Descanso Gardens’ Enchanted Forest of Light
Descanso’s annual holiday light show stretches through a mile of gardens, with luminous eye candy that includes a new hanging light installation under the oaks, a field of 3-D geometric sculptures and glowing “meadow grass” in the rose garden, and a “town” of stained-glass buildings on the main lawn created by sculptor Tom Fruin.
Dates: Through December 27
Hours: Open Fridays through Sundays through Dec. 16, then nightly except Dec. 25 from 5 to 9:30 p.m. The parking lot entrance closes at 9pm
Admissions: $45 adult, $30 child
Address: 26800 W. Mulholland Hwy., Calabasas, California 91302
Marina Lights and Boat Parade Spectacular at Burton Chace Park in Marina del Rey
The 10 acres of trees at Marina del Rey’s Burton Chace Park are covered in sparkling lights during December, for a free festive stroll along the water. However, the total build-out won’t be completed until Dec. 9, in time for the marina’s 61st Boat Parade Spectacular from 6 to 8 p.m., preceded by five minutes of fireworks. Fisherman’s Village at 13755 Fiji Way is another good public viewing location.
Dates: Dec. 9 for the boat parade
Hours: 6 to 8 p.m., preceded by 5 minutes of fireworks
Admissions: Free
Ventura Harbor Holiday Parade of Lights and Fireworks
A two-day event includes a kid’s carnival, faux snowfall, and live musicians starting at 4 p.m. But the main event begins with the parade at 6:30 p.m. Visitors can watch for free, wherever they can find a good viewing spot along the promenade or in water-facing restaurants, but note that reservations go quickly so bundle up if you watch from outdoors. And note this is a weather-dependent event, especially the fireworks, so be sure to check the website before you go.
Date: Dec. 15-16
Hours: The boat parade starts at 6:30 p.m. Fireworks begin at 8 p.m.
Admissions: Free to watch the parade and fireworks
Holiday Road | King Gillette Road
Stroll across the grounds of King Gillette Ranch as the Santa Monica Mountains hideaway is illuminated during Holiday Road, which returns with a nearly mile-long walking trail. Holiday Road is a 2/3-mile, self-guided walking trail through glowing candy canes, nutcrackers and polar bears, giant gingerbread folk and houses, shimmering tunnels, sparkly trains and trees all draped in lights, plus a chance to see Santa and Mrs. Claus. Hot chocolate is available.
Date: Through Dec. 27, 2023
Hours: Fridays through Sundays through Dec. 16, then nightly except Dec. 25 from 5 to 9:30 p.m. The parking lot entrance closes at 9pm
Admission: Tickets are $29.99 to $44.99 per person, depending on the night. Children 2 and younger enter free.
Admission: Ventura Harbor; 1583 Spinnaker Dr. Ventura, CA, 93001
