Discover the top holiday events, from German fairs to light mazes.
Think Los Angeles doesn't do 'real' Christmas markets? You just haven't looked in the right places yet.
Thao Vo
Dec 10 2025
9m
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If you are searching for the best Los Angeles Christmas market, you might be confused. Unlike European cities that have one central town square, LA scatters its holiday magic across the entire county. You have to know exactly where to look.
The challenge isn't finding an event. The challenge is finding the right one. You don't want to drive an hour for "shopping" only to find a light show with no vendors. You don't want to promise your date a romantic evening only to end up at a crowded mall. We have curated the confirmed 2025 list to help you find the perfect match.
| Event Name | Best For | Dates (2025) | Cost | Neighborhood |
| The Los Angeles Christmas Market (ROW DTLA) | German Food & Beer | Nov 29 – Dec 15 | Paid ($15+) | ROW DTLA |
| Westfield The Holiday Village | Luxury shopping | Through Dec 28 | Free | Newhall |
| Unique LA Holiday Market | Design lovers and those seeking unique gifts. | Dec 13 - 14 | Paid (~$15) | Fashion District |
| Enchant Christmas | Light Maze & Photos | Nov 21 – Dec 28 | Paid ($30+) | Arcadia |
| Sparkle DTLA | Date Night Stroll | Dec 7 – 31 | Free | Downtown LA |
| Westfield Century City | Luxury Vibes | Nov 22 – Dec 28 | Free | Century City |
| Holiday Market at OMGC | Finding vintage gifts | Dec 20 | Free | Los Feliz |
| Craft Contemporary | Art Lovers | Dec 6–7 | Paid (Entry) | Miracle Mile |
| Merry Melrose | Family Street Fair | Sundays (Dec 7–28) | Paid ($6 Entry) | West Hollywood |
| Theatricum Botanicum | Rustic/Nature Vibes | Dec 13 (One Day) | Paid (~$20) | Topanga Canyon |
While it bills itself as "German-style," think of it more as a festive food festival with excellent photo opportunities. You will find rows of wooden stalls serving Bavarian pretzels, bratwurst, and hot cocoa. It is smaller than Enchant, but more curated than a street fair.
Best for: A Tuesday night date or a group of friends who want holiday photos without driving to the suburbs.
Know before you go:
Note: Do not confuse this with the free Sunday Smorgasburg market! This is a separate, ticketed pop-up event that takes over a different corner of ROW DTLA. It is one of the few markets in the city open on weeknights.
Yes, it is a mall. But describing this event as "just a mall trip" is doing it a disservice. Westfield Century City goes harder on holiday production value than most theme parks. They transform their main Atrium into a massive "Holiday Village" that feels less like a shopping center and more like a luxury ski resort.
You can wander through a European-style town square, complete with a chiming clock tower and a life-sized steam engine. It balances the convenience of department store shopping with the charm of a winter festival.
The vibe: Luxury "Après Ski" meets Beverly Hills shopping.
Know before you go:
Held in the penthouse of the Cooper Design Space, Unique LA is where you go to find gifts you literally cannot buy anywhere else. This two-day pop-up (typically mid-December) features hundreds of independent designers and artists.
It feels less like a traditional festival and more like an exclusive design expo. If you want to support local makers and buy high-quality leather goods, ceramics, or modern art, this is your destination.
Unlike free markets, your entry fee gets you perks. We are talking free drinks (cocktails and mocktails), access to DIY stations to make gift tags or ornaments, and a high-quality photo booth.
The vibe: Energetic, trendy, and very "LA." Ideal for design enthusiasts and those seeking unique gifts.
Know before you go:
If your idea of a perfect holiday market involves eating a lobster roll while shopping for vintage vinyl, this is your spot. Smorgasburg is already LA's biggest weekly food market, but in December, they expand the shopping aisle into a full-blown holiday bazaar.
It is less "Santa's Village" and more "Cool Downtown Block Party." You can grab a drink at the holiday bar, listen to live DJs, and buy gifts that actually look cool.
The themes: Each Sunday has a different flavor.
Know before you go:
Sometimes you do not want a quiet craft fair. You want the "wow" factor. These events are less about buying handmade soap and more about walking through millions of lights. They are perfect for Instagram photos, romantic dates, or tiring out the kids before bed.
This is not just a market. It is a massive production. Enchant takes over the Santa Anita Park racetrack and turns it into a glowing winter wonderland. The main attraction is the "World's Largest Christmas Light Maze," but the "Village" area has plenty of tiny shops and food vendors.
