Get ready 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 L.A., 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 2025 — you’ll find endless ways to make it a memorable month.
What’s the weather like in L.A. in December? SoCal’s balmy climate keeps us enjoying warming average temperatures than much of the country. Daily highs usually hover around the high 60s, while lows occasionally dip into the 40s. It can get quite chilly in the evenings, so make sure you layer up.
Here are the most wonderful things to do in L.A. in December:
1. Kick off December with the dazzling Hollywood Christmas Parade
Previously a late-November event, the Hollywood Christmas Parade is back for 2024 on the first day of December. Get ready for a glitz-filled extravaganza featuring magical floats, dazzling performances, and a star-studded spectacle that will make your holiday season truly unforgettable. Don’t miss out on this glamorous celebration of joy, cheer, and Hollywood holiday spirit!
🎄When: Dec. 1, 2024
📍 Location: The parade starts on Hollywood Blvd. at Orange Drive, marching east to Vine, south to Sunset, and west back to Orange.
2. Trade in your wheels for skates and glide into the season at an outdoor ice rink
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. You can choose between skating at LA’s largest ice rink located right in front of the Crypto.com Arena, a cliffside rink in Palos Verdes or you could head a little further away for a legendary beachfront experience. Or visit them all. Here are the best places to go ice skating in and around LA:
- LA Kings Holiday Ice
- Paséa Hotel’s Oceanfront Ice Rink
- SkyPark At Santa’s Village
- Skate By The Sea at Hotel del Coronado
- And more
3. Take in a stunning holiday Candlelight Concert
The wildly popular Candlelight Concert Series will be setting the winter nights aglow with these mesmerizing musical concerts set in some of L.A.’s most beautiful venues. Wrap yourself in sweet seasonal nostalgia with awe-inspiring renditions of classics across genres. Whether it’s jazz numbers like “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas” by Ella Fitzgerald or classical renditions of holiday hits — find all the seasonally-themed editions happening this December in Los Angeles.
4. Walk along this glittering trail at Holiday Road
Holiday Road’s winter haven features a larger-than-life holiday celebration encompassing all traditions. You’ll be welcomed into King Gillette Ranch with a glittering tunnel and giant candy canes, which opens up to a vast paradise shimmering with oversized holiday decorations that represent all cultures and parts of the world. This annual tradition is a treasured Los Angeles experience and encapsulates all the magic of the month, perfectly.
🎄When: TBA
📍 Location: 26800 Mulholland Hwy, Calabasas, CA 91302
5. Witness a neon carnival on water at one of these Christmas boat parades
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. Here are two notable celebrations on the ocean water that you don’t want to miss:
6. Get your festive foliage on at one of these 7 Christmas tree farms
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 LA, nothing quite marks the season like a traditional Christmas tree. Here are wonderful places to find (or cut) your own natural Christmas tree to put up in your home for the season.
7. 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. Find out all the details about Santa’s Village here!
8. Check out Homegirl Café, a restaurant with a powerful cause
Homegirl Café is part of Homeboy Industries, which provides a safe space and hands-on job training for those formerly incarcerated. Homegirl Café reminds the clients/staff that community is everything, and we don’t have to go through our worst days alone. You can support them and this incredible cause just by visiting Homegirl Café. As you walk through those doors, you’ll be welcomed with warm words and even warmer coffee. We highly recommend trying their pastries which are baked fresh daily! Plus, nothing is more filling than knowing you’re supporting a powerful cause. Check out more of our favorite organizations here!
📍Location: Homegirl Café, 130 Bruno St, Los Angeles, CA 90012
9. Hike to these aqua thermal springs and treat yourself to a healing soak
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? Probably not. Find all our favorite hot springs around LA here.
10. Immerse Yourself In Festive Movie Magic At Yuletide Cinemaland
Heritage Square and Street Food Cinema present the incredible Yuletide Cinemaland. Soak up the holiday ambiance at one of LA’s largest outdoor cinema pop-ups where all your favorite Christmas classics and cult hits will be screened with fun singalongs, delicious street food, and multicolored lights dancing amongst historic Victorian buildings. You’ll even get to tour some of the homes decked out in holiday decorations this year.
🎄When: TBA for 2024
11. Wander through these technicolor holiday light displays
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, here are some of the best places to see holiday light displays around L.A.:
- ‘Wildlights At The Living Desert
- GLOW at The South Coast Botanic GardenChristmas Tree Lane
- ‘Sparkle DTLA’ at The Bloc
- Buena Vista Street
- Old Pasadena
- And more
12. Head to this twinkling night market at a century-old lavender farm near L.A
The picturesque 123 Farm, known for its beautiful swaths of violet 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 year, you can stroll through the lavender fields and olive groves draped with lights to enjoy food, live music, games and unique handmade goods. Find out more about 123 Farm here!
📍Location: 10600 Highland Springs Ave, Cherry Valley, CA 92223
13. 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! Learn more about Winter Fest OC here.
🎄When: Nov. 22, 2024 – Jan. 5, 2025
📍Location: 88 Fair Dr, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
14. Go on a gondola cruise amongst the enchanting lights in Long Beach
No need to buy that ticket to Italy because you can still go on a Venetian escape along the canals in Long Beach. Cruise under the romantic bridges filled with festive lights and stunning surroundings. Find out more about this charming gondola cruise here!
15. Ski under the stars in Big Bear
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. Get all the details for your skiing getaway here!
16. Watch it all play out on the ice at a Kings game
Whether you’re a sports fan or not, the buzz of a full crowd in the City of Champions cannot be missed. It’s fall after all, which means catching a Kings game is a must! Go Kings, Go — check out the December Los Angeles Kings schedule here.
📍Location: Crypto Arena, 1111 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90015
17. Sip on festive themed cocktails at these pop-up Christmas bars around L.A.
Seasonal pop-ups are endless in L.A. every winter, and we love the opportunity to indulge in themed cocktails that capture the flavors of the season. Whether you’re craving a piping hot toddy, or just want to pose for pics with an over-the-top background, these holiday bars make for delightful winter escapes dotted all around the city. Consider Frosty’s on Hollywood Blvd, which is always dripping with tinsel; Krampus Cove at Lost Property, which offers a macabre holiday experience; or any of these other tried-and-true holiday bars.
18. Have an unforgettable snow day at these mountains around SoCal
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.
19. Check off some more seasonal activities from our winter bucket list
Cozy spa day? Check. Fireplace bars? Check. 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. How many of these winter activities have you checked off?
20. Ring in 2024 with once of these unforgettable events
It’s that time of year when we say Goodbye to the old and Hello to the new—and what better way to do that than with the help of some spectacular fireworks shows or glamorous parties in town? Check out our ultimate list of things to do this New Year’s Eve to ring in 2025 in Los Angeles. Get the full list of NYE plans here!