As the saying goes, “Tis the Season” – the season of questionably “fashionable” sweaters, mugs of steamy hot chocolate, Christmas and Hanukkah parties, twinkling light displays, and garish decorations.

And that’s merely skimming the surface of what this time of year brings.

Since the end of COVID-19, we have all been given the ultimate gift of stepping out of our homes and soaking up the festive cheer around the city amongst friends and family. Additionally, our favorite holiday traditions have been back in full swing, for the most part, some of which are now bigger and brighter than ever before.

During November, December, and January, Los Angeles gets as festive as any other big city, from charming Christmas tree lighting ceremonies to ice skating under the stars. With so much going on around town, we’ve narrowed our favorite events celebrating the holidays in Woodland Hills down to the following handful of joyous forays.

Candy Cane Lane, located on Acacia Street in El Segundo between LAX and Manhattan Beach, is a walk-through experience that lets you take in houses on both sides of the street – fully decorated from the homes down to the lawns, trees, and fences. With so many beautiful homes to admire as you stroll through the neighborhood, Candy Cane Lane is a great way to kick off your holiday event searching this year; there are even owners out selling popcorn, hot chocolate, lights, and coffee, and there is an area with portable restrooms. This is a great way to get into the holiday spirit—open Saturdays from 6 pm to 9 pm.

SoCal WonderLAnd, on Topanga Canyon Boulevard in Los Angeles, runs from November 30 to December 23 and December 26 to December 30 and lasts between 20 and 25 minutes, offering a frosted, all-ages adventure that celebrates the holiday season with millions of lights and themed décor in a festive drive-through show. Enjoy a semi-enclosed and new open-air tunnel that features synchronized holiday music lights, elaborate sets, and immersive stories. Don’t miss the massive holiday trees and WonderLAnd Forest attraction; countless lights, candy canes, and cheer; hologram installations; one-of-a-kind photo and video opportunities; Holidays Around the World display; Santa, Mrs. Claus, and The Elves appearances; and more! Tickets are $70 per car.

Iceland Ice Skating Center, located at 14318 Calvert Street in Van Nuys, is a public skating rink offering a skating school, birthday parties, private events, and even bumper cars on ice. Established in 1957 by Howard Cracker, who spent most of his life promoting ice skating in the United States, Iceland has been called home by numerous famous skating figures, including great American skating coach Frank Carroll and his acclaimed students Linda Fratianne and the late Christopher Bowman. This charming old-school rink brings cozy, festive vibes, making it a must-experience venue on our list. Admission is $20 plus a $5 skate rental.

Holiday Road, situated at 26800 Mulholland Highway in Calabasas, is an immersive holiday experience for the whole family, what with the larger-than-life holiday installations, thousands of lights, Santa and Mrs. Claus appearances, countless candy canes, and all your favorite holiday cheer. Running November 29 to December 28 from 5 pm to 9:30 pm, Holiday Road sits on King Gillette Ranch and boasts a trail that features seating in the pre-show zone and a rest stop halfway through the walking experience. Tickets are $24.99 and up depending on the day and time of season; children two years and under are free.

Tina’s Christmas Tree Lot, located at 23611 Calabasas Road in Calabasas, has become a must-visit Woodland Hills institution around the holidays, offering quality Christmas trees since 1977. With two locations open for your convenience – including one in Westfield Fashion Square in Sherman Oaks – Tina’s gets frequent shipments of fresh trees and delivers to homes and offices while also offering custom flocking and flame retardation applications. If you’re in need of wreaths or garlands, Tina’s has those, too. Open Monday through Thursday from 10 am to 8 pm, Friday from 10 am to 9 pm, Saturday from 9 am to 9 pm, and Sunday from 9 am to 8 pm.

Bringing Angelinos together for a favorite time-honored holiday tradition, The Grove’s nightly snowfalls return in The Park and down First Street to Santa’s Workshop at 7 pm and 8 pm through the end of the year; an additional snowfall will be held at 6 pm on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Each night, the award-winning retail, dining, and entertainment destination transforms into a winter wonderland full of twinkle lights, spirited photo moments at Santa’s Workshop, and its dazzling 100-foot Christmas tree. Presented by Disney+, this uniquely magical snowfall experience brings flurries and snow angels without the blistering cold. It provides a festive, wintery experience for the whole family to enjoy for years. Snow shows on December 24 and 25 are scheduled for 6 pm, 7 pm, and 8 pm.

Winter Wonderland and Holiday Market, located at Ventura Harbor Village, 1583 Spinnaker Drive in Ventura, invites you to bring the entire family and play in the faux snow, see the toy soldier band, and hear carolers sing your favorite Christmas songs – but that’s just the beginning. Shop local at the pop-up Village Marketplace and visit Mr. and Mrs. Claus and the entire holiday ensemble, including reindeer, live music, carolers, holiday crafts, and retail forays at local boutiques: open Saturday, December 21, from 12 pm to 4 pm.

Sure, you won’t find snow-covered palms and below-zero temps in Woodland Hills, but plenty of Christmas and Hanukkah events get you in the festive mood – even when it’s 70 and sunny in December.