Our 2023 Guide to L.A.'s Festive Holiday Happenings

Celebrate the holidays in style with our handpicked selection of L.A.'s most enchanting events.

Tis the season! Though it may not feel like it, it's winter in L.A., and the city is transforming into a holiday wonderland, adorned with festive lights and cheerful decorations. From twinkling displays illuminating iconic landmarks to cozy holiday markets and artistic performances, we created a guide to help you navigate the city's most delightful events. As an added bonus, we also included where to get a bite to eat for the holidays.

Ongoing

Tis The Grinch Holiday Podcast (Century City): Wondery presents 'Tis The Grinch Holiday Podcast Experience Live from Westfield Century City Mall! Join The Grinch and his dog Max for an immersive experience where fans will be treated to Grinchy treats, Exclusive Podcast Swag, and a first listen into the new holiday podcast! Presented by Purina, Swing by with your furry loved ones for some furry treats and swag!
When: Wednesday, Nov. 1 through Sunday, Dec. 24 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Westfield Century City, 10250 Santa Monica Blvd., L.A., 90067
Tickets: Free Admission

Holly Jolly Holiday Pop-Up Bar (WeHo): Whether you're on the naughty or nice list this year, E.P. & L.P. invites Angelenos and visitors alike to eat, drink and be merry with a limited time Holly Jolly Holiday Pop-Up Bar. The one-of-a-kind seasonal experience that brings the holiday magic to life, the halls will be decked with floor-to-ceiling tinsel, trimmings, ornaments and more from every angle, with a special festive cocktail menu and holiday-themed bites available for purchase on-site.
When: Wednesday, Nov. 15 through Saturday, Dec. 30 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Where: E.P. & L.P., 603 North La Cienega Blvd., WeHo, 90069
Tickets: Guests can choose between a single ticket option ($23 per person) or group tables for two ($46), three ($69) and four ($92); Purchase Here

L.A. Zoo Lights (L.A.): L.A. Zoo Lights is back for the holiday season. This year's experience features all-new seasonal wonders, including a magical Winter Wildlands with majestic pine trees, glowing ice crystals, snow-loving animals, views of the "northern lights," and spectacular photo spots for the ultimate holiday snaps.
When: Friday, Nov. 17 through Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Where: Los Angeles Zoo, 5333 Zoo Dr., L.A., 90027
Tickets: $18 for children and $32 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. Featuring a one-mile walk through unique lighting experiences in some of the most beloved areas of Descanso Gardens. When: Sunday, Nov. 19 through Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024 from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Where: 1418 Descanso Dr., La Cañada Flintridge, 91011
Tickets: General Admission is $30-$40; purchase your tickets here.

Miracle at Neighbors (Playa Vista): Neighbors becomes the exclusive Los Angeles host for the original Christmas, World Wide, Cocktail Pop-up, created by Greg Boehm in New York. Their entire drink menu and restaurant will transform into a winter wonderland with Christmas-themed drinks and decor. It's Christmas every day, and they can't wait to share the holiday cheer with you.
When: Tuesday, Nov. 21 through Sunday, Dec. 31 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Where: Runway Playa Vista, 12775 West Millennium, L.A., 90094 Tickets: Book Your Reservations Here

Westfield Century City's The Holiday Market (Century City): The Holiday Market, presented by Fiji Airways, is nestled in the center of the Holiday Village where guests can explore curated gift shops, snack on holiday treats & enjoy photo opps. Retailers include Pop Mart, JLUXLabel and more.
When: From Friday, Nov. 24 through Tuesday, Dec. 26 from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: Westfield Century City, 10250 Santa Monica Blvd., L.A., 90067
Tickets: Free Admission

Holiday Road Los Angeles (Calabasas): Holiday Road is back for the 4th year and promises to be brighter and more enchanting than ever.Holiday Road includes larger-than-life holiday installations, thousands of Christmas lights, Santa and Mrs. Claus, new film activations and all the holiday cheer.Guests will be transported into a winter wonderland complete with everything from the North Pole, Elf Village, Gingerbread Lane, impressive light tunnels, Christmas tree forests, countless candy canes and much more! Kids can take their photo with live Santa and sing with carolers on select dates. This year will also offer new lantern art and immersive scenes as well as a first-time collaboration and activation with Amazon MGM Studios for the upcoming holiday comedy film Candy Cane Lane.
When: Friday, Nov. 24 through Wednesday, Dec. 27 from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Where: King Gillette Ranch, 26800 Mulholland Hwy, Calabasas, 91302
Tickets: $24.99 to $34.99; buy them here.

