Where to See the Best Holiday Lights in Los Angeles

Holiday lights in Los Angeles are a staple for the season and they are everywhere, from the streets of Santa Monica to the Valley of San Fernando. With so much to see, here’s a guide to explore it all.

Now through the end of the holiday season on Jan. 4, animal lovers can head to the L.A. Zoo for their grand L.A. Zoo Lights event. Every night from 6-10 p.m, the park transforms from a wildlife excursion into a wild light show. While the animals sleep, visitors can walk through and see the park transform into a habitat full of lights, lasers and 3D projections. There are floating snowflakes and LED monkeys as well. On the weekends, you can visit with Santa, enjoy holiday treats and see actual reindeer – which are not there year round. It’s a fun experience for all ages and affordable too with tickets ranging from $11-$13.

The Grove goes beyond each year to decorate for the holidays. This year is no different. Located just a minutes drive away from the L.A. County Museum of Art‎, The Grove has a 100-foot tree decked out in breathtaking decorations, as well as lights strewn throughout the outdoor mall. The radiance of the lights creates perfect holiday nights to enjoy with friends and family from now through early January. It’s free to gaze at The Grove, the only thing that costs money are the attractions that make The Grove a must-go destination the rest of the year; a plush theater, fine dining and plenty of shops.

Torrance has one of the most extravagant light displays in Southern California called Sleepy Hollow Christmas Lights Extravaganza. Right off the Pacific Coast Highway sit a show one would expect from a neighborhood full of lights with plenty of traffic. The best advice is to dress warm, park and then walk around to admire the lights.

Those in the San Fernando Valley and even those in other parts of the city can head out to where Oxnard Street and Lubao Avenue for Candy Cane Lane in Woodland Hills. Earlier in December, it’s easy to head out in the car and view the lights. However, the closer that it gets to Christmas, the longer the car ride becomes. Sometimes it can take two hours to get through the lane. This is when you park the car and walking shoes are necessary. There are several houses on the Lane that sell hot chocolate and snacks as well. It’s an all ages event that is a great night out for the whole family.

For the people who like the dazzle of L.A., Beverly Hills is the place to be for posh electricity displays. The storefronts on Rodeo Drive are all done up with elaborate light displays. Lights start at South Santa Monica Blvd. and head south on Rodeo. Santa even makes an appearance at Rodeo Two between Dayton Way and Wilshire Blvd. He’s joined by his wife, Mrs. Claus and sometimes carolers. The big trend this year for the stores is chandeliers, so it’s bound to be a fancy night out for those who like glitz.

Each street in Hastings Ranch in Pasadena gets a theme to work around for their displays. This year the themes range from Santa’s Toy Shop to Winter Wonderland. It is a large place that covers a lot of area so while walking would be ideal; many just stick to their cars.

The Westlake Village Inn in Westlake Village has thousands of lights on display. Holiday cheer is intertwined with their European-style decor. The 17 acres is adorned with not only lights, but also numerous Christmas trees and traditional poinsettias to create a magical sight. Not only can one visit but also stay the night, or check out the live entertainment offered in their Bogie’s nightclub and bar.

The Winterlit Celebration in Santa Monica is the premiere spot in the downtown area in the city. Located near the 3rd Street Promenade, the celebration has the usual Christmas trees and icicles but also some icebergs that set the mood for Santa Claus and the carolers. Nearby is the ice skating rink and shopping at the Promenade and Santa Monica Place, as well as the Santa Monica Pier.