Los Angeles shines during the holiday season in ways that few cities can match. Its sprawling beaches, iconic landmarks, and diverse neighborhoods transform into a holiday wonderland with twinkling lights, festive markets, and special events. Unlike more traditional snowy cities, LA offers sun-kissed Christmas magic, where you can celebrate with a boat cruise along the coast or explore decorated neighborhoods without the chill. Whether you’re after a culinary celebration on a boat, a scenic walking adventure, or memorable photo opportunities, LA’s holiday options are both entertaining and unique.
What makes Los Angeles particularly appealing for Christmas experiences is its mix of scenic views, cultural traditions, and innovative holiday events. You can enjoy a harbor cruise with holiday-inspired buffets, explore festive neighborhoods and markets, or even get professional photos amid the city’s famous landmarks all lit up for Christmas. This guide highlights five of the most memorable Christmas experiences and tours, so you can find the perfect way to celebrate this season in LA.
Quick Overview
Our list includes a wide range of festive options, from a Marina del Rey Christmas Eve cruise featuring a holiday buffet and scenic harbor views (see details) to a walking tour exploring LA’s decorated hotspots (more info). For those wanting a picture-perfect holiday moment, a private Christmas lights photo tour with a professional photographer (check it out) offers a personalized experience. Lastly, the Charming Old Pasadena and Americana markets provide festive shopping and photo opportunities for about $155 per person (see tour). Now, let’s explore each experience in detail.
1. Marina Del Rey: Christmas Eve Buffet Brunch or Dinner Cruise
Celebrating Christmas Eve in LA doesn’t have to mean staying indoors. This Marina del Rey cruise offers a memorable way to enjoy the holiday with ocean breezes, twinkling lights, and a festive buffet. The cruise lasts between 2 and 2.5 hours and features scenic views of the marina, complemented by holiday-inspired decorations that make for a festive atmosphere. You’ll have your choice of brunch or dinner, both served as a buffet, with the brunch option including unlimited mimosas to toast the season.
What sets this cruise apart is the combination of live music entertainment and the relaxed, intimate ambiance. The buffet includes a variety of seasonal dishes, and the cruise’s decorations enhance the holiday spirit. Many reviewers mention the beautiful views of the port lights and the lively, convivial mood onboard. One review notes, “La vue sur les lumières du port et l’ambiance conviviale” (the view of the port lights and friendly atmosphere) with a 4/5 rating.
Bottom line: This cruise is ideal for anyone wanting a relaxed, scenic celebration with good food and drinks, especially couples or families looking for a special way to mark Christmas Eve. The price of $143 per person is reasonable for a two-hour cruise with buffet and entertainment.
2. Festive Los Angeles: A Christmas Walking Tour
If you’d rather stroll through the city’s holiday splendor, the Festive Los Angeles walking tour offers a cozy, guided exploration of LA’s most decorated spots. This 2-hour tour takes you through the heart of the city, visiting the Original Farmers Market, the Christmas Tree experience at Mr. Jingles, and the Grove shopping district, where Santa and holiday displays create an enchanting scene. The tour includes stories about the history of Christmas traditions in LA, like the origins of the Christmas tree and the legends behind holiday decorations.
While this tour currently has no reviews, its itinerary promises a festive, photo-worthy experience. You’ll sample local treats at the Farmers Market and enjoy the fragrant scent of gingerbread while wandering through beautifully decorated neighborhoods. The visit to the Grove is especially popular, as it transforms into a Christmas wonderland with a giant Christmas tree and seasonal displays.
Bottom line: This is a great choice for travelers wanting a relaxed, culturally rich holiday walk with lots of photo opportunities. It’s perfect for families, couples, or anyone who loves discovering local holiday traditions in a friendly, guided setting.
3. Christmas Lights Tour of Los Angeles – Private Photo Tour with Photographer
For those craving the perfect holiday shot, this private Christmas lights tour offers a personalized experience in downtown Los Angeles. Led by a professional photographer, you’ll visit iconic locations like Pershing Square, Grand Park, and the Walt Disney Concert Hall, all beautifully lit for Christmas. This tour lasts about 2 hours, with a flexible, customizable itinerary.
