The holiday season is here, and there’s no better way to soak in the spirit than by getting out and exploring your neighborhood! Whether you’re already part of an Olson Homes community or dreaming of joining one, there are plenty of local celebrations happening just around the corner. From sparkling tree lightings to festive markets and family fun, SoCal has everything you need to make this season merry and bright.
Holiday Events in Downey — Near Tesoro Walk
If you love classic holiday festivities, Downey has a full calendar of joyful celebrations to help you get into the spirit.
Tree Lighting Ceremony
Monday, December 1 | 6:00 – 8:30 PM
Civic Center, Downey, CA
Enjoy live entertainment, holiday crafts, a snow play area (yes, snow in SoCal!), and photos with Santa—perfect for all ages.
North Pole Calling
December 2, 3, 4 & 8 | Calls Made Between 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Hosted by the City of Downey
Kids can receive a magical, personalized call from Santa and his helpers. Registration is required by December 1.
7th Annual Downey Christmas Parade
Sunday, December 7 | 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Downtown Downey, Downey, CA
Floats, marching bands, dancers, and holiday performances bring this beloved hometown parade to life along Downey Avenue.
Holiday Events in Claremont — Near Descanso Walk
Next up, enjoy the festive spirit of Claremont, which offers a warm and welcoming lineup of holiday favorites just minutes from Descanso Walk.
Holiday Promenade & Tree Lighting Ceremony
Friday, December 5 | 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Claremont Village & Depot, Claremont, CA
A festive evening with Santa, reindeer, carolers, and twinkling lights throughout Claremont Village.
First Saturday Art Walk – Holiday Edition
Saturday, December 6 | 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Claremont Village, Claremont, CA
Stroll through galleries and shops in the Village, featuring special exhibits, local artists, and seasonal refreshments.
Luminaria Nights at California Botanic Garden
December 5–6, 12–13, 19–20 | 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
California Botanic Garden, Claremont, CA
Wander lantern-lit pathways while exploring the gardens, while enjoying live music and cozy holiday ambiance.
Claremont Farmers Market – Holiday Edition
Sundays, November 23 & 30; December 7, 14 & 21 | 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Claremont Village, Claremont, CA
Fresh produce, holiday greenery, handmade gifts, and artisanal treats from local makers.
Holiday Events in the South Bay — Near Sage Walk
Prefer coastal celebrations? The South Bay lights up the season with waterfront shows, iconic piers, and beloved community traditions.
42nd Annual Torrance Memorial Holiday Festival
December 2–7 | Times Vary
Torrance Memorial Medical Center, Torrance, CA
Decorated trees, live music, boutique shopping, and festive displays fill this beloved annual festival, which benefits the programs at Torrance Memorial Medical Center.
LA Harbor Holiday Afloat Boat Parade
Saturday, December 6 | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
San Pedro, CA
Watch brilliantly adorned boats light up the Los Angeles Harbor with dazzling decorations and holiday cheer.
Manhattan Beach Holiday Lights & Fireworks
Pier Lights: Nightly, Late November – Early January | Dusk to Midnight
Fireworks Show: Sunday, December 14 | 7:00 PM
Manhattan Beach Pier & Downtown Manhattan Beach, Manhattan Beach, CA
Enjoy this iconic South Bay tradition nightly with festive lights and a dazzling holiday tree along the Manhattan Beach Pier. Be sure to be there on December 14 for the spectacular seaside fireworks show.
Holiday Events around Cypress — Near Tierra Walk
Heading south into Orange County, Cypress offers its own festive lineup filled with community traditions and family-friendly fun.
Holiday Sing & Tree Lighting
Tuesday, December 2 | 6:00 PM
5275 Orange Ave (Civic Center Green), Cypress, CA
Local school performers, train rides, hot chocolate & cookies, crafts, and a glowing community tree lighting in the heart of Cypress.
Knott’s Merry Farm
Open now through January 4 | Park Hours Vary
Knott’s Berry Farm, Buena Park, CA
Knott’s Merry Farm turns the park into a cheerful holiday village complete with twinkling décor, live entertainment, festive treats, Christmas crafts, and nightly snowfall in Ghost Town.
Other Holiday Events in LA & OC
Looking for even more ways to celebrate? Greater LA and Orange County are filled with iconic seasonal events worth adding to your holiday calendar.
La Habra Tamale Festival & Holiday Tree Lighting
Saturday, December 6 | 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM, Tree Lighting at 6:00 PM
Euclid St. (between La Habra Blvd. & Bridenbecker Way), La Habra, CA
Celebrate one of La Habra’s most beloved traditions with a full day of tamale tastings, artisan vendors, live entertainment, cultural performances, kids’ activities, delicious holiday treats, and the city’s Holiday Tree Lighting.
Compton Christmas Parade
Saturday, December 13 | 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Along Compton Blvd. (starts at Bullis Rd. and ends at Alameda St.), Compton, CA
A vibrant community tradition, the City of Compton’s 70th Annual Christmas Parade will feature marching bands, festive floats, dance groups, local organizations, and holiday performances that bring the entire city together.
SantaCon in Long Beach (Bixby Knolls)
Sunday, December 14 | 1:00 PM –5:00 PM
Bixby Knolls, Long Beach, CA
Join hundreds of festive Santas as Bixby Knolls transforms into a holiday street party complete with restaurant specials, live music, and cheerful celebrations.
Enchanted Forest of Light
Open now through January 4 | 5:30 PM – 10:00 PM (Entry times vary)
Descanso Gardens, La Cañada Flintridge, CA
Step into a glowing wonderland as Descanso Gardens transforms into an immersive nighttime experience filled with dazzling light displays.
Pershing Square Holiday Ice Rink
Open now through January 11 | Hours Vary
Pershing Square, Downtown Los Angeles, CA
Glide into the holiday season at this iconic DTLA ice rink surrounded by skyscrapers, twinkling lights, and festive music.
Home for the Holidays with Olson Homes
This time of year brings out the best in every neighborhood—twinkling lights, festive gatherings, and the joy of sharing moments with the people who matter most. As you celebrate the season, we invite you to explore Olson Homes communities throughout Southern California, where connection and comfort come together in every home.
Wishing you a joyful season filled with warmth, wonder, and plenty of local fun!
OLSON HOMES
About Olson Homes
Since 1988, Olson Homes has built new home communities and new construction homes for sale near you across the SoCal region. Focused on developing walkable, attainable, flexible floorplan new homes in ideally located new home communities across Orange County and Los Angeles County, the new homes for sale from Olson Homes are close to schools, shopping, dining, transportation, and recreational options. With new home personalization choices, including appliance upgrades, cabinet finishes, flooring options, and new home automation packages, you can create the new home of your dreams. Olson Homes is a multiple Eliant Award winner, including the 2025 Best Overall Home Purchase and Ownership Experience Award. If you’re looking for a new home for sale near you, take a look at our new home communities for sale now, as well as our new homes coming soon.
