Tis the Season: Our Guide to the Best Holiday Happenings in L.A. for 2024

Celebrate the magic of the season with the best holiday activities and events around Los Angeles.

The holidays are in full swing in Los Angeles, and there's no better place to soak up all the festive fun. Whether you're a local or just visiting for the season, L.A. offers the perfect mix of magical light displays, seasonal pop-ups, and holiday happenings that will make your heart glow. Grab your loved ones, your best holiday sweater, and get ready to make some merry memories at these can't-miss events across the city!

Ongoing

Christmas at The Grove (Beverly Hills): Embrace the magic of the season with a visit to Santa's Workshop! Meet Santa, share your wishlist, and capture the moment with keepsake photos to treasure. This festive experience is presented in collaboration with Disney+ and Children's Hospital Los Angeles. Enjoy The Grove's magical snowfall, along with the best holiday shopping and dining in town. Plus, book a Wonderland photo package Monday through Wednesday to receive a complimentary hot chocolate from La La Land Kind Café—our treat to make your memory even sweeter.
When: Ongoing throughout the holiday season
Where: The Grove, 189 The Grove Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90036

Holiday Market at Vintage Land (Los Feliz): Vintage Land, the beloved home of the Los Feliz Flea Market, is thrilled to announce its highly anticipated 3-day Holiday Market, offering a festive experience like no other. This December, step into a winter wonderland of vintage treasures and holiday cheer plus, shop for your loved ones! There will be over 100 vintage vendors, delicious bites and more.
When: Thursday, Dec. 19 though Saturday, Dec. 21 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: Vintage Land, 1030 Alpine St., L.A., 90012

Jingle Bell Roxy Benefit Series (WeHo): Celebrate the Season with the Jingle Bell Roxy Benefit Series. Enjoy 12 Days of intimate performances supporting the Union Rescue Mission. See the full lineup here.
When: Now through Sunday, Dec. 22
Where: The Roxy, 9009 Sunset Blvd., WeHo, 90069

The Lido Theater Presents 12 Days of Christmas Movies (Newport Beach): Celebrate the holiday season with The Lido Theater's 12 Days of Christmas Movies series. Enjoy timeless Christmas classics like Elf, The Santa Clause, Home Alone and It's a Wonderful Life on the big screen at Newport Beach's iconic Lido Theater, recently restored to its 1930s charm and beautifully decorated for the season.
When: Now through Monday, Dec. 23
Where: The Lido Theater, 3459 Via Lido, Newport Beach, 92663

Holiday Road (Calabasas): LA's leading immersive holiday event, Holiday Road, returns for its 5th year at King Gillette Ranch in Calabasas, welcoming over 100,000 guests to experience a magical mile-long walking trail filled with larger-than-life holiday installations, thousands of Christmas lights, and festive photo moments. New upgrades this season include projection mapping, light technology, and special holiday activations. Visitors can also enjoy food trucks, holiday bars, a winter market, and face painting, making it the perfect family outing to experience a winter wonderland.
When: Now through Saturday, Dec. 28 from 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Where: King Gillette Ranch, 26800 Mulholland Hwy, Calabasas, CA 91302

Desi Christmas at SHOR Bazaar (Hawaiian Gardens): SHOR Bazaar, LA's upscale Desi eatery by four-time Michelin Bib Gourmand-recognized chef, is welcoming all for the holidays with a limited-time menu this year! Available from Monday, 12/23, through Sunday, 12/29, SHOR is offering a limited-edition Christmas menu that puts a unique Desi spin on traditional Chinese dishes, paying homage to the cherished tradition of dining at Chinese restaurants during the week of Christmas. The full menu includes: Cauliflower 65, Chili Garlic Shrimp with Rice and more.
When: Monday, Dec. 23 through Sunday, Dec. 29
Where: SHOR Bazaar, 12155 E Carson St., Hawaiian Gardens, 90716

Terranea Gingerbread Lounge (Palos Verdes): Terranea Resort in Palos Verdes will unveil its Gingerbread Lounge – a festive holiday pop-up located in the resort's Mediterranean-style Lobby Lounge. This 7-by-7-foot gingerbread masterpiece, adorned with gumdrops, candy canes and royal icing, boasts a functional bar and a whimsical gingerbread village, crafted from over 1,000 pounds of house-made gingerbread. Guests can indulge in signature holiday cocktails, non-alcoholic favorites like hot chocolate and apple cider and a selection of sweet treats including ginger snaps, peppermint bites, gingerbread people and chocolate crinkles, all created by Chef Jermonti and his skilled team. Children are invited to pen letters to Santa and enjoy complimentary cookies while live music fills the Lobby daily from 7 to 11 p.m.
When: Now through Friday, Jan. 3 (Open weekdays from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturdays and Sundays from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m.)
Where: Terranea Resort, 100 Terranea Way, Rancho Palos Verdes, 90275

Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort (Newport Beach): Celebrate the holiday season at the 34th Annual Lighting of the Bay and Fire & Lights Festival at Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort. Beginning with the Opening Night Celebration on November 29, 2024, this enchanting event features over fifty illuminated displays and floating Christmas trees that light up the bay. The Fire & Lights Festival adds extra holiday cheer on weekends with igloo bars, fire dancer performances, and family-friendly activities, including photos with Santa.
When: Now through Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025
Where: Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort, 1131 Back Bay Drive, Newport Beach, 92660

