With Christmas and Hanukkah around the corner, L.A. has been converted into a Winter Wonderland of holiday pop-ups and activations. From meeting Santa and gazing at beautiful Christmas lights, to outdoor holiday movie screenings, ice skating, and more, we’ve got the best Christmas and Holiday activities In Los Angeles.
Attractions/Events/Theme Parks
Enchanted Forest of Light at Descanso Gardens
Be enchanted at Descanso Gardens’ beautiful winter light show. Walk through Enchanted Forest of Light, a one-mile path of multi-colored lights displayed around the garden. Tickets must be purchased in advance. $34+; Mondays – Sundays, various hours (through 1/8/23); 1418 Descanso Drive, La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011
L.A. Zoo Lights: Animals Aglow
This holiday season, the L.A. Zoo continues its tradition of the L.A. Zoo Lights. The immersive experience is filled with stunning lantern sculptures of animals among vibrant flowers, trees, and more! Various prices, days, and hours (through 1/22/23); 5333 Zoo Dr., Los Angeles, CA 90027; 323.644.4200
King Gillette Ranch Welcomes You to Holiday Road
Grab your friends and family and head to King Gillette Ranch where the grounds have been transformed into Holiday Road, a 2/3 mile-long winter wonderland. Enjoy eye-popping holiday installations featuring thousands of lights, meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, and much more. Take your time and enjoy the experience, as you are encouraged to take the self-guided tour at your own pace. Food trucks, vendors, and alcoholic drinks will all be available for purchase. $29.99+; Various days and hours (through 12/31); King Gillette Ranch – 26800 Mulholland Hwy., Calabasas, CA 91302
The West Hollywood EDITION Partners with Artist Sarah Coleman for A Holiday Nod to Nostalgia & Commodities Tree Installation
Take a journey back to the 90s and Y2K at The West Hollywood EDITION. The luxury hotel has a partnership with renowned New York-based visual artist Sarah Coleman for the brand’s 2022 holiday tree installation, A Holiday Nod to Nostalgia & Commodities. The tree at The West Hollywood EDITION features CDs and DVDs in an homage to the music and film industries, old Hollywood memorabilia, and figurines of iconic LA-style streetwear. As part of the installation, the EDITION will introduce a Holiday Punch Bowl, Native Nostalgia, to each property from the brand’s signature cocktail bar experience, Punch Room. A portion of the proceeds from each cocktail will go to support the youth arts organization Arts Ignite. 9040 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, CA 90069; 310.953.9899
Ice at Santa Monica
Ice at Santa Monica is back for another season of family fun. The corner of 5th St. and Arizona Ave. has been transformed into a holiday pop-up ice rink with music, concessions, and party cabana rentals. $20+; Mondays – Sundays (through 1/16), 12 – 10:00 pm; 1324 5th St. in Downtown Santa Monica
Ice Skating Returns to DTLA at Pershing Square
One of our favorite holiday activities is back for another year of holiday fun! Ice skating returns to DTLA at Pershing Square, and from first-time skaters to experts, all are welcome. $20 (admission and skate rental) and $5 (locker rental); Mondays – Sundays (through 1/1/23), various hours; 532 South Olive St., Los Angeles CA 90013
Marina del Rey Holiday Boat Parade
Marina del Rey invites you to the 60th annual fireworks and boat parade! The magical evening features boats covered in twinkling lights and decorations, festive drinks, tasty food options, and entertainment for the whole family. Please note the parade will run rain or shine. However, in the interest of safety, upon the issuance of a small watercraft advisory notice from the Coast Guard, the parade would be canceled for that evening. Free; 12/10, 5:55 pm (fireworks) 6 – 8:00 pm (parade); 13737 Fiji Way, Marina del Rey, CA 90292; 310.670.7130
Mission Bay Resorts Parade of Lights
