L.A.'s Most Festive Holiday Happenings, From Light Installations to Ice Skating Rinks

It's the most wonderful time of the year! Why not spend it in Los Angeles?

'Tis the season! Between our year-round perfect weather and constant event schedules, it's easy for Angelenos to forget that holidays are among us. While it may be sunny in December, there are still a couple of local winter wonderlands that are sure to put you in the Christmas spirit.

From snow activations and interactive walkthroughs to light displays and photos with Saint Nick himself, we've put together a list of the city's best holiday happenings. Keep scrolling for the merriest events around (in no particular order), and be sure to check back every couple of days for updates.

Ongoing

Holiday Jewelry Pop-Up: Gifts of Gold at Hotel Figueroa (DTLA): Hotel Figueroa is partnering with Simone The Label for an exclusive limited-time holiday jewelry pop-up. Every Thursday through Saturday, stop by the one-stop holiday shop to pick up a piece of custom STL jewelry. Check out the items here.
When: Now through Saturday, Dec. 18 at 4 p.m.
Where: Hotel Figueroa, 39 S Figueroa St., L.A., 90015

Holiday HQ (Santa Monica): Santa Monica is spreading some holiday cheer with several festive events. The dancing sensation, the Santa Monica Beach Belles, will be making their grand return along with the snow globe ballerina. Guests can also take photos with Santa. Make your reservations here.
When: Now through Friday, Dec. 24 from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Where: Santa Monica Place, 395 Santa Monica Pl., Santa Monica, 90401

Christmas at The Grove (Beverly Grove): Head over to The Grove to kick off the holiday season. Even though the popular outdoor mall will not be hosting their annual holiday party, guests can still see the iconic towering Christmas tree, experience nightly snowfall with festive tunes and even an appearance from Santa Claus himself!
When: Now through Friday, Dec. 24, 7 p.m. & 8 p.m.
Where: The Grove, 189 The Grove Dr., Los Angeles, 90036
Tickets: Free Admission

Christmas at The Americana at Brand (Glendale): The Glendale shopping center is no longer hosting its annual tree lighting celebration, however, guests can still visit to see their signature decorated tree. To celebrate the holidays, The Americana at the Brand will be covered with festive decor and more. Santa Claus will also be making appearances along the center's iconic trolley.
When: Friday, Now through Friday, Dec. 24, 7 p.m. & 8 p.m.
Where: The Americana at Brand, 189 Americana Way, Glendale, 91210
Tickets: Free Admission

Westfield Century City's Holiday Marketplace (Century City): The Market at Westfield is back! Shop from local brands such as Woodley + Lowe, Von Holzhausen, and many more. Also, enjoy holiday attractions, including Santa's North Pole Journey, town square clock tower, live performances, and more.
When: Now through Sunday, Dec. 26 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: Westfield Century City, 10250 Santa Monica Blvd., L.A., 90067
Tickets: Free Admission

"Feast of the Seven Fishes" at L'antica Pizzeria da Michele (Hollywood): The Hollywood restaurant is returning to its Italian roots this holiday with a Feast of the Seven Fishes dinner. Throughout December, Angeleno's can experience a taste of the traditional holiday experience through a special Spicy Arrabbiata di Mare Pasta, featuring branzino, scallops, calamari, shrimp, clams, and mussels ($35). The restaurant will donate $10 of each special pasta sold to A Place Called Home. Book your reservation here.
When: Now through Friday, Dec. 31
Where: L'antica Pizzeria da Michele, 1534 N McCadden Pl., L.A., 90028

Dodgers Holiday Festival (Elysian Park): The Los Angeles Dodgers are hosting a holiday festival in their new center field plaza. Guests can expect scenic light displays, an ice skating rink, a family-friendly craft table by Fashion Mamas, nightly entertainment, and an appearance from Santa Clause himself.
When: Now through Friday, Dec. 31 from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Where: Dodger Stadium, 1000 Vin Scully Ave., L.A., 90012
Tickets: General admission starts at $16; purchase them here.

The Elf on the Shelf's Magical Holiday Journey (Pomona): Santa's sleigh is making an emergency landing at the Fairplex in Pomona, and his elves are transforming the area into a winter wonderland outdoor experience. Join this elf-tacular adventure and enjoy Christmas lights, toy workshops, and more.
When: Now through Friday, Dec. 31
Where: Pomona Fairplex, 1101 W McKinley Ave., Pomona, 91768
Tickets: $34.95 for children and $39.95 for adults; buy them here.

