The new year is finally here, and with it comes tons of exciting activities. While the glow of the holidays begins to dim, 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. Get A Dose Of 80s Nostalgia And Find Your Power At The Stranger Things Experience Before It Ends
The Rift has officially opened in L.A.! Plunge into the world of Hawkins at the mind-bending Stranger Things: The Experience where you’re invited to take part in a new experiment. In this interactive adventure through world-class retro sets, you’ll team with Eleven and the gang to unlock your power and save the day. Of course, there’ll be a melange of 80s arcade games, tasty treats (like servings of Scoops Ahoy), merch and other exciting surprises along the way. Get your tickets here before the gates to the uʍop ǝpᴉsdn close.
2. Be Lured To The Dark Side With The Empire Strips Back: A Burlesque Parody
The Empire Strips Back: A Burlesque Parody is heating up Los Angeles. Give in to the dark side and experience a night of burlesque, comedy, and music. This live show celebrates the iconic Star Wars saga with a sultry twist. Enjoy a hilarious take on the classic characters, with performances from an all-star cast of burlesque and cabaret artists. Get your tickers and see these dazzling performers bring the galaxy far, far away right to L.A. in a way you’ve never experienced.
3. Go Ice Skating At One Of These Charming Rinks
Christmas might be over but the holiday spirit lingers on a little longer through the first half of January. This means you can still partake in your favorite winter pastime by heading to a stunning beachfront rink in a sunny SoCal spot, a huge rink in the heart of the city or other iconic spots. Find the full list of enchanting ice skating rinks here.
4-14. Explore These Surreal Places You Won’t Believe Are In L.A.
- Credit: @thirdeyeshots / IG
Los Angeles is filled with enchanting places, from tiled gems to enchanting structures based on fairytales, every corner offers a new adventure. Many of which will transport you to another city and sometimes another realm. Explore some of our favorite weird and wonderful places across Los Angeles that will make you feel like you’ve stepped into another world here.
15. Celebrate The Year Of The Rabbit At LA’s Chinese New Year Festival
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 21 and 22. Gather to the heart of L.A.’s Chinese community to experience a festive street fair filled with blocks of folk art, authentic Taiwan meals, and a carnival featuring vibrant ancient-style costumes! Find all the details about the Lunar New Year Festival 2023 here!
16-26. Start The Year Off On A Calm Note At One Of These Lush Hidden Gardens Around L.A.
- Credit: Japanese Garden LA
Whether it’s the glorious national parks or a retreat at some of California’s incredible outdoor destinations, West Coast residents 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 to clear your mind for the year ahead.
27. 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 the nostalgia with awe-inspiring renditions of classics across genres. Whether it’s a tribute to Coldplay, Beyonce or other greats, you’ll find something for every musical taste. Here are the seasonally-themed editions coming this January:
- The Great American Songbook feat. Tib
- A Tribute to Beyoncé
- Selections of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons with Orchid Quartet
- A Tribute to Taylor Swift
- A Tribute to Coldplay at Old Town Music Hall
28. Step Into Another World And Experience Cosmic Displays At The Stunning Astra Lumina
The Astra Lumina Exhibit in Los Angeles is an incredible experience for anyone and any age. This multisensory exhibit showcases the wonders of the night sky through augmented reality, planetarium shows and interactive displays that bring this natural haven to life. You’ll traverse the stars, galaxies, and tour the solar system using a fascinating combination of illuminated visuals and soundscapes which are designed to stimulate the senses and evoke emotions. Reserve your tickets and get ready to wander into the cosmos with this enchanting nightwalk.
29-37. Take In One World-Class Art At One Of These Unmissable Exhibitions In L.A.
Los Angeles is home to some of the most incredible exhibitions around. From the acclaimed Broad Museum to the Museum of Contemporary Art, there are a variety of exhibitions in Los Angeles to explore. Right now, there are some that simply cannot be missed including works by renowned artist Yayoi Kusama, a musical odyssey into the world of Bob Marley and the provocative works of acclaimed South African artist William Kentridge. Find the full list of the best exhibitions in town here.
38. Party Like It’s 1949 At This Submarine-Inspired Tiki Bar
Head to Lot 613 in DTLA for nautical-inspired cocktails and 40s-inspired musical performances at the popular Acey Deucey club. You’ll be welcomed aboard by your captain and crew members pouring potent libations that will take you deeper into the dark blue. Hurry and book your tickets soon as this unique submerged bar sets sail on January 28.
39. 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, using a blend of virtual creatures and detailed replicas. Get your g¡tickets here.
40-41. Put These Two Tidefalls On Your Road Trip 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.
42. Walk Through The World’s Most Famous Ship At Titanic: The Exhibition
Reading a good book or watching a documentary about the infamous Titanic is one thing, but what if you could walk across the promenade yourself? More interested in the groundbreaking recovery of the sunken vessel? You can fast-forward 70 years to the Titanic’s recovery, walking over a sandy sea floor strewn with artifacts from the ship. Learn everything there is to know about the Titanic in this stunning immersive experience, open now in Los Angeles! Tickets to this romantic voyage are available here.
