Spend the 2023 Holidays in Burbank

The holidays in Burbank CA are here! The most magical time of year has returned to Burbank with annual celebrations, special performances, festive dining experiences, and unique holiday shopping. Whether you wish to enjoy a crisp seasonal evening browsing shops and exploring endless dining options – Burbank shares seasonal charm with all this year! We’ve created the following road map to your perfect holiday vacation in Southern California.

Holidays at Universal Studios Hollywood

November 24, 2023 – January 1, 2024

Universal Studios Hollywood celebrates the festive holidays with eagerly awaited seasonal favorites, “Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™” and “Grinchmas,™”.

“Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” brings the spirit of the holiday season to the village of Hogsmeade™ as the land is transformed with merry décor of shimmering lights, decorative garlands and festive wreaths. Beginning at dusk each night, “The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts™ Castle” will dazzle with stunning imagery as the impressive light projection show illuminates Hogwarts™ School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, bringing the iconic Hogwarts™ castle to life and infusing the land with the sounds of an arrangement of music from the Harry Potter film series.

The spirited “Grinchmas” Who-bilation also returns with an all-new daytime performance featuring the Who-Bee Doo-Wops group, Who-ville’s latest musical sensation rocking out to hip-swinging, bell-ringing holiday classics for the Whos and guests to enjoy. “Grinchmas” activities will include photo opportunities with the Grinch™ and his faithful dog Max, a chance to spend time with Cindy-Lou Who as she leads daily story time for young guests looking to learn “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” and visit to the Who-ville post office to mail a merry postcard sharing three good deeds.

Adding to the theme park activities, Universal CityWalk Hollywood will be dressed for the holiday season with spirited décor and a 40-foot-tall Christmas tree featuring more than 200,000 LED lights. The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen presents a new seasonal milkshake, available both at the Foundry milkshake bar and in the dining room. The ever-popular Voodoo Doughnut will entice guests with delicious seasonal flavors to celebrate the holiday spirit. Antojitos Cocina Mexicana serves up a variety of festive-themed drinks, including Mistletoe Mule, Chestnut Horchata and Apple Cider Margarita. NBC Sports Grill & Brew spreads holiday cheer with a tasty Peppermint Martini, and Jimmy Buffett’s® Margaritaville® whips up a deliciously creamy and joyful drink with its Co-co-Colada.

Holiday Season at Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood

Starting December 22

Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood will offer enchanting holiday photo opportunities that will create lasting memories for you and your loved ones. From beautifully adorned Christmas trees to whimsical holiday displays, Warner Bros. has recreated the holiday magic at Luke’s Diner and the Gazebo from Gilmore Girls.

Winter Events

With the holidays in full bloom, the calendar is jampacked with family fun and nostalgic merriment.

Jackalope Indie Arts Fair

Just in time for the giving season, the Jackalope Arts Fair is a holiday shopping dream on San Fernando Blvd. in Downtown Burbank. On December 9 & 10 from 11:00am-5:00pm daily, you can browse this free event with over 180 local artists selling indie goods, unique décor, jewelry, art, photography and so much more!

Breakfast with Santa

Join in a festive morning of holiday fun at the City of Burbank’s annual Breakfast with Santa event! On December 9, 2023 from 8:30-10:30am at the Burbank Town Center (201 E. Magnolia Blvd.), get ready to be filled with excitement as we celebrate the magic of the season with music, activities, crafts, and a very special guest.

Tickets are required, click here for more info.

 

Stay in Burbank for the Tournament of Roses and EquestFest

Rose Bowl and Rose Parade

Every Year on New Year’s Day millions of people tune in to watch one of the most iconic parades in the world, The Tournament of Roses Parade. Following the Rose Parade is the Rose Bowl, the big game featuring a traditional matchup of teams from the Big Ten and Pac-12. The Parade and big game will begin at 8.00am on Monday, January 1, 2023, in Pasadena, CA just a 15-minute drive from Burbank. If you’re coming to LA to enjoy the parade and big game, Burbank is the palace to stay! With 18 incredible hotels, 100s of delicious restaurants, and quintessential LA landmarks, you’ll love staying in Burbank!

EquestFest – December 30, 2023

Each year, the Rose Parade’s equestrian units demonstrate their talent with performances at Equestfest. Held in Burbank at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center, this family-friendly event includes an exciting equestrian show, musical performances, and a food and vendor court. The equestrian show features both a variety of horse breeds, as well as a variety of riding disciplines.

