🕎 Many traditions, one season
Hanukkah, Kwanzaa & Las Posadas in SoCal 2026
Curated by Simir Shah
The season at a glance
Hanukkah
🗓️ Sundown Fri Dec 4 – nightfall Sat Dec 12, 2026
Eight nights of candle lighting, with public menorah lightings, latkes and gelt drops.
Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe
🗓️ Sat Dec 12, 2026
A fixed feast day honoring Mexico's patron saint; some missions and parishes hold processions.
Las Posadas
🗓️ Dec 16–24, 2026
Nine nights reenacting Mary and Joseph's search for shelter, ending with treats and a piñata.
Simbang Gabi
🗓️ The nine nights before Christmas
The Filipino tradition of dawn or evening Masses, with star-shaped parol lanterns.
Kwanzaa
🗓️ Dec 26, 2026 – Jan 1, 2027
Seven days, each honoring one of seven principles such as unity and creativity.
Three Kings Day (Día de los Reyes)
🗓️ Wed Jan 6, 2027
Rosca de Reyes, champurrado, and a prize for whoever finds the baby figurine.
31 spots across Southern California — add your zip or city to sort by what's closest to you
Hanukkah Party at Pretend City
Irvine · Hanukkah
Run with PJ Library and the Jewish Federation for ages 1–8, with storytime, dreidel games, kosher latkes and a 3pm candle lighting. Pretend City says its holiday events sell out, so book early.
🗓️ Mid-December (2025 was Dec 14, 1–3:30pm); 2026 date TBA
💵 See site (ticket includes museum admission)
Kwanzaa Celebration at Pretend City
Irvine · Kwanzaa
In 2025 the Fouta Toro West African Drum & Dance Ensemble performed music and dance from Senegal, Mali and Guinea. Pretend City used the program to introduce young kids to Kwanzaa's seven principles.
🗓️ Late December (2025 was Dec 20 at 11am and 2:30pm); 2026 date TBA
💵 See site (ticketed)
Las Posadas at Pretend City
Irvine · Las Posadas
A morning Las Posadas celebration for preschoolers at the children's museum, a gentle alternative to the evening processions. Book ahead, because holiday programs sell out.
🗓️ Mid-December (2025 was Dec 17, 11am); 2026 date TBA
💵 See site (ticketed)
Community Chanukah Party at the Merage JCC
Irvine · Hanukkah
A community Chanukah evening from the Jewish Federation of Orange County at the Merage JCC. The listing says everyone is invited; activities haven't been posted yet.
🗓️ Wed, Dec 9, 2026 · 5–7pm
💵 See site
Chanukah Concert and Fire Truck Gelt Drop
Newport Beach
Kids watch chocolate gelt drop from a fire truck. There's also a menorah lighting, face painting, crafts, an ice cream truck, and doughnuts at the Chabad Center for Jewish Life.
🗓️ One afternoon during Hanukkah (2025 was Dec 21, 1–3pm); 2026 date TBA
Fashion Island Menorah Lighting
Newport Beach · Hanukkah
The Chabad Center for Jewish Life lights a large menorah in Atrium Court, by Barnes & Noble. The holiday shops and koi pond nearby make it an easy family outing.
🗓️ Usually one afternoon during Hanukkah (2025 was Dec 14, 3–5pm); 2026 date TBA
💵 See site
International Winter Holidays Family Festival
Santa Ana
A free festival in the Key Courtyard. In 2025 it had a Las Posadas procession, mariachi, children's ballet folklórico, klezmer music, carolers and an instrument petting zoo.
🗓️ Usually the first Sunday of December, 11am–3pm (2025 was Dec 7); 2026 date not yet on the museum's page
33rd Anniversary Community Chanukah Celebration
Yorba Linda
A morning of Chanukah songs performed by community groups and children at the Nixon Library. It is held almost a month before Hanukkah starts.
🗓️ Sun, Nov 8, 2026 · 10am–12pm
Hanukkah: Light the Night Festival
Fullerton · Hanukkah
Weissman Arts, part of the Jewish Community Foundation of Orange County, holds this festival at the Muckenthaler Cultural Center. It has live music by Mostly Kosher, art installations, hands-on workshops and food.
🗓️ Early December (2025 was Sun, Dec 7, 3–9pm); 2026 date TBA
💵 See site
22nd Annual Chanukah Festival
Riverside · Hanukkah
The Chabad Jewish Community Center of Riverside holds its festival outside the Riverside Historic Courthouse downtown. It falls during the Mission Inn's Festival of Lights season, so it's easy to combine the two.
🗓️ Mon, Dec 7, 2026 · 6–8pm
💵 See site
Las Posadas at Riverside Art Museum
Riverside
A daytime procession walks from The Cheech (Cheech Marin Center for Chicano Art & Culture) to the Riverside Art Museum, with music along the way. Because it's in the afternoon, it suits younger kids.
🗓️ Early December (2025 was Sun, Dec 7, 12–4pm); 2026 date TBA
Giant Menorah Lighting at 2nd & PCH
Long Beach
A free community lighting hosted by the Alpert JCC with Shul by the Shore and Temple Israel at the waterfront 2nd & PCH center. It starts at 4pm, so the menorah is lit just after sunset.
🗓️ Sun, Dec 6, 2026 · 4pm
AACCLB Kwanzaa Celebration
Long Beach
The African American Cultural Center of Long Beach has posted a save-the-date. In 2025 it included candle lighting, performances and a Karamu feast; the venue for 2026 isn't posted, but the center is based at Expo Arts Center in Bixby Knolls.
🗓️ Sun, Dec 27, 2026 (time TBA)
Long Beach Parol Lantern Festival
Long Beach
Kubo Organizing Project's free celebration of Filipino Christmas, centered on the parol, the star-shaped lantern that stands for the Star of Bethlehem. It has music and Filipino food, and families can make their own parol. The last two editions were at Expo Arts Center.
🗓️ Usually the Saturday before Christmas (2025 was Dec 20, 2–8pm); 2026 date TBA
The Kwanzaa Experience
Long Beach
A free daytime celebration from the Long Beach health department at the Doris Topsy-Elvord Community Center in Houghton Park, with drum circles, live music, crafts and an early-childhood play zone. It takes place before Kwanzaa itself and works well for little kids.
🗓️ Usually a Saturday in mid-December (2025 was Dec 13, 11am–2pm); 2026 date TBA
Día de los Reyes (Three Kings Day) at Olvera Street
Los Angeles · Cultural celebration
A short procession led by Ballet Coco, then everyone shares Rosca de Reyes and champurrado. Kids who find a baby figurine in their slice win a prize from the Kings.
🗓️ Held every year on Jan 6 at 7pm (Wed, Jan 6, 2027 expected; 2027 program not yet posted)
💵 See site
Las Posadas at Olvera Street
Los Angeles
Nine nights of the traditional candlelit reenactment of Mary and Joseph's journey, with singing, piñatas and sweets. The children's piñata (ages 3–12) is cancelled if it rains, and on Dec 24 a live Mary and Joseph appear. Tip: arrive early on weekends and bring a stroller-friendly jacket because the plaza gets cold at night.
🗓️ Dec 16–24, 2026 · entertainment from ~5:30–6:30pm, procession ~7–7:15pm
Simbang Gabi Opening Mass and Parade of Parols
Los Angeles
The Archdiocese's Filipino Ministry opens Simbang Gabi at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels with a procession of parols from parishes across LA, and the lanterns are blessed at the end of the evening. It is a Catholic Mass and everyone is welcome.
🗓️ Mid-December, opening the nine nights of Simbang Gabi before Christmas; 2026 date TBA
Chabad of Pasadena Public Menorah Lightings
Pasadena · Hanukkah
Chabad of Pasadena's last posted schedule had lightings at The Paseo, Pasadena City Hall and Playhouse Village Park, plus a menorah car parade. The page has not been updated for 2026 yet.
🗓️ Usually the first night at The Paseo and a Sunday lighting at Pasadena City Hall; 2026 schedule TBA
💵 See site
Hanukkah Happening at the Lawrence Family JCC
La Jolla · Hanukkah
A day of Hanukkah activities at the J's Jacobs Family Campus, with a Festival of Lights fun run (1 mile, 5K or 10K), brunch, live music, Build-A-Bear and a Hanukkah musical created by young performers. It's ticketed; the page doesn't say whether non-members can buy tickets.
🗓️ Hanukkah season; 2026 date not posted
💵 $72 adults 25+ / $36 ages 3–24 / under 3 free (celebration package)
Hanukkah Menorah Lightings on Third Street Promenade
Santa Monica
A different local group hosts each night's lighting and program on the Promenade, usually around 5–7pm. In past years the final night moved to the ICE at Santa Monica rink.
🗓️ Nightly at sundown during Hanukkah (Dec 4–12, 2026); 2026 host schedule TBA
Hanukkah Festival at the Skirball
Los Angeles · Hanukkah
Klezmer by Mostly Kosher, Hanukkah storytelling, art-making, a dreidel lounge and a community candle lighting at sunset. Advance tickets go on sale Thu, Nov 5 at 10am, and walk-up tickets are limited once they sell out.
🗓️ Sun, Dec 6, 2026 · 12–5pm
💵 $23 general / $18 seniors & students / $16 kids 2–17; members and under 2 free
Las Posadas in Old Town San Diego
San Diego
A candlelit procession through Old Town State Historic Park, now in its seventh decade, followed by refreshments and live music. In past years organizers asked guests to arrive an hour early to get a song program.
🗓️ One Saturday evening in mid-December (2025 was Dec 13, 5pm); San Diego Tourism lists Sat, Dec 12, 2026 at 4pm, but the organizer hasn't confirmed it
WorldBeat Cultural Center Kwanzaa Celebration
San Diego
One of San Diego's longest-running Kwanzaa celebrations, held in Balboa Park, with drumming, dance, poetry and a Karamu feast. The center says all its Kwanzaa events are free and family-friendly.
🗓️ Several nights starting Dec 26 (2025 ran Dec 26–29); 2026 (46th annual) schedule TBA
Annual Chanukah Menorah Celebration at Agoura Hills City Hall
Agoura Hills
A free community menorah lighting outside City Hall, hosted by Chabad of the Conejo. It starts at 4pm and is short, which suits young kids.
🗓️ Chabad lists "Dec 9, 4pm" but labels it a Tuesday (Dec 9, 2026 is a Wednesday); confirm the date
Chanukah Wonderland
Agoura Hills · Hanukkah
A family evening in the Chabad courtyard with a concert by Yitzchak Friedman, a buffet dinner and crafts. RSVP through Chabad of the Conejo.
🗓️ Wed, Dec 9, 2026 · 4:30pm
💵 See site (RSVP required)
Chanukah Festival at Kids World
Oak Park · Hanukkah
Chabad of the Conejo's kids' festival at the Kids World play space, with crafts, a menorah lighting and pizza dinner. Chabad says it sells out, so RSVP early.
🗓️ Thu, Dec 10, 2026 · 4:30pm
💵 See site (RSVP; it usually sells out)
Chanukah at the Shoppes
Westlake Village
Chabad of the Conejo's public menorah lighting at the Shoppes at Westlake Village, with an LED and fire show and a concert. Chabad says it is open to the whole community.
🗓️ Mon, Dec 7, 2026 · 5:30pm
Light Up the Harbor Chanukah Celebration
Ventura
Chabad of Ventura and Ventura Harbor Village put on a juggling show, kids' Chanukah crafts, doughnuts and take-home menorah kits, then a grand menorah lighting by the water.
🗓️ One afternoon during the holidays (2025 was Sun, Dec 21, 2–3pm); 2026 date TBA
Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe Procession
Ventura
In the evening, Aztec dancers honor Our Lady of Guadalupe inside the mission church, followed by a Mass that reenacts the apparition at Tepeyac. A procession then goes along Main Street, and pan dulce and hot chocolate are served afterward. Mariachi starts at 5am for early risers.
🗓️ Held every year on Dec 12 (Sat, Dec 12, 2026 expected; the mission's page doesn't give a year)
Una Noche de Las Posadas
Santa Barbara
Starts with songs in the Presidio Chapel, then a candlelit procession sings in Spanish on the way to Casa de la Guerra, where a makers market runs 5–9pm. Free parking is at 117 E Canon Perdido St.
🗓️ Fri, Dec 11, 2026 · 7–9pm
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Still filling in:many synagogues, cultural centers and museums post their December calendars in mid-November. Entries without a 2026 date show the usual pattern; confirm on the organizer's page. Looking for Lunar New Year and other festivals? See cultural festivals.
Frequently asked questions
When is Hanukkah in 2026?
It starts at sundown on Friday, December 4, 2026 and ends at nightfall on Saturday, December 12, 2026. Public menorah lightings in SoCal take place throughout those eight nights.
Where can my family see a public menorah lighting?
Free lightings with confirmed 2026 dates include 2nd & PCH in Long Beach (Sun, Dec 6, 4pm) and the Shoppes at Westlake Village (Mon, Dec 7, 5:30pm). Riverside's Chanukah Festival is Mon, Dec 7, 6–8pm at the Historic Courthouse. Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica has a lighting every night of Hanukkah.
What is the biggest Hanukkah festival for kids in LA?
The Skirball Cultural Center's Hanukkah Festival is Sun, Dec 6, 2026, 12–5pm. It has klezmer music, storytelling, art-making and a candle lighting at sunset. Tickets ($16 for kids 2–17) go on sale Nov 5.
What is Las Posadas?
Las Posadas is a Mexican and Latin American Christmas tradition, held Dec 16–24. A procession reenacts Mary and Joseph's search for shelter in Bethlehem, singing at doors until they're welcomed in, and it usually ends with treats like champurrado, pan dulce and a piñata.
Where can we see a Las Posadas procession?
Olvera Street in downtown LA holds a free procession every night from Dec 16 to 24. Santa Barbara's Una Noche de Las Posadas is Fri, Dec 11, 2026, 7–9pm, walking from the Presidio Chapel to Casa de la Guerra. Old Town San Diego and the Riverside Art Museum hold processions each December.
When is Kwanzaa, and where is it celebrated?
Kwanzaa runs Dec 26 to Jan 1 and is built on seven principles, such as unity and creativity. The African American Cultural Center of Long Beach celebrates on Sun, Dec 27, 2026. San Diego's WorldBeat Cultural Center in Balboa Park has held free Kwanzaa nights starting Dec 26 for more than 40 years.
What is Simbang Gabi, and what is a parol?
Simbang Gabi is the Filipino tradition of nine Masses before Christmas. A parol is a star-shaped lantern that stands for the Star of Bethlehem. Long Beach's free Parol Lantern Festival, usually the Saturday before Christmas, lets families see and make parols.
Where can we celebrate Three Kings Day?
Olvera Street celebrates Día de los Reyes every January 6 at 7pm with a short procession, Rosca de Reyes and champurrado. Kids who find the baby figurine in their slice win a prize.