It feels like walking inside a snow globe. You can glide down the ice skating trail or grab a hot cocoa while you wander.
Know before you go:
Tip: Pay for the preferred parking pass online when you buy your tickets. The general lot is a long walk, and you will already be doing plenty of walking inside the maze.
If you are already in Downtown LA, this is the easiest way to get a quick dose of holiday spirit without spending a dime. Sparkle DTLA happens at "The Bloc," an open-air shopping plaza.
Millions of lights cover the buildings and trees. At night, they synchronize the lights to holiday music. It is not a full-day activity, but it is a perfect stop before or after dinner.
The vibe: Urban, modern, and electric.
Know before you go:
If the word "mall" makes you shudder, head for the hills—specifically, Topanga Canyon. This event is a rustic, bohemian escape set in an open-air theater surrounded by oak trees. It feels less like a shopping trip and more like an "Old World" winter festival.
There is no recorded pop music in Holiday Family Faire. Instead, you get live carolers singing in the woods and festive storytelling sessions for the kids.
The vibe: Earthy, magical, and very "Topanga."
Highlights: The "Santa" here is often Father Christmas in rustic robes, which makes for a much cooler photo than the standard red suit. Also, do not miss the hot cider and homemade tamales.
Know before you go:
If you want a holiday event that feels like a neighborhood block party rather than a ticketed production, Merry Melrose is the hidden gem for families. This isn't a single enclosed market; it’s a holiday takeover of the Melrose Arts District.
The city closes down the streets or sets up designated zones where local businesses open their doors with special treats. It is incredibly kid-friendly because it feels safe, walkable, and community-focused.
Know before you go:
Forget about Amazon this year. You can find much better gifts right here in Los Angeles. These markets focus on handmade goods, local art, and things you cannot buy at a big box store.
This market is for the highly organized gift-hunter who wants unique, locally-made items—and maybe needs a truly last-minute find right before Christmas. The Los Feliz Flea takes over the Our Mother of Good Counsel Church grounds and transforms it into a sprawling, festive outdoor market.
It is less about food vendors and more about vintage finds, handmade jewelry, rare art prints, and small-batch candles. It has a great community feel and is praised for offering gifts you won't find anywhere else in the city.
Know before you go:
The Craft Contemporary museum hosts this lovely event. It feels less like a commercial shopping mall and more like an art gallery. The vendors here are true artists.
You will see beautiful textiles, hand-thrown pottery, and art prints. Maker Market is a smaller, quieter event than Unique LA. It is perfect if you hate crowds but love art.
Best for: Finding a gift for the person who "has everything."
Know before you go:
You picked the event. You bought the tickets. Now you have to actually get there. Planning your arrival is just as important as picking the right market. Los Angeles traffic does not take a holiday break. Follow these tips to keep your stress levels low.
Do not let the daytime sun fool you. Los Angeles gets surprisingly cold at night. The temperature often drops to 50°F or lower once the sun sets. You will be miserable standing in an outdoor line in just a t-shirt.
Bring a real coat. Wear layers. If you plan to visit a market with ice skating, bring thick socks. You want to focus on the lights, not your freezing toes.
Timing is everything. Most people head to these markets right after dinner, around 7 PM. That is exactly when the traffic peaks.
For weekend pop-ups: Arrive right when they open. If the market opens at 10 AM, be there at 10 AM. You will find parking easier, and you can shop before the crowds crush in.
Your transportation strategy depends entirely on the neighborhood.
Downtown LA (Sparkle DTLA, Smorgasburg): Leave the car at home. Parking in Downtown is expensive and frustrating. Take the Metro to the 7th Street/Metro Center station. It puts you right in the middle of the action. If you must drive, book TravelThru's point-to-point service so you can get dropped off at the curb.
The Suburbs (Arcadia, Thousand Oaks): You need to drive. Rideshares will cost a fortune for these distances. Just accept that you will pay for parking. Buy your parking pass online in advance. It usually saves you money and guarantees you a spot.
>>> Read more: Best Los Angeles Christmas Events For Your Holidays
Los Angeles might not have snow, but we definitely have options. The trick is knowing what you want before you leave the house. Do not go to a craft fair expecting a light show. Do not go to a light show expecting cheap tacos.
Check the dates, buy your tickets early, and trust the dress code (yes, bring a coat). Whether you want German Glühwein or neon lights, the perfect Los Angeles Christmas market is waiting for you.