It’s about that time to dust off those ugly sweaters and ring in the holiday season with these magical December events and experiences in L.A.
During the winter in our city, there are tons of dazzling spectacles that are filled with festive cheer for you to enjoy. Whether it’s a hillside wonderland decked out with oversized ornaments or NYE celebrations to ring in 2026, you’ll find endless ways to make it a memorable, magical month.
Here are the most wonderful things to do in L.A. in December:
A holiday Candlelight concert
The season for sweaters and hot cocoa will soon be upon us, and Candlelight concerts are a cozy way to celebrate. With thousands of candles, holiday-themed tracks and a live string quartet, they bring live music to some of L.A.’s most beautiful buildings. Throughout the festive season and beyond, you can hear holiday classics.
Skate, shop and savor Swiss specialties on the Santa Monica Pier this winter. If you’re craving a festive winter market moment by the beach, the Swiss Winter Village transforms the Santa Monica Pier Event Deck into an Alpine holiday market from November 18, 2026 to January 3, 2027, featuring 60+ wooden chalets, Swiss specialties like raclette, an ice skating rink, and Santa’s alpine headquarters for portraits.
The annual Compton Christmas Parade is making its highly anticipated return this year celebrating the spirit and community of Compton. The parade will start at the corner of Compton Blvd & Bullis Rd, winding through the city and concluding at Alameda Street.
Most of the year is spent cruising along boulevards on roller skates and skateboards, but this season is all about the ice skates. In SoCal, you have the unique opportunity to partake in this winter pastime with the summer-like sunshine kissing your face as you glide across a frozen rink.
Few things are more magical and immersive than walking through the many candy cane lanes around the city. Incredible decorations made by the neighbors themselves bring these streets to life, flooded with red and green colors, twinkling lights, reindeer, and Santas waiting to be explored during the holiday season.
If you’re more introverted and prefer to spend the holiday season indoors, then visiting one of the cinemas in Los Angeles is your best option, not only to avoid the crowds but also to catch the latest releases. Don’t miss seeing Robert Eggers’ upcoming horror film ‘Werwulf’ in 35mm on Christmas Day!
Holiday boat parades have been illuminating the SoCal coast for over half a century and each year gets bigger and brighter. It’s California, so naturally, you’ll find dozens of Santas captaining yachts, motorboats, and other aquatic modes of transport, not just the usual sleigh. One of the best and most iconic is the one that takes place every Christmas in Marina del Rey, giving us an incredible postcard of lights and holiday celebration!
Looking to handle some Christmas shopping? These holiday and Christmas markets in Los Angeles have something for everyone. We’ve tracked down the best holiday and Christmas markets in Los Angeles, ranging from enormous craft fairs to small specialty pop-ups.
What would this time of year be without the ritual of decorating a tree with the fresh smell of pine filling the air? Although it might seem more fitting to have a glittering palm tree during December in L.A., nothing quite marks the season like a traditional and real Christmas tree!
The city is positively glowing with mesmerizing festive installations this year. Whether it’s the iconic Candy Cane Lane, a historic inn covered in fairy lights, parks and gardens with glittering decorations and lights, you’ll find plenty of dazzling displays around the city. From Buena Vista Street to Mission Inn, there are plenty of places to see holiday light displays around L.A.!
This picturesque setting is your taste of Switzerland on the West Coast at this Big Bear spot. While it is a little bit of a drive, it’s worth seeing a real winter wonderland where you can partake in exhilarating sports all day and even some nights.
On select weekends when the weather allows, the powdery slopes are illuminated with glowing lights for nighttime skiing. Stay in one of the cute cabins in the resort and you’ll have yourself a very merry Christmas indeed!
Do you know where to find snow around L.A.? When the urge to go sledding, make a snowman, or seek out some winter landscapes hits, we know exactly where you can go. Here’s what to know about the best snowy destinations around SoCal perfect for a weekend trip, from Mammoth Mountain to Idyllwild.
Winter in L.A. might not drop far below 60, but that doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy all the same seasonal activities as the rest of the country. We compiled a list of some quintessential cold weather activities to seek out every year, from killer whale watching to après-ski experiences.
Just a few miles away from Santa Barbara, nestled amongst the lush hills, you’ll find a stunning outdoor spa. These cascading thermal pools known as the Montecito Hot Springs can be reached with an easy trek and are filled with sulphur which is known for its healing properties. Is there anything better than rewarding yourself with a free, hot soak after a long week?
December and the holidays are synonymous with chilly temperatures, and what better way to face them than by savoring a delicious comfort food dinner by the warmth of the fire while listening to the crackling wood. Luckily, Los Angeles is home to many cozy restaurants that offer these perfect experiences for this time of year.
America’s Danish capital is a must-visit every winter, especially at Christmas. It’s the easiest way to get a taste of Northern Europe without a trip through LAX! This charming small town is famous for its Julefest celebration, bringing all the holiday spirit in true Scandinavian style.
