You’ve decorated the tree, checked out the dazzling light displays around town and found just the right gift for everyone on your list (if not, here are a few last-minute ideas for kiddos.) So what’s left? As we enter the final stretch toward all the holidays (because Hanukkah conveniently falls right around Christmas this year), we’ve rounded up LA’s best LA Festival of Lights, Kwanzaa and Christmas Eve celebrations. Read on for all the menorah lightings, holiday parades and even a chance to see Santa and his reindeer fly across the sky.
photo: The Original Farmers Market
Chanukah
Chanukah Celebration at The Original Farmers Market
Join PJ Library in Los Angeles for an afternoon of family fun! Create holiday-themed art, hear a PJ Library story, enjoy the music of Jason Mesches, and create a Menorah out of Legos. Sun., Dec. 22. Event details.
Giant Chanukah Celebration
The South Bay’s Jewish Community Center hosts a holiday celebration on the Hermosa Beach Pier. There will be children’s activities, live music and performances, latkes and donuts, holiday crafts and more. Sun., Dec. 22. Event details.
Menorah Lighting at Westfield Fashion Square
Join Westfield Fashion Square and the Chabad of Sherman Oaks for the first night of Hanukkah with a special candle lighting. Family-friendly entertainment and treats will be available for all! Space is limited to arrive early. Sun., Dec. 22. Event details.
Menorah Lightings on Third Street Promenade
Each night of Hanukkah experience something new as local synagogues and community groups host a unique menorah lighting experience, ranging from the more traditional to the new-age with music and dancing. Sun., Dec. 22-Sun., Dec. 29. Event details.
Kwanzaa
Pre Kwanzaa Celebration
Parenting for Liberation is hosting a Pre-Kwanzaa Celebration to honor and celebrate the African American cultural holiday. The event would focus on the history, teaching, and celebration of Kwanzaa—and provide Black families with the information and materials to practice Kwanzaa at home. There will be African drumming, African dancing, kids arts and crafts activities, vendors, food and more. Sat., Dec. 21. Event details.
43rd KwanZaa Gwaride Parade
Mark the official start of the 7-day holiday with a spiritual procession and parade along Crenshaw Blvd., starting at W. Adams. The route ends at Leimert Park, where there will be a celebration and candle lighting ceremony. Thurs., Dec. 26. Event details.
31st Annual Kwanzaa Celebration
All are welcome to celebrate the joyous and festive occasion of Kwanzaa: A Celebration of Family, Community & Culture, at Pasadena’s La Pintoresca Library. Enjoy music, stories and tasty dishes prepared by members of the Pasadena Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. Fri., Dec. 26. Event details.
Christmas Eve
Santa’s North Pole at Wisdome
Childhood dreams will come true as visitors discover Santa’s enchanted world, filled with elves, nutcrackers, snowmen, reindeer, snow and more! Be sure to check out Crafts in Candyland, where kids can decorate their own cookie to bring home for Santa. Sun., Dec. 24. Event details.
Queen Mary Christmas
Start your adventure at the outdoor North Pole Village with ice skating at the True North Ice Rink circling a 26-ft Christmas tree, then jump aboard the QM Express Train or the Grand Carousel for more festive fun. Enjoy a sweet treat or libation as you watch live entertainment on the outdoor stage before climbing aboard the Queen Mary to take in the dazzling decor. Sun., Dec. 24. Event details.
Winter Fest OC
Santa and his reindeer will fly over the OC fairgrounds for the last time this year before heading to your home and then back to the North Pole for a much needed rest. Our nightly holiday parade, tree lighting, fireworks and snow flurries will also take place. Sun., Dec. 24. Event details.
-Shannan Rouss
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