LA's holiday season starts next week: tree lightings, a pier market and Zoo Lights

LA's holiday calendar switches on the week of Nov. 16, with The Grove's 25th anniversary tree lighting, a new holiday market on the Santa Monica Pier and the return of L.A. Zoo Lights, according to organizers and the City of Santa Monica.

What to know

• The Grove, Mon., Nov. 16, 7 p.m.: The 25th anniversary Christmas at The Grove tree lighting is hosted by Lance Bass, with performances by Nicole Scherzinger, Jason Mraz and others, plus Santa's arrival and the first snowfall of the season, Caruso announced. Nightly snowfall follows Nov. 17 through Jan. 3 at 6 and 8 p.m.
• Santa Monica Pier, Nov. 18 to Jan. 3: Swiss Winter Village is a new European-style holiday market with handcrafted gifts, seasonal food, Santa visits and Hanukkah celebrations, the City of Santa Monica said. The organizer pledged 1,000 tickets to local nonprofits. My Unbounded Life lists tickets at $12.90 for adults and $8.90 for kids 4 to 12.
• Union Station, Thu., Nov. 19, 6 to 8 p.m.: The free 11th annual tree lighting is hosted by Charles Phoenix with Mariachi Ausente, My Unbounded Life reported.
• L.A. Zoo Lights, opens Fri., Nov. 20: Light displays and an artificial ice rink run on select evenings through Jan. 10, with tickets from $19, according to My Unbounded Life.

Our take

It feels early, but LA does the holidays its own way, with fake snow under palm trees and an ice rink by the ocean. The Grove and Union Station lightings are free, which makes them easy picks for families. Check each organizer's site before you go, since times and prices can change. Which one is your family's tradition?

Sources

• Caruso: Celebrating 25 years of Christmas at The Grove
• City of Santa Monica: New Swiss Winter Village brings European holiday market experience to Santa Monica Pier
• My Unbounded Life: LA events in November 2026

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LA This Weekend Team