🎄 The Ultimate Spooky Girl’s Guide to Holiday Events in LA & Orange County 🕯️
- hannahaltmanwork
- 4 days ago
- 7 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
Los Angeles transforms every December, but not in the way Hallmark movies promise. Yes, we have twinkle lights and peppermint lattes… but we also have Krampus photo ops, haunted tea parties, witchy markets, emo Christmas bars, and holiday haunts that belong in a dark winter fairytale.
If you’re someone who loves the magic and the macabre, this guide is for YOU. Below is a full breakdown of the top Spooky Holiday Events happening across Los Angeles & Orange County, complete with descriptions, vibes, and spots for ticket links.
I’ve been to many of these events over the years, and every December I’m reminded why LA is one of the best places in the world for year-round spooky fun.
So grab your black Santa hat and... here we go.
✨ Bonus Event: Creep It Real Festive O.C. This Weekend Only! Nov 21–23
🎟 Link: https://www.creepitrealoc.com
Before we jump into the full December lineup, here’s a last-minute spooky treat happening this weekend only. Creep It Real Festive brings together the cozy magic of the holidays with classic Halloween energy, think cheerful meets creepy in the best way possible. You’ll find spooky vendors, holiday-horror merch, festive photo ops, character encounters, and tons of nostalgic haunt vibes from the SoCal spooky community.
Held at the Heritage Museum of Orange County in Santa Ana, it’s one of the largest and most beloved spooky festivals in OC. It's packed with artists, makers, entertainment, and year-round Halloween spirit.
🎁 ONGOING HOLIDAY EVENTS
Emo Christmas: Nov 12–Dec 28 (Hollywood)
Emo Christmas is exactly what it sounds like, a black-clad, eyeliner-smudged holiday pop-up filled with nostalgia, themed cocktails, and alt-rock holiday playlists that make you feel like you’re back on Myspace. Expect dramatic lighting, moody photo ops, and at least one person shouting “It’s not a phase, mom!” under the mistletoe.
What it's like: As an elder emo myself, I’ve been before and it always brings the perfect blend of humor and emotional chaos. If you grew up belting My Chemical Romance in your bedroom… this is your holiday church.
Paranormal Activity Experience: Nov 15–Dec 7 (DTLA)
Created as an immersive walkthrough inspired by the Paranormal Activity universe, this event leans into tension, found-footage style scares, and supernatural chaos. Expect flickering lights, sudden noises, and practical effects that make you question reality.
Perfect for: horror fans, adrenaline seekers, and friend groups who love screaming together.
Goth Xmas LA: Nov 28–Dec 31 (Hollywood)
Black Christmas trees, cryptic ornaments, gothic photo ops, and a crowd who looks like the Nightmare Before Christmas cast in the best way possible. It’s bubbly, it’s dark, it’s beautifully curated, and one of the most aesthetic holiday events in the city.
Krampus Cove Pop-Up: Dec 2–28 (Hollywood)
🎟 Link: https://www.krampuscovepopup.com
Krampus Cove feels like stepping into a Bavarian nightmare. The décor mixes cozy alpine vibes with horned monsters and folklore-inspired mischief. You’ll find themed cocktails, a “naughty list” photo op, and encounters with Krampus himself.
What's it like: It’s charming, funny, atmospheric, and slightly unhinged. In other words, perfect.
🎄 FEATURED DECEMBER EVENTS
Vogel Victorian Tea Party: Nov 29 & Dec 5 (Santa Ana)
If you’re into Victorian aesthetics, vintage Christmas décor, or the vibe of telling ghost stories by candlelight, this event is pure magic. Think elegant teacups, holiday pastries, lace gloves, and the soft glow of Victorian-style holiday lights. This experience is a MUST!
Why it's worth going: If you do one thing this holiday season, make it this tea party. It’s my favorite... cozy, cute, magical, and honestly just such a fun experience. You get dreamy Victorian vibes, delicious tea, holiday treats, and a really sweet community all in one place. It’s the perfect little escape from the December chaos. Treat yourself this holiday season!
Spooky X-Mas Party at Beetle House: Dec 6 (Hollywood)
Beetle House LA is already a year-round haven for Tim Burton lovers, but their Spooky X-Mas party takes things to another level. The entire bar gets transformed into a twisted winter wonderland, think black lights, eerie holiday decor, bubbling cocktails, and characters that look straight out of a dark Christmas fairytale.
What's it like: It’s immersive, theatrical, festive, and just the right amount of unhinged... basically the perfect alt-holiday night out.
Dark Queersmas: Dec 6 (DTLA)
A celebration of queer goth culture during the holidays, Dark Queersmas brings together alt creators, queer performers, 70+ spooky vendors, vegan food, and tons of magical activities. Everything from tarot and aura readings to henna, sigils, and intuitive poetry. It’s festive, expressive, and full of heart, with a beautifully inclusive community vibe. Tickets are only $5, which makes it one of the best holiday deals of the season!
Why it’s worth going: It’s one of the most creative, welcoming, and joyfully weird holiday events in LA. The kind of place where everyone shows up as their fullest, most magical selves.
Gothicumbia Orange County: Dec 6 (Santa Ana)
Hosted by Milo the Munster, Gothicumbia OC brings a dark, high-energy holiday party to The Observatory with a mix of cumbia, post-punk, rock en Español, darkwave, and more. The event blends goth vibes with dance-floor warmth, creating a super fun, spooky-festive night that feels totally unique to this community. Expect amazing DJs, dramatic visuals, and a crowd ready to dance their way into the holiday season.
