Christmas in Los Angeles

Las Posadas on Olvera Street

Since LA was once part of Mexico and the Mexican-American population is still a significant majority, it is not surprising that the tradition of Las Posadas is alive and well on Olvera Street at El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historic Site. This annual procession has been a holiday custom in the neighborhood since 1930.

 

During Las Posadas, a costumed Mary and Joseph—accompanied by a procession of singers, musicians, and community members—go from house to house looking for a room. As part of the tradition, the performers and residents sing a call-and-response routine which ultimately results in Mary and Joseph being turned away each time.

Winter Fest OC at the OC Fair and Events Center

A holiday tradition that began in 2015, Winter Fest OC transforms the indoor and outdoor spaces of the OC Fair and Event Center in Costa Mesa into a winter wonderland. It includes attractions such as six lanes of ice tubing, ice skating, a nightly tree lighting, a giant rocking horse, carolers, and other stage entertainment.

 

There's no ship, but there are 30 carnival rides and games open on the midway, a trackless train, petting zoo, and games for kids. You can also walk through the world's largest Christmas ornament. On certain nights, you can see Santa fly across the sky with his reindeer.