If you’re seeking twinkling lights, holiday goodies, and serious cheer this time of year, you can’t go wrong heading to a California theme park.
Theme parks around the state celebrate the season with gusto, whether your holiday treat of choice is a tamale, a latke, or anything with peppermint. To make the most of your visit, plan to stay after dark to experience light tunnels, fireworks, or a possible “snowfall” of bubbles. While some parks offer culinary or entertainment add-ons, most festivities are included with regular admission—and you might even score a deal on your ticket if you buy a pass for 2027. Plan a trip around one of these one-stop holiday celebrations:
Begins Nov. 13: Holidays at the Disneyland Resort, Anaheim
In Anaheim, the duo of parks covers every corner of the holiday season. Celebrate all of the season’s big events during the Disney Festival of Holidays in Disney California Adventure Park, with observances of Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Navidad, Diwali, and Christmas. Consider purchasing the Sip and Savor Pass, which is good for six small-plate treats at participating kiosks in the Festive Foods Marketplace—past dishes have included Hot Nashville Turkey Sliders and Gingerbread Mickeys.
Disney California Adventure Park also offers a Disney ¡Viva Navidad! area with live music, specialty dishes, and character meet-and-greets, culminating in Three Kings Day on Jan. 6. Don’t miss the decked-out rides in Cars Land, too, such as Mater’s Jingle Jamboree and Luigi’s Joy to the Whirl.
In Disneyland Park, be sure to get pics of the gleaming Sleeping Beauty’s Castle, watch A Christmas Fantasy Parade, and enjoy the decked-out Haunted Mansion Holiday. Evenings end with a colorful sky and bubble snow during the "Believe... In Holiday Magic" Fireworks Spectacular.
In the Downtown Disney District, take part in a scavenger hunt by looking for special ornaments hidden on trees along Chip and Dale’s Ornament Trail. Festivities run through Jan. 6.
Begins Nov. 13: SeaWorld Christmas Celebration, San Diego
The marine-life theme park in San Diego glows with a million lights, including a tunnel of lights and the glittering 320-foot SkyTower. Watch the park’s celebrity seals in Clyde & Seamore’s Christmas, meet characters like Rudolph and Winston the Walrus, and enjoy the nightly snowfall—and don’t miss meeting Santa and his real reindeer. Upgrade your ticket to a Fun Card that includes a 2027 season pass. Runs through Jan. 3.
Begins Nov. 20: Knott’s Merry Farm, Buena Park
Knott’s Berry Farm does its own version of a country Christmas with its Knott’s Merry Farm. Browse the Christmas Crafts Village in the park’s Old West–style Ghost Town of Calico and check out the nightly Christmas tree-lighting ceremony at Santa's Christmas Cabin. Watch ice skaters perform with Peanuts characters or catch the live musical revue Home for the Holidays, featuring Christmas classics, dancing toys, and snow. Runs in Buena Park through Jan. 3.
Begins Nov. 21: Holidays at Universal Studios Hollywood, Los Angeles
The Hollywood-focused theme park celebrates many versions of the holidays. Start with Grinchmas, featuring The Grinch, his canine sidekick Max, and Cindy-Lou Who reading How the Grinch Stole Christmas. After that, take in the lights, decorations, and music of Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, complete with the Holiday Frog Choir and an evening light show against Hogwarts Castle, set to the music from the Harry Potter movies.
Plus, SUPER NINTENDO WORLD gets decked out too, including a tree adorned with a Super Star topper, snowmen dressed as Mario and Luigi, and seasonal treats at Toadstool Café. For the first time, the Minions are getting in the spirit too, so be sure to walk through Illumination’s Minion Land to see them in their festive holiday attire and try the seasonal treats. Don’t miss the live entertainment and seasonal cheer on Universal CityWalk too. Runs in Los Angeles through Jan. 3.
Begins Nov. 21: Christmas Bricktacular at LEGOLAND California, Carlsbad
This year, the LEGO-loving theme park in Carlsbad offers various live events, such as the Once Upon a Brick-Mas show and the LEGO-style Nutcracker Marching Band. Kids can get hands-on in the LEGO Gingerbread Kitchen and create magic carrots to feed LEGO reindeer. Meet characters such as LEGO Santa, Yeti, Snowman, and Nutcracker. Then, take a family picture in front of the 35-foot-tall LEGO tree made with almost 400,000 LEGOS.
Stay overnight at the park’s two onsite hotels, which will be hosting holiday dance parties and offer early access to the parks; check the website for packages that bundle in admission (and a $39 kid’s tickets if you book by Nov. 1). Come on New Year’s Eve for the kid-friendly party and ball-drop at 7 p.m. Runs on select days through Jan. 3.
Begins Nov. 21: North Pole Nights at Gilroy Gardens, Gilroy
On select nights, the Gilroy amusement park stays open late for ice skating, a falling “snow” of bubbles, plus meet-and-greets with Santa. Check out the live shows, walk through the tunnel of lights, and book your spot for a family-friendly holiday feast. Take note: For a limited time, you can buy a Premium Pass now for 2027 and enjoy free admission during 2026 too, including entrance to North Pole Nights. Runs through Dec. 31.
Begins Nov. 27: Holiday in the Park at Six Flags Magic Mountain, Santa Clarita
The annual winter wonderland at Six Flags Magic Mountain in Santa Clarita typically features a glistening Peppermint Path plus the Jingle Bell Way, with larger-than-life walk-thru ornaments lit with thousands of lights. Head to the North Pole Depot to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, create a few crafts, or enjoy a photo op. Stick around for the nightly Tree-Lighting Ceremony with singers, dancers, and a giant tree. The park’s seasonal treats typically include bread bowls, enchilada soup, and traditional tamales, along with plenty of sweets. Select days through Jan. 3.
Begins Nov. 27: Winterfest at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom, Vallejo
The Six Flags park in Vallejo hosts a holiday party with themed lands like Gingerbread Town, Toyland, Arctic Alley, and Candy Cane Lane. Check out the 70-foot Christmas tree—which has a nightly lighting ceremony—and enjoy festive live entertainment and seasonal treats. Then, take part in writing letters to Santa or decorating cookies. Runs on select dates through Jan. 3.
