Holiday Event Guide 2020

By: Andy Huizar


Graphic by: Andy Huizar

Graphic by: Andy Huizar

We have seen a growing number of events being cancelled this year because of the coronavirus pandemic. With lots of people stuck at home, the lack of any reason to leave has created an uproar of impatience. 

It began with the live performance of Hamilton being postponed. Then Coachella. Soon after, HARD Summer followed. CDC Regulations have made it very difficult for venues to continue hosting large events due to peaking cases of COVID-19. With the holidays in full swing, many assume there isn’t much out there in regards to sightseeing. 

For those who have lost hope, prepare to be amazed. Many annual holiday events/experiences have made major changes to their usual itineraries in order to be ‘COVID-19’ safe.

Six Flags Magic Mountain ‘Holiday In The Park’

Ever thought you could drive through the dazzling Magic Mountain? Well, cross that off your bucket list! Six Flags Magic Mountain is hosting a drive-thru light show that features eight unique areas to sightsee while driving through the 125-acre park. 

Santa Claus and his elves will be there greeting guests along the way with other beloved holiday characters. This event was intended to conclude on Jan. 3, but due to popular demand, it will run all the way until Jan. 31!

The Elf on the Shelf at the Fairplex

Since the LA County Fair was cancelled back in May, who would’ve thought there would be any popular event at the Pomona Fairplex? The 'Elf on the Shelf' drive-thru experience is an hour-long light show featuring some spectacular decorations. 

Elves will stop vehicles at various points to measure the amount of Christmas spirit. If there’s enough by the end, Santa Claus will take off on his sleigh! It gets better. There’s an app that syncs the lights with music and tells a story as you go along the tour. Get your tickets soon as it concludes on Jan. 3.

Thoroughbred Street holiday lights in Rancho Cucamonga

Despite not being able to walk through the spirited block of Thoroughbred, cars are still welcome! In order to comply with an executive order enacted as part of COVID-19, the famed holiday light display will be a drive-thru-only event that will run until Dec. 24.

Dodgers Holiday Festival

The Dodgers are celebrating their World Series by putting on a light show! This event features LED video displays, fake snow, and even Dodger Elves! The festival will conclude on Christmas Eve.

Electric Noel

SilverLakes Park in Norco will be hosting a drive-thru Christmas Experience titled, Electric Noel. It will incorporate a Santa-themed storyline and music which syncs to your vehicle via FM radio. There will be eye-dropping high tech decorations that feature neon lighting. For those who prefer old-school christmas lighting, this is the spot! 

The Mission Inn in Riverside

This beloved gem is hosting a scaled-back version of its usual jaw-dropping light show. Although there won’t be a ton of vendors or entertainment as in previous years, there will still be dazzling lights around the exterior of the hotel for those who just want to stroll by.

Nativity Scene in Ontario

The nativity scenes of Christmas on Euclid are making their 62nd annual appearance this year. They are a depiction of the birth of Jesus, his childhood, and a part of his adult life. 

The sets of large dioramas include statues by Rudolph Vargas, a Los Angeles artist and sculptor. The 12 life-size scenes are free to view on the Euclid Avenue median between “C” and “G” streets in Ontario, California from Thanksgiving through New Years Day.

Santa’s Speedway Christmas Lights Drive-Thru

The Irwindale Speedway has designed a 30-45 minute immersive experience which might just be what 2020 needs. Families will feel a rush of adrenaline as they drive into a real NASCAR racetrack that is filled with sparkling lights and jaw-dropping decorations. This experience features the world’s largest free standing light tree at 110 feet, filled with 100,00 LED lights. Check it out!