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The best things to do in Los Angeles in December offer the perfect blend of Christmas and perpetual sunshine. With festivals, cultural experiences, and outdoor activities made enjoyable by mild winters, LA has become a carnival wonderland. Whether you are an expert or a newcomer, there is much to see and do in LA this winter. From light displays to beautiful beaches, the city provides ample opportunities to make memories. Enjoy the season or simply soak up LA’s own version of winter: palm trees and Christmas lights all around!
10 Things To Do In Los Angeles In December
From learning at museums to relaxing at beaches, here is a list of things to in Los Angeles in December.
1. Marvel At The Enchanting Light Displays At Griffith Park
Photo: Boqiang Liao / Wikimedia Commons
Griffith Park’s annual Holiday Light Festival is a December tradition that guarantees a holiday for all ages. The show is a drive-thru of brightly coloured light shows and elaborate holiday installations. Holiday music mixes with the Christmas ambience for a multi-sensory experience. Families can also go for the walking option and enjoy photo opportunities amid the illuminated decoration. The light festival is not just a celebration of the season; it is an opportunity to enjoy the natural grandeur of Griffith Park paired with festive decor. It’s a must-see event that is completely smitten with the holiday season.
Location: Los Angeles, CA 90027
Nearby Attractions: Griffith Observatory, Los Angeles Zoo and Autry Museum of the American West
2. Celebrate Holiday Cheer At The Grove
Photo: EEJCC / Wikimedia Commons
A destination of Christmas magic, The Grove transforms into a winter wonderland in December. Its renowned Christmas tree, one of the largest in LA, stands at the heart of this Christmas wonderland. The nighttime snow, musical acts and Santa Claus’s appearances make it a must-visit for families and holiday-goers. Beyond its Christmas activities, The Grove also provides excellent shopping with stores all decorated for the holidays. Treat yourself to hot cocoa or Christmas snacks at nearby cafes and take in the holiday vibes. The Grove is a holiday resort as well as a shopping centre.
Location: The Grove Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90036
Nearby Attractions: Original Farmers Market, Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) and La Brea Tar Pits
3. Ice Skate Under The Stars At Pershing Square
Photo: jjron / Wikimedia Commons
The Holiday Ice Rink at Pershing Square is an exotic winter wonderland located in downtown Los Angeles. The rink is encircled by the city’s glistening skyline and provides an enchanting atmosphere for beginners and experts alike. With holiday songs blaring in the background, it is a lovely way to start the season of giving. Events such as themed skating nights and beginner skating sessions round out the experience. Whether you are skating with your friends, family or a lover, it is an activity that captures the spirit of the holidays. Go and enjoy the festivity while exploring the city’s charm.
Location: Los Angeles, CA 90013
Nearby Attractions: The Broad Museum, Walt Disney Concert Hall and Grand Central Market
4. Catch A Seasonal Show At Walt Disney Concert Hall
The Walt Disney Concert Hall, an architectural wonder, becomes a cultural hotspot in December. The festival schedule at the facility includes Christmas concerts, carols and orchestral concerts, as well as special holiday performances. Shows such as “Home Alone in Concert” bring classics to life with a live orchestra. To be at one of the shows here is not just a night out but a proper holiday celebration. The hall’s acoustics make every show unforgettable, and the lights and noise enhance the festive vibe. It is the perfect option for those interested in combining culture with holidays.
Location: Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Nearby Attractions: MOCA Grand Avenue, Angels Flight Railway and The Last Bookstore
5. Explore The Venice Canals Holiday Boat Parade
Photo: Américo Toledano / Wikimedia Commons
Venice Canals Holiday Boat Parade is a popular December ritual with festively dressed boats gliding through the picturesque canals. Residents engage, lighting up their boats and homes with lights and imaginative decorations, turning the entire community into a Christmas tree. If you happen to walk the canals at this time, it feels like a Christmas postcard. There is a real community spirit to it, and the show exemplifies the casual yet fun side of Venice Beach. Whether you are at the parade or just wandering around, the lights of the canals are a thing to behold in December.
