Jose Mier, Sun Valley’s hometown son, lists some events taking place during Christmas time in Sun Valley and neighboring areas. For a list of general upcoming events in Sun Valley, check out the calendar on the Sun Valley Area Neighborhood Council website.
Christmas in Los Angeles is a distinctive blend of classic holiday traditions and Southern California flair, and nowhere is that combination more visible than in and around the San Fernando Valley. With mild winter weather, palm trees wrapped in lights, and a strong sense of community, the Valley hosts a wide range of seasonal events that attract families, couples, and visitors from across the region. From neighborhood light displays and outdoor festivals to concerts, parades, and holiday markets, the San Fernando Valley plays a major role in shaping how Los Angeles celebrates Christmas.
Christmas in Los Angeles: A Unique Holiday Atmosphere
Unlike colder cities where snow and freezing temperatures define the season, Christmas in Los Angeles is often marked by crisp evenings, sunny afternoons, and the ability to celebrate both indoors and outdoors. This climate allows for holiday events that feel relaxed yet festive—tree lightings held in open plazas, outdoor concerts, and nighttime strolls through illuminated gardens. Throughout the city, Christmas celebrations combine traditional elements like carols, nativity scenes, and Santa Claus appearances with distinctly Californian settings.
Major commercial centers, cultural institutions, and neighborhoods across Los Angeles decorate extensively during the holiday season. Downtown, Hollywood, and the Westside each contribute their own traditions, but the San Fernando Valley stands out for its family-oriented celebrations, neighborhood-driven events, and long-running Christmas displays that have become local legends.
The San Fernando Valley’s Role in Holiday Celebrations
The San Fernando Valley encompasses a large portion of Los Angeles and includes communities such as Woodland Hills, Sherman Oaks, Studio City, Burbank, North Hollywood, Encino, Van Nuys, and Chatsworth. Because the Valley is largely residential, many of its most beloved Christmas traditions center on neighborhoods, parks, and local shopping districts. These events often feel more intimate and community-focused than large-scale downtown productions, making them especially appealing to families.
Candy Cane Lane in Woodland Hills
One of the most famous Christmas attractions in Los Angeles—and arguably the San Fernando Valley’s most iconic holiday event—is Candy Cane Lane in Woodland Hills. Located in a quiet residential neighborhood near Oxnard Street and Lubao Avenue, Candy Cane Lane has been a Christmas tradition for decades. Homeowners decorate their houses with elaborate light displays, inflatable figures, synchronized music, and themed decorations that range from classic Santa scenes to whimsical pop-culture setups.
During December evenings, streets are closed to through traffic, allowing visitors to walk safely through the neighborhood. Families stroll with hot cocoa, children marvel at the lights, and neighbors often dress in festive attire. Candy Cane Lane is free to visit and typically runs nightly throughout December, drawing thousands of visitors from across Los Angeles. It has become a symbol of the Valley’s community spirit and dedication to holiday cheer.
Naples-Style Boat Parades and Valley Alternatives
While the famous Naples Island Christmas Boat Parade takes place in Long Beach, the San Fernando Valley offers its own versions of festive spectacle—though often on land rather than water. Many Valley parks and community centers host holiday festivals with live music, tree lightings, food vendors, and children’s activities. These events often include visits from Santa, craft stations, and opportunities to donate toys or food to local charities.
Cities like Burbank and Glendale (just adjacent to the Valley) host annual Christmas tree lighting ceremonies that feature performances by local choirs, appearances by city officials, and festive countdowns as trees are illuminated. These gatherings reflect the Valley’s emphasis on local participation and shared celebration.
Holiday Events at Universal Studios Hollywood
At the southern edge of the San Fernando Valley, Universal Studios Hollywood offers one of the region’s most popular commercial Christmas events. Universal Studios transforms parts of the theme park into a holiday wonderland, featuring a massive Christmas tree, seasonal decorations, and themed entertainment. The park’s version of “Grinchmas” brings characters from How the Grinch Stole Christmas to life, complete with live shows, festive sets, and appearances by the Grinch and Max.
Because Universal Studios sits near Studio City and North Hollywood, it’s easily accessible to Valley residents and often included in local holiday itineraries. The event blends Hollywood spectacle with Christmas nostalgia, making it especially appealing to families and tourists alike.
Holiday Lights and Botanical Displays
While places like Descanso Gardens and the Los Angeles Zoo are not located directly in the San Fernando Valley, they are close enough to be regular destinations for Valley residents during the holidays. Seasonal light displays at botanical gardens and zoos have become increasingly popular, offering immersive nighttime experiences with illuminated pathways, music, and themed installations.