43. Go On A Musical Journey Of Icon At This Bob Marley Experience Opening This Month
The One Love Experience opens at the incredible Ovation Hollywood (former Hollywood & Highland) on January 27, dedicated to the enormous impact of the legendary cultural and musical star Bob Marley. You’ll be taken through his entire musical catalog, see a room showcasing his plethora of achievements and get to know the personal story that shaped the football lover, Pan-African advocate, spiritual Rastafarian, and proud Jamaican. Book your tickets to the exhibit here.
44. Cruise Over The Pacific With The Sound Of Jazz And A Champagne Brunch
Start the new year on a serene note with a jazz-filled brunch cruise. Step aboard this stunning yacht in Newport and feast your eyes on incredible scenery—and a scrumptious spread. As you sip on free-flowing mimosas and help yourself to the incredible buffet, you’ll listen to the sounds of a talented jazz band playing toe-tapping soundtracks. Reserve your two-hour brunch cruise here.
45-47. Dine At One Of The Best Restaurants In The Country
From Michelin-starred restaurants helmed by celebrity chefs to the scrumptious fare available from mobile food trucks, LA’s food scene is thriving and constantly evolving. It’s virtually impossible not to be inspired when acquainting yourself with locally-made delicacies. As it turns out, the Times agrees with these sentiments, as three local restaurants made their list of “50 places in America we’re most excited about right now” in their restaurant section for 2022, which is the second-highest number of restaurants per city on the list. See what local gems are on it here.
48. 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 this stunning outdoor spa. These cascading thermal pools known as the Montecito Hot Springs can be reached with an easy trek and are filled with sulfur which is known for its healing properties. Is there anything better than rewarding yourself with a free, hot soak after a long week? Find out all the details here or find more hot springs here around L.A. here.
49. Sip The Finest Vintages At Uncorked Wine Festival At Union Station
This year’s festival might just be the best one yet, with a variety of wineries from around the world showcasing their finest vintages hosted at the stunning Union Station. Guests will get to sample wines from over 150 wineries while enjoying live music, DJs, delicious food, and a variety of activities within the Art Deco gem. Even if you don’t know the difference between a sauvignon and chardonnay, you’ll leave feeling one (tipsy) step closer to being a sommelier.
When: January 28, 2023, from 5 – 9 p.m.
Where: Union Station, 800 N Alameda St, Los Angeles, CA 90012
50. Visit This Glass Chapel Overlooking The Pacific Ocean
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 be a LOTR fan to appreciate this stunning place. Find out all the details of this architectural masterpiece here.
51-54. Decompress At One Of These Cabins With Hot Tubs
Shake off any 2022 stress by escaping to one of these breathtaking cabins. Around SoCal, the term “cabins” are interpreted as anything ranging from sustainable farm lofts in the desert to a wooden cabin nestled amongst the snow-capped mountains. We’ve gathered five incredible ones in and around L.A. that guarantee sheer relaxation—in other words, they come with a hot tub. Check our the full list of abodes here.
55. Plan Your Ski Season At Big Bear
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.
56. Visit A National Park For Free On The Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.
Part of your New Year’s resolutions might be to get out more, so you might as well do it at one of the country’s prized natural settings—and for free. On January 16, the birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr., love 400 national parks will be free. If you’re wondering which park to visit amongst all the incredible choices, you can check out our list of top parks you need to visit at least once in a lifetime. Find out more about free national park entry here.
57. Get Your “Body Movin'” At This Beasties Boys Exhibit
The Beastie Boys Exhibit at Beyond the Streets Los Angeles is an immersive exhibition that celebrates the iconic hip-hop group and its lasting influence on culture. The exhibit features a variety of multimedia installations, including interactive installations, audio-visual experiences, and exclusive artifacts from the Beastie Boys’ career. Visitors can explore the band’s history, from their beginnings in the 1980s to their current legacy, while discovering the impact their music has had on generations of fans. The exhibit includes rare photographs, original artwork, and other memorabilia that illustrate the Beastie Boys’ creative journey brilliantly.
58. Check Out The Stunning Winter Wildflower Blooms In The Desert
The Anza-Borrego Desert is experiencing a rare mid-winter wildflower bloom. This unusual occurrence is thought to be a result of the September storms which would have soaked the land and helped the seeds germinate early. Over the last month, researchers have been capturing the colorful pockets, but no one can predict how long they will last. Find out more about this floral display here.
59. Catch This Breathtaking Display Of Lights At This Century-Old Farm
This lavender farm near Los Angeles is a stunning escape any time of the year but over the holidays the fields are illuminated with over a million twinkling lights and opens a night market. Wander through this natural have, sip on craft fare and take in the enchanting smells and sights before the season ends. Find out more here.
60. Take Up Salsa Or Bachata And Dance Away In A Victorian Club
It’s almost a requirement to pick up a new hobby in the new year and get back into shape after the holidays, but why not make it fun? At night, this ornate Victorian home becomes a vibrant club where you can learn salsa and bachata with incredible Latin music. Dancers of all levels are welcome to groove into the night. Find out more about these exciting classes here.