Since 1970, Mission Bay’s annual holiday boat parade has been wowing spectators with bright, holiday cheer. The 2-hour parade starts at SeaWorld with a firework kickoff, and ends at The Mission Bay Beach Club. Expect elaborate, decorated boats from local organizations like Rady Children’s Hospital, San Diego Loyal, and SeaWorld, and you can cast your vote for the People’s Choice best decorated boat! The evening also includes food & beverage service, holiday music, bonfire seating, entertainment for kids, giveaways, and we hear Santa will be there too! Free; 12/10, 5:30 pm
‘Tis the Season at The Original Farmers Market
‘Tis the season for holiday activities at The Original Farmers Market. 6333 W. 3rd St., Los Angeles, CA 90036; 323.933.9211
- (12/18): Welcome Hanukkah with a celebration of lights. 12/18, 3 – 5:00 pm
- (12/19): Enjoy music from The Grand Arts Vocal Jazz Ensemble and the School of Rock Fairfax House Band. 12/19, 2 – 3:00 pm (jazz) and 3:30 – 5:30 pm (school of rock)
- (12/20): Transport yourself to the islands with Einstein Brown’s Calypso Christmas and then enjoy the sounds of jazz musician Louis Cruz Beltran. 12/20, 1 – 3:00 pm (Calypso) and 4 – 6:00 pm (Beltran)
- (12/21): The Farmers Market welcomes you to a Snow Globe craft session, tree show and doo wop performances! 12/21, 12 – 5:30 pm (check schedule for times)
- (12/22): From carolers, to more crafting, a marionette show and more, the holidays have arrived at the Farmers Market. 12/22, 12 – 5:00 pm (check schedule for times)
- (12/23): The music festivities continue with the Salvation Army Youth Jazz and the Strolling Holiday Carolers. 12/23, 12 – 1:00 pm (jazz) and 12 – 3:00 pm (carolers)
- (12/24): Spend Christmas Eve shopping and singing along with the Strolling Yuletide Carolers. 12/24, 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Holiday Events at The Peninsula Beverly Hills
Throughout the holiday season, The Peninsula Beverly Hills is hosting a variety of festive activities. 9882 S. Santa Monica Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90212; 310.551.2888
- (12/18): Hanukkah Lighting and Reception – Welcome Hanukkah with lights, music, cocktails, and canapes. 6 – 8:00 pm
- (12/19 – 12/24): Countdown to Christmas with Christmas Classics – Countdown to Christmas with. a little help from carolers singing your favorite Christmas Classics!
Hipster Opera at Benny Boy Brewing
Celebrate the holidays with a hipster opera and ugly holiday sweaters in the beer garden at Benny Boy Brewing. Pacific Opera Project (POP) presents the 7th production of its greatest opera, Puccini’s La Bohème AKA The Hipsters AKA La Brew-hème. It’s a story about a group of hip artists falling in and out of love in DTLA’s Arts District, accompanied by music sung in Italian with English subtitles. Snap a polaroid at the step-and-repeat in your ugly holiday sweater for a chance to win special POP prizes. Ticket price includes a seat at the performance and one (1) drink ticket. Food will be available for purchase from pop-up food vendor Quarantine Pizza Co. $20 (valet parking is available); 12/12, 5:00 pm (doors open) and 7:00 pm (show time); 1821 Daly St., Los Angeles, CA 90031
The Nutcracker at the Saban Theatre in Beverly Hills
The World Ballet Series and the Saban Theatre present the classic holiday spectacle, The Nutcracker. Watch as the the magic of Tchaikovsky’s timeless score comes to life with a multinational cast of 50 professional ballet dancers. $55+; 12/16 – 12/17, 6:00 pm (doors open), 7:00 pm (show time); 8440 Wilshire Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90211; 888.645.5006
Holiday Movies at the Rooftop Cinema Club Arts District
Love holiday movies? The Rooftop Cinema Club Arts District is for you! Get cozy and grab a comfy blanket, because holiday movie classics like, Elf, Home Alone, Love Actually, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, and The Nightmare Before Christmas, will be screened under the stars at ROW DTLA. $20.75+; 5th floor of Building 1 at ROW DTLA – 777 S. Alameda St. Los Angeles, CA 90021
Holidays at Disneyland
