Holiday Season Guide: The Valley, Calabasas & Malibu

From tree lightings by the lake to a Valley street that has glowed every December since 1952, the holidays in our corner of Los Angeles are full of hometown traditions. Here are our favorite seasonal events across the Conejo Valley, Calabasas, Malibu and the West Valley.

Most of these are annual traditions, and many organizers announce their 2026 dates closer to the season, so we've noted typical timing. Check each event's website before you go.

Westlake Village & the Conejo Valley

Tree Lighting Celebration at The Promenade at Westlake. One of the area's biggest holiday kickoffs, held each year on a Friday in late November (it was November 21 in 2025). Expect a holiday market and strolling carolers in the afternoon, then an evening show with live music, Santa's arrival, a 60-foot tree, artificial snow and fireworks. Santa's Cottage typically opens the next day and runs through Christmas Eve, and reservations fill fast. 140 Promenade Way, Westlake Village.

Holidays in the Village at The Oaks. A European-style holiday marketplace at The Oaks in Thousand Oaks, a nice spot for unique gifts in early December.

Holiday shows at the Civic Arts Plaza. The Bank of America Performing Arts Center in Thousand Oaks hosts seasonal concerts and touring shows throughout November and December, an easy, close-to-home night out.

Calabasas

Menorah Lighting Celebration. Each Hanukkah, The Commons at Calabasas hosts a free community menorah lighting at the adjacent Calabasas Civic Center Plaza (100 Civic Center Way), in partnership with local congregations. Past celebrations have featured live music, Hanukkah treats, family activities and a fireworks finale. Hanukkah begins in early December this year; watch The Commons' website for the date.

A note on Holiday Road. The popular light trail at King Gillette Ranch is taking a break for the 2026 season, citing the El Niño weather forecast and venue circumstances. We'll miss it, and hope to see it back next year.

Fun local fact. The name Calabasas is traced to calabaza, Spanish for pumpkin or gourd, which is why the city's fall Pumpkin Festival is such a beloved hometown tradition.

Malibu

Malibu Holiday Market and Tree Lighting at Calamigos Guest Ranch. A festive afternoon of holiday shopping, family photos and a tree lighting up in the Santa Monica Mountains. Admission was free in 2025, when it was held on the first Saturday in December. 327 S. Latigo Canyon Road.

Malibu Education Foundation Holiday Market & Tree Lot. Pick up a fresh tree, wreath or garland at the Civic Center Way lot (23575 Civic Center Way), with local artisans selling gifts on Saturday afternoons. Proceeds support programs at Malibu's public schools, so your tree does a little good.

Pepperdine Christmas Tree Lighting. Pepperdine University's annual tree lighting in Mullin Town Square, typically in early December, is a long-running campus tradition with sweeping ocean views. Check the university's site to see whether it's open to the public this year.

Holiday lights by the sea. For an evening stroll, neighborhoods like Point Dume and Malibu West are known for festive coastal displays. Please be respectful of residents and park legally.

After the holidays. The City of Malibu typically runs a free holiday tree recycling drop-off at the Civic Center Way lot from late December into early January.

Woodland Hills & the West Valley

Candy Cane Lane. The Valley's most famous holiday tradition. Since 1952, an eight-square-block neighborhood in Woodland Hills near Oxnard Street and Lubao Avenue has lit up every December with elaborate displays. Park a few blocks away and walk, or join the slow parade of cars with the windows down.

Outdoor ice skating. Woodland Hills Ice at 6100 Topanga Canyon Boulevard has been a seasonal favorite since 2009. Few things feel more festive than skating under the lights in Southern California.

Westfield Topanga & The Village. The Warner Center shopping district dresses up for the season with holiday programming, Santa visits and community lightings, plus the double-decker carousel near Target that kids love year-round.

Happy holidays from our family to yours!

The traditions above are a big part of what makes these communities such special places to call home. Whether you're settling in for the season or thinking about your next move in the new year, Holly & Chris Luxury Homes Group | Coldwell Banker Global Luxury would love to help. Reach out anytime.