Many of us go into the holiday season with the best of intentions. We want to see holiday lights, enjoy hot chocolate, maybe taking in a Christmas tree lighting or a Menorah lighting, catch a performance of The Nutcracker and A Christmas Carol. Enjoy a holiday sing along. Tie on some ice skates at an outdoor pop-up rink... But somehow, each holiday season slips away and we lament all that we missed.

This year is going to be different! We're compiling a list of our favorite classic L.A. holiday experiences, and we need your help. Did we miss your favorite thing to do with relatives who are in from out of town? (Or, ahem, your favorite thing to do to get away from relatives who are in from out of town?)

Let us know at the bottom of this story, and we may include it. We especially want to know about free things to do this holiday season.

Now, let's make this a holiday to remember.

1. Lightscape at the Arboretum

Light. Color. Sound. All around. Lightscape at the Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Garden in Arcadia is a wildly popular after-dark installation made for our TiKTok and IG world: Paths and vistas are lined with lights in the most mesmerizing ways, merging nature and art. Food trucks and a full bar nightly. Intrigued? Do not dilly-dally. If you want tickets to this event, especially if you are looking for a particular night or are going with a group, snap them up asap. Our highly placed sources say that Santa will also be in attendance on certain nights, so plan according. Runs through Jan. 2. Tickets start at $29 for adults and $14 for children, depending upon which day you go. There is a discount for members. Kids 2 and under are free.

2. Debbie Allen's Hot Chocolate Nutcracker

Actress-singer-dancer-choreographer Debbie Allen's dance academy is legendary for its take on the holidays with her annual Hot Chocolate Nutcracker at the Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center: The classic is reenvisioned as a modern musical, with three wise-cracking mice from New York City ("The Real Rat Pack") to guide this frolicking new adventure. Runs Dec. 7 through Dec. 10. There are also two special performances for a Fairy Queen Tea, Dec. 9th and 10th, featuring a catered tea, hot cocoa bar and a cast member meet & greet. For pregaming, you can watch the Netflix documentary about Allen's labor of love and devotion, Dance Dreams: Hot Chocolate Nutcracker. Tickets run $50 to $135.

3. Union Station Holiday Tree Lighting (Free!)

The annual tree lighting at one of L.A.'s most iconic and recognizable destinations — Union Station — is taking place tonight, Monday Nov. 20, from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on the south patio. There are reports that special guests from the North Pole will take part in the countdown to the lighting of the 30-foot tree, and there will be hot cocoa and other sweet treats in abundance and live performances by Mariachi Los Servidores and The Beverly Belles. Can't make it tonight? The lights will be up through the holiday season, so make time to stop by and take some selfies. (Next year's holiday card, perhaps?)

4. 'Home Alone' in concert at The Phil

The LA Phil’s Deck the Hall holiday concert series presents three nights of the 1990 comedy Home Alone with Macaulay Culkin as an 8-year-old accidentally left home by his family during the holidays. Screening Wednesday, Dec. 20 to Friday, Dec. 22 at 8 p.m. at Walt Disney Concert Hall, the score is performed live by the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra, conducted by David Newman. Tickets: $74 - $219. Arrive earlier, at 7 p.m., and you can partake in an ugly sweater contest and trivia contest.

5. Holiday Sing-Along at The Phil ... and more

Also at Disney Hall: There's A Chanticleer Christmas, on Dec. 13 at 8 p.m., featuring the Grammy-winning ensemble for an evening of a cappella choral music (tickets available at last check ranged from $49 to $119).

The Walt Disney Concert Hall's famous organ, a choir, a jazz combo and you! Those are the stars of a beloved holiday tradition, the Holiday Sing-Along, where everyone gets the lyrics to holiday songs and carols and are expected to sing at the top of their lungs. Takes place on Saturday, Dec. 16, at 11:30 a.m. and then again at 2:30 p.m. At last check, available tickets ranged from $39 to $109. Arrive early for hot cocoa, holiday crafting and a picture with Santa.

And check out Arturo Sandoval's Swinging Holiday concert on Dec. 23 at 8 p.m. (tickets available at last check ranged from $54 to $134), with the Grammy winning legend putting a "jumping, jiving, jingling" twist on holiday favorites.

6. Las Posadas at Olvera Street (Free!)

This is a quaint L.A. tradition that dates back to 1930: Each evening sees the reenactment of the Biblical journal of Mary and Joseph as they head to Bethlehem to seek shelter. (You don’t have to be Christian or Catholic to enjoy, all are welcome.) Expect traditional Christmas songs in Spanish, music and colorful costumes. The procession begins and ends at Avila Adobe, considered the oldest house in all of Los Angeles. Visitors can also enjoy a cup of hot champurrado and pan dulce. The festivities begin at 6:30 p.m. nightly with a pinata party for children aged 3-12, the procession follows at 7:15 p.m. Dec. 16 through Dec. 24.