Holiday Road Los Angeles (Calabasas): Take a drive into a wonderland of holiday installations, lights, Santa Claus, and all your favorite holiday characters. Enjoy the sights of the immersive walking trail and grab a bite at some delicious food trucks.
When: Now through Friday, Dec. 31 from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Where: King Gillette Ranch, 26800 Mulholland Hwy, Calabasas, 91302
Tickets: $34.99 to $44.99; buy them here.

Snow Globe L.A. (Arts District): Who said it doesn't snow in Los Angeles? Snow Globe L.A. is a trendy art experience and elegant dinner theater that will give you chills. This winter wonderland will feature snow trees, mythical creatures, and photo ops. There will also be live comedic performances and cocktails.
When: Now through Friday, Dec. 31 from 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Where: The Frankie, 300 South Mission Road, L.A., 90033
Tickets: Weekday tickets are $127 and weekend tickets are $175; purchase tickets here.

Santa's Speedway Christmas Lights Drive Through Spectacular (Irwindale): Irwindale Speedway is hosting its second annual Santa's Speedway Christmas Lights Drive-Thru. The 30-45 minute experience will transport families of all ages into the magical world of Christmas. Santa's Speedway will include Christmas scenes and holiday-themed vignettes from Mobile Illumination.
When: Now through Sunday, Jan. 2, 2022 from 5:30 to 10 p.m.
Where: Irwindale Speedway & Event Center, 500 Speedway Drive, Irwindale, 91706
Tickets: Peak weekend nights are $75 per car, while all other nights are $59 per car. Purchase your tickets here!

Snow N Glow Holiday Festival (Ventura): Slide into the holiday spirit at the brand-new Snow N Glow Holiday Festival. Take a stroll through the holiday lights, enjoy a complimentary photo with Santa, and try snow tubing on a five-lane, 100-foot-long snow-covered hill.
When: Now through Sunday, Jan. 2, 2022, from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Where: Ventura County Fairgrounds, 10 W. Harbor Blvd., Ventura, 93001
Tickets: $19.99 for adults, $14.99 for children ages 3-10, free for ages 2 and under. Get your tickets here.

L.A. Zoo Lights (L.A.): L.A. Zoo Lights is making its grand return for the 2021 season. Journey through an illuminated wonderland that includes giant glittering snowflakes, a magical disco ball forest, and a twinkling tunnel filled with dynamic swirls of color.
When: Now through Thursday, Jan. 9, 2022 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Where: Los Angeles Zoo, 5333 Zoo Dr., L.A., 90027
Tickets: $16 for children and $22 for adults; buy them here!

Enchanted Forest of Light (La Cañada Flintridge): Guests will have the chance to see Descanso Gardens as you've never seen it before. The Enchanted Forest of Light is back and this holiday light experience is a family favorite. When: Now through Sunday, Jan. 9, 2022 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: 1418 Descanso Dr., La Cañada Flintridge, 91011
Tickets: General Admission is $32; purchase your tickets here.

Thursday, Dec. 16

Holiday Movie Nights: Home Alone Screening (Playa Vista): Runway Wonderland is hosting movie nights just in time for the holidays. Stop by and watch the family-friendly flick Home Alone. RSVP for the free event here.
When: Thursday, Dec. 16 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Where: Runway Playa Vista, 12775 West Millennium, L.A., 90094

Friday, Dec. 17

Cocoa & Carols (Playa Vista): Runway Wonderland is throwing a Cocoa & Carols event to bring in the Christmas season. Enjoy holiday music and delicious cocoa for free. RSVP here!
When: Friday, Dec. 17 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Where: Runway Playa Vista, 12775 West Millennium, L.A., 90094

Saturday, Dec. 18

Creative Communal Holiday Makers Market (Playa Vista): Runway is teaming with Creative Communal for a special Holiday Makers Market. Shop from several local makers while your children play some fun holiday activities. Admission is free; find out more here.
When: Saturday, Dec. 18 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Where: Runway Playa Vista, 12775 West Millennium, L.A., 90094

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