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LA Area's Best Community Holiday Festivals


Friday, December 3rd: 5-8pm

Claremont Village Holiday Promenade, Tree Lighting, and Ice Skating

Claremont Depot

200 West First Street
Claremont, CA 91711
(909) 399-5490
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A Christmas tree lighting ceremony, led by Santa Claus at 6:00 PM in front on the Claremont Depot caps this night of festivities in Claremont's quaint little shopping center. The village shops will have special sales and holiday activities throughout the evening, and outdoor ice skating will be available for a small fee.


Saturday, December 4th: 5–10pm

Los Feliz Village Holiday Festival

Mt. Hollywood Congregational Church

4607 Prospect Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90027
(323) 663-6577
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A trolley and an open air bus will transport revelers around Los Feliz Village so they can experience this unique holiday celebration, full of entertainment – including magicians, elves, and carolers - and gifts for sale.


Saturday, December 4th: 6pm

Montrose Christmas Parade

Honolulu Ave. and Ocean View Blvd.
Glendale, CA 91020
(818) 259-5195
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Small town parade wonder in the middle of bustling Glendale. Forgo the mall for a little while, and grab a blanket and some chairs and settle in for a night parade of local entries, regional school bands, celebrities, dignitaries, and Santa Claus in a helicopter! But get there early – this is a popular event.


Saturday, December 4th: 6-9pm

Santa Monica Main Street Holiday Festival

California Heritage Museum Lawn

2612 Main Street
Santa Monica, CA 90405
(310) 899-9555
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Sidewalk sale December 4 and 5: 11am-7pm

It'll be a party over here, and a party over there wherever you happen to be on Main Street in Santa Monica during this night of promotion and festivities by the Main Street collective of businesses. A traditional tree-lighting takes place at 6pm at the Museum, followed by a candlelight walk led by Santa Claus down the street to the lighting of a second tree. Visitors can judge the holiday decorations contest and be entered in a raffle.


Saturday and Sunday, December 4th and 5th: 10am-6pm

LMA FEST Holiday Music Festival and Toy Drive

Los Angeles State Historic Park

1245 N Spring St
Los Angeles, CA 90012
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If you need love, music, and art in your holiday, check out LMA FEST (Love, Music, and Art) and its 2010 Holiday Music Festival and Toy Drive. Tickets are $20 and proceeds will benefit The Chinatown Youth Service Center and Homeboys Industries. The two-day festival will feature over 25 bands, DJ's and artists performing on two festival stages. There will be live LMA Sculpture being crafted during the festival, fully decorated in Christmas spirit, Santa, real snow being shipped in, live art, interactive art, games, airbrushing, photo-booth, performers and 200+ vendors. And it wouldn't be a true LA event without the famous food trucks.

Sunday, December 5th: 1pm

Holiday Spirit of San Pedro Parade

15th Street and Pacific Ave.
San Pedro, CA 90731
(310) 832-7272
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Head down to San Pedro's historic district to take in the magic of a community's spirit on display with the bands, drill teams, schools and non-profit organizations, elected officials, celebrities and corporate participants. This year's theme is "Focus on Youth!"


Saturday December 5th: 1:30pm

Granada Hills Holiday Parade

Chatsworth St. and Petit Park Ave.
Granada Hills, CA 91344
(818) 368-3235
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Granada Hills puts on a great parade for San Fernando Valley area families. Four thousand area young people participate in this celebration that featuers celebrities, marching bands, equestrian units, youth groups, drill teams and decorated floats.


Sunday, December 5th: 2-5pm

Leonis Adobe Museum Holiday Open House

23537 Calabasas Road
Calabasas, CA 91302
(818) 222-6511
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Kids love the activities and the wide open spaces on this preserved monument to the working California ranch of the old west. They will provide Santa, crafts, a Victorian table, a tree lighting ceremony, music, games, refreshments, and a vintage toy exhibit.


Saturday and Sunday, December 11th and 12th: 12-6pm

Downtown On Ice Winter Holiday Festival

Pershing Square

532 South Olive St.
Los Angeles, CA 90013
(213) 847-4970
More Info

You can make a memorable trip to this annual holiday festival by taking the Metro Red Line to the 5th Street/Pershing Square stop. A train ride, no parking fees, no traffic, and happy kids who will get to participate in a Snow Fun Zone, Make & Take Holiday Crafts, a Holiday Ornament Grove, and live entertainment. The activities are free but there is a fee for ice skating.


Sunday December 19th: 12-5pm

"The Muck's" Holiday Festival and Open House

The Muckenthaler Cultural Center

1201 West Malvern Avenue
Fullerton, California 92833
(714) 738-6595
More Info

The Muckenthaler is an 18-room, 8.5 acre former family estate that was donated to the city of Fullerton in 1965 as a cultural center. Now "The Muck," as it is affectionately called, produces performances, gallery exhibits, and classes, and hosts private events. This holiday season The Muck opens up to the public with a free event featuring
home and gallery tours by costumed guides, song and dance performances by the community, and an arts and craft fair. There will also be art workshops for kids, a children's play area and a special appearance by Santa Claus.

Kim Tracy Prince is the managing contributor of CBS Local Los Angeles Best of Family. See more of her work at House of Prince.
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