For snowbirds and people who do not want snow for Christmas, spending the holidays in Los Angeles, California is one of the best options. Los Angeles has a warm climate all year round, but it doesn’t fail to bring out the Christmas spirit. In the world’s entertainment capital, you will have lots to see and do when Christmas time comes around. There’s Venice Beach if you want to enjoy a holiday swim and Sunset Strip if you want to go shopping and sightseeing. There are famous museums, theme parks, wineries, breweries, and a robust nightlife waiting to be explored. Iconic venues such as Walt Disney Concert Hall are where most Christmas concerts and events are held. If you need a guide to explore the offerings of the city, read on for our list of the best things to do at Christmas in Los Angeles, California.
1. Have a magical experience at L.A Zoo Lights: Animals Aglow
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Los Angeles Zoo on Wednesday, October 19, 2022
Visit LA Zoo Lights: Animals Aglow to admire vibrant displays of animals made of lanterns lit by LED lights. The spectacular lantern sculptures are surrounded by a breathtaking landscape simulating their natural wildlife habitat.
This yearly tradition has become bigger and brighter with the addition of unique events and immersive activities. Members are given a 27% discount on the tickets. On December 8 and January 12, there is a special Happy Hour for VIP members. For a 100-USD ticket, they have access to a private lounge where they are served cocktails, beer, wine, and gourmet appetizers. On December 31, families will have a New Year’s Eve buffet dinner with dancing and a live telecast of the ball drop event at Times Square.
L.A. ZOO LIGHTS: Animals Aglow
Address: 5333 Zoo Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90027
Website: L.A. ZOO LIGHTS: Animals Aglow
Opening hours: Nov 18, 2022 - Jan 22, 2023: 6pm - 10pm (closed on Mon, Tue, Nov 24, Dec 24, and Dec 25); Box office: 5:45pm - 9pm
Price: From 27 USD
2. Enjoy a fun time on the Holiday Light Festival train ride
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Griffith Park Train Rides on Saturday, December 7, 2019
Right after Thanksgiving, Griffin Park starts their yearly Holiday Light Festival by offering its guests a train ride around its cheerfully decorated park. This early evening train ride takes around 10 minutes to go around the 1-mi-long (1.6-km) track. Guests of all ages are treated to a visual display of brightly lit delightful holiday scenery guaranteed to bring out the Christmas cheer.
Holiday Light Festival train ride
Address: 4400 Crystal Springs Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90027
Website: Holiday light festival train ride
Opening hours: November 25, 2022 -Jan 6, 2023: Mon - Thu: 5pm - 8pm; (Fri-Sun) 5pm - 9pm
Price: From 7 USD; Free for children 18 months and below
3. Skate to your heart's content at Holiday Ice Rink at Pershing Square
The lack of snow in LA will not stop you from experiencing a chilly Christmas. Put on some light winter gear, grab your skates, and head over to Pershing Square for some ice-skating action. The square is right in the heart of LA and is a popular social hangout.
During the winter holidays, it transforms into a giant ice-skating rink. There are restaurants nearby where you can grab food and drinks. On certain nights, there are live performances for guests’ entertainment.
The outdoor ice rink is open every day, starting November 23, 2022, until the first day of January 2023. You will have to purchase tickets online if you want to have the window for a refund. You can find skate rentals here, as well as lockers for your convenience.
Holiday Ice Rink at Pershing Square
Address: 532 South Olive Street Los Angeles, CA 90013
Website: Holiday ice rink at Pershing Square
Opening hours: Nov 23, 2022 - Dec 16, 2022: Mon - Thu: 11:30am - 9:30pm; Fri - 11:30am - 11pm; Sat: 10am - 11pm; Sun: 10am - 9:30pm; Dec 17, 2022 - Dec 30, 2022: Mon - Thu: 10am - 9:30pm; Fri: 10am - 11pm; Sat: 10am - 11pm; Sun: 10am - 9:30pm; Nov 24, 2022: 11:30am - 9:30pm; Dec 24, 2022 - Dec 25, 2022: 10am - 9:30pm; Dec 31, 2022 - Jan 1, 2023: 10am - 9:30pm
Price: From 20 USD
4. Witness a stunning presentation of The Nutcracker
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
This classic Christmas story is brought to life by the yearly performances of the Los Angeles Ballet. They host a series of shows all through December at various locations in Southern California. This year, they will be performing at Royce Hall, UCLA from December 16 to the 18th.
