✨ A Very Valley Holiday: Your Guide to Candy Cane Lane & Seasonal Events Across Los Angeles
The holidays in Los Angeles have their own kind of magic — no snow required. Between the palm-lined streets glowing with lights, festive neighborhood traditions, and immersive holiday experiences across the city, December in the Valley feels like stepping into your own SoCal winter wonderland.
And at the center of it all?
Candy Cane Lane — a beloved local tradition that’s been lighting up Woodland Hills for more than 70 years.
But this year, the holiday cheer doesn’t stop there. Los Angeles is buzzing with events, light displays, and family-friendly festivities you won’t want to miss. Consider this your go-to seasonal guide for where to go, what to see, and how to make your December feel extra bright.
Candy Cane Lane: A Valley Tradition That Never Gets Old
Nestled in the quiet neighborhood near Lubao Avenue and Oxnard Street, Candy Cane Lane transforms into a glowing spectacle of twinkle lights, giant inflatable Santas, moving reindeer, musical displays, and creative front-yard holiday installations. The entire neighborhood participates — and it shows.
Families drive through with the windows down, kids in pajamas, holiday playlists on blast. Couples stroll under the sparkling arches of lights. Even longtime Angelenos admit: the charm hits every single year.
It’s nostalgic.
It’s local.
It’s pure holiday joy.
Locals’ Tips for Candy Cane Lane
- Go on a weeknight — weekends get packed.
- Park and walk for the full experience (and better photos!).
- Dim headlights if you’re driving; it helps everyone enjoy the lights.
- Bring hot cocoa — or pick some up at a local café before you arrive.
- Be respectful — this is a residential neighborhood, and the homeowners put in so much time to make it magical.
More Holiday Magic Across L.A.
Whether you’re craving an immersive light show, a cozy family outing, or a festive date-night moment — Los Angeles has something for everyone this year.
Holiday Road — Calabasas
A fan-favorite in the Valley, Holiday Road offers a dreamy, illuminated walk through massive light tunnels, oversized ornaments, glowing forest scenes, and whimsical holiday installations. You’ll find themed food vendors, festive cocktails, Santa meet-and-greets, and plenty of photo ops.
Perfect for: families, couples, and content creators.
Why go: it’s one of the most Instagrammable light experiences in SoCal.
L.A. Zoo Lights: Animals Aglow — Griffith Park
Every year the L.A. Zoo transforms into an after-dark fantasy world with glowing wildlife lanterns, animated light sculptures, live entertainment, and seasonal treats.
It’s immersive without being overwhelming — great for kids and adults alike.
Perfect for: families with young kids, a cozy evening stroll, holiday visitors.
Why go: the lantern animals are stunning and unlike any other display in the city.
Enchant Los Angeles — Santa Anita Park
Enchant brings the world’s largest Christmas light maze to L.A. — complete with illuminated tunnels, an ice skating rink, holiday market, food vendors, and even faux snowfall.
Perfect for: friends night out, couples who love big experiences, holiday-loving adults.
Why go: it’s one of the most impressive large-scale displays in the country.
The Hollywood Christmas Parade
A classic L.A. moment. Marching bands, festive floats, celebrity appearances, and Santa all make their way down Hollywood Boulevard.
Perfect for: anyone who loves tradition.
Why go: it’s a piece of Los Angeles holiday history.
A Valley-Friendly Holiday Light Crawl (2025 Edition)
If you want to pack in multiple holiday stops in one evening, here’s a fun “Holiday Light Crawl” to hit some great spots without driving across all of L.A.:
- Start at The Village at Westfield Topanga
Grab a warm drink, walk through the outdoor mall’s holiday décor, and enjoy the festive tree. - Head to Candy Cane Lane in Woodland Hills
Park, walk, soak in the magic. - Drive through Christmas Tree Lane in Altadena (if you’re up for a longer adventure)
A historic mile-long stretch lined with 100+ towering cedar trees lit from top to bottom. - End at Holiday Road in Calabasas
Light tunnels + hot cocoa = perfect ending.
Optional bonus stop:
Upper Hastings Ranch Light Festival (Pasadena) — neighborhoods deck out houses according to themed blocks. Super charming and very photo-friendly.
Why These Events Matter
The holidays can get busy — gifts, deadlines, travel, family logistics — but events like these remind us to slow down and let ourselves feel joy again.
They spark nostalgia.
They bring neighbors together.
They give kids memories they'll never forget.
And honestly? They’re just a fun reason to get out of the house.
Whether you’re looking to create new traditions or relive old ones, Los Angeles has no shortage of festive experiences that bring warmth and connection to the season. Happy Holidays everyone!!
