Holiday season is here, and if you’re looking for the best things to do in Los Angeles for Christmas in 2019, I’ve got you covered!
As a huge fan of holiday festivities, I make it a point to find the cutest, most fun things to do around my city. From ice skating Downtown, to doing a day trip to play in snow at Lake Arrowhead! And of course, all the mulled wine and decorating you can imagine!
1. Go Iceskating in Downtown Los Angeles
Hours: 11am-11pm
Cost: $9 + $5 skate rental + $3 locker rental
New York City may have Rockefeller Center, but we’ve got an equally awesome ice rink in Downtown Los Angeles! Plus, it’s not as freezing! Glide in circles around the rink at Pershing Square that’s surrounded by twinkling skyscrapers and a massive Christmas tree!
Beat the crowds by going earlier than 7pm, and reserve a spot a spot online using the link above!
2. Take a Holiday Mixology Class in Marina del Rey
Dates: Tuesdays and Thursdays, Dec 3-19, 6:30pm-8:30pm
Cost: $45
It’s definitely Merry Time in Marina del Rey, and popular restaurant SALT is making spirits bright (literally) with a holiday mixology class!
Get cozy by the fires on Salt’s patio as professional mixologists teach you how to make delicious and festive cocktails! My favorite was the Candy Cane Martini! Oh and YES! You get to drink all four of the holiday-inspired creations, plus a gourmet light bite pairing!
3. Day Trip to Santa’s Village in Lake Arrowhead
Dates: Now until January 5th
Cost: $59 online
If you’re dreaming of a White Christmas but you live in sunny LA, you might be in luck! It’s already snowing in the mountains just 1-2 hours away and Santa’s Village is open! I attempted to go to Lake Arrowhead to see it but opted for the closer Lake George because I didn’t have snow chains for my tires.
That being said, you’ll need to grab a pair of snow chains (driving without them can land you a $1500 ticket!), your warmest winter gear, and a carrot to make a snowman’s nose!
4. Winter Wonderland in Hollywood
Dates: Now – December 29, 5-10pm
Cost: Free
In true Hollywood fashion, there’s a Winter Wonderland set but it’s not for the movies, it’s for you to enjoy! Check out Santa’s house, surrounded by a forest of REAL evergreen trees, right in the heart of Hollywood!
There’s entertainment and activities for children and families, but aging-millennials can come get their holiday selfies on as well!
5. Holiday Night Market & Winter Bazaar
Date: December 12th and 19th 5-10pm
Cost: Free if you register online
The closest you’ll probably get to a Christmas Market in L.A.! Head to the Holiday Night Market and Winter Bazaar atop the Hollywood Hills near the Yamashiro Restaurant.
There will be artisan vendors and a gift wrapping station, light festival, live caroling, food trucks, seasonal drinks, and an outdoor bar!
6. Faux Snow at the Grove
Dates: Now through December 26th
Cost: Free
If you’re looking for a cute wintery date night, or fun thing to do with your friends or fam, head to the Grove! All of their holiday decorations are up, including a humongous tree, and it “snows” (aka foams) every thirty minutes!
7. Ice Skating in Santa Monica
Dates: Now until January 20
Cost: $15 for Skates + All day admission
For beach lovers who are looking for the best things to do in Los Angeles for Christmas, there’s an ice rink in Santa Monica! You can literally go to the beach (well, bundled up), then go ice skating a few blocks away!
The nice thing about this ice rink compared to the one downtown is that there’s drastically less traffic, and the admission ticket is good for all day!
8. Holidays at Universal Studios Hollywood
Dates: Now through December 29
Cost: $99-$129
Universal Studios Hollywood is currently exploding with holiday decor! And there’s no better place to celebrate Christmas than at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter! Not to mention, Grinchmas in Who-Ville!
Harry Potter World will have some extra holiday festivities happening, like a light and music show against the backdrop of Hogwarts! Plus you can shop for holiday ornaments, stockings, and seasonal food and beverages, like hot Butterbeer!
9. Enchanted Light Forest at Descanso Gardens
Dates: Now through January 5th
Cost: $28 and up
Wander around 10 illuminated installations in Descanso Gardens! This immersive experience allows you to spin swirls of kaleidoscopic patterns, or tap columns that change colors!
Definitely a different spin on a holiday activity, which will make you feel like you’re in Avatar!
10. See Frozen Live at Hollywood Pantages
Dates: Now – January
Cost: $50 – $300
Ummm what? Did I just say Frozen LIVE?! Yes, that’s happening at the Hollywood Pantages theater! One of the most perfect things to do in Los Angeles for Christmas in 2019…well, in my opinion at least!
Plus you can get the full Holidays in Hollywood experience by pairing this with the Winter Wonderland I mentioned in number four!
Have any other favorite things to do in Los Angeles for Christmas in 2019 to add to this list? I’d love to hear from you in the comments below!
Powered by Froala Editor
