Some of the top theme parks in the world are here in Southern California, and what better way to celebrate the holidays than with one of these amazing SoCal institutions! When the calendar flips over to the holiday season, the parks transform into something enchanting and magical with dazzling lights and decorations that will help provide memories that will last a lifetime.
Whether you’re exploring the notion of Universal Studios or you want to take the kids to Sesame Place, these parks – along with LEGOLAND California, Six Flags Magic Mountain, and Sea World San Diego – offer a variety of magical ways to enjoy the holiday spirit.
Celebrating the holidays at a theme park in Southern California is a memorable experience for families, so be sure to make the most of your experience. One way is to purchase special tickets or packages that offer early access, skip-the-line privileges, and exclusive experiences. Another way is to look for dining experiences that allow you to dine at your favorite themed restaurant.
UNIVERSAL STUDIOS HOLLYWOOD | Universal City
Beginning November 24th and running daily through January 1st, Universal Studios Hollywood unveils the entertainment this holiday season with “Christmas in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter” and “Grinchmas” featuring an All-New Who-Bee Doo-Wops musical performance. Along with the activities, Universal City Walk Hollywood will be decorated for the holiday season with a 40-foot-tall Christmas tree.
The Hogsmeade village is decorated with twinkling lights, decorative garlands, and festive wreaths. Enjoy the Frog Choir performing a memorable holiday a cappella performance, stroll through the shops while sipping butterbeer, or try the festive fare at Three Broomsticks.
At dusk every night, “The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle” light shows will be projected onto the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, which infuses the land with the music of the Harry Potter film series.
The spirited “Grinchmas” Who-bilation has an all-new daytime performance featuring the Who-Be Doo-Wops group. This is Who-ville’s musical sensation that will have you rocking out to dance to the holiday classics for the Whos and guests.
The topsy-turvy 65-foot tall “Grinchmas” tree, covered in hundreds of ornaments and thousands of LED lights, will stand with the Universal Plaza, where guests will be entertained with nightly tree lighting ceremonies and a flurry of snowfall.
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HOLIDAYS AT LEGOLAND | Carlsbad
Starting November 18th and running select dates through January 7th, the holiday season begins when LEGOLAND California Resort becomes a winter wonderland. Walk through the park and notice the LEGO and new LEGO characters. Then, in front of the LEGO wreath, take Christmas card photos.
Next, check out Benny’s Ugly Sweater Party, sample Granny’s Apple Fries with a holiday twist, and watch the fireworks show on select nights. The rest of the park offers many other festivities, including Peppermint Plaza, Merry Mistle Town, Wizard’s Winter Hill, and Holidays in Miniland!
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SIX FLAGS MAGIC MOUNTAIN | Valencia
The entire family can enjoy the enchanting holidays at the park on select evenings from November 23rd to December 31st. You’ll be treated to musical shows, two million dazzling lights, holiday treats, and more! You can also take home gifts and keepsakes, including ornaments, apparel, and toys.
Six Flags Magic Mountain Park President Jeff Harris said, “With over two million holiday lights, the park transforms into a magical winter wonderland, elevating the sights and sounds of the holidays in a truly captivating way.”
This year, the new things you’ll see at Six Flags are a holiday village where you can build your hot chocolate and make your own bread bowl, watch a dancing light show called Jingle Bell Way Dancing Light Show, and walk a peppermint path lined with thousands of red and white candy cane lights called Peppermint Path Country Holiday.
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SEA WORLD SAN DIEGO | San Diego
This event is now running daily through January 7th, Sea World San Diego offers a unique holiday experience by the sea.
“Sea World’s Christmas Celebration” has live shows, like “Clyde and Seamore’s Christmas Special” and the “Shamu Christmas Miracles.” You’ll also notice a colossal 320-foot, lit Christmas tree in the park!
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SESAME PLACE | Chula Vista
On select dates starting November 10th and running through January 7th, Sesame Place will transform into A Very Furry Christmas.
This is a family-friendly celebration with everyone’s favorite Sesame Street friends.
