Home For The Holidays? Take In These 10 SoCal Events

The "most wonderful time of the year" is also one of the busiest in Southern California, with holiday events, cultural festivals and other celebrations filling up the December calendar.

Many of these events and activities are ingrained in the region's history and cultural identity. Taking part in them creates a sense of belonging and shared experiences unique to Southern California.

We've rounded up 10 can't-miss holiday events:

Astra Lumina: An Enchanted Night Walk Amongst the Stars

• When: Through December
• Where: South Coast Botanic Garden, 26300 Crenshaw Blvd., Palos Verdes Estates.
• Details: South Coast Botanic Garden has been transformed into a celestial journey of light, sound and wonder. The outdoor adventure features nine thematic zones filled with dazzling light installations, 360-degree immersion, and scenography, all set to an original cosmic soundtrack.

Camp Christmas

• When: Friday through Sunday for back-to-back weekends, Nov. 21 through Dec. 14, then Dec. 17-23
• Where: Camp Christmas, 8668 Pine Creek Road, Pine Valley
• Details: Camp Christmas is lighting the campfire for its fun-filled holiday festival in San Diego's East County. The fifth annual event in Pine Valley features all the lights and sounds of the holiday season in one place, from a colorful dancing water show to holiday photo ops, train rides, winter hayrides and more.

Christmas Celebration

• When: Daily through Jan. 4
• Where: SeaWorld San Diego, 500 SeaWorld Drive, San Diego
• Details: More than 1 million sparkling lights illuminate the park, including the SkyTower Tree of Lights, which SeaWorld calls San Diego's largest Christmas tree. Event highlights include an all-new holiday sea lion show, nighty snowfall, real reindeer, photos with Santa Claus and festive fireworks.

Coastal Christmas

• When: Select nights, Dec. 12-26
• Where: Del Mar Fairgrounds, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar
• Details: Coastal Christmas is returning to Del Mar with a reimagined experience this holiday season. The 10-day holiday light spectacular will feature a light trail, skating rink, holiday market and more.

Enchanted Forest of Light

• When: Open through Jan. 4, closed Dec. 24–25
• Where: Descanso Gardens, 1418 Descanso Drive, La Cañada Flintridge
• Details: Enchanted Forest of Light is an immersive nighttime walk through light installations, interactive art, and illuminated natural landscapes. The botanical garden has been transformed into a sparkling wonderland with glowing tulips, stained-glass houses, and color-changing displays.
  

Festival of Lights

• When: Activities and entertainment will continue through New Year's Eve. The lights will remain lit nightly through Jan. 6.
• Where: Mission Inn Hotel & Spa, 3649 Mission Inn Ave., Riverside
• Details: USA Today has named the Festival of Lights the "Best Public Lights Display" in the nation. The event features more than 10 million twinkling lights, festive decorations, live entertainment, food vendors and photo opportunities with Santa Claus.

Holidays at Legoland

• When: Select dates through Jan. 4
• Where: Legoland California Resort, 1 Legoland Drive, Carlsbad
• Details: Legoland California Resort has transformed into a Lego winter wonderland for Holidays at Legoland. The event features a three-story-tall Lego Christmas tree built from more than 360,000 bricks, as well as other holiday Lego brick models, Lego holiday characters, Lego builds and festive experiences, including an elf hat scavenger hunt.

L.A. Zoo Lights: Animals Aglow

• When: Open through Jan. 11, closed Dec. 24–25 and Dec. 31
• Where: Los Angeles Zoo, 5333 Zoo Drive, Los Angeles
• Details: The annual event brings guests through a holiday-themed wonderland with lantern sculptures and lights. In addition to the all-new lanterns and light displays, the zoo has brought back some of last year's fan favorites including the interactive displays, a giant walk-in kaleidoscope, seasonal treats and cocktails, and photo-ops through the park.

Lightscape

• When: Open through Jan. 4
• Where: San Diego Botanic Garden, 300 Quail Gardens Drive, Encinitas
• Details: The popular light experience Lightscape is back at San Diego Botanic Garden. Now in its fourth year, the reimagined event features new artistic installations and returning light-filled favorites throughout a mile-long illuminated walking trail.

Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade

• When: Nightly from Dec. 17-21
• Where: Newport Harbor, Newport Beach. Marina Park at 1600 W Balboa Blvd. in Newport Beach is the largest public viewing location on the parade route.
• Details: The 117th Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade features decorated yachts, boats, kayaks and canoes that sail along the harbor. The parade is hosted by the Commodores Club of the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce.

If you're planning a holiday event — or any event — feature it, so nearby readers see it all across Patch — including in roundups like this!