Head to an arcade like Lucky Strike for some post-Christmas thrills. Photo by Jennifer Voit
Long Island's Top Things To Do Between Christmas and New Year's with Kids
Clark Botanical Garden's Winter Wonderland is open for another week. Photo courtesy of the garden
Christmas Weekend 2025 on Long Island: Holiday Lights, Shows, and More Things To Do
The Long Island Children's Museum's New Year's Eve party has themed activities, a ball drop, and a confetti-filled dance party. Photo courtesy LICM
Long Island New Year’s Eve Guide 2025 for Families: Kid-Friendly Events, Fireworks & More
GUIDE
Guide to Holiday and Christmas Events for Long Island Kids
Have a ball this winter at indoor fun centers on Long Island like Nana’s Wonderland. Photo by Gina Massaro
Ultimate Winter Bucket List: 34 Best Things To Do with Kids on Long Island
Fifth Street in Ronkonkoma is aglow with Christmas lights during the holidays.
Best Neighborhood Christmas Light Displays and 2025 Holiday Lights on Long Island
LuminoCity returns to Long Island's Eisenhower Park this Christmas season. Photo courtesy LuminoCity
Best Holiday Lights Drive-Thrus and Christmas Light Shows on Long Island 2025
Hit the ice at the scenic Mohonk Mountan House, which offers winter day passes to enjoy its spectacular resort amenities. Photo courtesy of the venue
23 Fun Winter Day Trips from NYC
The Ausable Chasm has been described as the Grand Canyon of the Adirondacks and it's one of our top 100 things to do in New York State with kids. Photo by Anna Fader
Ultimate New York Bucket List: 100 Things To Do with Kids in NY State
Kids can hop on tricycles and ride around the indoor track at L.I. Salty Kids Cove.
21 Best Kids' Indoor Playgrounds and Play Spaces in Suffolk County
Xplore Family Fun Center's birthday parties include pizza, drinks, and arcade cards. Photo by the author
Top Birthday Party Places on Long Island for Kids
Get ready for back to school with all the right supplies, classes, and tips.
GUIDE
Back-to-School Guide 2025-2026
Summer camp is a great way for kids to make new friends and learn new skills
GUIDE
Long Island Summer Camp Guide
Speed down the slides at Bellmore's Planet Play.
Top Indoor Playgrounds and Play Spaces in Nassau County
Bounce! in Syosset is a trampoline adventure destination that includes a toddler playground for younger kids. Photo by Jennifer Voit
15 Family Fun Centers on Long Island
Kids eat free at participating IHOPs beginning at 4pm each afternoon. Photo courtesy of IHOP
Restaurants Where Kids Eat Free on Long Island
Photo of Liddle Bites play space in Long Beach by Lisa Fogarty for Mommy Poppins
GUIDE
Guide to Indoor Play Spaces for Long Island Kids
Jones Beach Energy and Nature Center's interactive exhibits are free. Photo by Gina Massaro
Top Free Things To Do Indoors on Long Island: Free Places To Play Indoors
The Vanderbilt has a planetarium, an expansive mansion, and a museum, making it a great place to explore on a rainy day. Photo by Kristen Markel
25 Things To Do Indoors on Long Island on a Rainy Day
Find free fun for Long Island kids at the free play space at the Broadway Mall. Photo courtesy the mall
GUIDE
Guide to Free Things To Do with Long Island Kids
Families gather at Northport Park as the sun sets on the scenic Northport Harbor. Photo by the author
Best Cute Towns on Long Island with Walkable Main Streets
A day at Sunken Meadow State Park can feature playground games, a walk on the beach, and more. Photo by Kimberly Chacon
Best Playgrounds on Long Island for Kids
Speed down the slides at Bellmore's Planet Play.
Top Indoor Playgrounds and Play Spaces in Nassau County
Celebrate with a themed birthday at Sippy Cups. Photo by the author
Fun Indoor Birthday Party Places for Kids on Long Island
These boredom-busting activities turn a stuck-at-home day into a lasting memory.
75 Indoor Activities for Kids on a Rainy Day
GUIDE
Guide to Classes for Long Island Kids
Kids eat free at participating IHOPs beginning at 4pm each afternoon. Photo courtesy of IHOP
Restaurants Where Kids Eat Free on Long Island
Winding paths, ponds, and streams line the lush grounds of Clark Botanic Gardens.
17 Secret Long Island Spots Kids Love
Encourage an introduction to STEM education at the Long Island Children's Museum. Photo courtesy of LICM
Best Long Island Science Museums for Kids
Long Island is home to some of the most beautiful beaches on the eastern seaboard. Photo courtesy of Discover Long Island
Ultimate Long Island Bucket List: 100 Things To Do on LI with Kids Before They Grow Up
Host an affordable birthday party at Whimsical Vine Party Hall. Photo by Chofit the Man to Call via Pexels
Inexpensive Birthday Party Room Rentals on Long Island
Babies 2 and younger can pet the goats, alpacas, and ponies for free at Fink’s Country Farm.
12 Free Places to Play on Long Island with Babies and Toddlers
Photo of Liddle Bites play space in Long Beach by Lisa Fogarty for Mommy Poppins
GUIDE
Guide to Indoor Play Spaces for Long Island Kids
Enjoy the engaging exhibits at the Long Island Children's Museum. Photo courtesy of LICM
Best Museums for Kids on Long Island
Keep the kids busy at Applebee's with games on a tableside tablet. Photo by Anne Caminiti - Momee Friends of Long Island www.momeefriendsli.com
Long Island Restaurants with Fun Entertainment for Kids
Photo by Dora Somosi via Instagram
GUIDE
Family Day Trips and Weekend Getaways for Long Island
Grab the brass ring and get a free ride at Greenport's carousel. Photo by Jaime Sumersille
Top Attractions in Long Island: Best Things to See and Do With Kids
Creating a baking soda volcano is a classic science experiment for kids. Photo by Sara Marentette Nighswander
67 Easy Science Experiments for Kids To Do at Home
Suncatcher_Liz Baill @creativishmom
GUIDE
Crafts for Kids Guide: Thousands of Craft Ideas

