This holiday season, we have the ultimate gift of getting to step out of our cars and soak up the festive cheer around the city in the company of friends and family. On top of that, all of our favorite holiday traditions are back in full swing, some of which are bigger and brighter than ever before.
During November, December, and early January, the city is getting festive! From charming Christmas tree lighting ceremonies to ice skating under the stars, there’s so much happening to ring in the season! Here are some of our favorite events celebrating the holidays:
1. Go ice Skating at one of these charming ice rinks around L.A.
Yes, our favorite seasonal activities are back this year which means you get to hobble around an ice rink accompanied by classic holiday jingles and twinkling lights to work up an appetite for all those holiday treats. While you might be a little bit rusty after your year off, you have the whole month to find you’re groove and get ready for some ice skating!
2. Experience Danish-style Christmas events in Solvang
Bring a little Hygge into your holidays with this Danish-style holiday festival. If you think Solvang, a.k.a. “The Danish Capital of America,” is already Christmas-y most of the year, then just wait until you see it during the Julefest.
It’s a month-long celebration where the quaint hamlet is filled with twinkling lights, traditional ornaments, festive treats, and other holiday delights.
🎄When: Late November 2024 – Early January 2025
3. Enjoy a seasonal tour at Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood
Ever wanted to enjoy a Friendsgiving feast next to the iconic Friends fountain? Or how about a trip to Gilmore Girls’ beloved Stars Hollow at Christmastime? Well good news for L.A., you can do both. Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood is bringing back some of its most iconic holiday tours and attractions this season, including the immersive Friendsgiving tour and Holidays Made Here. Both are sure to bring you closer to these legendary TV series, making your holiday season a memorable one.
📍Location: Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood, 3400 Warner Blvd. Burbank, CA 91505
🎄When: Holidays Made Here will run with all Studio Tours December 18, 2024 through January 5, 2025 (closed Christmas Day). Friendsgiving tours will depart at 10:30 AM, 1 and 3 PM on November 8-10, 15-17, 21-24, and 29-30
4. Get into the holiday spirit at one of these tree-lighting ceremonies
Here’s a reminder that it’s all about the moments shared with your community and loved ones that truly make this season so special. So get the hot chocolate ready, grab those jackets, and attend one (or all!) of these beautiful tree lighting ceremonies happening around Los Angeles. It really is the best way to get into the holiday spirit!
🎄When: TBA
5. Head to this twinkling night market at a century-old lavender farm near L.A.
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Image courtesy of Highland Springs Ranch & Inn
The picturesque 123 Farm, known for its beautiful swaths of violet lavender flowers over the summer, has a stunning night market. Its towering trees and fields have been 1,000 years in the making, and you can continue to enjoy its beauty post the summer blooms.
Every Thursday to Sunday through October 24, you can stroll through the lavender fields and olive groves draped with lights to enjoy food, live music, games, and unique handmade goods.
📍Location: 10600 Highland Springs Ave, Beaumont, CA 92223
🎄When: November 7 – December 23, 2024. 5-10 PM (Closed Tuesdays)
6. Walk along a glittering trail at holiday road
Wander through light tunnels, paths lined with countless candy canes, and various winter-themed scenes in the Santa Monica Mountains. This year, Holiday Road will be turning King Gillette Ranch into a glittering wonderland once again, except this time you get to explore it on foot. There’ll also be tons of food and drinks to fuel your festive venture.
📍Location: 26800 Mulholland Hwy, Calabasas, CA 913023
🎄When: TBA
7. Wander Through These 10 Technicolor Holiday Light Displays
The city is positively glowing with mesmerizing festive installations this year. There is everything from streets of over-the-top lights, Christmas events, parks and gardens with glittering decorations, and fantastical merriness happening at Disneyland to discover.
🎄When: TBA
8. Snuggle up and catch a movie under the stars with Street Good Cinema
L.A.’s largest outdoor movie series is back with Blockbuster hits, live music, food trucks, and mild weather – what more can you ask for? This season you’ll get to enjoy the festive Street Food Cinema in L.A.!