What makes this tour stand out is the opportunity to come away with 30 professionally edited photographs—a priceless souvenir of your holiday in LA. The guide knows the city’s best spots for holiday lights and decorations, ensuring you get memorable shots. It’s ideal for couples, families, or anyone eager to capture their Christmas memories with high-quality images.
One of the key highlights is the chance to see LA’s skyline framed by festive lights, especially around sunset. The tour’s flexibility allows you to prioritize spots that matter most to you, making it a very personalized experience. The cost is $270 per person, which includes the photo package.
Bottom line: This private tour is best suited for travelers who want stunning holiday photos and a tailored experience. If capturing the essence of LA’s Christmas lights is your goal, this tour delivers both style and substance.
4. Christmas Market in Americana or Charming Old Pasadena – Private Photo Tour
For festive photo-ops and holiday shopping, the Christmas Market tour takes you through two of LA’s most charming neighborhoods: Americana at Glendale and Old Pasadena. This 2-hour private guided tour focuses on the most decorated streets, featuring beautiful displays, twinkling lights, and bustling markets. You’ll start at Laduree in Glendale for delicious macarons and pastries, then stroll through decorated streets and shops, capturing photos amid the festive displays.
Alternatively, you can meet in Old Pasadena at the Tea Rose Garden, where colorful holiday scenes and lively shopping streets provide fantastic photo backgrounds. The tour includes time for indulging in holiday treats and browsing local shops, perfect for holiday gifts.
While the experience doesn’t include reviews, its carefully curated stops ensure lively, picture-worthy moments. This tour suits travelers who want to combine holiday photography, shopping, and indulgence in LA’s beautiful neighborhoods.
Bottom line: Ideal for those who love holiday markets, colorful decorations, and snapping fun photos while enjoying local treats. It offers good value for the experience packed into just 2 hours.
5. Marina Del Rey: Christmas Day Buffet Brunch or Dinner Cruise
If you prefer celebrating Christmas Day itself, this Marina del Rey Christmas Day cruise offers a festive afternoon or evening afloat. Similar to the Christmas Eve cruise, it features a chef-prepared buffet, live entertainment, and scenic views of southern California’s beaches. The cruise lasts 2 to 2.5 hours, providing a relaxed yet lively atmosphere with holiday decor and panoramic water views.
What makes this cruise special is the ability to enjoy Christmas dinner or brunch while cruising past beautifully lit waterfront homes and boats. The unlimited mimosas during brunch add a celebratory touch, and the overall atmosphere is described as “relaxing and delicious” with a 5/5 review score.
This experience is perfect for families or couples seeking a festive, all-inclusive celebration on Christmas Day. The price of $143 per person offers a good value considering the included buffet, drinks, and scenic views.
Bottom line: For an elegant, relaxed Christmas celebration with great food and beautiful vistas, this cruise is a top choice. It’s a memorable way to end your holiday in LA.
How to Choose
When selecting your Christmas experience in Los Angeles, consider your budget, interests, and the kind of holiday memory you want to make. For a scenic, relaxed celebration, the Marina del Rey cruises provide a lovely water-based experience. If exploring LA’s decorated neighborhoods and markets sounds more your style, the Festive Los Angeles walking tour and Americana/Old Pasadena photo tour offer local charm and photo opportunities. For capturing holiday lights with high-quality photos, the private photo tour is ideal.
Budget-wise, the cruises are around $143, offering good value for food and scenery, while the photo tours are slightly more expensive but provide personalized, memorable images. Think about what suits your style—relaxing water cruise, lively neighborhood walks, or professional holiday photos—and book early, especially for popular dates like Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
In summary, Los Angeles offers a variety of year-end holiday experiences that cater to different tastes. A boat cruise with festive buffets is perfect for a relaxed, scenic celebration. For those who love exploring decorated neighborhoods and markets, guided walking tours and photo sessions will create lasting memories. Whichever you choose, early booking is recommended to secure your spot during this busy holiday season. Enjoy your LA Christmas adventure—there’s truly something for all in this sprawling city of lights.