Universal Studios Hollywood Holiday Entertainment (Hollywood): Universal Studios Hollywood celebrates the festive holidays with eagerly awaited seasonal favorites, "Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™" and "Grinchmas™." Watch Hogsmeade transform with a merry décor of shimmering lights, decorative garlands and festive wreaths. You can also enjoy the Who-bilation and visit the Grinch himself.
When: Friday, Nov. 24 through Monday, Jan. 1
Where: Universal Studios Hollywood, 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, 91608
Tickets: 1-Day General Admission is $109; Purchase Here

DTLA Holiday Market at Hotel Figueroa (DTLA): Hotel Figueroa is continuing their holiday tradition of partnering with local female artists and entrepreneurs for a Holiday Market. This year, guests can shop from small businesses including: SIMONE The Label, LA'F.E.M.TM and Mona Rosa L.A. Starting Friday, Dec. 1, the Holiday Market will be available every Thursday-Friday, from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., and Saturday-Sunday, from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m.
When: Friday, Dec. 1 through Saturday, Dec. 16
Where: Hotel Figueroa, 39 S Figueroa St., L.A., 90015

Holiday Movie Screenings at Melrose Rooftop Theatre (WeHo): Transforming into a winter wonderland with a festive atmosphere, ample heat lamps, and cheery holiday decorations adorning the rooftop venue overlooking the city lights with breathtaking views of the Hollywood Hills, a dinner-and-a-movie menu, and specialty cocktails, guests can expect a one-of-a-kind, outdoor cinema experience this holiday season. A few of the seasonal screenings include: How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Elf and more.
When: Daily screenings starting Friday, Dec. 1 through Sunday, Dec. 24,
Where: Melrose Rooftop Theatre at E.P. & L.P., 603 N. La Cienega Blvd., WeHo, 90069
Tickets: General Admission $25 per person or VIP seating for $59 per person; Purchase Here

Sushi Roku's Holiday Cocktails (Pasadena): With holiday bars opening in Los Angeles, Sushi Roku Pasadena is joining in on the festivities with holiday cocktails as besties meet to celebrate the last days of the year. Sip on cocktails including the Berry and Bright, Cinder Sour, Expresso Yamtini, Yuletide Yuzu and the Pear and Rosemary Fizz. Plus, to keep the holiday spirits high, $1 per drink ordered will be donated to the Pasadena Humane Society.
When: Month of December
Where: Sushi Roku Pasadena, 33 Miller Alley, Pasadena, 91103
Tickets: Book Your Reservation

Sweet Laurel's Gingerbread Hunt (Pacific Palisades): Sweet Laurel's Gingerbread man is on the run! To join the hunt, grab a Find the Gingerbread Man passport at Sweet Laurel, collect stamps from participating businesses, and return for a complimentary gingerbread cookie and entry into a drawing to win $200 of Sweet Laurel Treats.
When: Saturday, Dec. 2 through Sunday, Dec. 31
Where: Palisades Village, 15225 Palisades Village Ln, Pacific Palisades, 90272

Holiday HQ (Santa Monica): Santa Monica is spreading some holiday cheer with several festive events. Guests can enjoy performances from the Santa Monica Beach Belles, the Santa Monica Oceanaires – A Capella Barbershop Chorus, and DJs. Guests can also take photos with Santa and bring their furry friends on select days. Find out more here.
When: Now through Sunday Dec. 24
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. Guests can see the iconic 100-foot tall white fir Christmas treee, experience nightly snowfall Presented by Disney+, and even an appearance from Santa Claus himself!
When: Now through Sunday, Dec. 24
Where: The Grove, 189 The Grove Dr., Los Angeles, 90036
Tickets: Free Admission

Christmas at The Americana at Brand (Glendale): To celebrate the holidays, The Americana at the Brand will be covered with festive decor, magical snowfalls and more. Embrace the magic of the season with a visit to Santa's House where you can meet him and take photos.
When: Now through Monday, Dec. 25
Where: The Americana at Brand, 189 Americana Way, Glendale, 91210
Tickets: Free Admission

