December Delights: Hanukkah, Boat Parades, Reindeer, Tea, and Baking Showdowns Light Up Los Angeles

December’s holiday calendar in Los Angeles is packed with free, family‑friendly events that promise light, music, and festive cheer.

The Original Farmers Market has long been the backdrop for the Festival of Lights. On the afternoon of Dec. 14, the Chanukah Celebration will take place at the Third & Fairfax landmark. The free gathering will feature a menorah lighting, a sing‑along, and other festive touches.

Later that same day, the Skirball Cultural Center will host the joyful Hanukkah Festival. Tickets are sold out, but walk‑up admissions will be available for those who arrive early. The festival will conclude the evening, as Hanukkah officially begins on Dec. 15, 2025.

For those who love the sea, a series of lighted boat parades will illuminate the coast. The Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade, a grand, super‑venerable five‑nighter, remains a week or so out, but other on‑the‑water processions are already underway. The 63rd Annual Marina del Rey Holiday Boat Parade sets sail on Dec. 13, while the 50th Annual Parade of Lights will shimmer around Dana Point on Dec. 12, 13, and 14. Additional celebrations include Ventura Harbor on Dec. 12 and 13, and Morro Bay on Dec. 13, all showcasing brilliant boat‑tastic displays.

Cyclists can enjoy an open‑streets festival on City Terrace. Presented by Metro, the event will close about 1.6 miles of streets to vehicles for two days. Bike riders can roll out on Dec. 13 and 14 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., but first should grab a map and info.

Reindeer enthusiasts will find a home‑grown attraction at Underwood Family Farms. The farm’s annual Christmas on the Farm will welcome live reindeer on Dec. 13 and 14. Visitors can also catch the reindeer back on Dec. 20 and 21. The farm offers Christmassy games, activities, and cute animal cameos through Dec. 24, and tickets can be purchased on the Underwood site, as the event is popular each weekend.

Tea lovers will find a free Festival of Tea at Smorgasburg LA, located at ROW DTLA. The event will feature tea ceremonies and other sippable splendor on the schedule, with entry free to all attendees and plenty of food for sale.

Meanwhile, a baking showdown will take place in Belmont Shore on the afternoon of Dec. 14. The Long Beach contest will award winners funds to donate to their chosen local charities.

All events are scheduled for the middle of December, giving families a chance to enjoy holiday traditions without a packed schedule. The variety of activities—from lights on the water to bike rides, reindeer sightings, tea tastings, and baking competitions—ensures there is something for every age group.

Event organizers encourage early arrival for tickets and maps, especially for the Hanukkah Festival at Skirball and the City Terrace bike event. The free nature of many gatherings means that anyone can join, making the holiday season inclusive and accessible.

With so many celebrations happening at once, residents and visitors alike can plan a day or two of holiday fun, from the bright lights on the waterfront to the joyous music at the farmers market, and from the gentle sway of a bike ride to the sweet aroma of freshly baked goods.

Key Takeaways:

• Hanukkah celebrations on Dec. 14 at Original Farmers Market and Skirball Cultural Center, free and with walk‑up tickets.
• Lighted boat parades across the coast on Dec. 12‑14, including Marina del Rey, Dana Point, Ventura Harbor, and Morro Bay.
• Open‑streets bike event on City Terrace, Dec. 13‑14, 11 a.m.‑3 p.m.
• Live reindeer at Underwood Family Farms on Dec. 13‑14 and Dec. 20‑21.
• Free Festival of Tea at Smorgasburg LA and a baking showdown in Belmont Shore on Dec. 14.

As the holiday season approaches, Los Angeles offers a rich tapestry of free, festive events that celebrate light, community, and the joy of togetherness.