For sure and absolutely, the yuletide season of 2020 will forever be remembered as being quite different, if "quite" can truly go far enough.
But "different" doesn't mean that bulbs won't shine, trees won't twinkle, and families won't find festive cheer.
Much of that festive cheer will be found in pop-up drive-thrus, and at drive-in theaters, and the occasional open-air garden experience, too.
Please note the safety guidelines for any place you visit, and keep in mind that tickets sold out quickly for many Halloween-themed drive-thrus.
Seeking a sparkly expression of the season? It is out there, even if it has changed a bit, all to keep visitors safe and cheerful. See Christmas cuteness out a car window, or along a nature path, during this definitely different but still meaningfully sweet holiday time.
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1/13
Holiday Road
Are you a (frightful) fan of Nights of the Jack, the annual Halloween treat at King Gillette Ranch in Calabasas? Prepare to drive a Holiday Road by twinkly displays, yuletide sights, and plenty of cheerful installations in that very area. Things are getting mighty festive from Dec. 4 through Jan. 10.
2/13
WonderLAnd
Go driving in a wintry "WonderLAnd" in Woodland Hills this season, and ooh/ahh over a bevy of beautiful light displays. Something sweet? There's a St. Jude Joy Drive on through Dec. 24, so do donate if you can. Details on both the fundraiser and the fun 'n festive event are here.
3/13
Karol Franks
Christmas Tree Lane, Altadena's century-old thoroughfare, is lit in 2020, but there are some changes. The team behind the free and festive tradition is asking visitors to stay in their cars as they admire the decorated deodar pines. The lights will glimmer nightly through Jan. 7, 2021.
4/13
Six Flags Magic Mountain
Six Flags Magic Mountain will shimmer with festive lights and seasonal scenes during this drive-thru event. Plan to call upon the Valencia theme park, which is temporarily closed to walk-in guests, in your car. As for what you'll see out your window? Lots of Christmassy cheer, including an area that draws from steampunk themes.
5/13
PLAINVIEW/Electric Noel
Find that yuletide spirit at this drive-thru experience, one that will send story points and songs over your FM radio. Where to find it? In Norco. The holiday delights begin on Dec. 3.
6/13
Descanso Gardens
Descanso Gardens is honoring the season in a serene way in 2020, with nature-sweet decorations and peace-pretty walks. "Enchanted Forest of Light" is cancelled, but fans of the airy garden can enjoy "Reflections at Descanso" each day through Jan. 3, 2021.
7/13
Rooftop Cinema Club
Rooftop Cinema Club will call upon Santa Monica Airport for a drive-in, one that will feature several Christmas classics (think "Elf" and other goodies). Should you decorate your auto for the holiday nights? Does Buddy the Elf love syrup?
8/13
Dodgers Holiday Festival
Drive around Dodger Stadium and eye illuminated scenes and odes to the baseball champions at the Dodgers Holiday Festival, a stay-in-your-car event. It's on from Nov. 27-Dec. 24.
9/13
Alex J. Berliner/ABImages
Spin by a host of storybook scenes at the Fairplex in Pomona, and enjoy elvish delights, at "The Elf on the Shelf's Magical Holiday Journey," a new drive-thru experience.
10/13
Nights of Lights OC
Illuminated wonders meets auto-based joy at Night of Lights OC, the new offering from the team behind Winter Fest OC. Stay in your car and roll by oodles of bulbs and pretty displays at the OC Fair & Event Center from Dec. 3, 2020 through Jan. 3, 2021.
11/13
Downtown Santa Monica
There's no ice rink this year, but Downtown Santa Monica is delivering a few festive touches, like twinkly decorations and a large menorah. Art installations, too, can be found on self-guided walks around Third Street Promenade.
12/13
Jose Luis Pelaez
Holograms, projections full of bright hues, and "over one million dazzling LED lights" will fill "Holidays in Your Car" with fa and la and la. Find it first in Ventura, starting on Nov. 22, then in Del Mar in early December.
13/13
South Coast Botanic Garden
Stroll by a caboodle of colorful lights, after the sun goes down, at South Coast Botanic Garden. An "artistically curated soundtrack" will give GLOW an extra dose of seasonal sweetness. Where to go? The Palos Verde Peninsula, but do book your ticket in advance (and get to know the destination's safety policies).