Get into the holiday spirit at Disneyland and California Adventure with themed attractions, entertainment, costumed characters, and more! $104+; Select days and hours (through 1/8/23); 1313 Disneyland Dr., Anaheim, CA 92802; 714.781.4636
Six Flags Magic Mountain Holiday in the Park
The holidays are here at Six Flags Magic Mountain! As a holiday fan and thrill ride lover, Holiday in the Park is so much fun! Combine a plethora of holiday shows, seasonal décor, and riding thrill rides that have been given a holiday makeover, and you’re in for a merry good time! $75; Select days and hours (through 1/1/23); 26101 Magic Mountain Pkwy, Valencia, CA 91355; 661.255.4100
Pabst Blue Ribbon 12 Days Of Christmas
Pabst Blue Ribbon is getting in the holiday spirit with 12 days of giveaways! All you have to do is follow the instructions on the Pabst IG page, and you”ll be entered to win amazing prizes like, free beer for a year, a dive bar jukebox, vintage claw game, PBR roller skates, vintage game consoles, and more! Free entry; Mondays – Sundays (through 12/12)
Meet Santa/Toy Drives
Meet Santa at The Culver Hotel
This Christmas Eve, Santa Claus is coming to the Grand Lobby of The Culver Hotel. The family-friendly event also includes complimentary hot cocoa from Lillie’s. Free with RSVP; 12/24, 2 – 4:00 pm; 9400 Culver Blvd, Culver City, CA 90232
Get Your Picture With Santa at The Proud Bird
In honor of the Christmas season, The Proud Bird is hosting a holiday pop-up for families to get into the holiday spirit. The hybrid food bazaar and historical aviation hub is transforming into the North Pole with a hot cocoa station and a holiday craft station where you can get crafty and whip up hand-made gifts. And the best feature, bring your little ones to meet Santa! 12/18, 12/23, and 12/24, 2 – 5:00 pm; 11022 Aviation Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90045
The Grove Holiday Happenings: Meet Santa, Nightly Snowfall, Netflix Holiday Pop-Up, Holiday Shopping
The Grove is one of my favorite shopping, dining, and retail destinations, and for the holidays, the L.A. staple has pulled out all the stops. 189 The Grove Dr., Los Angeles, CA 90036; 323.900.8080
- Meet Santa: Santa Claus is Coming to Town, and while he’s here, he will be posing for pictures at The Grove. Book your spot now! Various prices and hours (through 12/24)
- Netflix’s Holiday House: Netflix is celebrating the holidays with a special holiday pop-up. Inspired by your favorite Netflix shows like Emily in Paris and Enola Holmes, the Netflix Holiday House is an immersive experience the entire family will enjoy. Free; Mondays – Sundays, various hours
- Snowfall: Enjoy snowfall without the chilly temperature, as The Grove sprinkles fresh flurries every night. Mondays – Sundays (through 12/25), 7:00 pm and 8:00 pm
- (12/20): In partnership with Village Synagogue, The Grove will host its annual Menorah Lighting to welcome Hanukkah. 12/20, 5:30 – 7:00 pm
Pawlidays at Sofitel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills: Let Your Pet Meet Santa
Wagmor Pets Dog Rescue and the Sofitel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills invite you to the cutest PAWliday event. Bring your four-legged furry friend to meet Santa! Treat your pup to a photo with the big guy and gourmet holiday doggie treats. All fees go to support Wagmor Pets. $20; 12/10, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm; 8555 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90048; 310.278.5444
Councilmember Curren, Everytable, and Santa Spread Holiday Cheer
Los Angeles City Councilmember Curren Price, District 9 Children and families of the Ninth District Partners including: Balfour Beatty, Volunteers of America Los Angeles (VOALA), Community Build, Inc., 7-Eleven, and Everytable are spreading holiday cheer at Vermont Park. The day includes family-friendly activities, including horse and pony rides, face painting, dozens of bicycles to be raffled off to local youth, and your kids will be able to meet Santa! And the best part, Everytable, the mission-driven food company that fights for food justice, will be passing out over 600 Pay it Forward meals to those in need at the event. 12/11, 3 – 5:00 pm; Vermont Square Park – 1248 W. 47th St., Los Angeles 90037
