We made it! 2022 has arrived, now it’s time to celebrate with this list of incredible things to do in L.A. this month.
The new year is finally here, and with it comes tons of exciting activities. While things aren’t quite back to normal, there are still plenty of wonderful ways to keep you busy for the month. Whether it’s a vibrant parade, planning a bucket list or taking a short trip to enjoy post-storm snow, you’ll get to kick off the year with tons of new discoveries and experiences. Here are all the things you can add to your calendar this January.
1. Visit This Glass Chapel Overlooking The Pacific Ocean
- Credit: Amy Theilig via The Wayfarers Chapel
Tucked away in the lush cliffside woods of Palos Verdes is this stunning glass chapel, designed by Lloyd Wright—son of famed American architect Frank Lloyd. It looks like it’s straight out of The Enchanted Isles from The Lord of the Rings, but you don’t have to nerd out to appreciate this stunning place. Find out all the details of this architectural masterpiece here.
2-3. Immerse Yourself In A Masterpiece At One Of These World-Renowned Art Exhibitions
Step into the works of two of the world’s artistic masters and allow state-of-the-art technology to transform your surroundings with the complex strokes and details of Gustav Klimt and Claude Monet’s most iconic paintings. After a successful global tour in cities like NYC and Paris, the multisensory exhibitions have finally landed in L.A. for a limited time only. Get your tickets here:
4-14. Explore These Surreal Places You Won’t Believe Are In L.A.
- Credit: @thirdeyeshots / IG
It’s no secret that Los Angeles is utterly brimming with diversity and creativity, so why not use this time to discover and rediscover local gems? From tiled gems to enchanting structures based on fairytales, every corner offers a new adventure. Here are some of our favorite weird and wonderful places across Los Angeles that will make you feel like you’ve stepped into another world
15. Celebrate The Year Of The Tiger At LA’s Chinese New Year Festival (CANCELLED)
Come for the vibrant traditions and stay for the food. If you didn’t get your fix of celebrations on January 1, you can ring in the Lunar New Year at the two-day Monterey Park festival on January 11 & 12. Gather to the heart of L.A.’s Chinese community to experience a festive street fair filled with blocks of folk art, delectable meals, and a carnival! Learn more here!
16-26. Escape To One Of These Lush Hidden Gardens Around L.A.
- Credit: Janapense Garden LA
While it’s not always possible to head to some of the glorious national parks or go on a retreat in some of California’s incredible outdoor destinations, Angelenos are spoilt for choice when it comes to pockets of greenery to explore. So if you’re looking for a little outdoor solitude but don’t necessarily have a day to dedicate to the whole of Griffith Park, then here are the lesser-known spaces in L.A. to explore.
27-28. Bath In The Gentle Glow Of Candlelight At A Classical Concerts
The wildly popular Candlelight 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 nostalgia of with awe-inspiring renditions of classics across genres. Whether it’s a tribute to Coldplay, ABBA or Aretha Franklin, you’ll find something for every musical taste. Here are the seasonally-themed editions coming this January:
29. Hike To These Aqua Thermal Springs And Treat Yourself To A Healing Soak
- Credit: : @hikeronatrail / IG
30. Visit This 28ft Enigmatic Sculpture In Joshua Tree
- Credit: @lifeofvic / IG
World-renowned artist, hailing from South Africa, has given us another reason to go to the magical desert destination, Joshua Tree. Rising 28ft above the surreal Mojave sands is this captivating organic form, made from concrete steel and dichroic mirror. The effect is an ethereal installation that connects viewers to both the infinite cosmos above and the golden landscapes surrounding it. Find out more here.
31. Take In The Endless Shimmering World Of Yayoi Kusama’s ‘Infinity Mirror Rooms’ At The Broad
- Featured Image: Courtesy of The Broad
The iconic installations by the beloved Japanese artists Yayoi Kusama have been illuminating our social feeds for the last decade and we can never seem to get enough. It’s been two years since Angelenos last had the chance to be entranced by the endless reflections and this time, it comes without the endless lines. Yayoi Kusama’s Infinity Mirrored Room—The Souls of Millions of Light Years Away will return The Broad on January 5 and you’ll be able to make free advanced timeslots on December 22 at 10 a.m. online. Find out more here.
