Even the Sunshine State can celebrate winter! Here are all the winter festivals in California to add to your calendar.
Winter in California may look different than in some parts of the country, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be magical in its own way. In many areas of the state, snowy scenes may be swapped for sunshine, and instead of a sleigh, Santa may opt for a Jet-Ski. But the holidays—and the dawn of a new year are always cause for celebration.
In the spirit of celebrating, here are 20 winter festivals in California that bring the best of the state to display, from dazzling lights in the desert to festive parades done aqua-style to Christmas parties in the sunshine. We’re here for it all, and we will gladly take the California version of a sun-filled winter over a dreary snowy day anytime. (Although, for the record, there are still plenty of places to find snow in the state if that’s what you’re after, and yes, we made sure to include those too.)
1. Rose Parade
When: Jan. 1, 2027, at 8 a.m.
Where: Starts at Green Street and Orange Grove Boulevard, Pasadena
Cost: Free curbside viewing; paid grandstand seats
When it comes to California festivities, is there anything more iconic than the Rose Parade? The Rose Parade isn’t just famous in California—it’s famous worldwide. The event started as a celebratory antithesis to what the rest of the country tends to experience in the winter—snow—by downright basking in the abundance of flowers in bloom in the state instead.
The parade’s history began with horse carriages literally adorned with roses and other flowers for a parade and horse-themed activities. Over the years, the tradition grew and now includes modern floats, a coinciding football game, thousands of volunteers, competitions, and of course, flowers. Fortunately, you don’t have to be local to enjoy it (or fight the crowds if you are local), as the entire parade is streamed for free nationally on many different networks.
2. Enchanted Forest of Light
When: Nov. 22, 2026, to Jan. 9, 2027. Entry every 30 minutes from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Where: 1418 Descanso Dr., La Cañada Flintridge
Cost: Timed tickets vary by day; non-member adults $29 to $52, children $19 to $37 (members save $10)
Descanso Gardens is magical all on its own, any time of year, but during the wintertime Enchanted Forest of Light, it is an extra-magical experience. Meant to be experienced at night, a stroll through the Enchanted Forest will, well, enchant you with dazzling lights up, down, and all around you. And one of my favorite parts is that it’s family-friendly and can be done any evening, so it’s the perfect way to break up the week and still be back for bedtime.
3. L.A. Zoo Lights
When: Nov. 20, 2026, to Jan. 10, 2027
Where: 5333 Zoo Dr., Los Angeles
Cost: Tickets start at $19; members save up to 50%
In a similarly illuminating vein, you can visit L.A. Zoo Lights to enjoy the zoo, plus fun animal-shaped lanterns and other festive decorations. The zoo calls its light festival the “wildest” in LA, with large displays, holiday treats and sweets to enjoy as you stroll through, and of course, photo opportunities with Santa Claus!
There are also other festive activities to enjoy during the Zoo Lights, like ice skating and the carousel, although those do come with an extra cost.
4. Balboa Park December Nights
When: Dec. 4, 2026, 4 to 10 p.m., and Dec. 5, 2026, noon to 10 p.m.
Where: Balboa Park, San Diego
Cost: Free
Balboa Park December Nights is the City of San Diego’s largest free holiday festival. And honestly, just hearing the words “free” around the holidays feels magical, doesn’t it? The exact lineup of vendors and entertainment has not yet been announced, but expect outdoor street fun and festivities, like food, shopping, music, and arts and crafts, all in the name of celebrating winter. Oh, and of course, lots of festive lights in the park to enjoy.
5. Great Dickens Christmas Fair
When: Nov. 21 to Dec. 20, 2026
Where: Cow Palace, 2600 Geneva Ave., Daly City
Cost: $40+
Step back into Victorian London at the Great Dickens Christmas Fair, which runs through November and December. Calling this event a “fair” is honestly a little misleading—the event is actually an elaborate, interactive, and immersive experience where you step into a holiday party led by costumed professional actors that will make you feel more festive than Scrooge himself.
The festival includes the opportunity to walk the streets of London to meet and interact with characters, take in shows with live music and entertainment, dance in a ballroom, enjoy libations, and even see Dickens himself in his office, hard at work on his next novel. Add on a unique experience, like a corseted photographer, a live murder-mystery show, or port and chocolate tasting. You can even bring the littles to the show as well, as a youth ticket includes a Children’s Tour of London that the youngest Dickens fans will enjoy.
6. Christmas Tree Lane
When: Nightly in Dec.