PATH Toy Drive at Sofitel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills
Sofitel Los Angeles is hosting a toy drive to benefit the PATH family program. Guests and visitors can drop off unwrapped non-violent toys, books and/or games at the front desk of the hotel, which will be provided to children whose families are experiencing homelessness so they can experience a glimmer of holiday spirit. Toys must be unwrapped and new or like new. Mondays – Sundays (through 12/18); 8555 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90048; 310.278.5444
CHiPs for Kids Toy Drive
For over 30 years, the California Highway Patrol has been spreading holiday cheer to children with the CHiPs for Kids Toy Drive. Simply bring a new unwrapped gift for a child or teen to any CHP office, or one of the drop-off locations listed below. You can also text the word ‘toys’ to 76278 to donate! Various days (through 12/16), 11:00 am – 7:00 pm
- (12/9): Walgreens Thousand Oaks, 550 N. Ventu Park Road
- (12/14): Knotts Merry Farm, 8039 Beach Blvd., Buena Park
- (12/16): Citadel Outlets Los Angeles, 100 Citadel Drive, Commerce
Holiday Shopping
hoopLA’s 2022 Holiday Gift Guide
The holidays are amongst us, and that means it’s time to dust off those ugly sweaters and get ready for White Elephant gift exchanges. But how do you find the perfect gift? Take a breath, grab a cup of hot cocoa, and relax because we’ve got you covered. We drew inspiration from Oprah’s Favorite Things and Amazon’s best holiday deals to compile a list of the perfect gifts for everyone on your list. From beauty to books, home and kitchen, health and wellness, fashion, sports, electronics, travel, and more, ’tis the season for hoopLA’s 2022 Holiday Gift Guide.
ROW DTLA Presents 2022 Holiday Activities
ROW DTLA, the Arts Districts’ curated collection of retailers, designers, and innovators, has a myriad of can’t miss holiday pop-ups and activations. The shopping hub is hosting a Holiday Outpost at its 32-acre home featuring free gift wrapping, Christmas music, and festive “chalets” selling holiday treats, ornaments, and décor. Award-winning florist Jean Pascal will have his own chalet offering gorgeous handmade wreaths, ornaments, décor, and florals. Another dedicated chalet will belong to women-owned-and-operated Chocolate and the Chip, serving fresh, delicious homemade cookies. 777 S. Alameda St, Los Angeles, CA 90021
- (12/11): Pretty Good Boy Hosts Pupmas with Puppy Ugly Sweater Party – Grab your four-legged friend and head to Pretty Good Boy’s Pupmas party! 12:30 – 5:00 pm
- (12/17): West Coast Craft is hosting an outdoor holiday pop-up market of over 150 of the best artist and designer craftspeople. 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
- (12/3 – 12/17): Makers Mess DIY Workshops – Calling all crafters! Roll up your sleeves and get your crafting ‘on’ at the Makers Mess DIY workshops. Various days and hours
Shutters On the Beach Welcomes You to a Winter Wonderland and Holiday Market
The holidays have officially arrived in Santa Monica, as beloved luxury hotel Shutters On the Beach has been transformed into a Winter Wonderland. 1 Pico Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90405; 866.527.6612
- (through 12/31): Shutters and the Barclay Butera Boutique – Shutters unveiled a stunning seasonal transformation of its lobby Living Room and front façade, created by renowned interior designer and arbiter of Southern California style, Barclay Butera. The oceanfront lobby is now a chic holiday wonderland, dressed in glittering décor custom-designed exclusively for the hotel. Complementing the lobby transformation is a new Barclay Butera Boutique featuring a collection of eclectic home décor. The boutique sells furnishings from Barclay Butera’s collection for Lexington Home Brands, alongside an assortment of luxury hand-poured candles, diffusers, one-of-a-kind shell and coral pieces, handblown glass in distinct shapes, blue and white ginger jars, signature picture frames, pillows, and throws, bar accessories, bathroom accessories, original art, baskets, totes, and more. Various prices; Mondays – Sundays, 10:00 am – 8:00 pm