Christmas Weekend 2025 in Los Angeles Top Things To Do: Theme Parks, Holiday Concerts, and More

Enjoy Holiday in the Park before it's gone! Photo courtesy of Six Flags
Enjoy Holiday in the Park before it's gone! Photo courtesy of Six Flags
12/23/25 - By Toby B

Looking for the best things to do in Los Angeles over the Christmas weekend? Here are some events and activities to add to your list for this holiday weekend.

Merry Christmas weekend, folks! The gift to us all in 2025 has been the abundance of activities to enjoy in Los Angeles, including holiday festivities, light shows, Nutcrackers, and theme park celebrations everywhere you turn.  A few suggestions that'll make spirits bright over the Christmas weekend: many theme parks are open on Christmas Day, like Holidays at Disneyland Resort, so there's still time to catch these holiday favorites before they're gone for the season.

This weekend is also your last chance to ride The Southern California Polar Express Train Ride, or walk through the twinkling lights of Holiday Road Walk-Thru at King Gillette Ranch and Santa Anita's Enchant Los Angeles. However you choose to celebrate, happy holidays from all of us at Mommy Poppins! 

Want even more fun things to do this weekend? Our Los Angeles Events Calendar is packed with great family activities every day of the week— and you can filter by age, location, or even free events!

Not on our newsletter list yet? Subscribe for free and get the best local family fun sent straight to your inbox. Already subscribed? Share it with a friend and start planning your weekend together!

 

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

The Annual LA County Holiday Celebration takes place on Christmas Eve. Photo courtesy of the Music Center
The Annual LA County Holiday Celebration takes place on Christmas Eve. Photo courtesy of the Music Center

Best Things To Do Christmas Weekend in Los Angeles

66th Annual LA County Holiday Celebration

DTLA - FREE
Wednesday, December 24, 2025
Choirs, music ensembles, and dance companies from the many neighborhoods and cultures of LA celebrate the season during this free, three-hour extravaganza. More than 20 local music ensembles, choirs and dance companies perform. READ MORE

Las Posadas

DTLA - FREE
Now through Wednesday, December 24, 2025
A reenactment of Mary and Joseph's search for a room at the inn is presented by the Olvera Street merchants, their families, and friends. Visitors are encouraged to join the nightly candlelight processions and Christmas carol singing in Spanish and English. READ MORE

Fiddler On the Roof Sing-Along

Multiple Locations
Wednesday, December 24, 2025
Without our traditions, our lives would be as shaky as a fiddler on the roof. With this in mind, select Laemmle Theaters offer an alternative Christmas Eve tradition: the annual Fiddler On the Roof sing-along. Costumes welcome!   READ MORE

Christmas at the Santa Barbara Zoo

Santa Barbara
Open Christmas Eve and Christmas Day!
Looking for something to do Christmas Eve or Christmas Day?  The Santa Barbara Zoo is open! READ MORE

Disney on Ice: Magic in the Stars (Ontario)

Ontario
Thursday - Sunday, December 25- 28, 2025
The shining stars are on the ice in the latest Disney on Ice show. Magic in the Stars features 56 favorite Disney characters, including Mirabel, Woody and Buzz, Tiana, Moana and more.  READ MORE

Free Admission on Christmas Day

Ventura - FREE
Thursday December 25, 2025
On Christmas Day, Ventura Botanical Gardens offers the gift of free admission.  Leashed dogs are welcome. READ MORE

Christmas Double Feature (New Beverly)

Hollywood
Thursday December 25, 2025
Merry Christmas! The New Beverly Cinema returns to its annual Christmas Day tradition with the Marx Brothers in a comedy double feature.  This year's second film brings Abbott and Costello into the merry mix. READ MORE

