As we continue to wait with bated breath for the vaccines to clear the path back to “normal,” drive-thru events continue to be the savior we all need right now to make the holiday season feel special. If you didn’t find time to check out any of the many great Halloween themed drive-thrus, now is your chance to bundle up, pour some hot cocoa, and cozy up in the car with your family+friends as you cruise through some beautiful displays.
Here are some of the best of the best in So Cal (in no particular order):
1.Hikari- A Festival of Lights
Tanaka Farms, 5380 University Drive, Irvine, CA 92612
Discover the special holiday drive-thru experience known as Hikari in Irvine at Tanaka Farms. Hikari is aptly named, as the word means “shine” in Japanese. Meander through more than a mile of twinkling lights spread across this 30-acre farm, including light-covered scarecrows, tractors, and more! (As an added bonus, see the big man himself every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. That’s right, Santa Claus will be in Irvine!).
Learn more: Hikari- A Festival of Lights
Dates: Today-January 10th 2021 (5:30pm-9pm)
Cost: $49 per vehicle (Mon.-Thurs.)
$59 per vehicle (Fri-Sun.)
2. Dodgers Holiday Festival
Dodgers Stadium, 1000 Vin Scully Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90012
In the absence of the traditional celebratory parade, you can come down to Chavez Ravine to celebrate the Boys in Blue on their 7th World Series victory, 5pm-10 pm every night, right up until Christmas Eve. Hop in your car and marvel at the light show, LED video displays, fake snow, and interactive displays at this combination holiday light/Dodgers championship celebration!
Learn more: Dodgers Holiday Festival
Dates: Today-December 24th (5pm-10pm)
Cost: $55 per vehicle
3. LIT: A Drive-Thru Hannukkah Experience
Stephen Wise Temple, 15500 Stephen S Wise Dr. Los Angeles, CA 90077
A holiday lights list would simply not be complete without a Hannukkah celebration, and LIT is it. You and your passengers can enjoy synchronized lighting displays and projection installations – set to a curated soundtrack! Plan ahead though, as LIT is only available December 10th-20th, 6pm-9:20pm.
Additionally, your ticket provides a screening of The Broken Candle, an animated short featuring the talented voices of Tiffany Haddish, Mark Feuerstein, and more.
Learn more: LIT
Dates: December 10th-20th (6pm-9:20pm)
Cost: $75 per vehicle
4. Six Flags Magic Mountain: Holiday in the Park Drive-Thru
Magic Mountain, 26101 Magic Mountain Pkwy., Valencia, CA
Though the famous rollercoasters at Magic Mountain aren’t operational, the lights at Six Flags are bright and waiting for you! The Holiday in the Park Drive-Thru Experience is a great way to cruise through this wonderful, 125-acre theme park. Festive characters and sounds of the season abound as you enjoy millions of synchronized lights in 8 immersive areas. This is one of the largest drive-thru events in So Cal, and a steal at just $25! (Members and Season Pass holders can use their valid pass for free admission, along with a required reservation made online in advance)
Learn more: Magic Mountain Holiday in the Park
Dates: Now-January 3rd (6pm-10pm)
Cost: $25 per vehicle
5. The Elf on the Shelf’s Magical Holiday Journey
Pomona Fairplex, 1101 W. McKinley Ave., Pomona, CA 91768
The now-infamous Elf on the Shelf finally has left his shelf for a grand adventure in the form of a theatrical performance. The hour-long drive-thru adventure takes you through a series of magical, holiday dreamworlds, including a Toy Repair Workshop, candy-covered Gingerbread Village, Arctic Winter Wonderland, and more! Additionally, The Elf on the Shelf Magical Holiday Journey is collecting toys for donation to benefit Toys for Tots and Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. Performances have already begun and will run through January 3, 2021.
Learn more: Experience the magic here
Dates: Now-January 3rd, 2021 (5pm-9pm)
Cost: Starting at $19.95 for children /$24.95 for adults (prices vary based on dates)
6. Wonder LAnd
6100 Topanga Canyon, Woodland Hills, CA 91367
This drive-thru holiday experience is perfect for those in the Valley, and it comes from the same team that brought the Haunt ‘O Ween to life. Enjoy millions of lights synchronized with music, magical sets, and a holidays around the world display, among others! Santa and Mrs. Claus, along with their elves are sure to make an appearance too!
Learn more: https://www.socalwonderland.com/
Dates: November 30-December 23rd; Dec 26-Dec 30 (4:30-9:45pm)
Cost: $60 for a vehicle, $65 for a large vehicle (9 or more passengers)
7. Santa’s Speedway Christmas Lights Spectacular
Irwindale Speedway & Event Center, 500 Speedway Dr., Irwindale, CA 91706
Known as a popular NASCAR track, the Irwinedale Speedway has been repurposed for the holidays, transformed into a drive-thru light spectacle that is fun for all ages. Witness the world’s largest free-standing Christmas tree (made with more than 2 miles of lights!), experience Santa’s Village, and see just what Christmas Under the Sea means — all from the safety of your car. This fantastic lights extravaganza is built in partnership with Mobile Illuminations, the brilliant minds behind the lights at the Grove, Universal Studios, and Warner Brothers’.
Learn more: https://www.santasspeedway.com/
Dates: December 1st- January 10th, 2021 (5-9pm)
Cost: $59 per car
8. Night of Lights OC
OC Fair & Event Center, 88 Fair Dr., Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Yes, technically this holiday lights event is in Orange County and not Los Angeles, but it made our list anyways! Winter Fest OC returns in triumphant fashion with his magical, immersive drive-thru experience that is sure to delight. A mile-long course awaits guests, couples with more than 1 million lights, themed holiday scenery, and Santa (until December 23rd, the man has a job to do after all). Plus, enjoy animated light shows and tunnels synchronized to music through your car radio!
Learn more: https://nightoflightsoc.com/#winterfestoc
Dates: December 10 – January 10
Cost: $39.99 per vehicle (M-Thurs) $49.99 (Friday & Sunday) $59.99 (Saturday)
Contributor, designer & admin for JohnHart Gazette.
