- L.A. Zoo Lights and Winter Wild Weekends. The Los Angeles Zoo showcases a festive wildlife inspired light display from November 15th through January 5th. The self guided nighttime event takes place from 6pm to 9pm. In addition to the beautiful light animals, your entrance fee will allow you access to the LAIR amphibian and reptile house to view some of the L.A. Zoo’s real live animals. On select dates, Santa is available for photos at an added fee. On top of the Lights display, the Los Angeles Zoo hosts Winter Wild Weekends, which offer activities like a holiday gift bazaar with hand-crafted items for sale. The Zoo’s animals are also able to get gifts in the form of tasty treats. Faux snowfall takes place twice daily during the weekend activities. The Winter Wild events take place on weekends from November 30 to December 22, 10am to 4pm. https://www.lazoolights.org
- L.A. Kings Ice Skating Rink. The outdoor skating rink is open for the holidays from November 30th through January 12th. General admission to the rink includes skate rental. If ice skating isn’t enough to put you in the holiday mood, the massive Christmas tree at the center of the rink will surely inspire you to get into the spirit of the season. https://www.lalive.com/events-calendar/holidayice/pricing
- Marina Del Rey’s Merry and Bright. There are a myriad of holiday events in Marina Del Rey - including a holiday boat parade, movie screenings of holiday films, and Snow Wonder at Burton Chace Park, which gives you the opportunity to experience sledding on real snow. New Years isn’t forgotten either with an exciting New Years Eve celebration that features music, dancing, and face painting. Sparkling holiday lights will also be on display throughout Marina Del Rey, but what may truly boost your holiday spirit is the price tag. Admission for all of these holiday events are free, but dates vary per event so check the site for details. https://www.visitmarinadelrey.com/events/christmas
- The Queen Mary’s Christmas. Starting November 29th and lasting through January 1st, the Queen Mary is hosting a spectacular Polar Express inspired adventure. The event includes a 4D screening of the film, a Santa meet and greet, an express train ride, storytime with Mrs. Claus, and a grand carousel. The Queen Mary also offers ice skating, gingerbread house making, stocking decorating, and live entertainment. https://www.queenmary.com/calendar-of-events/qmchristmas/home/
- Skirball Cultural Center’s Hanukkah Festival. Enjoy classic Hanukkah music, art projects, crafting tasty treats, story telling, dining, and shopping. The festival takes place December 15th from 11:00am to 4:00pm. General admission is $12.00, children can attend for $7.00 and seniors for $9.00. https://www.skirball.org/programs/festival/hanukkah-festival
- Paley Center for Media: It’s Holiday Time in PaleyLand. Experience a family friendly viewing of holiday classic TV programs such as How the Grinch Stole Christmas, A Rugrats Chanukah, The X-Files: How the Ghosts Stole Christmas, The Mary Tyler Moore Show: Christmas and the Hard-Luck Kid, and many more. Families can also enjoy arts and crafts, including dreidel games, and free hot cocoa. You can also visit with Santa on select dates. The Paley Center’s Exhibit is FREE and the holiday joy begins on November 23rd and lasts until January 5th. https://www.paleycenter.org/paleyland-la/
- Moonlight Forest. Located at the Arboretum in Arcadia from November 9th through January 12th, explore this magical lantern art festival with its dazzling lights. The visual spectacle is perfect for both kids and adults alike. https://www.arboretum.org/moonlight-forest-magical-lantern-art-festival/
Source: Eric Fischer, via Flickr - Union Station Cocoa Concerts. Every Friday prior to Christmas (December 6th, 13th, and 20th), Union Station will host FREE festive concerts. Listen to the Grand Arts Chamber Singers, The Beverly Belles and the Toy Soldiers Drumline from 6:30pm to 8:30pm. Enjoy the atmosphere with plenty of photo opportunities, hot cocoa bars, holiday crafts, games, and a marshmallow eating contest. https://www.unionstationla.com/happenings/holiday-tree-lighting-and-cocoa-concert
- White Christmas Sing-Along. At the Walt Disney Concert Hall, on December 22nd, there are two screenings of Bing Crosby and Rosemary Clooney’s holiday classic film, White Christmas. The audience is invited to sing-along to the 1954 film’s songs, with the lyrics helpfully subtitled onscreen. Note: Children under 6 are not permitted. https://www.laphil.com/events/performances/679/2019-12-22/white-christmas-sing-along
- BOOM! 2020. This West Hollywood New Years event kicks off at 8:00pm on New Years Eve and ends January 1st at 1:00am. Food and drinks are available, although you should take note that this event is drug and alcohol free. Guests can enjoy dancing, costumes, face and body painting and a photobooth. Best of all, it is completely FREE and LGBTQ friendly! Just remember to register at the site below as space is limited. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/boom-2020-an-alcohol-and-drug-free-extravaganza-tickets-79270106021?aff=ebdssbdestsearch
- Two Bit Circus’ New Years Celebration. Are you a gamer? If the answer is yes, then Two Bit Circus was made for you. From classic arcade games to cutting edge virtual reality, Two Bit Circus has a game you will enjoy. For New Years, a $99.00 ticket will get you drinks, including a champagne toast at midnight, a snack, a live DJ, and free all night gaming in the Arcade and Midway. Must be 21 or older to attend. https://twobitcircus.centeredgeonline.com/retail/item/2524
Source: Prayitno, via Flickr - The Rose Parade. For more than a hundred years, the annual Rose Parade in Pasadena has marked the start of a brand new year. The parade begins on January 1st at 8:00am and lasts for two hours. It has grown over the years into a massive celebration with five and a half miles of flower covered floats, marching bands, and equestrians. You can opt to purchase reserved Grandstand seating for the parade or arrive early to claim a free curbside viewing spot. https://tournamentofroses.com/events/about-rose-parade/
We hope our list helped you find some new ideas to enjoy yourself this holiday season. Feel free to leave us a comment about some of your favorite winter activities if you don’t see them listed!
