Uncover the Magic of December in California with Your Family

Northern California

In the redwoods of Northern California, the holiday drive-thru experience is a sight to behold. From December 8th to 18th in Occidental, families can immerse themselves in the festive spirit. The Glowfari at the Oakland Zoo is another highlight, running through January 26th and illuminating the night with its lantern festival. And don't forget about the beach! Boardwalk Winter Wonderland at Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk brings holiday cheer by the shore. With free, real-time updates from Patch, you'll always know what's happening across California.

See America's tallest living Christmas Tree in Ferndale, where volunteer firefighters deck it with colored lights on December 1st. San Francisco also comes alive during the holiday season with Illuminate SF's Festival of Light. From December until the end of January, dozens of site-specific light artworks from around the world adorn the city. And for a festive boat parade, Winterfest Sausalito's Lighted Boat Parade and Fireworks on December 14th lights up the Northern California coastline.

Central California

In Santa Maria, the Christmas in the Country Drive-Through Light Show is set to open on December 6th and run on Fridays and Saturdays through Christmas Eve. Solvang's Danish-style holiday celebration from November 30th to January 5th features a tree lighting celebration, parade, carolers, and more. At San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden, Nature Nights returns with a holiday light experience covering over 8 acres. Families can also enjoy complimentary carriage rides in Santa Ynez on November 30th, December 5th, December 7th, and December 14th.

The 38th annual Parade of Lights at Santa Barbara Harbor on December 8th lights up the Central California coastline. It's a sight that truly captures the holiday spirit.

Southern California

The Mission Inn Hotel and Spa's Festival of Lights in Southern California is a must-see, with over 10 million dazzling lights running through January 6th. At Universal Studios Hollywood, Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter from November 30th to January 6th brings the magic of Harry Potter to life. A Very Furry Christmas at Sesame Place in Chula Vista from November 30th to January 5th features Elmo and other Sesame Street friends.

The Grinchmas at Universal Plaza in Universal Studios Hollywood from November 30th to January 6th is another favorite, as is Disney Festival of Holidays at Disneyland Resort from November 30th to January 6th, offering festive food and multicultural performances. SeaWorld San Diego's Christmas Celebration from November 30th to January 5th includes Mrs. Claus' Christmas Parade and Rudolph's Christmastown.

The 32nd annual Indio International Tamale Festival on December 7th-8th and the 17th annual Oxnard Tamale Festival on December 7th offer tamale tasting and a variety of family activities. At Knott's Berry Farm, Have a Berry Merry Christmas from November 30th to January 5th features Snoopy and the Peanuts Gang. Winter Wonder at Belmont Park in San Diego's Mission Beach neighborhood is back and better than ever.

Surfin' Santa will be spreading holiday cheer in San Diego on November 30th at Seaport Village. Legoland California Resort's three-story tall Lego Christmas tree, built from over 360,000 Lego and Duplo bricks, stands tall at the front of the park ahead of the December 6th tree lighting ceremony. And the 54th annual San Diego Bay Parade of Lights on December 8th and December 15th, the 58th annual Parade of Lights at the Channel Islands Harbor on December 14th, and the 116th annual Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade from December 18th to 22nd all light up the Southern California coastline.

Finally, L.A. Zoo Lights at Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens runs through January 5th, and Jungle Bells at San Diego Zoo from December 14th to January 5th and Wild Holidays at San Diego Zoo Safari Park through January 5th offer zoo experiences at night.