Within the Valley itself, smaller parks and cultural spaces host light-focused events, often pairing them with food trucks, live entertainment, and family activities. These displays take advantage of the mild winter weather, allowing visitors to comfortably enjoy outdoor experiences well into the evening.
Christmas Concerts and Performances
Music and performance play a central role in Christmas celebrations throughout Los Angeles, and the San Fernando Valley contributes a strong lineup of holiday concerts and shows. Local theaters, churches, and performance spaces host Christmas concerts featuring classical music, jazz, pop, and traditional carols. Choir performances, Messiah sing-alongs, and orchestral holiday programs are common throughout December.
Venues in Burbank, North Hollywood, and Studio City often showcase holiday-themed theater productions, including adaptations of A Christmas Carol, festive improv shows, and family-friendly plays. Because the Valley is home to many working performers and creative professionals, these productions often feature high-quality performances in more intimate settings than large downtown theaters.
Holiday Markets and Shopping Districts
Christmas shopping is an essential part of the season, and the San Fernando Valley offers a mix of large shopping centers and charming local districts that host holiday-themed events. Outdoor malls and shopping villages decorate extensively, often hosting weekend events with carolers, Santa meet-and-greets, and seasonal food vendors.
Holiday craft fairs and pop-up markets appear throughout the Valley in December, featuring handmade gifts, art, candles, jewelry, and seasonal treats. These markets offer an alternative to big-box shopping and highlight local artisans and small businesses. Many events also incorporate charitable giving, such as toy drives or food donations, reinforcing the season’s spirit of generosity.
Neighborhood Light Displays Beyond Candy Cane Lane
In addition to Candy Cane Lane, many other neighborhoods throughout the San Fernando Valley are known for their enthusiastic Christmas decorating. Streets in Sherman Oaks, Encino, and Granada Hills often feature clusters of elaborately decorated homes that attract visitors year after year. While not always officially organized, these informal light displays contribute to the Valley’s festive atmosphere and encourage residents to explore their own communities.
Some homeowners synchronize lights to music via radio stations, while others focus on traditional decorations like nativity scenes, wreaths, and white lights. These displays reflect the diverse tastes and traditions of Valley residents and showcase the creativity that thrives in the area.
Outdoor Ice Skating and Seasonal Activities
Although ice skating might seem out of place in Southern California, temporary outdoor rinks are a popular Christmas attraction throughout Los Angeles. Several rinks are set up each season in shopping centers or public plazas, offering Valley residents a chance to enjoy a winter tradition without leaving the city. These rinks are often decorated with Christmas lights and play holiday music, creating a festive environment even in mild temperatures.
Other seasonal activities include Christmas-themed fun runs, charity walks, and outdoor movie nights featuring holiday classics. Thanks to the Valley’s climate, these events can take place comfortably outdoors, adding to the region’s distinctive holiday experience.
Religious and Cultural Celebrations
The San Fernando Valley’s diversity is reflected in the wide range of Christmas traditions observed throughout the area. Churches host midnight Masses, candlelight services, and nativity reenactments, while multicultural communities incorporate unique customs and music into their celebrations. In some neighborhoods, you’ll find Las Posadas processions, Filipino Simbang Gabi services, and other culturally specific Christmas events that add depth and richness to the season.
These celebrations emphasize community, faith, and shared heritage, offering residents opportunities to connect beyond commercial festivities.
Family-Focused Christmas Traditions
One of the defining characteristics of Christmas in the San Fernando Valley is its family-friendly nature. Many events are designed with children in mind, featuring Santa appearances, storytelling, face painting, and craft workshops. Libraries and community centers host holiday storytimes, while local schools and organizations put on seasonal performances and fundraisers.
Because many families have lived in the Valley for generations, Christmas events often carry a strong sense of continuity and tradition. Parents who visited certain displays or festivals as children now bring their own kids, creating multi-generational holiday rituals.
The Spirit of Christmas in the Valley
Christmas events in Los Angeles—and especially in the San Fernando Valley—reflect a unique blend of tradition, creativity, and community connection. While the city may lack snow-covered streets and frosty air, it more than compensates with warmth, diversity, and an abundance of festive experiences. From the iconic glow of Candy Cane Lane to intimate concerts, neighborhood light displays, and outdoor celebrations, the Valley offers a Christmas season that feels both familiar and uniquely Southern Californian.
Ultimately, what makes Christmas in the San Fernando Valley special is not just the events themselves, but the sense of togetherness they inspire. In a sprawling city known for its pace and scale, these seasonal gatherings bring people together—neighbors, families, and visitors alike—to celebrate light, generosity, and shared joy under the California sky.