Where: Van Ness Boulevard at Shields Avenue, Fresno
Cost: Free
Residents have decorated Van Ness Boulevard’s deodar cedars for the holidays for more than a century, and Christmas Tree Lane is one of the area’s oldest traditions, dating back over 100 years. Every December, the area transforms as hundreds of trees and over a hundred homes don festive lights simply to celebrate the season and delight visitors.
You can visit the festival nightly—for free!—and enjoy the two-mile stretch of trees, decorations, and holiday lights, right up until Christmas Day. Walk, bike, or drive through the one-way street and celebrate a time-honored tradition that all began with a single tree, planted in honor of a young boy who passed away. An opening date has not yet been announced for 2026, but last year, the Lane opened up on Dec. 2, so I’d check the Facebook page for updates.
7. Solvang Julefest
When: Nov. 27, 2026, to Jan. 3, 2027
Where: 1639 Copenhagen Dr., Solvang
Cost: Varies by event; some are free, and some are ticketed
I had to Google what a “Julefest” was after coming across the Solvang Julefest, but as it turns out, “jule” translates from “Yule,” which was an ancient winter festival centered around the solstice. So the Julefest is quite literally a winter festival, and because it’s located in Solvang, this party is done Danish-style.
Expect to enjoy Danish holiday traditions, like a tree lighting, parade, Copenhagen Countdown to the New Year, and the infamous walking tour led by an impish nisse guide, known in Danish tradition for bringing merriment and mischief near the holidays. (Sounds a bit like some other impish holiday characters we know and love, doesn’t it?)
8. Christmas in the Park
When: Typically late Nov. through Jan. 1.
Where: Plaza de César Chávez, 1 Paseo de San Antonio, San José
Cost: Free
What we love about the beloved San Jose Christmas in the Park tradition is that, like some of the other California winter festivals on our list, it started with just one person trying to make the holidays just a tiny bit more festive. The San Jose tradition began with a borrowed $300 that resident Don Lima used to purchase a Nativity Set for his lawn.
His love and enthusiasm for sharing Christmas cheer spread to the entire community, prompting many more people to get involved in decorating and putting up elaborate displays. Don’s collection was donated to the city, which continues to display the festive decor year after year. Today, over one million guests have enjoyed over 40 exhibits, live entertainment on the Santa Stage, an Enchanted Forest with over 600 decorated trees, Santa visits, and a Habitat for Humanity project build. Because what is Christmas without the magic of giving back?
9. Palm Springs Festival of Lights Parade
When: Saturday, Dec. 5, 2026, starting at 5:45 p.m.
Where: Palm Canyon Drive, from Ramon Road to Tachevah Road, Palm Springs
Cost: Free
The Palm Springs Festival of Lights Parade is a tradition dating back to the 1990s when the Palm Springs mayor, along with community members, dreamed up a way to usher in the holiday season and spread holiday cheer. You’ll see Macy’s Thanksgiving-style giant balloons, lighted parade floats, and surprise guests that have included Disney’s Mickey and Minnie Mouse and Goofy, as well as, of course, the man in the red coat himself, Santa.
The parade lights up downtown on a 1.5-mile route that takes about 90 minutes to two hours to pass, so be sure to arrive early to get a spot.
10. Knott’s Merry Farm
When: Nov. 20, 2026, to Jan. 3, 2027
Where: Knott’s Berry Farm, 8039 Beach Blvd., Buena Park
Cost: Live shows, light displays, and most rides are included with park admission; food, drink, and select experiences cost extra
Knott’s Berry Farm may be open year-round, but during the holidays, it transforms into a winter festival known as Knott’s Merry Farm. (Get it?) The farm ushers in holiday shows, lights, Santa visits, and seasonal treats for the whole family to enjoy from November through January. There are even special seasonal events like a Charlie Brown ice show—a beloved favorite—and the Home for the Holidays Christmas show on stage, featuring live music and snow.
11. Disney Festival of Holidays
When: Nov. 13, 2026 to Jan. 6, 2027
Where: Disney California Adventure Park, Anaheim
Cost: Included with park admission
California is a bit synonymous with Disneyland, so it’s only fitting that we include the Disney Festival of Holidays as a popular winter festival to enjoy in California. The festival includes a Christmas parade, dancing gingerbread men, holiday eats and treats, twinkling lights that transform Cinderella’s castle, musical performances, and a shimmering and shining snowflake-lighted fountain show. You will need a ticket into the park to enjoy this winter festival.
12. Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade
When: Dec. 16 to 20, 2026, nightly, with departures at about 6:30 p.m.