This traditional storybook ballet is performed with the iconic musical score by Tchaikovsky. It has two acts and a total of five scenes - all presented in an immersive manner. The colorful and creative scenes depicting Southern California and its Spanish-style homes, snowy Sierra forests, and more, are visual treats everyone will enjoy.
The Nutcracker
Address: Royce Hall, UCLA, 10745 Dickson Ct, Los Angeles, CA 90095, United States
Website: The Nutcracker
Opening hours: Dec 16, 2022 - 8pm; Dec 17, 2022: 12pm & 5pm; Dec 18, 2022: 12pm & 5pm
Price: From 44 USD
5. Have a lovely musical experience at the Festival of Carols
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Los Angeles Master Chorale on Monday, October 10, 2022
Enjoy the melodic music of traditional Christmas carols and immerse yourself in the soulful folksongs from around the world sung by professionals! This year, Jonathan Antoine will be joining the Los Angeles Master Chorale. Under the baton of conductor Grant Gershon, your favorite Christmas carols will be performed by skilled artists and will surely make your evening.
Antoine has gained worldwide recognition after appearing in the musical TV show, Britain’s Got Talent. This family-friendly event is an opportunity for him to share his vocal prowess and liven up the holiday season. The performance will be held at the Walt Disney Concert Hall.
Festival of Carols
Address: Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012, United States
Website: Festival of Carols
Opening hours: Dec 10, 2022 & Dec 17, 2022: 2pm
Price: From 45 USD
6. Revisit the Christmas classic at Home Alone in Concert
If you haven’t watched Home Alone, the famous Christmas movie series starring Macaulay Culkin, or want to revisit the fun, then this is one of the best ways to experience it. Home Alone in Concert is performed by a full symphony orchestra on the stage of Walt Disney Concert Hall.
The soundtrack of the movie is performed live by the orchestra under a big screen where snippets from the entertaining story are shown. The musical score by John Williams is to be performed by the Los Angeles Philharmonic orchestra, under the conduction of David Newman.
Home Alone in Concert
Address: Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 South Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Website: Home Alone in Concert
Opening hours: Dec 20, 2022, Dec 21, 2022, & Dec 22, 2022: 8pm
Price: From 59 USD
7. Shop till you drop at Holiday Marketplace at Craft Contemporary
Christmas is not complete without shopping! Visit the Holiday Marketplace at Craft Contemporary and you’ll find hundreds of one-of-a-kind products by local manufacturers that you can give as gifts. This yearly event is held outdoors in a courtyard with over 20 booths for you to explore. These booths highlight exquisite craftsmanship that’s sure to delight you. You will also be entertained by free drinks and music while you are shopping and getting to know the various artists.
Holiday Marketplace at Craft Contemporary
Address: 5814 Wilshire Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90036
Website: Holiday Marketplace at Craft Contemporary
Opening hours: Dec 3, 2022: 11:30am - 5pm; Dec 4, 2022: 11:30am - 5pm; Preview brunch: Dec 3, 2022: 10am - 11:30am
Price: Preview Brunch: From 25 USD; Sat door fee: 9 USD; Sun: pay-what-you-can day
Christmas fun under the Californian sun
You don’t need snow to feel like it’s Christmas. In Los Angeles, there are so many unique holiday festivities and activities to explore, that you will have fun even under the Californian sun. Just use our list as a guide to the best things to do during Christmas and have a memorable holiday!
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