November is already here which means that we’re well past summer fun, September’s transition period, the spooky season and its LA pumpkin patch hunting. It is a month that’s ‘somewhere in between’ and one in which you’re most probably already anticipating and planning for the Christmas season.
As you should!
Christmas in Los Angeles is a bit of a tricky one. It has only snowed probably 4 times in the last 24 years and even then the snow melts away in an instant. No snow, no skiing, no sleigh rides, no hot chocolate after cold strolls in snow-blanketed parks, so what even is there to keep our holiday anticipation up in Los Angeles?! Well, we’ll tell you all about it and show you that Christmas is not about the weather but about the holiday spirit. This is why we present you a meticulously compiled list of Christmas events in Los Angeles that you can enjoy during this holiday season.
Home Alone – The Full Package!
Let’s start with a classic – Home Alone! There’s no better way to get into the holiday spirit than watching one of the biggest Christmas must-watch movies – Home Alone!
Walt Disney Concert Hall, located on S Grand Avenue, has special screenings between December 20-22 (2023). However, it doesn’t stop there! The screening will also consist of the live orchestral performance of John Williams’s masterful Home Alone score, which will definitely elevate your experience and will enable you to soak up all the right emotions to get into the Christmas mood.
Root for Kevin and immerse yourself in the classic holiday melodies of John Williams.
Address: 111 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, 90012
Have A Fairytale Christmas At Disneyland
Speaking of Disney! Christmas at Disneyland is another classic that LA folks don’t need to be told twice about. Especially LA kids! But if we’re talking about top-notch Christmas events, especially in the City of Angels, gorgeously decorated Disneyland is a must-see destination. It’ll be a one of a kind experience for people of all ages and definitely make everyone feel like the main character of a Disney movie!
Holiday-themed events at Disneyland begin on November 10, 2023 and will be held through January 7, 2024! The event selection is just as massive as the park itself, so it’s sure to keep everyone happy and meet all preferences.
Address: 1313 S. Harbor Blvd. Anaheim, CA 92803
Make The Best Holiday Memories At Universal Studios Hollywood
Universal Studios has only a handful of theme parks in the US and that’s precisely the reason it is always a must-see spot in every state they’re located in, especially at Christmas. The people of LA are in luck because Universal Studios Hollywood is practically right there and the theme park goes above and beyond to grant everyone the most incredible Christmas-themed events, activities and environment. From the gorgeously decorated and furnished Wizarding World of Harry Potter to the extremely nostalgic “Grinchmas” and special holiday activities for your kids – you’ll find it all there.
Events start on November 24 and will be held through January 1. Prices are subject to change without notice so always make sure you double check before heading out!
Address: 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA 91608
Get Your Skates Ready! We’re Going Ice Skating On Pershing Square
As we’ve already covered, all these beautiful Christmas and holiday decorations make it fairly easy to pretend that LA is one of those snow-blanketed destinations you always go to once you feel the first winter cold. It’s especially easy to pretend if you’re going to the Pershing Square Ice Rink to glide and slide all your worries away.
From November 17, 2023 to January 16, 2024, Pershing Square Ice Rink will be there to grant you beautiful holiday cheer and smiles! There’s no better way to feel that winter is coming than skating on ice!
General admission fee is $20.
Address: 532 South Olive Street, Los Angeles, CA 90013
Christmas On The Grove
The Grove LA is everyone’s favorite Christmas destination because every winter holiday season, The Grove turns from a fancy boutique, shop and entertainment center into the most Christmas spirit-inducing place in all of Los Angeles. Just taking a stroll through the gorgeous decorations, having dinner and doing your Christmas shopping in this amazing holiday environment is such a vibe!
But it doesn’t stop there, though! The biggest attraction of The Grove is its massive Christmas tree that is actually taller than NYC’s Rockefeller Center tree.
The tree lighting for 2023 is actually only a few days away! On November 13, at 7:00pm, you can visit The Grove LA and kick off the Christmas season. You’ll see the tree lighting event during endless (fake) snowfall, get to enjoy performances by many artists such as Katherine McPhee and David Foster, and give your children the chance to have fun with Santa!
It doesn’t get any better than that!
