?
Typically sunny with highs in the mid-60s°F (around 18°C) and cool evenings in the 40s–50s. Rain is possible but uncommon — pack layers and a light jacket for evenings.
Does it snow in Los Angeles at Christmas?
Essentially never in the city itself. Snow falls in the nearby San Gabriel Mountains, and places like Disneyland create artificial "snowfall" effects. For real snow, head to Big Bear, about two hours away.
What is the best time to see Christmas lights in LA?
Most displays run from late November through early January. Weeknights in early-to-mid December have the smallest crowds; the week between Christmas and New Year's is the busiest.
What free Christmas things can you do in Los Angeles?
Plenty: drive Candy Cane Lane, stroll Rodeo Drive's holiday lights, walk any beach on Christmas morning, watch the Marina del Rey boat parade from public viewing spots, and visit The Grove's tree.
Where can you ice skate outdoors in Los Angeles at Christmas?
Pershing Square in downtown LA hosts a seasonal outdoor rink, and several other pop-up rinks appear across the city each December (check for rinks in Santa Monica and Long Beach too).
Is Christmas a good time to visit Los Angeles?
Absolutely — mild weather, festive events everywhere, and smaller theme-park crowds than summer make December one of the best months to visit, as long as you book lights and shows early.
More Christmas Inspiration
Keep exploring the holiday season with these guides:
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