Places to visit for the Holidays in SoCal that are Family Friendly

The holiday season in Southern California is pure magic — twinkling lights, cozy treats, and festive experiences for the whole family. Whether you’re looking for dazzling light displays, charming Christmas villages, or a touch of SoCal sparkle by the beach, there’s something for everyone. Here are some of the most magical places to visit this holiday season!

1. Christmas Nights at 123 Farms (Cherry Valley)

Experience the countryside come alive with over 1 million lights at 123 Farms’ Christmas Nights. This lavender farm transforms into a winter wonderland complete with light tunnels, hot cocoa, s’mores, and artisan shopping booths. Don’t miss the tractor rides and the photo ops under the twinkling trees — it’s picture-perfect for families and couples alike.

Location: 10600 Highland Springs Ave, Cherry Valley, CA
Dates: Mid-November through early January

2. Live Oak Canyon Christmas Tree Farm (Redlands)

Known for its massive pumpkin patch in the fall, Live Oak Canyon transforms into a festive Christmas Tree Farm each winter. Families can pick out a real tree, take photos with Santa, and enjoy carnival rides and holiday treats. It’s the perfect place to kick off your holiday traditions!

Location: 32335 Live Oak Canyon Rd, Redlands, CA
Dates: Starting late November

3. Santa’s Village at SkyPark (Lake Arrowhead)

Step into the North Pole — SoCal style! SkyPark at Santa’s Village offers everything from ice skating and cookie decorating to ziplining through the pine trees. Kids can meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, write letters to the North Pole, and ride festive trains through the snow-dusted forest. It’s a true winter escape just a short drive from the city.

Location: 28950 California 18, Skyforest, CA
Dates: November through early January

4. Mission Inn Festival of Lights (Riverside)

The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa in Riverside hosts one of California’s most iconic holiday light displays. With millions of lights, horse-drawn carriage rides, live entertainment, and local food vendors, this event draws families from all over SoCal. The Spanish-style architecture makes the perfect backdrop for a holiday stroll. Free to walk around. If you want to enter the hotel, you must make reservations at the bar or restaurant. Satisfy your sweet tooth at "Candy Lane" candy shop and Casey's Cupcakes.

Location: 3649 Mission Inn Ave, Riverside, CA
Dates: November 29, 2025 – January 6, 2026 (TBD for this season)

5. The Polar Express Train Ride (Southern California Railway Museum)

All aboard! Families can relive the magic of the classic holiday movie on a real Polar Express Train Ride at the Southern California Railway Museum. Enjoy hot cocoa, cookies, and a visit from Santa himself as the story comes to life around you. Kids are encouraged to wear their pajamas for the full Polar Express experience!

Location: 2201 S A St, Perris, CA
Dates: Select nights November–December

6. Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade

For a true Southern California twist, catch the Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade, where yachts, boats, and kayaks sparkle with thousands of lights. It’s a breathtaking sight along the harbor and one of the longest-running holiday traditions in California (over 100 years strong!).

Location: Newport Beach Harbor
Dates: December 18–22, 2025

7. Magic of Lights at Empire Polo Club (Indio)

Drive through more than a mile of dazzling light displays at the Magic of Lights in Indio. From sparkling tunnels to giant snowmen and holiday scenes, this is a relaxing and fun event for all ages — and you can enjoy it right from your car!

Location: 81800 Avenue 51, Indio, CA
Dates: Mid-November through December

8. Discovery Cube’s “Science of Gingerbread” (Santa Ana)

Mix learning with holiday fun at the Discovery Cube’s Science of Gingerbread exhibit. Kids can explore how science and baking come together while checking out incredible gingerbread creations, hands-on experiments, and even a gingerbread house competition. Perfect for curious young minds!

Location: 2500 N Main St, Santa Ana, CA
Dates: November–early January

Southern California knows how to do the holidays right — from snowy mountain getaways to twinkling light shows in the desert and beach parades along the coast. No matter where you are, you’ll find festive fun for the whole family to enjoy. So grab your cocoa, bundle up (just a little), and make some magical memories this holiday season!