Holidays at Disneyland Resort

Anaheim
Open Christmas Day!
The Happiest Place on Earth becomes the merriest place on Earth for the holiday season. Enjoy themed shows and rides, festive decor, and seasonally dressed character favorites. In 2025, look for Mickey and his friends to debut sparkling new holiday looks. The Disneyland Resort 70th Celebration continues to offer special anniversary entertainment, experiences and more. READ MORE

Holidays at Legoland

Carlsbad
Open Christmas Day!
Due to forecasted inclement weather and heavy rain on December 23 and December 24, Legoland has activated its Rainy Day Promise. Guests visiting on these dates are eligible for a complimentary return visit within one (1) year of their original visit date. The holidays click into place at Legoland California. This year's event transforms the park into a winter wonderland, with a new holiday-themed ride, larger-than-life LEGO builds, falling “snow,” twinkling lights, sweet treats and more. READ MORE

Holidays at Universal Studios Hollywood

Universal City
Open Christmas Day!
The magic of Christmas comes alive at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Hogsmeade transforms with enchanting spirit, festive décor, and holiday-themed food (cheers to a toasty mug of hot butterbeer!). At night, Hogwarts Castle is illuminated in a dazzling display of festive lights and music. And Christmastime is Mario time when you celebrate the holidays at Super Nintendo World, as guests with interactive Power-Up Bands can collect exclusive seasonal digital stamps. READ MORE

Magic Mountain Holiday in the Park

Valencia
Open Christmas Day!
Note:  Due to inclement weather, Magic Mountain is closed on December 24   Magic Mountain is illuminated with millions of lights for a festive holiday experience. Park-goers can enjoy festive foods, seasonal entertainment, and favorite thrilling coasters decorated for the holidays. Santa Claus and his elves visit with park guests; Mrs Claus leads festive crafts and seasonal activities. READ MORE

3D-cember! at the Academy Museum

Mid-Wilshire
Friday - Wednesday, December 26 - 31, 2025
The Academy Museum is comin' at ya ... in 3D! For the days after Christmas and before New Year’s, the Academy Museum invites guests to experience classic and contemporary films shot in and intended for projection in 3D. READ MORE

Ina Buckner-Barnette: The Sunshine Storyteller

West LA - FREE
Saturday, December 27, 2025
Ina Buckner-Barnette, the Sunshine Storyteller, visits Children's Book World for an interactive storytelling concert for preschoolers. Little ones can learn about and celebrate Kwanzaa through participatory stories and songs. READ MORE

Polar Bear Plunge

Thousand Oaks
Saturday, December 27, 2025
So Cal residents can experience a brief winter chill - by jumping into ridiculously cold water! Conejo RPD's Polar Bear Plunge starts with a 1.5 mile hike up Mountclef Ridge and end with a chilling plunge into the Community Pool at CLU. READ MORE

Los Angeles Ballet's The Nutcracker at the Dolby

Hollywood
Through Sunday, December 28, 2025
Los Angeles Ballet's production of The Nutcracker is a classic with a distinctly Southern California twist. In this production, set pieces are designed to mimic beloved landmarks and trademarks of Southern California, while the ballet stays true to Tchaikovsky's iconic score.  READ MORE

Lula Washington Dance Theatre 2025 Kwanzaa Festival

Baldwin Hills/Crenshaw
Saturday - Sunday, December 28 - 29, 2025
The Lula Washington Dance Theatre presents its annual exuberant celebration of Kwanzaa. The performance blends high velocity dancing and drumming, mixing African Dance, Modern dance, cultural dance forms, and ballet, and features both student and professional dancers. READ MORE

My Neighbor Totoro at the Aero

Santa Monica
Sunday, December 28, 2025
In Hayao Miyazaki’s acclaimed film, two young sisters move into a new house with their father near a vast forest to be closer to their ailing, hospitalized mother. Discovering wondrous forest spirits and dust bunnies, they also encounter Totoro, a giant lumbering bunny-esque creature. READ MORE

Birdwatching for Young Children and Parents

Malibu - FREE
Sunday, December 28, 2025
Young children and their parents can go on a special birdwatching walk. READ MORE
Candy Cane Lane is all lit up this weekend! Photo courtesy of Discover Los Angeles
Candy Cane Lane is all lit up this weekend! Photo courtesy of Discover Los Angeles

More Top Things To Do in Los Angeles Right Now

Restaurants Open on Christmas Day in Los Angeles

All I want for Christmas is not to cook or clean. READ MORE

What’s Open on Christmas Day 2025? Stores, Grocery Stores & Family-Friendly Places for Parents

So little traffic, so much you can do on Christmas Day! READ MORE

Best Holiday Lights Drive-Thrus and Christmas Light Shows in Los Angeles

These holiday light shows dazzle in gardens, zoos, trains, and more! READ MORE

16 Must-Do Christmas Events and Holiday Activities in Los Angeles for Kids

Santa's bag is overflowing with festive fun. READ MORE

Best Neighborhood Christmas Light Displays and Holiday Lights in Los Angeles

We know where to find all the best holiday lights in town. READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historic Monument
Multiple Laemmle Theatres, including Laemmle’s Town Center 5
The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures