Ultimate list of Christmas lights, concerts and ways to be merry in Southern California

Santa arrives on a jet ski for the Christmas at the Beach event that was held by the Huntington Beach State Beach Lifeguard Association and Bolsa Chica State Beach. Santa arrived on his jet ski to the event which featured a bounce house, holiday karaoke, crafts and games on Saturday Dec. 7, 2024…..(Photo by Michael Goulding, Contributing Photographer)

Long Beach’s 10th annual Christmas Tree Lighting at the Terrace Theater Plaza on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024. (Photo by Drew A. Kelley, Press-Telegram/SCNG)

St. Nickis Christmas Lighting & Decor employees build the 30ft. tall walk-through Christmas tree on Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024, for the Miracle on Court St. celebration which opens Thursday night in downtown San Bernardino. (Photo by Terry Pierson, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)

Santa, also known as Dale Newcom of Orange, holds Sadie, left, and Piper, right, as they have their photo taken by their owner, Carla Cohen of San Clemente, at the end of the San Clemente Pier during the annual Sunsets with Santa, by the decorated Christmas tree on Saturday, Dec. 17, 2022. (Photo by Mark Rightmire, Orange County Register/SCNG)

In this photo from Dec. 16, 2023, Anthony Parnther conducts the San Bernardino Symphony Orchestra in its “A Christmas Festival” concert at the California Theatre of the Performing Arts in San Bernardino. The orchestra’s 2024 “A Christmas Festival” concert will be held Dec. 14 at the California Theatre. (Courtesy of the San Bernardino Symphony Orchestra)

An angel lights up the main ticket area at Union Station at the Christmas Tree lighting ceremony on Monday, Nov. 25, 2024. The 9th annual Tree Ceremony included live music, Santa and elves, milk and cookies, and crafts for children. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)

Visitors can talk through giant Christmas ornaments on Jingle Bell Way as part of Six Flags Magic Mountain’s Holiday in the Park, running on select evenings through Jan. 5. (Photo by Andy Holzman, Contributing Photographer)

Frosty’s Christmas Bar is going to be one holiday hot-spot with an  over the top and immersive experience. (Photo courtesy Frosty’s Christmas)

Hundreds gather for the 10th annual Christmas tree lighting celebration held at the Outlets at San Clemente in San Clemente on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024. (Photo by Mark Rightmire, Orange County Register/SCNG)

People enjoy a holiday lights tunnel during Heritage Hill’s 37th annual Candlelight Walk in Lake Forest on Friday, Dec. 6, 2024. (Photo by Rebecca Villagracia, Contributing Photographer)

Mrs. Santa Claus waves to the crowd in the 41st annual Granada Hills Holiday Parade. This year’s theme, “Favorite Holiday Songs,” inspired participants as they made their way down Chatsworth Street. The event featured marching bands, vintage cars, equestrians, dance teams, and community groups, and included a special appearance by Los Angeles City Councilmember John Lee, who served as grand marshal. Granada Hills, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024. (Photo by Mark Savage, Contributing Photographer)

St. Euphrasia Catholic School participates in the 41st annual Granada Hills Holiday Parade. This year’s theme, “Favorite Holiday Songs,” inspired participants as they made their way down Chatsworth Street. The event featured marching bands, vintage cars, equestrians, dance teams, and community groups, with a special appearance by Santa and Mrs. Claus, and Los Angeles City Councilmember John Lee, who served as grand marshal. Granada Hills, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024. (Photo by Mark Savage, Contributing Photographer)

Presley Dickhout, 12, of Newport Beach, a member of the Avanti Aerial Team, performs tricks as she swings in the air during the All is Bright Holiday Celebration at the Aliso Viejo Town Center on Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024. (Photo by Jeff Antenore, Contributing Photographer)

Santa Claus visits children during the 10th annual Thanks for Giving holiday celebration at the Boys and Girls Club of West San Gabriel Valley in Monterey Park on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Orange County Register/ SCNG)

Kids slide down a ice slide during the 10th annual Thanks for Giving holiday celebration at the Boys and Girls Club of West San Gabriel Valley in Monterey Park on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Orange County Register/ SCNG)

More than 1,000 people gathered at Whittier City Hall for the city’s tree lighting ceremony on Monday. The Christmas tree, decorated in red and white ornaments, matched the changing lights on top of City Hall, which also featured a giant wreath. Mayor Joe Vinatieri and members of the Whittier City Council led the countdown. Residents enjoyed hot chocolate and churros as snow blew out across the courtyard. Among other holiday events coming up is the 70th annual Uptown Whittier Christmas Parade on Dec. 14. (Photo courtesy of City of Whittier)

The Torrance Memorial Medical Center hosts the 41st annual Holiday Festival through Dec. 8. The event, held under a 23,000-square-foot tent on the hospital’s campus, features 32 holiday trees, a holiday boutique, entertainment, a food court, and more. Proceeds from the event support the expansion of the Torrance Memorial Emergency Department.  (photo by Michael Hixon/SCNG)

The San Pedro Chamber of Commerce hosted the 44th Spirit of the Holidays Parade on..Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024. This beloved holiday tradition took place in downtown San Pedro and featured marching bands, equestrian units and floats. (Photo by Chuck Bennett, Contributing Photographer)

Guests admire themed Christmas trees Friday, Nov. 29, 2024, during the Festival of Trees Holiday Fair at the Riverside Convention Center. (Photo by Milka Soko, Contributing Photographer)

A visitor walks by Christmas trees Friday, Nov. 29, 2024, during the Festival of Trees Holiday Fair at the Riverside Convention Center. (Photo by Milka Soko, Contributing Photographer)