There are so many enchanting things to do in LA this month…
Though Los Angeles won’t become a true winter wonderland, there are plenty of activities throughout the city that will still give you that seasonal feel… all without the stress of trading in our sunny days for snow. Between giant outdoor skating rinks, Christmas lights, ballet, and holiday markets – there’s tons to do to make your spirit bright!
Time to break out that faux fur coat you’ve been dying to wear, call your loved ones, and revel in the many things going on in the city this month. We’ve gathered a list of the best things going on in L.A. this December… Yup, making plans just got that much easier.
1-4. Trade in your wheels for blades at an outdoor ice rink…
Angelenos try to fit in winter sports whenever they can. Though we pretend to feel left out when it comes to seasons, we have no shame in only breaking out our parkas for cute Instagram pictures and then stuffing it away for next year. Check out a list of L.A’s outdoor skating rinks here!
5. Attend a DIY holiday centerpiece workshop…
Ditch your plans to buying a #basic holiday floral arrangement and attend a do it yourself class where you can learn the mechanics with the aid of an experienced designer. Create a beautiful, handcrafted centerpiece, while learning a few professional techniques of floristry. The best part? You get to take your masterpiece home and brag about your skills all season long! Learn more here.
6. Attend a Nutcracker Féte hosted by the Stahlbaums…
Travel back in time to experience the classic story of The Nutcracker like never before as actors, music, and delightfully creative cocktails transform a 19th-century parlor into an enchanting winter wonderland. Join your favorite characters as they use everything in the room, including you, to create a comical and intimate take on the timeless tale! Learn more here.
7. Hop aboard the Bad Santa brews cruise…
The one time you can actually benefit making Santa’s naughty list! The Bad Santa Brews Cruise is bringing the North Pole to Long Beach on Saturday, December 28 and you’re invited. Ditch those ugly Christmas sweater parties you dread going to and sign you and the crew up for some holiday fun you’ll actually enjoy this year. Learn more here!
8. Walk into a decked out Enchanted Forest of Light…
Enchanted: Forest of Light is a one-mile-long trail of illuminated installations set up throughout the Descanso Gardens through January 5. Joining the festivities this year is the all-new whiskey bar that overlooks “Lightwave Lake,” giving great views and the comfort of feeling comfy from within… (as known as being buzzed.) Learn more here!
9. Watch lights cruise down the marina during a boat parade…
Over 70 boats will put on their best holiday costume on December 8 as they glide through the marina in competition for the number one spot for Best Theme, Best Animation, Best Band, Best Lights and more! Festivities begin at sundown, so be sure to bring a blanket… it might get chilly. Learn more here!
10. Light up the season at a 420 Friendly paint holiday session…
Creat holiday memories that you and your pals will have a hard time forgetting at Orange County’s premier 420-friendly & sip-friendly art class. See who has the best skills while painting a snowy Christmas tree ornament scene that will not only give you holiday spirit when you break it out for future Christmases to come but surely a few laughs as well! Learn more here.
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11. Drive down the most festive street in Los Angeles…
We’re used to driving down streets lined with Palm trees, but once a year visitors travel far and wide to catch a glimpse of Altadena’s Christmas Tree Lane. Rally up your crew and cruise down the hill after the lighting festival on December 8 – and don’t forget to drive with your headlines on! Learn more here.
12. Explore through a gorgeous Moonlight Forest of magical lanterns…
Dozens of huge Chinese lanterns are set to appear at the Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Garden, setting the grounds aglow each evening along a winding one-mile path. Created using traditional methods by artisans from the Sichuan province of China, organizers are promising beautiful animals, shimmering exotic flowers, and intriguing figures from Chinese legends. Learn more here!
13. Head over to a festive Christmas pop-up bar…
Santa Claus is coming to town! If you’re ready to get into the Christmas spirit, Santa Baby is deeming itself as LA’s most festive Christmas pop-up bar experience! From holiday-themed cocktails, music, and wall to wall festivities every weekend through December 31st, the Christmas lodge theme will leave you feeling warm to the core. Learn more here!
14. Get into the spirit with A Christmas Carol…
Here is the wholesome holiday event you’ve been looking for! A Noise Within, California’s acclaimed classical repertory theatre company, continues the cherished holiday tradition of presenting its beloved, musically-merry production of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, named Critic’s Choice by the LA Times. Don’t miss out on this family favorite! Learn more here!
15. Catch a classical concert by candlelight…
Calm your mind and experience classical music in a new light with these sensational concerts by candlelight in some of Los Angeles’ most beautiful churches. Simply known as Candlelight, this event invites everyone to relive the greatest works of classical music, from Vivaldi to Mozart to Bach, in an intimate atmosphere. They’re even performing exclusive Christmas specials for the holidays! Check out the list here!
16. Experience snow right here in LA…
Don’t have the time or energy to drive hours to the mountains just to experience the snow this time around? The folks over at Snow Day LA know exactly how you feel, so they’ve decided to bring a winter wonderland right into the city’s backyard! Trade-in that tiring road trip for a 10-minute cruise outside of DTLA that’ll leave you feeling invigorated and ready to hit the slopes. Learn more here!
Check out more holiday events like these, here!
Also published on Medium.