The most wonderful time of year is here. Why it’s LA the best place on earth to celebrate the holidays?
Well for one thing you don’t have to worry about winter’s freezing bite, instead you can focus on all the fun of strolling through festive outdoor markets, take evening walks under holiday lights, and going ice skating by the beach!
So bring out your ugliest sweaters, your egg nogs and friendliest cheer! We have for you an excellent list of activities that are fun and filled with brightness and cheer, and most of these activities are outdoors because that’s how we do winter here in Southern California!
1 – Exciting Ice Rinks and Dazzling Ice Shows
Description:
Los Angeles is bringing the winter magic to life with fantastic ice rinks and shows this holiday season! Classic rinks like the Holiday Ice Rink at Pershing Square and the Downtown Santa Monica Ice are back, offering fun skating experiences under the city lights.
Head to LA Kings Holiday Ice at L.A. Live, where you can skate in a lively setting with views of the iconic Christmas tree. Bring your date for fun ice skating at this great location, then head to your concert afterwards. Admission is $25 and it covers your skate rental.
For a festive spectacle, catch the “Disney On Ice” show, bringing favorite characters to life in dazzling performances across multiple LA venues.
Whether you’re gliding on the ice or watching talented skaters, LA’s ice rinks and shows are perfect for holiday fun and family outings.
Location: various
Pic Credit: @lalive
2 – Spectacular Holiday Displays
Description:
It’s time to attend a great display of holiday lights! We love the twinkling creations, and all the energy featured at these beautiful artistic holiday exhibits. Our first suggestion is Enchanted Forest of Light in Descanso Gardens.
The illuminated pathways, interactive light sculptures, and magical landscapes seem straight out of a fairytale. Everyone in the family will love it.
Our next recommendation is Animals AGlow at the LA Zoo. This after-hours display invites guests to explore illuminated animal sculptures, rainbow light tunnels, and animated displays featuring some of the zoo’s most beloved creatures.
The whole family will enjoy participating in this fantastic exhibit! Prepare for the most beautiful pictures with colorful lights backgrounds of butterflies, toucans, monkeys, macaws and flamingos. Several stands are available for churros and hot cocoa throughout the paths.
Lastly, visit the one and only Lightscape at the LA Arboretum. This event brings a world-class light show to the city, featuring illuminated botanical art installations along a mile-long path through the gardens. Designed to reflect both the holiday spirit and the natural beauty of the Arboretum, the show’s mesmerizing displays create a holiday atmosphere like no other.
Expect glowing flowers, towering light structures, and a finale that will leave you in awe.
Location:various
PIC Credit: @lazoo
3 – Explore the Holiday Markets
Description:
Experience the magic of the holiday season with treats, twinkling lights, festive activities, and one-of-a-kind gift finds! For those seeking handmade treasures, unique crafts, and artisanal goods, we highly recommend visiting Crafted Port LA in San Pedro.
The holiday merchandise at Crafted is carefully curated to bring together a blend of traditional holiday cheer and modern, creative twists.
Next in our list is The Los Angeles Christmas Market at Skylight Row in DTLA. This beloved annual event transforms Skylight Row into a vibrant holiday wonderland, offering visitors a cozy yet exciting atmosphere with all the hallmarks of a traditional Christmas market.
Lastly, take a short trip to Christmas Nights at 123 Farms. Stroll among sparkling lights, breathing in fresh, lavender-scented air, and sipping on warm mulled wine. The farm’s serene yet festive atmosphere offers the perfect blend of holiday spirit and peaceful retreat.
And of course shop around the market, featuring incredible items and specialty goods from tea and honey to unique gifts and crafts.
Location: various
PIC Credit: @youtube
4 – Indulge in Fantastic Holiday Food and Treats
Description:
We are super lucky to have an array of passionate chefs, baristas, bakers and mixologists bringing their creativity to shine every holiday season in our city. Get ready to experience some of the most invigorating menus in LA this holiday season.
Our first stop this holiday season is at Gracias Madre! This plant-based culinary gem brings a festive menu that’s as comforting as it is delicious. Located in the heart of West Hollywood, this vegan restaurant is known for its vibrant atmosphere, inspired Mexican flavors, and unwavering commitment to sustainability. Organic holiday tamales available in 2 unique flavors, rojos y verdes yum yum.
Another fantastic stop for holiday food is Akasha in Downtown Culver City. This restaurant features a menu that will satisfy just about everyone. Leave the stress of cooking during the holidays, and pre-order your holiday feast with Akasha. And for sweet treats visit Churros Calientes – Santa Monica, Harriet’s Cheesecakes – Inglewood, and Susie Cakes for delicious holiday decorated cakes and cookies.
Lastly we recommend taking a trip to Old World Village in Huntington Beach. This place has all the holiday food and cheer you are craving for. The market has an incredible array of holiday treats including Christmas strudels, stollen bread, and chocolates.
Also find a large variety of holiday cookies including sugar, gingerbread, and butter cookies. But that’s not all, the restaurant has an ample holiday menu and a bar with a multitude of beautifully and delicious crafted cocktails.
Beyond the food and drinks, Old World Village is alive with festive activities and events. Enjoy a Santa Meet and Greet, the Swedish Christmas Fair, and even the exciting Dachshund races!
Live music and entertainment add to the merriment, with performances of holiday songs, a brass quintet, Christmas with the Beatles, and a groovy 70s Disco Party on December 31st to ring in the New Year.
Location: various
PIC Credit: @oldworldhb
5 – Neighborhood Holiday Lights Competitions
Description:
One of the best activities to do with the whole family is strolling around the neighborhoods of Los Angeles during the holidays. There are mesmerizing and elaborate displays that will truly captivate the hearts of spectators of all ages. Did you know that some neighborhoods compete for the best lights and creations? The best part is that we get to enjoy seeing their amazing work.
Many of the friendly families in these neighborhoods prepare ciders, hot cocoa, cookies and other delightful treats. Visitors can purchase the tasty treats and enjoy while strolling around the beautifully decorated streets.
We recommend one of the two most famous Candy Cane Lanes in the Los Angeles area. Both locations El Segundo Candy Cane Lane and Woodland Hills Candy Cane Lane feature terrific displays of inflatable decorations and dazzling lights. The grand elaborate displays are Instagram worthy and your kids will love them too.
Upper Hastings Ranch offers Pasadena residents a sensational display of lights. Traditionally each street in the neighborhood has a different theme, that’s what makes this display of lights so exciting to watch. Don’t miss out!
Other great neighborhood holiday lights include Tree Lane in Long Beach and their beautiful Daisy Lane parade. Experience Christmas at Naples Islands, also in Long Beach, visitors are treated to one of the most spectacular light displays of the season, complete with twinkling waterfront views and candy cane treats generously handed out by some residents.
For a touch of glamor, head over to Christmas at Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills. Dress up in your holiday best and capture stunning photos against the backdrop of luxurious decorations adorned with golden and silver ornaments—creating picture-perfect memories like no other!
Location: various
PIC Credit: @pasadenanow
Do you agree with our list or did we miss an obvious one? Let us know by commenting below!