Location: Carroll Ct and Eastern Canal Ct, Venice, CA 90291
Nearby Attractions: Venice Beach Boardwalk, Abbot Kinney Boulevard and Santa Monica Pier
6. Enjoy A Sunset Bonfire At Dockweiler State Beach
Photo: Gione Josh Jorquin / Unsplash
Dockweiler State Beach is a peaceful place to get away from the urban chaos. When it is December, the fire pits on the beach are ideal for a bonfire with friends and family. You can roast marshmallows or bring drinks to keep you warm while watching the sunset on the Pacific Ocean. The cooler nights are the perfect time to be surrounded by a fire while enjoying food. The open space of the beach and the ocean’s proximity are conducive to a laid-back yet festive experience, a fusion of LA’s coastal appeal and the warmth of winter rituals.
Location: Vista Del Mar, Playa Del Rey, CA 90293
Nearby Attractions: Manhattan Beach Pier, Ballona Wetlands and Marina del Rey
7. Experience Cultural Festivities At Olvera Street
Photo: Visitor7 / Wikimedia Commons
Get a taste of Mexican Christmas at Olvera Street’s Las Posadas party, which occurs nine nights a year during December. This retelling of Mary and Joseph’s search for a home is crammed with parades, folk songs and loads of delicious Mexican food. You can listen to live music, visit local artisans, and try foods such as tamales and champurrado. The festival is as educational as it is entertaining and shows the city’s rich cultural history. Olvera Street is a cultural gem all year round, but it is worth seeing in December for its holiday offerings.
Location: Alameda St, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Nearby Attractions: Union Station, El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument and Chinatown
8. Visit The Enchanted Forest Of Light
Photo: Adrian Siaril / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
The Enchanted Forest of Light at Descanso Gardens offers a spellbinding outdoor getaway. The path can be explored on foot along unique light installations that combine art and nature. Spectacular features in the garden include a Symphony of Oaks, a light-and-sound installation in the oaks of the garden, and the “Stained Glass Forest.” This multimedia lighting experience draws people to the holiday enchantment. It is a must-do for families, couples, or anybody with a taste for art and nature, and it will provide an unforgettable night under the stars.
Location: Descanso Dr, La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011
Nearby Attractions: Norton Simon Museum, Jet Propulsion Laboratory and Old Pasadena
9. Celebrate New Year’s Eve At Grand Park
Photo: Al Pavangkanan / Wikimedia Commons
Grand Park is home to one of the most vibrant New Year’s Eve parties in LA, making it one of the best things to see in Los Angeles in December. The festival features performances on multiple stages, food trucks serving a wide range of cuisines, and a glittering 3D projection countdown on City Hall. Unlike other New Year’s Eve parties, it is family-friendly, alcohol-free and open to all events that anyone can participate in. The spruced-up look of the park, which matches the community feel, makes it something you will never forget.
Location: Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Nearby Attractions: The Music Center, Olvera Street and Walt Disney Concert Hall
10. Watch A Movie At A Holiday-Themed Rooftop Cinema
Photo: Matthew Field / Wikimedia Commons
The Rooftop Cinema Club in Los Angeles brings a festive twist to its regular December screenings. Filmgoers can watch Christmas classics such as Elf or Home Alone amidst the lights of the city. These roof-top restaurants have comfortable chairs, wireless headphones for perfect listening and a full selection of drinks and snacks. A few venues even provide blankets to keep you warm. Whether you’re a movie fan or simply looking for a fun night out, these rooftop shows have everything you love about December evenings in LA. Arrive early and see the city lights before the show begins.
Location: Multiple locations, including DTLA and El Segundo.
Nearby Attractions: The Bloc (DTLA location), Santa Monica Beach (El Segundo location) and The Standard Hotel Rooftop
The Christmas season in Los Angeles teems with Christmas magic and holiday charm. From glam light shows at Griffith Park to Las Posadas cultural festivals, there are a plethora of things to do in Los Angeles in December. Soak up the season with ice skating or the Venice Canals Boat Parade, or revel in the mild winter months. Plan a trip with TripXL and enjoy a perfect trip.
Cover Photo: Alek Leckszas / Wikimedia Commons
