5 christmas lights near Santa Monica.
This year, explore six luminous holiday light displays near Santa Monica. For an immersive drive-through experience, consider Holiday Road at King Gillette Ranch.
If you prefer a free, family-friendly outing closer to home, the LA Zoo Lights offers animated displays perfect for all ages.
Santa Monica's largest New Year's Eve pub crawl with multiple venues.
Free Christmas toys and food for local families
Free holiday pop-up market with local artisans
Christmas carols performed by a string quartet by candlelight.
Photos with Santa and special Pet Nights
See all light displays and installations in one place.
Some of the top displays include the Winterlit event at Downtown Santa Monica’s Third Street Promenade and the beautifully decorated Venice Canals nearby. These spots offer vibrant light displays and festive decorations that capture the holiday spirit.
While Santa Monica is best known for walkable light displays like Winterlit and neighborhood decorations, nearby areas in Los Angeles County offer drive-through light experiences. This gives visitors a range of options depending on their preference for strolling or driving through festive lights.
Holiday lights in Santa Monica usually begin appearing in early to mid-November, with major displays like Winterlit launching around mid-November and continuing through early January.
Yes, many displays such as the Winterlit event on the Third Street Promenade and neighborhood light displays are free to enjoy. These provide accessible ways to experience holiday lights without an admission fee.