Downtown Los Angeles comes alive each holiday season with a dazzling mix of festive markets, concerts, light displays and family-friendly activities. From the sparkling Pershing Square Ice Rink and iconic tree-lighting ceremonies to culturally rich performances and artisanal holiday markets, DTLA offers something for every age and interest. Visitors can stroll through illuminated plazas, shop for unique gifts, enjoy live music or celebrate longstanding community traditions. Whether you’re seeking seasonal cheer, entertainment or a festive outing with friends and family, Downtown LA’s holiday calendar provides a vibrant lineup of events to make the season memorable.
Union Station’s Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony
NOV. 20
Attendees at the annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at Los Angeles Union Station will see the 30-foot tree illuminated in the historic area. Live music will be performed by The Beverly Belles. Plenty of activities are also available, including photos with Santa.
Los Angeles Union Station, 800 N. Alameda Street, Los Angeles, free, 6 to 8 p.m., unionstationla.com
Pershing Square Holiday Ice Rink & Tree Lighting
NOV. 20 to JAN. 11
Pershing Square transforms into a winter wonderland with its annual Holiday Ice Rink and Tree Lighting event. The celebration kicks off with performances and a ceremonial tree lighting, followed by public skating on the seasonal rink. Families and visitors can enjoy festive décor, music and holiday cheer in the heart of Downtown LA.
Pershing Square, 532 South Olive Street, Los Angeles, $21.20, various times, holidayicerinkdowntownla.com
Turkey Trot Los Angeles
NOV. 27
Downtown Los Angeles will once again host its annual Turkey Trot, bringing thousands of runners and families to the heart of the city on Thanksgiving morning. The 5K and 10K courses wind through DTLA streets starting at 8 a.m., encouraging participants of all ages to kick off the holiday with community spirit and a little cardio. The event features costumes, photo ops and family-friendly activities. Proceeds support local charities.
Los Angeles City Hall, 200 N. Spring Street, Los Angeles, prices vary, 8 a.m., turkeytrot.la
Annual Thanksgiving Street Festival
NOV. 27
Organized by The Midnight Mission, the Annual Thanksgiving Street Festival brings together community members, volunteers and local organizations to serve holiday meals and provide support to those in need. It features live music and is along the streets of Skid Row. Volunteers will distribute hot meals and essential services to the people living in Skid Row, giving Angelenos an opportunity to give back on the holiday.
The Midnight Mission, 601 S. San Pedro Street, Los Angeles, free, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., midnightmission.org
Smorgasburg for the Holidays
NOV. 30 to DEC. 21
Smorgasburg LA transforms ROW DTLA for the holidays with decor, food creations and a rotating lineup of local makers offering giftable goods every Sunday from Nov. 30 to Dec. 21. The market becomes a hub for holiday shopping, featuring artisan crafts, treats and small-batch products from independent vendors. Visitors can enjoy seasonal bites, live entertainment and a vibrant community atmosphere perfect for getting into the holiday spirit.
ROW DTLA, 777 S. Alameda Street, Los Angeles, free, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., la.smorgasburg.com
LA County Tree Lighting Ceremony at The Music Center
DEC. 1
The LA County Tree Lighting Ceremony at The Music Center brings communities together for a festive evening of lights, music, and family activities. The event features a massive holiday tree, live performances, and seasonal entertainment across the plaza. Visitors of all ages can enjoy hot beverages, holiday markets, and interactive displays. This annual tradition highlights Downtown LA as a central hub for holiday celebrations.
The Music Center, 135 N. Grand Avenue, Los Angeles, free, 5 to 8 p.m., musiccenter.org
Grand Illuminations Switch-Flipping Ceremony
DEC. 3
Grand Illuminations in Downtown LA offers a dazzling combination of LED light installations and a holiday marketplace. The event opens with a spectacular light show and continues nightly, providing a festive backdrop for shopping, dining, and family activities. Visitors can stroll through illuminated displays, browse local vendors, and enjoy seasonal entertainment. It has become a highlight of the downtown holiday calendar.
The Holiday Marketplace, curated by The Goddess Mercado, is open starting at noon, with live entertainment from 4 to 7 p.m., and a community countdown and tree lighting at 5 p.m.
The Yard at Cal Plaza, 350 S. Grand Avenue, Los Angeles, free, noon to 7 p.m., downtownla.com
‘A Merry Mariachi’ Holiday Concert
DEC. 4, DEC. 10 and DEC. 18
Feel the holiday rhythm at Corteza as a roaming Mariachi band fills the air with festive and traditional tunes. Enjoy a curated menu of seasonal cocktails and decadent desserts while taking in breathtaking views of Downtown Los Angeles. Reservations required.
The Ritz-Carlton Los Angeles, 900 W. Olympic Boulevard, Los Angeles, free with dinner, 6 p.m., lalive.com
Deck the Hall Holiday Concerts
DEC. 5 to DEC. 23
The “Deck the Hall” holiday concerts bring festive cheer to the grand stage at Walt Disney Concert Hall, including orchestral performances and sing-along classics which transform the venue into a holiday wonderland. Audiences are treated to familiar seasonal favorites performed by top-tier musicians, amidst sparkling décor and rich acoustics. Some of the performances include a Holiday Sing-Along on Dec. 13, “Home Alone in Concert” from Dec. 5 to Dec. 7 and “Arturo Sandoval Swinging Holiday” on Dec. 23.
Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Avenue, Los Angeles, cost varies, times vary, laphil.com
DTLA Holiday Night Market with DTLA Proud
DEC. 7
Presented by DTLA Proud, the DTLA Holiday Market will offer a mix of local vendors, artisanal crafts and seasonal treats on Dec. 7. It provides a festive shopping experience for the community, supporting local business makers and creators as live music, food stalls, and holiday decor create a lively atmosphere. It also includes a naughty or nice cash costume contest. The DTLA Holiday Night Market supports LGBTQ+ and ally vendors.
Shops 4th & Main, 334 Main Street, Los Angeles, free, 3 to 9 p.m., downtownla.com
Holiday Artist Mercado at La Plaza de Cultura y Artes
DEC. 14
La Plaza de Cultura y Artes is hosting its Holiday Artist Mercado, showcasing local artists, craftspeople and cultural makers. The market features unique holiday gifts, artisanal goods, and live cultural performances. Families can enjoy an immersive experience combining shopping, art, and music. The event celebrates creativity while supporting the city’s diverse arts community.
La Plaza de Cultura y Artes, 501 N. Main Street, Los Angeles, free, noon, lapca.org/event/holiday-artist-mercado-free
66th Annual LA County Holiday Celebration
DEC. 24
The 66th Annual LA County Holiday Celebration brings together communities for a free, multicultural performance at The Music Center in Downtown LA. The event includes live music, dance, and theatrical performances celebrating the season’s traditions. Families can enjoy festive entertainment while participating in a long-standing civic holiday tradition. The celebration reflects Los Angeles’ diverse cultural heritage and holiday spirit.
Dorothy Chandler Pavilion at The Music Center, 135 N. Grand Avenue, free, 3 p.m., musiccenter.org