- (12/9 – 12/10): Holiday Pop-Up Market – Looking for the perfect gift for everyone on your list? Shutters is hosting a holiday pop-up market in the courtyard at 1 Pico. The outdoor bazaar features an array of pop-up shops from Voyage et Cie, Saint and Abel, Drakes, Lisa-Kline, and more. 12 – 7:00 pm
Parties/Pub Crawls
The Famous SANTA Monica Pub Crawl Returns to Help Those in Need
Ho Ho Ho, the 14th annual SANTA Monica Pub Crawl returns to raise money for the Westside Food Bank. As the largest pub crawl on the West Coast, the SANTA Monica Pub Crawl features more than 25 of the city’s best bars and restaurants, three routes and thousands of crawlers. Attendees dress in their finest holiday garb and receive discounted food and drink specials at popular bars such as The Victorian, Red O, The Viceroy, Circle Bar, Santa Monica Whaler, Barney’s Beanery, Harvelle’s, Lanea, Ashland Hill, and Ye Olde King’s Head. Over the last 13 years, the SANTA Monica Pub Crawl has raised more than $160,000, enough money for half a million meals for the less fortunate over the holidays. $20-$35; 12/17, You MUST collect your wristband at your route’s official starting location between 5 – 9:30pm; Please visit the website for routes
Winter Wonderland Red Carpet Holiday Party at SUR
SUR, the sexy lounge from Beverly Hills Housewife Lisa Vanderpump, welcomes you to a Winter Wonderland holiday party, with special guest DJs, a red carpet, and celebrity appearances. Free entry; 12/18, 3 – 10:00 pm; 606-614 North Robertson Blvd., West Hollywood, CA 90069
Wellness
Holiday Facial and Spa Package at The West Hollywood EDITION
Want your skin to glow at all of your upcoming holiday events? Book an invigorating spa session at The West Hollywood EDITION. The Spa has several wellness offerings for the month of December including 15% off the Odacite Nano-Infusion Facial, and a special Holiday Package. The Odacite Nano-Infusion Facial uses professional grade Nano-Infusion technology to deliver a deeper cleaning and more radiant glow. The Spa also has the Holiday Package, which offers a 15% discount off all services during the month, if you’ve booked two services of 50 minutes or more. Various prices; Mondays – Sundays, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm; 9040 Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069; 424.310.1622
Holiday Spa Treatments at Fairmont Century Plaza
This holiday season, the Fairmont Century Plaza wants you to relax, rejuvenate, and unwind. Between holiday prep and parties, treat yourself to a seasonal spa treatment featuring the warming scents of the season. The Holiday Cookie Scrub (a gingerbread-inspired, luxe micro-bead scrub) will leave guests feeling soft and renewed with notes of cinnamon, clove, ginger, and warm sweet orange. The Candy Cane Nourishing Hair Wrap has the refreshing and soothing benefits of crisp peppermint, sweet vanilla, and warm natural oil. Additionally, with A Moment for Us, enjoy an additional 30 minutes after a treatment in the privacy of the deluxe Matahari massage suite while indulging in special, seasonal libations. Various prices and hours (through 12/31); 2025 Avenue of the Stars, Los Angeles, CA 90067; 310.424.3030
Biologique Recherche Holiday-Ready Event at The Peninsula Beverly Hills
Get your skin holiday-ready at this special Biologique event at The Peninsula Beverly Hills. Guests will receive a Skin Instant Lab Consultation and a sample bag curated to the guest’s results. In addition, retail will be set up in the skin suite for gift purchases, as well as a welcome glass of champagne. $100; 12/20; Please contact the The Peninsula Beverly Hills directly to reserve your spot