32. Plan Your Ski Season At Big Bear
- Credit: Big Bear Mountain Resort
Take an enchanting ride under the stars at Snow Summit. The only thing better than skiing under gorgeous blue skies is night skiing through a winter wonderland with a glowing trail of lights. Beginner and intermediate snowboarders and skiers will be able to glide down the beautifully illuminated Upper Miracle Mile and Summit Run or along the legendary Westridge Park. Find out more here.
33. Get Tickets To The Exclusive Princess Diana Exhibit Heading To LA
Get ready to experience an exclusive and stunning visual journey through the life of the Princess of Wales at this unique Princess Diana Exhibition coming to LA. From Photographs by the world-famous Royal Photographers, Anwar Hussein and his two sons Zak and Samir, to art installations by the world-renowned multimedia artist, Pauline Loctin, this exclusive exhibit will give you an inside look into royal life. Book your tickets here.
34. Come Face-To-Face With Moving Dinosaurs At Dino Alive
Dinos Alive Exhibit: An Immersive Experience finally opened in the heart of LA at 1345 N. Montebello Boulevard, Montebello! With over 80 specimens of life-sized moving replicas such as T-rex, Stegosaurus and Ankylosaurus, this exhibit promises to transport you to the Jurassic where you’ll interact with the largest animals to ever set foot on our planet existed, suing a blend of virtual creatures and detailed replicas. Get your g¡tickets here.
35-36. Put These Two Tidefalls On Your Bucket List
- Credit: Cosmin Serban / Unsplash
We all love a waterfall and no California resident can live without a healthy quota of beach days, so when you combine that you get the natural—and rare—magic of a tidefall. And the East Coast happens to be home to two of them. So, get out your bucket list and add these two gems immediately. Find out more here.
37. Visit This Sleek New Bar Inside The Historic Bradbury Building
- Bkupbens, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
Grab a cocktail in the 128-year-old architectural landmark at the all-new Wyman Bar and catch a glimpse of the stunning atrium noted for its stunning ironwork. Don’t wait too long though, this elegant hangout forms part of the exclusive NeueHouse members club and it won’t be open to the public for long. Find out more here.
38-41. Enjoy A Fall Escape At One Of These Adorable A-Frame Cabins
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- Credit: Little Apple A-Frame, Running Springs / Airbnb
Wake up to the sound of hummingbirds and water rushing and watch sunsets from a hot tub in the mountains without traveling too far from the city. Here are three of our favorite spots with adorable A-frame homes to stay in. See the list here.
42. Get Your Tickets To ‘The Queen’s Ball At This Enchanting Bridgerton Experience
Bask in the charm of the Regency-era at “The Queen’s Ball: A Bridgerton Experience” in LA. Tour a regal palace (guided by the voice of the enigmatic Lady Whistledown herself) and visit various immersive rooms — like Madame Delacroix’s modiste where you can try on dresses virtually. After all, you only have one chance to make a first impression.
43. Try Out A Smorgasbord Of Delicious Bites At The Epic New Food Hall In San Gabriel Valley
- Credit: Blossom Market Hall / IG
A mouthwatering list of food vendors has just taken up residence in a 72-year-old former Masonic lodge. Enjoy a variety of drool-worthy offerings ranging from rich Vietnamese coffees and Korean barbecues to modern twists on Mexican classics. Find out more here.
44. See The Iconic Obama Portraits At LACMA
- Credit: LACMA
The Obama POrtrait Tour has finally landed on West Coast shores and it’s opening at LACMA on Sunday, November 7. The tour is presented in conjunction with Black American Portraits and both are presented in adjoining galleries. The exhibitions are included in General Admission and you can make your reservations online here.
45. Try Out The 3 Spots That Made New York Times’s List Of Best Places To Dine In America
- Credit: Mini Kabob / Instagram
Los Angeles has 3 out of 50 of the best restaurants in America, according to this New York Times list—and they’re not the Michelin-star cliches you’d expect. These selected spots have charm, community and a story to offer along with mouthwatering food. This list reflects the vibrant hospitality industry from all corners of the country, including both traditional spots with classic cuisine and newcomers with fresh fare. Find the full list here.