Where to see Holiday Lights in Los Angeles

Here are my picks for the best Christmas Light Display in Los Angeles!

LA Zoo Lights
Come be nocturnal at the LA Zoo! The annual LA Zoo Lights are back this month to entertain children and adults alike with eye-popping LED displays and colorful light shows. Once the animals are put to bed, visitors are welcome to walk the zoo pathways and take in the habitats, which are now decked out in thousands of dazzling lights and moving projections. Kids may even get the opportunity to see real, live reindeer up close and even have their picture taken with Santa Claus. Purchase tickets online in advance, and don’t forget to wear your walking shoes!
When: November 17, 2017 – January 7, 2018 (Closed November 23, December 24 and 25)
Where: LA Zoo- 5333 Zoo Dr. Los Angeles, CA 90027 (located in Griffith Park in Los Feliz)

Venice Canals
I have mentioned the tranquil Venice Canals in previous posts, but this neighborhood becomes even more charming around the holidays. Each year, the waterways and the storybook bridges that cross them are all lined with shimmering Christmas lights. Great for an evening stroll with a steaming cup of hot chocolate!
When: Nightly
Where: Dell Ave. Venice

Candy Cane Lane
Since 1952, the residents of Candy Cane Lane have been decking-out their homes with lights and decorations in a spirited attempt to out-do one another. The eight square-block area is centered around Lubao & Oxnard streets in Woodland Hills. Residents ask that spectators drive slowly, leaving their headlights dimmed, so that all may enjoy safely. Remember that many homeowners begin turning off the displays around 10pm on weeknights and 11pm on the weekends.
When: Begins the 2nd Saturday of December and runs through the end of the year.
Where: Lubao & Oxnard streets in Woodland Hills

Garden of Lights: Enchanted: Forest of Lights
This Christmas, Descanso Gardens is presenting an interactive light show with Enchanted: Forest of Lights. The exhibit is a one-mile walk through 10 different displays of light and sound. Remember to purchase your tickets in advance for your specific timed-entry.
When: November 19th through January 8th 5:30pm-10pm daily. The event is closed on Nov. 23 (Thanksgiving), Nov. 27, Dec. 4, Dec. 11, Dec. 24 (Christmas Eve), and Dec. 25 (Christmas Day).
Where: 1418 Descanso Dr. Los Angeles, CA 91011

Marina Del Rey Boat Parade
Each year, rain or moonshine (not that kind of moonshine), Marina Del Rey hosts what is perhaps one of the most unique Christmas light displays in the country. This year marks the 55th anniversary of the Marina Del Rey Boat Parade. Come sit along the shores of Burton Chase Park or the docks at Fisherman’s Village and watch as dozens boats sail by—decked to the gills with holiday lights and decoration—as they compete for the distinctions of Best Lights, Best Theme, and more!
When: Sat. Dec. 9th. (Fireworks start at 5:55pm, and the parade starts at 6pm.)
Where: Viewing from Burton Chase Park (13650 Mindanao Way, Marina Del Rey, CA 90292) or Fisherman’s Village (13737 Fiji Way Los Angeles, CA 90292)

Also check out L.A.’s many Outdoor Ice Skating Rinks!

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