Blitzen's Bar (Century City): Warm up this season with a drink at the Westfield's new Blitzen's Bar. Located on level 2 above the Atrium, guests can enjoy hand crafted holiday cocktails and light bites while overlooking the Holiday Village and catch live performances by the Holiday Village cast. Some of the holiday cocktails you can try include Comet's Cold Brew Old Fashioned, Blitzen's Spritz and more.
When: Now through Tuesday, Dec. 26
Where: Westfield Century City, 10250 Santa Monica Blvd., L.A., 90067
Tickets: Free Admission (Beverage Purchases Included)

Saturday, Dec. 16

Creative Communal Market (Playa Vista): Stop by Creative Communal at Runway for some Holiday fun! Shop from over 40+ local makers and enjoy live music and themed photo opps.
When: Saturday, Dec. 16 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Runway Playa Vista, 12775 West Millennium, L.A., 90094 Tickets: Find Out More Here

Sunday, Dec. 17

Weekend Brunch With Santa (Canoga Park): Indulge in the magic of the season at Pinstripes Santa Brunch, available on Saturdays and Sundays from 11am – 3pm. Elevate your brunch experience with a delicious buffet of brunch favorites, capture unforgettable memories with photos of Santa and loved ones, and enjoy a surprise gift at every table!
When: Now through Sunday, Dec. 17
Where: Pinstripes, 6600 Topanga Canyon, St 1250, Canoga Park, 91303
Tickets: Find Out More Here

Tuesday, Dec. 19


Apple TV+ Holiday Celebration with Kids Club (Glendale): Join the holiday fun with The Velveteen Rabbit and A Charlie Brown Christmas, entertainment by What a Babe Kids Studio and more! Watch A Charlie Brown Christmas and The Velveteen Rabbit on Apple TV+.  When: Tuesday, Dec. 19 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Where: The Americana at Brand, 189 Americana Way, Glendale, 91210
Tickets: Free Admission

Friday, Dec. 22

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.
When: Friday, Dec. 22 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Where: Runway Playa Vista, 12775 West Millennium, L.A., 90094 Tickets: RSVP Here!

Saturday, Dec. 23

Christmas Pick Up Packs from Majordomo (Chinatown): For Christmas, Majordomo is offering two of their beloved large-format meals with all of the sides and accompaniments for a festive meal at home. Pick-up packs include: Holiday Bo Ssäm meal and Christmas Eve Prime Rib Feast.
When: Saturday, Dec. 23 & Saturday, Dec. 24
Where: Majordomo, 1725 Naud St.. L.A.,, 90012
Tickets: Holiday Bo Ssäm meal ($250) & Christmas Eve Prime Rib Feast ($450)

Sunday, Dec. 24

Christmas Eve Pasta Tasting Menu (Hollywood): Gather around the table with family and loved ones for a festive Christmas Eve 7-course pasta tasting menu available Christmas Eve. Tasting menu includes: Tagliolini Truffle, Pappardelle Porcini and more.
When: Sunday, Dec. 24 from 10 a.m. to 6p.m.
Where: L'antica Pizzeria da Michele, 1534 N McCadden Pl., L.A., 90028 Tickets: Christmas Eve Pasta Tasting Menu ($90) Wine Paring ($135):; Book Your Reservation Here

Feast of the Seven Fishes (West L.A.): Vicini will prepare a memorable Feast of Seven Fishes for Angelenos to celebrate with loved ones over on Christmas Eve. The Italian favorite will feature a seven course menu including Baccalà Cantecato con Crostini, Vicini Caesar Salad with Herb-crusted Grilled Prawns and Polenta Croutons, Filetto di Branzino con Carciofi or Artichokes, Spaghetti Bottarga, Cioppino, Lemon Sorbetto, and Dolce-Panettone Bread Pudding.
When: Sunday Dec, 24 at 5 p.m. & 8:30 p.m.
Where: Vicini Ristorante & Wine Bar, 10645 West Pico Blvd., L.A., 90064
Tickets: Reservations are $120 per person

Christmas Dinner at Ardor (WeHo): Ardor by Chef John Fraser will be open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day and will be featuring a special a-la-carte menu of festive, vegetable-forward dishes. With highlighted holiday entrees including the Grilled 14 oz Kurobuta Pork Chop, Braised Short Rib, and more.
When: Saturday, Dec 24. from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. & Sunday, Dec. 25 from 1:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: Ardor, 9040 Sunset Blvd., WeHo, 90069
Tickets: Make Your Reservations for Christmas Eve & Christmas Day

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