Hollywood Christmas Parade: Staking out a spot on Hollywood or Sunset Boulevards to soak up some sparkle, cheer, and a chilly SoCal evening? It’s been a fall tradition for nearly a century. Special guests include 2025 Grand Marshal Luke Wilson and Anthony Anderson, the celebration’s Humanitarian of the Year. An appearance by Santa, and several oversized balloons (including a towering toy soldier) are other uplifting hallmarks of the Nov. 30 happening, which rolls at 6 o’clock. Need the map? Find it here.
Festival of Lights: The Mission Inn & Spa has an august, castle-like spirit, all year long, but when the holidays arrive so does the illumination. Millions of lights lend the Riverside hotel big glow, as do an assortment of animatronic figures, velvet bows, elegant ornaments, and decorative details of the season. The lights are now on nightly, through Jan. 6, and they’re free to see. Hoping to stay over? There are packages, including one that includes a caroling performance in your room.
Museum Store Sunday: Browsing books, tees, stuffed animals, games, and educational gifts is always a delight after one has perused a variety of fascinating exhibits, but on the final Sunday of November? A stroll through a museum shop is something extra special. Museum-adjacent shops around Los Angeles and beyond will have deals, discounts, pop-up events, and other enticing offerings Nov. 30; check with your local favorite to see what’s afoot.
A Victorian Holiday at the Queen Anne Cottage: The Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Garden kicks off three weekends of holiday-style celebrating, with crafts, Santa appearances, and classic caroling in the mix. One delightful draw? The spirited gathering is taking place on the lawn of the Arcadia destination’s famous Queen Anne Cottage. There are tours of the landmark structure, too, for an additional fee. Check out dates, admission, and what to expect at this convivial garden party here.
Smorgasburg Holiday Market: This free-to-enter food-and-more extravaganza is a ROW DTLA favorite most Sundays of the year. But when Christmas is in view, a holiday vibe shimmers at the delicious destination. The Holiday Market, a multi-week happening, kicks off Nov. 30 with gifts for sale, seasonal foods, balloon-themed art installaions, and Santa cameos. Parking is free for two hours, too, sweet, but keep in mind that dogs are not allowed. The final 2025 date? Fa, la, la: It’s Dec. 21.