Tavern of Terrors Night Market: Dec 9 (Anaheim)
🎟 Link: https://octobervillage.com/products/tavern-of-terrors-dece-ber-9th-at-villains-brewing-company
Tavern of Terrors is a FREE spooky night market hosted at Villains Brewing Company. It's packed with horror vendors, killer food and drinks, cosplay, and Halloween vibes in the middle of December. It’s family-friendly, pet-friendly, and super easy to drop into for some festive spooky shopping.
Reign of Terror - Holiday Haunt: Dec 12 & Dec 13 (Thousand Oaks)
🎟 Link: https://www.rothauntedhouse.com
Reign of Terror is one of the biggest, most detailed haunted attractions in California, and when they do holiday overlays, they go big.
Expect:
insane production design
massive sets
intense scares
holiday horror chaos
Even if you’ve been before, the holiday version is a whole new beast.
Witches Brew Night Market: Dec 13 (Santa Ana)
An enchanting marketplace packed with witchy vendors. Everything from potions, crystals, spell kits, handmade art, mystical teas, and more. Attendees often dress in witchy winter fashion, which adds to the vibe.
Merry Gothmas: Dec 13–14 (Ventura)
A two-day celebration of a gothic winter wonderland! Merry Gothmas brings together dark-aesthetic vendors, spooky holiday gifts, live music, alt performers, and tons of photo ops. Think cozy winter-goth energy with big festival vibes. It's the perfect place to shop, wander, and soak in all the dark holiday magic.
Why it’s worth going: It’s one of the biggest and most atmospheric goth holiday markets around with tons of vendors, great energy, and nonstop festive-in-black fun.
Totally Killer Market: Dec 13 (Burbank)
A slasher-themed holiday market (yes, amazing!). Vendors lean into ’80s horror, campy art, killer-themed merch, and holiday-meets-slasher aesthetics. It’s Killer Fitness’s first-ever Holiday in the Park celebration, and they’re diving straight into the holiday-meets-horror vibe with spooky-cute decor, a holiday horror photo op, live performances, entertainment, karaoke, and the kickoff of their Black Friday sale – all happening right in the heart of Magnolia Park.
Halloween on Xmas: Dec 14–15 (DTLA)
This event blends Halloween and Christmas into a wonderfully chaotic immersive experience. Expect spooky music, creepy characters in Santa hats, and a mix of festive cheer and dark fun. Held at Monarch Studios, Halloween on Xmas invites you to dress up, eat treats, wander themed setups, and celebrate both holidays at once. It's the weirdest and most joyful mashup of the season.
Why it’s worth going: It’s playful, chaotic, and totally unique! The perfect event if you want both spooky season and holiday magic without choosing between them.
Dark Market at The Cauldron: Dec 14 (Buena Park)
Holiday season at The Cauldron is officially here, and their Spirits of Yule winter overlay transforms the pub into a moody, witchy celebration of old-world pagan traditions, seasonal folklore, and dark Christmas magic. On December 14th, their Dark Market returns! It's a spooky arts & crafts faire where you can grab a drink, enjoy the new winter menu, and shop unique handmade gifts from local gothic and witchy vendors.
Yuletide Cinemaland: Dec 6, 13, 20–23 (Montecito Heights)
Yuletide Cinemaland is one of the most beautiful holiday events in LA, transforming Heritage
Square Museum into a full Victorian winter dream. It’s cozy, cinematic, and filled with festive magic. It's the kind of night that feels like wandering through a glowing holiday postcard brought to life. Between the historic homes, twinkle-light pathways, and warm seasonal treats, the whole experience is atmospheric, enchanting, and maybe even a little haunted if you’re sensitive to old spaces.
Movie Dates:
Nov 29: Home Alone & Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (Pajama Night)
Dec 6: Elf & A Christmas Story
Dec 13: The Nightmare Before Christmas & How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Dec 20: The Santa Clause & The Santa Clause 2
Dec 21: Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer & The Muppet Christmas Carol
Dec 22: Home Alone & Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (Pajama Night)
Dec 23: Elf & Home Alone
What's it like: It’s dreamy, immersive, and overflowing with holiday charm. Perfect for anyone who loves cozy winter vibes, old-world aesthetics, and a little cinematic magic under the stars.
The Obscure Distillery: Multiple Dates (DTLA)
The Obscure Distillery is one of those hidden gems that feels made for spooky season lovers, even in December. With its moody lighting, witchy atmosphere, and small-batch spirits, the space leans fully into dark winter vibes. Expect seasonal cocktails, eerie décor, and a cozy, haunted-tavern feel that makes it the perfect escape from the holiday rush. Their holiday events often include tastings, themed drinks, pop-up vendors, and plenty of eerie little details to explore.
🎅 Why LA Is the Best City for Spooky Holiday Events
Los Angeles is a city built on storytelling. From film sets to immersive experiences, this city knows how to create magic, and December is when creators blend joy with darkness in the most beautiful way.
Our holiday season isn’t just peppermint and mistletoe, it's:
folklore monsters
emo nostalgia
witchcraft
horror artistry
Victorian aesthetics
immersive theater
indie creators
dark winter foliage
cinematic atmospheres
There’s nowhere like it.
Whether you’re a spooky kid at heart or just someone who likes your holidays with a gothic twist, LA’s December lineup is packed with enchanting, eerie, creative events.
I’ll be attending many of these and sharing videos, reviews, and behind-the-scenes moments on my socials, so follow along if you want the dark side of Christmas delivered straight to your feed.
Happy Hauntidays,
Hannah Altman 🖤🎄
Paranormal Lounge
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