Here is a sampling of things to do in the San Fernando Valley and the greater Los Angeles area.
Today
Holiday Road: A self-guided, one-mile walk to see holiday-theme light installations plus a “Winter Market” for gifts, a souvenir shop and food trucks, Dec. 4-7. Tickets are sold online-only and are by designated time slots (starting at 5 p.m.) and date. Check the website for selected dates when Santa Claus visits, and also, costumed carolers sing holiday songs. Dates: Dec. 11-14; Dec. 18-24; Dec. 26-27. Check the website for tickets (depending on time and date). Purchase a parking pass at the same time as tickets. Details and rules here: holidayroadusa.com/faq/. King Gillette Ranch, 26800 Mulholland Highway, Calabasas. holidayroadusa.com/
Enchanted – Forest of Light at Descanso Gardens: An interactive, approximately 1-mile walk, through a display of lights. Event is rain or shine through Jan. 4. Purchase of a timed-ticket in advance is required for admission (time frame, 5:30-8:30 p.m.; no tickets sold at the door). Admission $27 and up; $17 ages 2-12 (age 1 and younger are free but must also have a ticket). Tickets are not refundable and cannot be rescheduled. Frequently asked questions: https://www.descansogardens.org/enchanted-faqs. Location, 1418 Descanso Drive, La Cañada Flintridge. 818-949-4200. Details and purchase tickets: https://www.descansogardens.org/enchanted-tickets/
Pacoima Tree Lighting: Event includes activities for children and photo opportunities with Santa Claus, 6 p.m. Dec. 4. Pacoima City Hall, 13520 Van Nuys Blvd. 818-485-0600. monicarodriguez.org/events. Flyer: https://cd7.lacity.gov/events/free-holidays-events
Friday
Sunland-Tujunga Tree Lighting: Event includes activities for children and photo opportunities with San Claus, 5 p.m. Dec. 5. Sunland Recreation Center, 8651 Foothill Blvd., Sunland. 818-352-3287. monicarodriguez.org/events. Flyer: https://cd7.lacity.gov/events/free-holidays-events
Sylmar Tree Lighting: Event includes activities for children and photo opportunities with San Claus, 6 p.m. Dec. 5. Sylmar Recreation Center, 13109 Borden Ave. 818-756-8409. monicarodriguez.org/events. Flyer: https://cd7.lacity.gov/events/free-holidays-events
Granada Hills Grubfest and the Granada Hills Farmers Market: The Granada Hills Chamber of Commerce presents the food truck “Grubfest,” 5-10 p.m. Dec. 5 (on Chatsworth Street between Zelzah and White Oak avenues); and the Farmers Market, 6-10 p.m. (on White Oak Avenue between Chatsworth and Los Alimos streets) on Dec. 5, and continuing every Friday. 818-368-3235. www.granadachamber.com/. www.granadachamber.com/food-trucks/. Farmers market information: www.granadachamber.com/56292-2/
Imaginarium – Land of Oz – Fairplex: The family-friendly, walk-through illuminated event, selected dates through Jan. 4. Theme areas: The Farm; Scarecrow; Tin Man; Lion; Poppy Dreams and Butterfly Illusions; Emerald City. Tickets $21 and up, ages 13-61; $16 and up, ages 3-12; free for ages 2 and younger. Frequently asked questions: https://imaginarium360.com/faq/. Use parking at Gate 17 ($20; credit or debit card only). Location, Fairplex – Pomona, 1101 W. McKinley Ave. Details and purchase tickets: tinyurl.com/3p8rkbbj. imaginarium360.com/pomona-ca/
L.A. Zoo Lights – Animals Aglow: The self-guided walking tour returns with a nature-focused display of lantern sculptures and lights through different landscapes including river, alpine and rain forests, various dates through Jan. 11. Hours: 6-10 p.m. Rain does not cancel. Timed tickets start at $29 and up for ages 13 and older; $19 and up for ages 2-12 (however, higher admission on “premium” nights). Closed most Mondays and Tuesdays, plus Christmas Eve (December 24), Christmas Day (December 25), and New Year’s Eve (December 31). Frequently asked questions: https://lazoo.org/plan-your-visit/special-experiences/zoolights/zoolights-faq. Location, 5333 Zoo Drive, Los Angeles. www.lazoolights.org
Saturday
NoHo Farmers Market: 8:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Saturdays. Location, 500 Colfax Ave., Valley Village. 818-471-0793. farmersmarketnorthhollywood.com
Canoga Park Farmers Market: A certified market, 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Saturdays. Rain or shine. Location, 7248 Owensmouth Avenue, between Sherman Way and Wyandotte Avenue. Coastal Pacific Markets, 805-643-6458. Email: pacific209@hotmail.com. www.facebook.com/canogafarmersmarket
El Nido Farmers Market – Pacoima: El Nido Family Centers and the City of Los Angeles present the market, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays. Location, Pacoima Family Source Center, 11243 Glenoaks Blvd. www.elnidofamilycenters.org/farmers-market