7. Enchanted Forest of Light at Descanso Gardens

Descanso Gardens’ Enchanted Forest of Light in La Cañada Flintridge is an interactive, nighttime experience that’s great for families or romantic outings. Take a one-mile walk through lighting experiences in the garden and take in sights such as an entire town of magical “stained glass” creations by contemporary sculptor Tom Fruin and sparkling geometric installations from HYBYCOZO in the Rose Garden. Enchanted Forest of Light is open nightly from 5:30 to 10 p.m. through Jan. 7. Tickets run $25 to $45, with members getting a discount. Note: Advanced purchase is required as tickets are not sold on site.

8. Menorah lighting ceremonies (Free!)

Palisades Village will host its menorah lighting ceremony on Dec. 7, celebrating the first night of Hanukkah. The festivities will begin at 4:30 p.m. and include family-friendly activities, musical entertainment and traditional treats. The Commons at Calabasas will host its annual Menorah Lighting Celebration on Dec. 12, including live musical entertainment, family-friendly activities, treats and a fireworks show.

9. Fiesta Navidad holiday concert

The Grammy Award-winning Mariachi Los Camperos headlines the Fiesta Navidad holiday concert at Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall in Costa Mesa on Saturday, Dec. 23 at 8 p.m. The night is a joyful celebration of Mexican holiday traditions through music and dance — perfect for the whole family. Tickets run $32 to $92.

10. L.A. County Holiday Celebration (Free!)

The 64th annual L.A. County Holiday Celebration takes places from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Dec. 24 at The Music Center's Dorothy Chandler Pavilion and "offers Angelenos of all ages the opportunity to experience and honor the dynamic, rich cultures of the county." And it is free. Yes, we said free. So what's the catch? Seating is first come, first seated, and the line starts forming around 9 a.m. Slated to perform this year: Gabrielito y La Verdad, Divas and Drummers of Compton, performers from the Hiza Yoo Korean Dance Institute, the Mostly Kosher and Jewish Youth Orchestra, the South Side Symphony, the Pasadena Girls' Choir and more. If you can't make it in person, you can watch it on PBS SoCal or stream online.

11. A Christmas Story, The Musical

This is a gift for the whole family. Watch the musical adaptation of the beloved 1983 family comedy as Ralphie Parker schemes his way to getting a BB gun for Christmas. From the team behind the Tony Award-winning musical Dear Evan Hansen and films La La Land and The Greatest Showman, the stage show also features the hilarious leg lamp, pink bunny pajamas, scary department store Santa and the triple-dog-dare to lick a freezing flagpole scenes. A Christmas Story, The Musical runs from Dec. 5 to 31 at the Ahmanson Theatre in downtown L.A. Tickets range from $40-$169.

12. Bob Baker Marionette Theater's The Nutcracker

Celebrating their 60th year of marionette theater, Bob Baker’s Nutcracker returns Nov. 25 through Jan. 7 to mesmerize children and the young at heart with a magical interpretation of the classic holiday performance. The sugar plum fairy, waltzing flowers and more promise a magical experience that always comes with strings attached. In keeping with tradition, there will be ice cream for everyone after the show. Tickets for a sensory-friendly performance are also available. Tickets, $25.

13. Long Beach Floating Christmas Trees (Free!)

This is a holiday tradition that dates back to 1949: Floating Christmas trees, made of a wooden frame and ribbons of holiday lights, are visible throughout Long Beach typically starting right after Thanksgiving, until early January. You can spot them at the Colorado Lagoon, Alamitos Bay, Spinnaker Bay, Rainbow Harbor, Scherer Park, El Dorado Park West, Heartwell Park and even on top of the building at the end of Belmont Veterans Memorial Pier, according to the Press-Telegram, which has a delightful video diving further into this slice of iconic Long Beach history. Best of all? It’s free. Pack up some snacks, a Thermos full of hot chocolate, and head down to one of the waterfront spots where you can relax and enjoy the fleeting holiday view. The bridges in Belmont Shore and Naples provide great vantage points. If the budget allows, you can also get a group together and rent a Duffy boat out of Alamitos Bay for a closer look.

14. Holiday festivities at Gilchrist Farm (Free!)

It’s a holiday hoedown at Gilchrist Farm in Santa Clarita: Enjoy free weekend activities in December through Dec. 23 including a visit to see Santa (10 a.m. to 3 p.m.), a parade (10 a.m.), goat milking demonstrations at 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m., pig races, wool spinning, live music, food and craft booths and more. Ticketed events including a breakfast with Santa, train rides and photos and require the purchase of individual tickets (prices vary) or full-day wristbands ($55 for one child under twelve accompanied by two adults). Gilchrist Farm is located at 30116 Bouquet Canyon Rd., Santa Clarita.