Where: Marina Park, 1600 W. Balboa Blvd., Newport Beach
Cost: Free
For the 18th consecutive year, the Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade celebrates winter by lighting up Newport Harbor each evening before Christmas. You can watch from the Marina Park for free (highly recommended for families, as it features a nautical-themed playground!), as well as a few other select locations around the bay. Balboa Village also offers free admission and viewing.
13. San Diego Bay Parade of Lights
When: Dec. 13 to 20, 2026, from 5:30 to 7 p.m.
Where: Shelter Island, San Diego
Cost: Free
In a similar waterfront festival style, the San Diego Bay Parade of Lights features illuminated boats gliding across the bay during December. The parade travels from the pier at Chicano Park, then turns at Coronado, so spectators have two chances to take in the sights.
14. Festival of Lights at the Mission Inn
When: Nov. 21, 2026, to Jan. 3, 2027
Where: 3649 Mission Inn Ave., Riverside
Cost: Varies
The 34th annual Festival of Lights at the historic Mission Inn kicks off winter with a grand opening ceremony featuring fireworks, live entertainment, over 10 million friends, and a visit from Santa. Visitors can simply enjoy the exterior of the inn, but to get the full experience, as well as enjoy some of the ticketed events, like Brunch with Santa, you’ll want to book a stay at the inn.
15. San Francisco Chinese New Year Festival and Parade
When: Saturday, Feb. 20, 2027, at 5:15 p.m.
Where: Starts at 2nd and Market Streets, San Francisco
Cost: Free
The San Francisco Chinese New Year Parade welcomes the Year of the Ram along a 1.3-mile route that travels around Union Square. This is a rain-or-shine event and features everything from a flower fair to a street fair to a basketball tournament, so there is truly something for everyone.
16. North Lake Tahoe SnowFest
When: Typically late Feb. to early March.
Where: Tahoe City
Cost: Varies
If you have ever wanted to try your hand at snow golf, SnowFest is North Lake Tahoe’s winter carnival, with events stretching from Tahoe City to Incline Village. The mountain winter festival features lots of snow to play in, a pancake breakfast, a street fair, fireworks, ice sculptures, and the popular kickoff party.
17. Winterfest OC
When: Nov. 27 – Jan. 3, 2027
Where: OC Fair Event Center, Costa Mesa
Cost: $26+
Billed as Southern California’s largest winter festival, Winterfest OC includes tons of fun with one admission price. For instance, general admission gives you access to take in the holiday light displays, stroll through the holiday light trail, watch the holiday house light show, and slide down the 150-foot tubing hill. There are also add-on experiences to expand your fun, including tube sledding, private igloos complete with a fire pit, a “bounce pass” to the land of inflatables, ice skating, polar putt-putt golf, and a carnival wristband for full access to all the rides.
18. Winter Wonderland Festival
When: Dec. 5 and 6, 2026
Where: California Center for the Arts, Escondido
Cost: Free
Visit the California Center for the Arts, Escondido Foundation for its annual Winter Wonderland Festival to enjoy playing in the snow (do you want to build a snowman?), festive performances, holiday shopping, carolers, a Christmas Choir, and of course, visits with Santa. One of the coolest features of the festival is the two bubble domes full of holiday cheer—the kids will love playing in them, and when they’re done, they can head over for some face painting and a reindeer scavenger hunt through the center. Challenge them to find all nine hidden reindeer to win a prize.
19. Yucaipa Winterfest
When: Nov. 28, 2026
Where: Historic Uptown Yucaipa, 12062 California Street
Cost: Free
Mark your calendars, because the enchanting Winterfest in historic Yucaipa takes place for one day only. Locals and visitors alike look forward to this annual event that kicks off the holiday season. The festival includes must-haves such as a tree-lighting ceremony, kids’ play areas, food vendors, a wine and beer garden, and, of course, Santa’s workshop.
20. Manteca Winterfest
When: Nov. 23 – Dec. 28, 2026
Where: Promenade shops at Orchard Valley
Cost: $25
The Manteca Winterfest is a newer event, but that doesn’t mean it’s short on fun. If you’re in the area, consider starting a new tradition that will get you feeling festive with seasonal food and treats, dazzling light displays, a full ice skating rink, outdoor games, firepits, and hot cocoa to enjoy. Plus, kids and kids at heart will enjoy Bounce Nation, the giant, 20,000-square-foot inflatable playground for all. Stop in once–or twice—no matter if you’ve been naughty or nice.