Woodland Hills Farmers Market: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays. Location, 5650 Shoup Ave. 818-300-3023. Facebook: tinyurl.com/ybbchwbb
Autobooks-Aerobooks: Matt Stone signs “Ride – The Most Iconic Wheels of the Silver Screen,” 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Dec. 6. See the website for how to order signed books in advance. Location, 2900 W. Magnolia Blvd., Burbank. 818-845-0707. autobooks-aerobooks.com
Las Posadas at Andrés Pico Adobe: The San Fernando Valley Historical Society presents their 20th traditional Christmas procession, 5-7 p.m. Dec. 6. Gates open, 5 p.m. Event includes caroling, a piñata and Santa Claus appearance. Free/donations appreciated. Location, 10940 Sepulveda Blvd., Mission Hills (enter the parking lot from Brand Boulevard at the junction of Sepulveda Boulevard). 818-365-7810. www.sfvhs.com. Details: www.facebook.com/SFVHS/
San Fernando Valley Master Choral – Gloria! A Festival of Choirs: The chorale and five other choirs in the San Fernando Valley perform John Rutter’s Gloria, with a full brass quintet, and traditional and re-imagined holiday songs, 6 p.m. Dec. 6. Livestream tickets are available $15 on the website link (in-person tickets sold-out; no tickets sold at the door). www.sfvmc.com
Burbank Chorale Holiday Concert – Jingle All the Way: The chorale performs a variety of sacred music, carols and fun favorites, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 6. Tickets $15 in advance; $20 at the door. Performance at St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church, 1920 W. Glenoaks Blvd., Glendale. Details and to purchase tickets online on Eventbrite: tinyurl.com/asjfnwns
The Soraya: Gregory Porter – Christmas Wish, 8 p.m. Dec. 6 Upcoming: The Klezmatics – Happy Joyous Hanukkah, 7 p.m. Dec. 7. Christian Sands – Christmas Stories, 8 p.m. Dec. 12-13. Nochebuena – A Christmas Spectacular, 2 and 7 p.m. Dec. 20, and also 2 p.m. Dec. 21-22. Check the website for tickets. The Soraya at California State University, Northridge, 18111 Nordhoff St., Northridge. thesoraya.org
Foothills Dancemakers: Two modern dance concert performances by area dance companies, 8 p.m. Dec. 6 and 7 p.m. Dec. 7. Dance companies: Benita Bike’s DanceArt; Nancy Evans Dance Theatre; Lineage Dance; Pennington Dance Group. The companies came together in 2019 to promote awareness of, and support to, concert modern dance in the San Fernando and San Gabriel valleys. Tickets $30; $25 for seniors and students with valid ID. Location is at A Room to Create, 1158 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. Details and tickets: www.penningtondancegroup.org/tickets
Sunday
Motor 4 Toys Charity Car Show and Toy Drive: Porsche Woodland Hills presents the car show at the 22nd annual event that helps to make a happy holiday for children in need by donations of new, unwrapped toys or monetary donations, 6:30 a.m.-noon Dec. 7. Admission: one new unwrapped toy (minimum $20 value; donate more toys if you are able) or a $20 donation. Pierce College, Lot 7, use entrance from Victory Boulevard at Mason Street, Woodland Hills. www.motor4toys.com
Encino Farmers Market: ONEgeneration presents the market, 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Sundays. Location, 17400 Victory Blvd. (between Balboa Boulevard and White Oak Avenue). Farmers market manager, 818-708-6611 or email: farmersmarket@onegeneration.org. www.onegeneration.org/farmers-market/
Farmers Market – The Vineyards at Porter Ranch: The certified market, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Dec. 7, and Sundays. Bring your own reusable shopping bags. The Vineyards, 20000 Rinaldi St., Porter Ranch. https://www.thevineyards.com/event/weekly-farmers-market-61
Good Times Farmers Market: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Sundays. Los Angeles Valley College, parking lot A, 5800 Fulton Ave. (at Burbank Boulevard), Valley Glen. 818-282-5490. Email: goodtimesfarmersmarket@gmail.com. goodtimesfarmersmarket.com/
Granada Hills Holiday Parade – Holidays of the Roaring Twenties – A Salute to the 100th Anniversary of the Community of Granada Hills: The 42nd annual parade’s theme says it all, 1:30 p.m. Dec. 7. Grand marshal: John Elway (NFL legend Hall of Fame and two-time Super Bowl Champion Denver Quarterback and who attended and graduated from, in 1979, Granada Hills High School). The parade includes marching bands, vintage cars, dance and drill teams, equestrians, floats, community groups, and a special appearance by Santa and Mrs. Claus. Spectators information including announcers and judging stand: www.granadahillsholidayparade.org/spectator-information/. Parade route: on Chatsworth Street at Petit Avenue; west on Chatsworth to Zelzah Avenue. https://www.granadahills100.com/centennial-events/. Parade details: https://www.granadahillsholidayparade.org/