15. Hooray For Holidays with Wayne Brady

Emmy-award winning Broadway star Wayne Brady joins the Gay Men’s Chorus Los Angeles to present Hooray For Holidays, the company’s annual seasonal extravaganza set to feature more than twenty timeless holiday hits from the Golden Age of cinema, contemporary classics and standards from the Great American Songbook. At the Saban Theater, Dec. 16-17. Tickets start at $45.

16. The Los Angeles Ballet's The Nutcracker

This year, the annual performance of Los Angeles Ballet’s The Nutcracker will be set in 1912 Los Angeles and feature iconic SoCal elements. Look for a Spanish style home, calla lilies, bougainvillea, archways of Venice Beach and views of the Pacific Ocean. There’s no place like home. Performances scheduled throughout Los Angeles County including Dolby Theater in Hollywood, Royce Hall at UCLA, Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center and the newly added Pasadena Civic Auditorium, Dec. 1 through Dec. 26.

17. The Hollywood Christmas Parade (Free!)

The 91st annual Hollywood extravaganza marches back into town on Sunday, Nov. 26 at 6 p.m. to usher in the holiday season with special guests including celebrities Dean Cain, Erik Estrada, Elizabeth Stanton, Laura McKenzie, Montel Williams as well as Mighty Mouse, Betty Boop and that jolly man in the red suit and beard. Free, but you can also get great seats if you are willing to pay, $120. Parade organizers at the City of Los Angeles have once again partnered with the U.S. Marine Corps’ Toys For Tots campaign as well as other charitable organizations to help underprivileged people during the season of giving. Note that there will be freeway and street closures, so plan accordingly.

18. Long Beach Holiday Swing!

The Long Beach Symphony Orchestra presents a night at the Pops with Holiday Swing! A seasonal celebration featuring jazz musician and former lead trumpeter and soloist for the Count Basie Orchestra Byron Stripling, along with vocalist Sydney McSweeney, custom arrangements, virtuosic trumpet playing, and sing-a-longs to the tunes of Joy to the World, Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town, Silent Night and more. Pre-ordered catered meals available, or BYO picnic. At the Long Beach Arena & Convention Center, Dec. 16, 17, 23.

19. Polar Express Train Ride in Perris

Climb aboard the Polar Express Train Ride in Perris and believe all over again. Accompanied by the music of the motion picture soundtrack, passengers will relive the magic of the heart warming Christmas story by Chis Van Allsburg as they journey along a one-hour train ride to meet Santa. All aboard for caroling, cookies, singing and dancing, and the first gift of the season a keepsake silver sleigh bell. Through Dec. 30. Tickets start at $50.

20. Newport Beach Boat Parade (Free!)

Sailing into the holiday season for their 115th year, the Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade will feature a nightly flotilla of festivity when the sun goes down starting Dec. 13 through Dec. 17. Once again hosted by the Commodores Club of the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce, parade "floats" will include everything from decorated yachts to spirited kayaks and canoes. Waterfront homes are also decked out for the occasion and compete for awards in the categories of lights, theme, animation and more.

21. Winter Fantasy at The Sawdust Festival

For the 33rd year in a row, the Winter Fantasy holiday art festival nestled amongst the eucalyptus trees in Laguna Beach will present a special holiday market amidst wood shavings and an abundance of creative ambiance. Decorated with thousands of lights and showcasing the work of more than 160 local artisans, the event will include live music, carolers, puppeteers, complimentary art workshops, concession stands, daily appearances by Santa and, of course, shopping. Open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through Dec. 17, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Admission, $10 adults, $7 seniors, $5 children ages 6-12.

22. Winter Frolic at Kidspace Children’s Museum

Located on the Kidspace Children's Museum's scenic 3.5 acre campus in Pasadena, the Winter Frolic is for SoCal kids looking to “penguin slide” at the ice-free (and therefore much warmer!) Sock Skating Rink ($5 with admission), explore a Snow Dome, and enjoy a seasonal flurry of hands-on activities, special performances and adorable animal encounters. Climb, play, dance, hike, bike, dance, create and more. Through Jan. 7. Tickets for non-members start at $15.50.

23. Griffith Park Train Ride

The popular Griffith Park Train Ride transforms into a magical winter wonderland at this time of year. But be aware: This is another event that frequently sells out on the weekends, so plan accordingly, and guarantee seats by purchasing tickets in advance online. The ride is about 10 minutes long, travels a one-mile track and is decorated with thousands upon thousands of Christmas lights and festive scenes. “Suitable for humans of all ages,” according to the website. Runs Nov. 24 through Jan. 5. Rides run 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and until 9 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. $7 per person, children aged 18-months-old and younger ride for free. Watch their Facebook page for weather updates: High winds and heavy rains may cancel rides. Note that this place can be tricky to get to if you’ve never been here before, and traffic can be a bear: So, pack up some thermos of hot chocolate for some parking lot tailgating, arrive early and enjoy the open air photo booths (next year’s holiday card perhaps?) and gift kiosks.