Attendees are invited to stroll through the stables, meet equestrian participants, and participate in educational and interactive exhibits. Purchase tickets here.

Holiday Lights Displays – Light Up the Season

Holiday date nights are best paired with bright lights, an easy stroll, and a crisp seasonal chill. Set up in our Downtown Burbank or Magnolia Park neighborhoods, you can walk along the lit-up streets in these popular Burbank neighborhoods and take in the perfectly crafted light show, festive décor, and holiday feels found down every street.  

In Downtown Burbank, walk through a 36 ft. tall Christmas tree and snap a selfie at one of the amazing photo opps including a three ring ornament. In Magnolia Park, Magnolia Blvd. is lined with twinkling lights and the shops feature holiday-inspired window displays

Stay in Festive Hotels

What’s best paired with a Burbank holiday getaway? A festive Burbank hotel lobby adding to the magic while you visit Burbank! Whatever your style, budget, or taste, Burbank has a hotel for you. Choose retro hotels that were featured in your favorite film or TV show, boutique hotels frequented by the entertainment industry’s elite, or extended stay and family-friendly options all with complimentary Wi-Fi. When you book directly on our site, we’ll match the best rate available.

Plus, we have special hotel and ticket packages for you to enjoy the Holidays at Universal Studios Hollywood or Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood to create a special holiday vacation. Some of our hotels even offer a complimentary shuttle to and from the studios and Hollywood Burbank Airport. Click here for more info!

Dining During the Holidays

Castaway

Gather around the table for seasonally inspired fare and vista-forward dining at Castaway. From December 24 to December 31, enjoy a refined Christmas dining experience at its best. From formal Christmas Eve cuisine and Christmas Day Brunch specials to a New Year’s Eve celebration and special menu items, you’ll feel the delicious and entertaining merriment fill this legendary establishment. Planning a special holiday gathering? Book your holiday party and enjoy seasonal perks like Signature Holiday Cocktail, Hot Cocoa/Coffee Bar, and Uplights to add that special sparkle to your event. 

Ugly Mug in Magnolia Park – Letters to Santa

Ugly Mug in Magnolia Park is upholding one of Burbank’s favorite Christmas traditions – letters to Santa! Kids are encouraged to write Santa a note using one of their templated stationery provided by the staff and slip it into the bright red mailbox outside the shop. Make sure to leave a return address so they can receive a note back with a small gift from Santa himself. While you’re there, lean into the Christmas spirit with a seasonal coffee drink, warm hot cocoa or a sweet seasonal treat and celebrate the magic of this beloved coffee shop.

Smokehouse Restaurant

The retro style steakhouse exudes a Christmastime ambiance with their decked-out Christmas Trees, so tall they touch the ceiling of this old Hollywood hot spot. Two lit up nutcrackers welcome you at the front door, inviting you to lift your spirits and enjoy the season with classic drinks and great food. Recognized for more than just their warm Christmas feels, Smokehouse was also a film location for Oscar-winning sensation, La La Land. Create your own holiday scene this year as you dine in one of Los Angeles’ most legendary restaurants.

Porto’s Bakery

The pastries and cakes at Porto’s are known to match the holiday season – and this year the seasonal surprises continue! Stop by one of Burbank’s best bakeries to indulge in the deliciousness of the holidays with specialty cakes and a family-friendly environment.

Holiday Shopping

It’s never too early to start shopping! In Magnolia Park you’ll find unique boutiques, vintage shops, and quirky gifts around every corner. Junk for Joy offers a wide selection of vintage gifts, costumes, and décor for that special (and unique) someone in your life.  Don’t skip over the Audrey K Boutique, or you might miss the perfect cute piece. This bright and happy shop is known for their selection of specially designed pieces, by Audrey K herself, and thoughtfully stocked apparel and accessories with a vintage feel and a modern twist. 

Burbank is home to amazing shopping with world-class retailers like Barnes and Nobel, H&M and Forever 21 found within the Burbank Town Center – but big-time retailers share the scene with other great shopping options. Boutiques like Unique Vintage and Lusanet Collective are great shops to find for those special people on your list. If you’re looking for one-of-a-kind pieces and authentic art, check out the Jackelope Art Fest on December 9 & 10, and browse over 180 local artisan booths featuring cool gifts, décor, photography, jewelry and so much more.

Now that you’re feeling the holiday buzz, get out there and experience all that Burbank, CA has to offer this season!