December has arrived! We love the holidays so much in LA that we usually start celebrating in early November.
But, yes it’s the last month of year and now its officially that time again for lights, decorations, hot cocoa, and seasonal cheer.
With 80% of LA County over the age of 12 having been vaccinated (a the time of this writing) we can hopefully expect bigger crowds will be allowed to the large events this year as opposed to last year when bigger events were extremely limited.
Of course, no matter what is going on in the world, Los Angeles does not disappoint when it comes to seasonal entertainment and there ae some great events this year. In this post we list some suggestions of our favorite things to do in LA for December 2021 so you can plan ahead for which events are the ones you like best, or try to visit all of them.
Let’s celebrate the holidays Southern California style!
1 – LA Zoo Lights
Description:
A wild wonderland of lights! The LA Zoo Lights is back this season to entertain the whole family, young and older. This annual Holiday event has become one of the most popular traditions for locals with its thousands of light displays including tons of glowing animals, a huge illuminated pop up storybook, and beautiful glittering snowflakes.
As you walk through the park in the dark, you wont see any animals who are all sleeping, but you will still have tons to see and appreciate. One of our favorites places to get a great pic is in the impressive fully illuminated walk through light tunnels.
You can also pick up some hot cocoa or even a beer or cocktail to sip on as you walk around and take in all the lights. Food can be purchased onsite as well.
Adult tickets $22 and children 2-12 $16. To allow social distancing you have the option to purchase one of their three nightly options 6pm., 7pm., or 8pm.
Have fun!
Location: 5333 Zoo Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90027
Pic Credit: @lazoo
2 – Holiday Road LA
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Want to go for a fun Christmas themed walk? This entertaining immersive walking path features a trail of lovely Holiday themed displays. Not only are they beautiful to look at of course, but they also contribute to your exercise for the day and the kids too.
You can experience this fun and unique Holiday event at the spectacular King Gillette Ranch in Calabasas. They are already very well known for one of the most popular Halloween annual events Night of the Jack.
Holiday Day Road includes tons of large displays, food trucks, adult cocktails, and a souvenir shop all with themes of Christmas spirit. Bring out all your family or friends because this event is designed for everyone to have great time no matter what age they are.
Tickets are available for purchasing online, prices start at $34.99.
Location: 26800 West, Mulholland Hwy, Calabasas, CA 91302
PIC Credit: @holidayroad
3 – Lightscape – The Arboretum
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This is one of our favorite annual Holiday installations! Because of the unique grounds and beauty of the Arboretum they are able to transform it into a nighttime light display experience like no other.
Lightscape is bringing fun and joy to every visitor with all the music, lights and art. It truly transforms the already incredible during the day LA Arboretum into a magical Holiday venue at night.
Lightscape is on from November 12 until January 16. You can arrive as early as 5:30 and leave as late as 9:00 pm. This fabulous event is for all ages. Plan to take memorable pictures, wear comfy shoes, do not bring your pooch, and yes you can buy food at this event.
Location: 301 N Baldwin Ave, Arcadia, CA 91007
PIC Credit: @yours.chuly
4 – LA Comic Con
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Halloween might be over but you can dress as your favorite fantasy character once again in December with the return of LA Comic Con! LA Comic Con is normally scheduled in October but the pandemic has changed those plans the last couple of years.
In 2020 the event was completely canceled but they are back in 2021 having pushed it back into the month of December. It will be from the 3rd – 5th at its regular home of the Convention Center in Downtown Los Angeles.
This epic three day expo is for all ages and it features anime screenings, celebrity appearances, collectibles, presentations, book panels and so much more.
Tickets are available on their website and prices are subjected to dates and times. Restaurants will be open in the convention center during this event.
Expect lots of awesome costumes, tons of collectible displays such as Funko toys, special edition comics and artistic clothing.
Go ahead and put on your favorite Comic Con costume and don’t forget your comfy shoes because there will lots of walking around taking pictures with your favorite characters.
Location: 1201 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90015
PIC Credit: @comicconla
5 – Dodgers Holiday Festival
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Ice rink time baby! We have some very cool ice skating rinks that pop up all over the city during the Holidays but here is one making its first appearance this year and its epic!
For the first time ever you can celebrate the holidays right inside Dodger Stadium at the Dodgers Holiday Festival! If you know anyone who loves the Dodgers this is a holiday experience you want to make sure they get a chance to enjoy.
From November 26 until December 31st enjoy holiday food and drinks, light displays and nightly entertainment at the iconic venue. The ice skating rink is illuminated and open-air. Take great selfies at one of the multiple backdrops including with snowmen, a Christmas tree and Santa’s sleigh.
Also, you can purchase tickets to take pictures with Santa himself! Make your reservations and access one-hour time slots for professional photos with Santa and the kids.
This incredible event is officially hosted by our beloved Los Angeles Dodgers!
Location: 1000 Vin Scully Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012
PIC Credit: @dodgers
Do you agree with our list or did we miss an obvious one? Let us know by commenting below!