Holidays in Burbank: Your Guide to a Southern California Holiday Getaway
From Christmas in Stars Hollow to the Rose Parade, make Burbank your home for the holidays.
Where else can you celebrate Christmas on the backlot of Gilmore Girls, meet the Grinch, shop beneath the holiday lights of Downtown Burbank and get up close to the horses of the Rose Parade?
Welcome to the holidays in Burbank, the Media Capital of the World. From Hollywood’s spectacular seasonal celebrations to neighborhood shopping, holiday street fairs and New Year’s traditions, there’s no shortage of reasons to visit. With Hollywood, Pasadena and the best of Los Angeles within easy reach, Burbank puts even more of Southern California’s holiday experiences on your itinerary.
With 18 hotels to choose from, make Burbank your home for the holidays.
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Celebrate the Holidays in Stars Hollow
December 12, 2026 – January 3, 2027
Step into Stars Hollow where Gilmore Girls was filmed.
Gilmore Girls Holidays at Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood brings the beloved television series to life with returning favorites and expanded experiences. Walk through iconic Stars Hollow sets dressed for the holidays, visit Luke’s Diner, Luke’s Apartment, the Chilton School Graduation Courtyard and the Gilmore Estate, and enjoy the nightly tree lighting.
Fans can also enjoy themed food and drinks, shop exclusive Gilmore Girls merchandise and explore special dining experiences, including Friday Night Dinner at the Dragonfly Inn and the Emily Gilmore Tea Experience, available for advance purchase.
Choose a ticket for Gilmore Girls Holidays on its own or combine the experience with Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood.
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Make It a Universal Holiday
November 21, 2026 – January 3, 2027
Just next door to Burbank, Universal Studios Hollywood celebrates the season with Grinchmas, Illumination’s all-new Merry Minions, Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and holiday festivities at SUPER NINTENDO WORLD.
Meet the Grinch during Grinchmas, explore the snow-capped village of Hogsmeade, and enjoy colorful holiday decorations and favorite characters at SUPER NINTENDO WORLD. These seasonal festivities are included with theme park admission.
For a different kind of thrill, check out Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift, the park’s outdoor high-speed roller coaster featuring 360-degree rotating ride vehicles and speeds reaching 72 mph.
Stay in Burbank and make a full vacation of it. Burbank’s Universal Partner Hotels and vacation packages make it easy to combine your hotel stay with park admission.
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Photo by The Mighty Media Shop, courtesy of L.A. Zoo Photo by The Mighty Media Shop, courtesy of L.A. Zoo Photo by The Mighty Media Shop, courtesy of L.A. Zoo Photo by The Mighty Media Shop, courtesy of L.A. Zoo See the L.A. Zoo in a Whole New Light
November 20, 2026 – January 10, 2027 | Select evenings
Just next door to Burbank, the Los Angeles Zoo transforms after dark for L.A. Zoo Lights, a spectacular holiday experience featuring illuminated pathways and larger-than-life light sculptures.
This year’s displays bring nature to life with glowing butterflies, birds, flowers, marine creatures and even Ice Age giants. Along the way, enjoy seasonal treats, hot cocoa, festive photo opportunities and an outdoor ice-skating rink.
With free parking and an experience that takes approximately 60 to 90 minutes, it’s an easy addition to a holiday getaway in Burbank.
Discover Burbank's Holiday Traditions
From Magnolia Park's festive street party to Downtown Burbank's wine tasting and artisan markets, the holiday season brings thousands of residents and visitors together for celebrations that showcase the city's independent shops, restaurants and community traditions.
December 5
- Free admission
- 6–6:30 p.m.
- Burbank City Hall, 275 E. Olive Avenue
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Holiday in the Park
November 20
Magnolia Park’s Holiday in the Park serves as Burbank’s unofficial kickoff to the holiday season, bringing more than 20,000 people together for one of the area’s most anticipated celebrations.
Wander beneath festive lights, explore hundreds of vendors and independent shops, enjoy live music and community performances, and discover food trucks, an outdoor art gallery, a classic car show and activities for children.
It’s a celebration that captures the independent spirit of Magnolia Park, with neighborhood merchants, artists and performers welcoming visitors to an evening of holiday fun.
Free admission | November 20, 4–10 p.m.
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Burbank Winter Wine Walk
November 21
The following day, the celebration moves to Downtown Burbank, where San Fernando Boulevard fills with shoppers, music and even a snowfall.
The Burbank Winter Wine Walk features more than 40 wine-tasting stations at participating businesses, along with a free Holiday Street Fair, live entertainment and plenty of opportunities to explore Downtown’s restaurants and shops.
Make an afternoon of the street fair, stay for the evening festivities and enjoy a taste of winter in Southern California.
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Mayor's Tree Lighting
December 5
Gather on the steps of Burbank City Hall for one of the city’s favorite holiday traditions.
The Mayor’s Tree Lighting brings families together for live performances, a visit from Santa and the moment the towering City Hall Christmas tree lights up the night.
Free admission | 6–6:30 p.m. | Burbank City Hall, 275 E. Olive Avenue
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Downtown Burbank Winter Arts Festival
December 12–13
San Fernando Boulevard becomes an open-air marketplace for the Downtown Burbank Winter Arts Festival, featuring more than 170 hand-selected artisans. Browse original artwork, handcrafted jewelry, independent fashion, home décor and one-of-a-kind gifts while enjoying live entertainment and creative activities.
Free admission | December 12–13, 11 a.m.–5 p.m.
Celebrate the Tournament of Roses in Burbank
Southern California's New Year's traditions start early and one of the most memorable happens right here in Burbank.
January 1, 2027
- Pasadena
- 20 minutes from Burbank by car
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Equestfest
December 29, 2026
Before the horses make their grand appearance in Pasadena’s Rose Parade, meet them at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center in Burbank.
Equestfest brings the Rose Parade’s equestrian units together for a day of riding demonstrations, elaborate costumes, trick riding, music and opportunities to see the horses and riders up close.
Watch the performers prepare in the warm-up rings, discover different horse breeds and enjoy the pageantry of the Tournament of Roses before New Year’s Day.
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Ring in the New Year with the Rose Parade and Rose Bowl
January 1, 2027
Welcome the new year in nearby Pasadena with two of Southern California’s great traditions.
Watch flower-covered floats, marching bands and equestrian units make their way along the Rose Parade route, then join the excitement surrounding the Rose Bowl Game.
Pasadena is just 20 minutes away by car, and Burbank offers a choice of 18 hotels, from boutique properties to full-service accommodations. Fly into convenient Hollywood Burbank Airport, and make time to explore Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood, Universal Studios Hollywood and the restaurants, shops and entertainment of the Media Capital of the World.
Pasadena | 20 minutes from Burbank by car
Make a Holiday Getaway of It
Spend a day in Stars Hollow, experience the holiday magic of Universal Studios Hollywood, shop for one-of-a-kind gifts in Burbank’s neighborhoods and join in seasonal celebrations, from Magnolia Park’s Holiday in the Park to Downtown’s Winter Wine Walk and Winter Arts Festival.
With 18 hotels, convenient flights into Hollywood Burbank Airport and some of Southern California’s biggest attractions close at hand, there’s every reason to extend your stay!