📍Location:4760 York Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90042
🎄When: TBA
9. Take a Christmas cruise amongst the enchanting lights in Long Beach
Italy may be out of reach for some, but you can still go on a Venetian escape along the canals in Long Beach. Cruise under the romantic bridges covered with festive lights and stunning surroundings. It’s definitely one of the most unforgettable Christmas events.
📍Location: Naples Canal, Long Beach, CA 90803
10. Wander into the internationally-acclaimed ‘Lightscape’ at the L.A. Arboretum
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Image by @lifeofvic via IG
London’s acclaimed holiday display ‘Lightscape’ has turned every inch of the expansive L.A. Arboretum into a sea of glimmering lights. Visitors will enter through a twinkling Winter Cathedral and journey down a mile-long path of multi-colored, glowing trees and a dozen large-scale installations that explore light in all shapes and forms., all accompanied by charming themed music.
📍Location:301 N Baldwin Ave, Arcadia, CA 91007
🎄When: TBA
11. Transport yourself to a winter wonderland at Winter Fest OC
Escape the ordinary SoCal winter and let Winter Fest OC weave its magical festivities around you. Step into a whimsical world of shimmering snow play, twinkling light displays, and carnival adventures. Embrace the chill, feel the thrill, and let your inner child dance at this winter wonderland!
📍Location: 88 Fair Dr, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
🎄When: TBA
12. Pretend It’s Really Winter With A Decadent Hot Chocolate From One Of These L.A. Spots
What are Christmas events without hot chocolate? If the holidays were made for anything, they were made to indulge in all your favorite treats. While some days are still warm enough to wear shorts at this time of year in L.A., you can still give in to the seasonal tradition of sipping delectable chocolate treats.
13. Pay a visit to Santa’s magical hood
Contrary to popular opinion, Santa is actually a huge fan of the sunny West Coast and he and his elves have been bringing that North Pole magic to Lake Arrowhead for years.
Adventurers of all ages will find an alpine adventure with gingerbread men, candy, and seasonal decorations filling this festive village. Partake in workshops, find souvenirs, take hikes and so much more at Skywalk Santa’s Village.
📍Location: 28950 CA-18, Skyforest, CA 92385
🎄When: Thursday to Sunday, 10 AM–6 PM, 2024
14. See the works of local artists at Descanso Gardens’ luminous Enchanted Forest Of Light
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Image courtesy of Descanso Garden
The one-mile-long trail of illuminated installations, Enchanted: Forest of Light in Descanso Garden, will be returning this year. One of the most beloved Christmas events with charming artistic displays, promises to be brighter and more magical than ever.
📍Location: 1418 Descanso Dr, La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011
🎄When: November 17th to January 5th, 2024
15. Discover the mischievousness of Christmas at Krampus’ Cove
Halloween may have passed, but it’s not too late to get into a spooky mood this Holiday season. Krampus’ Cove is a pop-up Christmas event inside the Lost Property Bar―and they are inviting mischievous guests to enter their Krampus’ macabre world. You can surround yourself with oddities while sipping on devilishly good cocktails!
📍Location: 1704 Vine St, Los Angeles, CA 90028
🎄When: TBA
16. Go gift shopping at one of L.A.’s many magical Christmas markets
Pick up unique holiday gifts for your loved ones at LA’s most eclectic craft fairs and Christmas markets. From the Creative Babe Market, which highlights woman-owned businesses on weekends; to the massive Renegade Craft Fair, which will descend upon L.A. only once this season, these are some of our favorite markets coming to local venues in November and December.
17. Camp or glamp to catch the Ursids meteor shower
If traditional holiday spirit, photos with Santa, or ugly sweaters aren’t your thing, you can enjoy Christmas night in a unique way connected to nature, camping or glampinng. Just head to one of the many great stargazing spots, grab your telescope or camera and some hot chocolate, and watch the Ursid shooting stars. These will occur between December 17 and 25, with an expected rate of 5 to 10 meteors per hour. Of course, check the local weather for visibility before heading outdoors.
Edited by Sofía Delpueche.