The Holiday season is here and we are ready for it here in Los Angeles! We love all the good vibes, beautiful lights, and all the delicious smells of spices and tasty holiday cookies.
LA does not have traditional Christmas like weather but we still like to do it big when it comes to entertainment. We have immersive experiences, Christmas displays, Holiday lights, Tree lightings, pop ups and more!
Here in our list we bring you some of the most fun, creative and memorable events to enjoy with your family and friends this season. Cheers to the Holidays.
1 – Holiday Displays and Hot Cocoa
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We can’t wait to head over the gorgeous Holiday lights displays. No matter where you are in Los Angeles there is sure to be a neighborhood nearby that does an over the top light display. These are not only free to attend, they’re also fun, beautiful and help foster strong community vibes. Plus we get to treat ourselves with some delicious seasonal spiced drinks or hot cocoa as we roam around taking in the spectacular light shows.
Candy Cane Lane is a classic back and still ready to make all visitors smile with all the fantastic decorations this year. If this is your first visit to this magical place, you are in for a treat. Bring your friends and loved ones to this gorgeous decorated neighborhood.
Head out to Newport Beach and enjoy the Lighting of the Bay event. This is a magnificent holiday display, featuring over 50 Christmas trees and other fun decorations. Opening night is November 25th with fun activities including tree lightning ceremony, ornament decorating, and movie night at the beach.
More fun holiday displays include Christmas Tree at the Grove LA, Sparkle DTLA at the Bloc, Dana Point Harbor Holiday Lights, and Grand Park.
Also attend beautiful boat parades in Marina del Rey, and Newport Beach.
Location: various
Pic Credit: @lisaboo_90744
2 – Outdoor Ice Skating
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The skating rinks are ready and this winter wonderland activity in LA is on! Pershing Square invites everyone of all ages this year to winter fun. Come celebrate the season at this large holiday ice rink in the heart of DTLA, starting November 23rd until January 1, 2023.
Another great choice is The Cube Santa Clarita, which this year is delighting visitors while skaters share the tale of The Grinch whose heart was “two size too small”. Begins Saturday December 10th, showtimes noon and 5 pm.
Looking for even more rinks? We got you. On the Westside we have Ice in Santa Monica, this year converting the corner of 5th ST and Arizona Ave into winter fun for all visitors. Open everyday from noon to 10 pm until January 16, 2023. You can also visit LA Kings Holiday Ice at L.A. LIVE on Xbox Plaza, and skate while enjoying the views of the massive and magnificent Christmas tree.
Last but not least for our friends in the OC we have Santa Ana’s Winter Village is presenting their annual winter event with fun ice rink, and live entertainment, starting December 8th.
Location: Various
PIC Credit: @kaieatsworld
3 – New Year’s in LA
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For most of the month we are celebrating the Holidays and Christmas but for the very last day we are looking for fun places to be on the last day of the year. If you are looking for good ideas to celebrate New Years Eve we got you covered!
For a fun and family friendly spot head over to Marina del Rey for the Glow Party a great event for the whole family that runs from 7pm – 12AM in Chance Burton Park. Also keep on the look out for Noon Year’s Eve celebrations all around the city. These modified events are great for when the midnight countdown is way pass your little ones bed time and you want to celebrate earlier in the day. Some locations include Irvine, La Habra, Temecula, and Santa Barbara.
For the grown ups looking to really party we recommend checking out Los Angeles New Year’s Party at the Gatsby’s Penthouse. 4 hours of open bar and great DJs at the top of LA’s tallest skyscraper.
If you want to party on a rooftop we also got you. Make sure to check out the NYE party at Harriet’s, Skybar at the Mondrian, and Bar Lis at the Thompson in Hollywood.
If you want big and over the top go check out the end of the year event at the Grand Park, featuring music, entertainment, fireworks and more. And last but not least, head towards City Walk in Universal Studios for their annual event called EVE. This 21 and older and brings ton of entertainment including music, dancing, photo ops, champagne, and fireworks.
Location: various
PIC Credit: @prohibitionnye
4 – Dazzling Lights
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Some of the most anticipated things to do in December is to attend a splendid light show. Some of our recommendations this year include Astra Lumina LA. This unique, and creative display will make you feel like you are surrounded by stars in the beautiful forest of South Coast Botanic Garden. The projections are designed to make stars appear descending from the sky, enjoy the enchanted night walk.
Descanso Gardens brings its gorgeous display of magical lights again this year with Enchanted Forest of Light. Also the Los Angeles County Arboretum’s Lightscape returns this year to dazzle all the guests with their incredible designs. Get ready for some phenomenal selfies during your visit to these light events.
The LA Zoo Lights with the theme this year of Animals Aglow is another cute spectacle that is great for all ages. Expect beautiful display of lights, striking designs including giant birds, elephants, zebras, sloths, spiders, and many other cool animals. Also plants, flowers, and gorgeous butterflies figures that will make your portraits one of a kind. The kids will also love the hot chocolate!
Location: Various
PIC Credit: @lostdeana
5 – Restaurants and Holiday Pop Ups
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We love visiting fun restaurants that get all dressed up for the holidays. Head over some of these awesome spots displaying great holiday cheer and featuring delicious holiday food and treats. Our first recommendation is The Las Campanas Tequila Bar in Mission Inn Hotel, make evening reservations and enjoy your margaritas outdoor while surrounded by the magnificent Festival of Lights.
Don’t want to cook a huge holiday meal? Celebrate the season instead with fine dining on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day at the Royce Steak House in Pasadena. This beautiful upscale spot is featuring this year an amazing 4 course dinner menu. They are also offering a Teddy Bear Tea experience which is a seasonal afternoon tea menu including sandwiches, scones and other treats plus a visit from Santa that the kids will enjoy. You can make reservations through Open Table.
For holiday cocktails and pop up bars visit the always popular Blitzen’s, from Here and Now. This great pop up bar has a full menu of holly jolly cocktails for you to cheer any evening. Also fun bites like pigs in a blanket, holiday salad, Santa’s cookies and more.
Beetle House LA is another fun bar, where everyday is Halloween. But if your a fan of the movie Nightmare Before Christmas this is the place to be as the amazing atmosphere transports you into Tim Burton’s world. They are offering a special Nightmare Before Christmas Brunch show from December 3rd until the 31st.
Location: Various
PIC Credit: @missioninnhotel
Do you agree with our list or did we miss an obvious one? Let us know by commenting below!