Address: 189 The Grove Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90036
Christmas On Rodeo Drive
Speaking of fancy boutiques and shops! Once you’re done admiring The Grove, head straight to Rodeo Drive.
Winter vacation, Christmas, Rodeo Drive and shopping – need we say more?! Just imagine shopping or just walking through the aesthetically pleasing blocks of Rodeo Drive among stunning holiday decorations and feeling like a main character! If this type of scenario sounds appealing to you then get to work and start planning a girls’ day out because it’s November already and the winter holiday season is about to kick off!
Address: 205 N Rodeo Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90210
Take A Stroll Through Holiday Road
Holiday Road is the newest addition to the LA Christmas events list but despite its short history of operation it has still managed to conquer the hearts of many and has done so fabulously! It’s the place to go to find some much needed Christmas cheer and feels in this hot City of Angels.
This year from November 24 to December 27, you’ll get to take a stroll through these gorgeous and most picturesque Christmas decorations and enjoy numerous thematic events. If you’re visiting with kids then they’ll love hanging out with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Start planning now! Tickets are only $24.99.
Address: King Gillette Ranch, 26800 West Mulholland Highway Calabasas, CA 91302
Escape With Lightscape
If you haven’t had enough of holiday-themed walks and strolls then we’re here to present you with another incredible option.
Lightscape is an annual project done by Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanical Garden and has been a type of escape route for all holiday-event-goers for a while now. It’s a place where art meets nature and with its beautifully furnished trails, paths and walkways, it became people’s favorite with rapid speed!
This year Lightscape is back with reimagined designs and new amenities for everyone to enjoy. Additionally, Winter Cathedral — one that everyone’s been waiting for — also returns this year.
At the venue, you’ll find food trucks and a full bar where you can have a laugh with friends or even enjoy a chill conversation with a stranger. So what more does one need to get into the proper holiday spirit?
Events will be held from November 17 to January 2.
Address: 301 North Baldwin Ave, Arcadia, CA 91007
Enjoy The Los Angeles Zoo Lights
One would think it odd to go to a zoo of all places at Christmas but LA Zoo is unlike any other! Especially during the winter holiday season. It’s true that Los Angeles Zoo is not exactly Christmas-themed, it’s still extraordinary and spirit-y enough to evoke special feelings in all of us!
The main character of the zoo is its “Animals Aglow” lightshow, the beauty and shine of which leaves everyone stunned!
There you will also find many other events such as “Holiday Happy Hour” and “Family New Year’s Eve.”
LA Zoo is the ideal destination for families and solo visitors alike! Be sure not to miss their lightshow because it’s one of the most gorgeous sights you’ll ever see in LA. It starts on November 17 and will be held through January 7.
Ticket prices vary monthly so make sure to double check during your preparations.
Address: 5333 Zoo Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90027
64th Annual LA County Holiday Celebration
For the past 64 years LA County has been celebrating the diverse culture and pride of Los Angeles and spreading unmatched winter holiday vibes for everyone!
This year will be no exception. This winter holiday season, you’ll see a massive lineup with various local artists – both old and new. There will be lots of choral performances, dance performances and overall the celebration of identity and holidays all around.
The event is free and will be held on December 24 from 3pm to 6pm. You may come and go whenever you like.
Address: 35 N. Grand Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Honorable Mentions
If you’re looking for some Christmas fun in other parts of the US here are some tips for:
The Final Takeaway
Palm trees with Christmas ornaments, the endless fall of fake snows, gorgeous decorations, opportunities for those looking for something fancy and those looking for something totally the opposite – as you can see you have plenty of options to explore in LA and all of them with immaculate feelings and stories in store that you’ll later share with your friends and family. There’s absolutely no need to leave the city for snow-capped mountains and cities. These Christmas events in Los Angeles are more than enough to keep your spirits high and content, you just need to know where to look and not lose your holiday cheer. So use this guide as your starting point and have the best holiday in your own city!
Disclaimer
While we at Traxplorio do our very best to give you the latest information about popular destinations, sometimes life happens, weather happens, property owners happen, etc. We always recommend you go to the official web page and/or the relevant state authority page of your destination to check conditions, times and prices (where relevant) before you head out. Thanks for understanding, and enjoy your adventure!
