Candy Cane Lane Woodland Hills 2026: Dates, Parking and Tips for Families

Last updated: November 12, 2026 · By Heather Shorr

A parent’s guide to Candy Cane Lane in Woodland Hills: when the lights usually go up, the best times to go with kids, whether to walk or drive, where to park and how to be a good guest on one of the Valley’s oldest holiday traditions.

Short answer: Candy Cane Lane is a free neighborhood light display around Lubao Avenue and Oxnard Street in Woodland Hills, next to Pierce College. Homeowners have decorated these blocks since 1952. The local chamber of commerce lists the season as the first Saturday in December through the first Saturday after New Year’s, with lights on roughly 6 to 10 p.m. For 2026 that points to about Saturday, December 5, 2026 through early January 2027, but there is no official organizer, so confirm close to the date.

Candy Cane Lane 2026 at a Glance

When Candy Cane Lane Opens in 2026

Candy Cane Lane is not a ticketed event. It is an informal group of homeowners who decide each year to decorate, so there is no box office, website or phone line for it. The West Valley-Warner Center Chamber of Commerce describes the season as running from the first Saturday in December to the first Saturday after New Year’s Day, with lights on from about 6 to 10 p.m. through Christmas.

In 2026, the first Saturday in December is December 5. Some guides list the second Saturday instead, which would be December 12, so if you are planning around a specific night, go after December 12 to be safe. Displays are fullest in the week or two before Christmas, and some homes turn off earlier after December 25.

Our parent tip: Because no one officially announces opening night, check a recent photo or post from a local Woodland Hills or West Valley group the week you go. It saves a disappointing drive in early December.

Best Time to Go With Kids

• Weeknights beat weekends. Fridays, Saturdays and the nights right before Christmas bring the longest car lines.
• Go right after dark. Arriving around 6 p.m. means shorter lines and a reasonable bedtime for little ones.
• Earlier in the season is calmer. The second week of December is usually less crowded than the week of Christmas.
• Respect the cutoff. Residents ask visitors to arrive by 10 p.m. on weeknights and 11 p.m. on weekends, and many lights go off after that.

Walk or Drive?

You can do either. Cars move slowly through the blocks with headlights dimmed so everyone can see the lights, which works well with a baby or a sleepy toddler in a car seat. Walking lets kids stop and look at the figures, the inflatables and the fake snow up close, and it is usually faster than sitting in traffic on a busy night.

• Driving: Dim your headlights, go slowly, and do not stop in the middle of the street.
• Walking: Stay on the sidewalk, hold hands with young kids, and bring a small flashlight or wear something reflective. These are residential streets with cars moving through.
• Strollers: Fine on the sidewalks, but a carrier is easier on crowded nights.

Getting There and Parking

From the 101, take the Winnetka Avenue exit and head north. Just across from Pierce College, turn right on Oxnard Street into the neighborhood. If traffic is backed up, the chamber’s own advice is to park and walk in.

Parking is on neighborhood streets, so look for a legal spot a few blocks out, never block driveways, and follow any posted signs. There are no public restrooms on the lane, so plan a bathroom stop before you arrive.

How to Be a Good Guest

Candy Cane Lane exists only because residents choose to do it every year, and some neighbors have talked about stopping because of litter and crowding. A few easy habits help keep it going:

• Take all trash home with you.
• Stay off lawns and do not touch the decorations, even when kids really want to.
• Keep voices and music down, especially later in the evening.
• Do not block driveways or double-park.
• Leave by the cutoff time so residents can turn their lights off.

What to Bring

• Warm layers; Valley nights in December get cold
• A flashlight or reflective vest for walking
• Snacks and water, since there are no official vendors
• A charged phone for photos (and a backup plan for the drive home if kids fall asleep)

Make a Night of It: More Holiday Fun Nearby

Candy Cane Lane pairs well with other free and low-cost holiday outings around the Valley and the rest of LA. See our best holiday lights and holiday events for kids in Los Angeles, our Christmas events for kids in LA and our LA Zoo Lights guide for a ticketed night out. Looking for something this weekend? Check things to do with kids in LA this weekend.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does Candy Cane Lane open in 2026?

There is no official announcement. The local chamber of commerce lists the season as the first Saturday in December through the first Saturday after New Year’s, which in 2026 would be about December 5, 2026 to January 2, 2027. Some years it starts the second Saturday, so mid-December is the safest bet.

Is Candy Cane Lane in Woodland Hills free?

Yes. It is a free neighborhood display put on by homeowners. There are no tickets or fees.

What time are the lights on at Candy Cane Lane?

Lights are usually on from about 6 to 10 p.m. Residents ask visitors to arrive by 10 p.m. on weeknights and 11 p.m. on weekends.

Can you walk Candy Cane Lane, or do you have to drive?

You can do either. Many families park a few blocks away and walk, which is easier with kids on busy nights. If you drive, go slowly with your headlights dimmed.

Where do you park for Candy Cane Lane?

Parking is on the surrounding residential streets. Park legally a few blocks away, do not block driveways, and walk in if traffic is heavy.

Dates and details were checked in November 2026. Candy Cane Lane is run informally by residents and can change from year to year, so confirm before you go.