LA Winds – A Day of Remembrance and a Season of Celebration: The Los Angeles Symphonic Winds, a 90-piece community ensemble, perform the concert that includes holiday favorites and also, James Barnes’ Lonely Beach – November 1944, that honors those who have served in the U.S. armed forces and actress Carolyne Maraghi narrates the moving musical setting of the classic “Where Never Lark or Eagle Flew,” 2:30 p.m. Dec. 7. Doors open, 1:30 p.m. Tickets $30; $40 (plus fees). Check the website link on donating cans of food for the LA Winds food drive (to be donated to the West Valley Food Pantry). Parking: Lot G3. Plaza del Sol Performance Hall on the campus of California State University, Northridge, 18111 Nordhoff St., Northridge. www.lawinds.com. Details and to purchase tickets: https://lawinds.com/tickets/december-2025-tickets/
San Fernando Valley Male Chorus – Songs of the Season: The group performs a holiday concert with Christmas and Hanukkah songs, 3 p.m. Dec. 7. Tickets $20. Performance at Shepherd of the Valley Church, 23838 Kittridge St., West Hills. Bob Banta, 818-888-8345 or email: buckeyerpb@gmail.com. sfvmchorus.com/. sfvmchorus.com/next-show/
Monday
Cowboys and Christmas trees exhibits – Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum: The museum presents “Cowboys – History and Hollywood,” through April 19, 2026 (https://www.reaganfoundation.org/library-museum/special-exhibits/cowboys), and also “An American Christmas,” a favorite museum theme exhibit, with this year’s tree decorations representing culture and society from decades 1770-2020 and beyond, runs through Jan. 4, 2026 (https://www.reaganfoundation.org/library-museum/special-exhibits/an-american-christmas). Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily (except closed on Dec. 25 for Christmas Day; Jan. 1, New Year’s Day. Tickets $25; $22 ages 62 and older and college students with ID; $18 ages 11-17; $15 ages 3-10; free for ages 2 and younger. Location, 40 Presidential Drive, Simi Valley. https://www.reaganfoundation.org/library-museum
Holiday Ice Rink – Pershing Square: The largest outdoor ice skating rink in the city of Los Angeles is open for one-hour ice skating sessions, noon-9 p.m. daily through Jan. 11, 2026. Check the website for ticket prices and purchasing sessions before you go. Location, 532 S. Olive St., Los Angeles. https://www.facebook.com/HolidayIceRinkDTLA. holidayicerinkdowntownla.com
Tuesday
Autry Museum of the American West: Ongoing special exhibits: “Black Cowboys – An American Story,” through Jan. 4 (theautry.org/black-cowboys). “Creative Continuities: Family, Pride, and Community in Native Art,” through June 2027 (theautry.org/creative-continuities). Museum hours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday-Friday; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. Admission $19; $14 ages 62 and older, and ages 13-18 and also students older than 18 with ID; $8 ages 3-12 (theautry.org/visit). Location, 4700 Western Heritage Way, Los Angeles. theautry.org
UPCOMING
Pacoima Christmas Parade – Together We Shine: Pacoima Chamber of Commerce presents the 58th annual parade, 9 a.m. Dec. 13. Grand marshal: Los Angeles City Councilwoman Monica Rodriguez. The parade is scheduled to include marching bands, car and motorcycle clubs, dance groups, equestrians and drill teams. Parade route: from Pacoima City Hall (13520 Van Nuys Blvd.); on Van Nuys Boulevard at Oneida Avenue to Herrick Avenue. 818-273-7155. pacoimachamber.org. Flyer: https://www.facebook.com/pacoimachamber
A Tale of Two Swiss Neolithic Breads Circa 3200 BCE: Culinary Historians of Southern California present a talk by author and scholar William Rubel (“Bread – A Global History”), 10:30 a.m. Dec. 13 (followed by a theme reception). Free admission, but a registration is requested. Use garage parking at 524 S. Flower St., Los Angeles (take ticket for parking with you and get it validated if you have a library card; $1 with library validation; see details on the Eventbrite website for parking instructions). Los Angeles Central Library, Mark Taper Auditorium, 630 W. Fifth St., Los Angeles. www.facebook.com/chsocal. www.chsocal.org. Details and to register to attend on Eventbrite link: tinyurl.com/mn3ywhk5
Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles – Holiday Legends: Concert of favorite songs of the holiday season, 8 p.m. Dec. 13 (doors open 7 p.m.), and also 3:30 p.m. Dec. 14 (doors open 2:30 p.m.). Tickets $60.82 and up. Saban Theatre, 8440 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills. https://www.gmcla.org/. https://www.gmcla.org/holiday
Hanukkah Festival – Skirball Cultural Center: The event includes activities, music, storytelling, noon-5 p.m. Dec. 14. In addition, a discussion by Ilan Stavans and Margaret E. Boyle about their book “Sabor Judio – The Jewish Mexican Cookbook,” 2:45 p.m. (first come, first seated; books will be available for sale and signing after the talk). A community candle lighting at sundown. Make an online reservation in advance to attend the festival. Admission $20; $15 seniors, full time students with ID; $13 ages 2-17. The museum will be open, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Location, 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles. 310-440-4500. skirball.org. Details and to purchase admission: https://www.skirball.org/programs/hanukkah-festival
Chatsworth Holiday Parade and Festival – Rocking Holidays: The Kiwanis Club of Chatsworth presents the 41st annual parade, 1 p.m. Dec. 14. Parade includes marching bands, classic cars, clowns, equestrians, community groups, drill teams and Santa Claus. Parade route: on Devonshire Street at Topanga Canyon Boulevard; east on Devonshire to Lurline Avenue. Also, the Holiday Festival, noon-5 p.m, on Canoga Avenue at Devonshire Street. www.chatsworthholidayparade.org/parade-information
Los Angeles County Holiday Celebration – Dorothy Chandler Pavilion: The 66th annual event includes choir groups, dance performances and music from around the world, 3-6 p.m. Dec. 24. Free to attend. Ticket reservations open at 10 a.m. Dec. 16 (sign up on the website to get an alert when ticket reservations open). Details on how to make a reservation: https://www.musiccenter.org/tickets-free-events/tmc-arts/l-a-county-holiday-celebration/. Doors open, 2 p.m. Ticket holders need to be scanned and in the theater by 2:45 p.m. Free parking in the Music Center’s parking garage. The show is also live, 3-6 p.m. Dec. 24 on PBS SoCal (an encore showing, 7 p.m. Dec. 24 on PBS SoCal). In addition, an encore is shown, 8-11 p.m. Dec. 25 (on PBS SoCal Plus). Music Center’s Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, 135 N. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. Information hotline: 213-972-3099. holidaycelebration.org
ONGOING
La Brea Tar Pits and Museum: Museum hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily (except closed on the first Tuesday of the month and national holidays). Admission $18; $14 ages 62 and older and students ages 13-17; $7 ages 3-12; free for ages 2 and younger, but a ticket is required (tarpits.org/plan-your-visit/la-brea-tar-pits-buy-tickets). Parking $18. Location, 5801 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles. 213-763-3499. tarpits.org/
Museum of the San Fernando Valley: Hours: 1-5 p.m. Tuesday; 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday-Sunday (check the website to confirm days open). Free admission; donations appreciated. Rancho Cordillera del Norte, 18904 Nordhoff St. (southwest corner of Nordhoff and Wilbur Avenue), Northridge. 818-347-9665. Email: themuseumsfv@gmail.com. themuseumsfvnow.org
Natural History Museum Los Angeles County – Fierce! The Story of Cats: The international traveling exhibit, from the Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle in France, runs through Feb. 18 (this exhibit requires an add-on ticket price to the museum’s general admission; nhm.org/cats). Hours: 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Sunday (but closed on the first Tuesday of the month and some holidays). Admission $18; $14 ages 62 and older and ages 13-17; $7 ages 3-12; free for ages 2 and younger, but a ticket is required. Location, 900 Exposition Blvd., Los Angeles. www.facebook.com/nhmla. nhmlac.org
Valley Relics Museum: Take a trip down San Fernando Valley memory lane, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday-Sunday (check the website for hours; subject to change). Admission $15; free for ages 10 and younger. The museum is located at 7900 Balboa Blvd., Hangar C3 and C4, entrance is on Stagg Street, Van Nuys. 818-616-4083. www.facebook.com/valleyrelics. valleyrelicsmuseum.org
Send calendar listings at least two weeks in advance to be considered to handres@scng.com.