Magical Family Christmas Activities in Los Angeles
There is something truly magical about Christmas in Los Angeles. While we may not have snow-covered streets and very cold temperatures, we have plenty of festive fun, twinkling lights, and traditions that make the holiday season feel every bit as special. Keep reading for Christmas activities in Los Angeles.
As a family photographer (and a mom), Christmas is one of my favorite times of year. The excitement on children’s faces, the anticipation of Santa’s visit, and the extra family time together to create memories that last a lifetime.
If you’re looking for fun ways to celebrate the season with your little ones, here are some of my favorite Christmas activities in Los Angeles, including both free and paid options.
Visit LA Zoo Lights
One of the most popular holiday events in Los Angeles is Zoo Lights at the Los Angeles Zoo.
As soon as the sun goes down, the zoo transforms into a sparkling wonderland filled with dazzling light displays, glowing animals, music, and festive photo opportunities. Kids absolutely love wandering through the illuminated pathways and discovering surprises around every corner. We always have a wonderful family filled day at this event. Be sure to book tickets early, as many evenings sell out.
Take a Drive to See Christmas Lights
One of the simplest and most magical family traditions is piling everyone into the car, grabbing hot chocolate and snacks, and going around to admire Christmas lights.
Many Los Angeles neighborhoods go all out with incredible displays. Candy Cane Lane in Woodland Hills is a local favorite and completely free to enjoy. The beautifully decorated homes create a festive experience that children remember for years.
Christmas Activities in Los Angeles
Visit Santa
For little ones, meeting Santa is often one of the highlights of the holiday season. Many shopping centers throughout Los Angeles offer Santa experiences, festive decorations, and holiday entertainment. Whether your child is eager to share their Christmas wish list or prefers to wave from a safe distance, these visits always make for sweet memories.
I wanted to make an extra special Santa visit this year so I created my own! I have a gorgeous set up with Santa and Mrs Claus so our children can have a magical time seeing Santa , no rush, just lots of fun, and you receive extra special images that truly capture the magic of Christmas time. Get in touch to find out more about my Santa Mini Sessions.
Ice Skating in Los Angeles
Even in sunny Southern California, you can still enjoy a classic winter activity. Outdoor holiday ice skating rinks pop up throughout Los Angeles during the Christmas season. Skating together as a family is a wonderful way to create memories, enjoy some laughs, and embrace the festive spirit.
Explore Holiday Markets and Festivals
Many local communities host Christmas festivals, holiday markets, tree lighting ceremonies, and seasonal celebrations throughout November and December. These events often feature live entertainment, holiday crafts, festive treats, and activities for children. Best of all, many community events are completely free. Wherever we go as a family I am always looking for new Christmas markets to visit as I find this one of the most fun things at Christmas time. I love the markets in the UK and New York, I’m a huge fan of raclette and these always pop up in these places! But last year in LA there were a few wonderful markets including one in the area at Westlake Village Inn.
Bake Christmas Cookies Together
Not every holiday activity needs to involve leaving the house. One of my favorite Christmas traditions is spending an afternoon baking cookies with the kids. The kitchen does usually end up covered in flour, but that’s part of the fun. My children love taking turns to mix the ingredients together, using Christmas cut outs to make all different shapes, and decorating cookies with different icing and sprinkles. The memories made together are often more meaningful than anything money can buy.
Christmas Activities in Los Angeles
Book a Christmas Mini Session
Of course, one of my favorite holiday traditions is helping families capture this special season through Christmas Mini Sessions. Every year, I watch children arrive full of excitement, dressed in their holiday outfits and ready to celebrate the magic of Christmas. The laughter, cuddles, and genuine joy that happen during these sessions create memories that families treasure forever.
Christmas Mini Sessions are perfect for holiday cards, gifts for grandparents, and documenting this season before another year slips by. The truth is, children grow incredibly fast. One year they’re believing in Santa with all their heart, and before you know it they’re too grown up for matching pajamas and Christmas morning excitement. Photographs allow us to hold onto those fleeting moments just a little longer. Get in touch to find out more about this years different Christmas Minis, including sessions with Santa. I’d love to capture your family.
Make the Most of the Season
The holidays can feel busy, but they also provide some of the best opportunities to slow down and spend quality time together as a family. Whether you’re visiting Zoo Lights, driving through Candy Cane Lane, baking cookies at home, or updating your family photos with a Christmas Mini Session, the memories you create this season will become part of your family’s story for years to come.
So grab the matching pajamas, pour the hot chocolate, turn on the Christmas music, and make the most of the magic.
Christmas Activities in Los Angeles
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