Holidays on the Hill (Universal City): Universal City transforms into a magical winter wonderland for Holidays on the Hill, a festive extravaganza running from November 30, 2024, to January 5, 2025. Sponsored by Hilton Los Angeles/Universal City, this seasonal celebration offers something for everyone: glide across the outdoor ice skating rink, meet Santa at his Workshop, sip themed cocktails at Jingle Bell Tavern, or indulge in the all-you-can-eat Seafood & Prime Rib buffet at Café Sierra. Special events like "Wicked Wednesdays" and "Holiday Hits Theme Nights" add extra sparkle, while families and couples can enjoy curated activities like "Paint & Sip" and the romantic "Date & Skate" package.
When: Now through Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Where: Holidays on the Hill, 555 Universal Hollywood Dr., Universal City, 91608

Christmas Eve

Celebrate Christmas Eve at LAVO (WeHo): Enjoy a festive dinner party at LAVO, featuring Italian classics and seasonal specials. This coastal Italian restaurant offers an elevated dining experience with both indoor and outdoor seating, including a spacious sun-drenched dining room with a retractable roof and operable windows. With luxurious Italian furnishings and an alfresco dining atmosphere, LAVO is the perfect spot for a memorable Christmas Eve dinner.
When: Tuesday, Dec. 24 from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Where: LAVO, 9201 Sunset Blvd., WeHo, 90069

Christmas Eve Dinner at CUT Beverly Hills (Beverly Hills): Celebrate the holidays in style at Michelin-recommended CUT Beverly Hills with a luxurious three-course menu by Executive Chef Drew Rosenberg. Priced at $180 per adult and $65 per child (ages 6 to 12), the evening begins with your choice of burrata cheese and beet salad, Japanese scallop carpaccio, heirloom apple salad, or Dungeness crab tartlet. For the main course, select from expertly prepared dishes like 35-day dry-aged ribeye, filet mignon, Wagyu filet mignon, pan-roasted Dover sole, Japanese Kobe red wine Wagyu filet, or wild mushroom Carnaroli risotto. Share family-style sides, including roasted carrots, heirloom polenta, Wagyu tallow French fries, and butternut squash. Finish the meal with a choice of Mont Blanc pavlova or chocolate soufflé for dessert.
When: Tuesday, Dec. 24, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: CUT Beverly Hills, 9500 Wilshire Blvd, Beverly Hills, 90212

Celebrate Christmas Eve in Elegance at Arden (WeHo): Join us for a festive, fine-dining experience this Christmas Eve with a three-course menu priced at $85 per person. Begin with appetizers like Baked Brie with Cherry Jubilee or Christmas Salad with Apples and Pomegranate. For the main course, enjoy Herb-Crusted Filet Mignon or Roasted Scottish Halibut, and end the meal with Peppermint Bark Panna Cotta or Caramel Hazelnut Chocolate Tart.
When: Tuesday, Dec. 24 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: Arden, 8289 Santa Monica Blvd., WeHo, 90046

Christmas Eve Dinner at THE Blvd (Beverly Hills): Celebrate Christmas Eve with a festive three-course dinner by Chef Rafael Alcala at THE Blvd, priced at $160 per adult and $65 per child (ages 6 to 12). Start with smoked chicken broth, a poached pear salad, or tuna tartare. For the entrée, choose from maple-spiced glazed duck breast with burnt orange, Wagyu NY striploin, lion's mane mushroom, or Ora King salmon. End the night with a dessert from the Pastry Team: a Yule log or a Christmas wreath made with gingerbread, apple, brown butter, vanilla fluff, and pecans.
When: Tuesday, Dec. 24, 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Where: THE Blvd, Beverly Wilshire Hotel, 9500 Wilshire Blvd, Beverly Hills, 90212

Christmas Eve Dinner at Shutters on the Beach (Santa Monica): Join us for a festive 3-course prix fixe dinner at Shutters on the Beach, priced at $125 per person. The specialized menu features appetizers like Maine Scallops and Rustic Porcini Mushroom Soup, along with entrées such as Chilean Sea Bass and Prime Beef Filet. Experience a memorable evening with exceptional cuisine and stunning ocean views, making for the perfect Christmas Eve celebration. Reservations are available online through Resy.
When: Tuesday, Dec. 24 from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: Shutters on the Beach, 1 Pico Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90405

Celebrate Christmas Eve at Casa Madera (WeHo): Experience Mediterranean-Mexican fusion at Casa Madera, where the spirit of Mexico's Riviera Maya meets the artistry of elevated coastal cuisine. As Toca Madera's sister concept, Casa Madera blends the fiery allure of coastal flavors with live entertainment and interactive cocktails, offering a vibrant and festive atmosphere for your holiday dinner.
When: Tuesday, Dec. 24 from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Where: Casa Madera, 9201 Sunset Blvd., WeHo, 90069

Christmas Day

Christmas Day Brunch & Dinner at Shutters on the Beach (Santa Monica): Celebrate Christmas Day at Shutters on the Beach with a festive 3-course prix fixe menu at 1 Pico. Enjoy a delicious brunch from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. for $95 per person, featuring dishes like Salmon Crudo, Flat Croissant, Maine Lobster, and Iberico Biscuit Benedict. For dinner, from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., indulge in a $135 prix fixe menu with appetizers such as Amberjack Crudo and Butternut Squash Soup, and entrées like Lobster Bolognese and Wagyu Braised Short Rib. Don't miss out on festive desserts including Crème Fraiche Vanilla Bean Panna Cotta, Chocolate Yule Log, Cranberry-Tangerine Pie, and Panettone Crumble.
When: Tuesday, Dec. 25 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Brunch) & 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. (Dinner)
Where: Shutters on the Beach, 1 Pico Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90405

Christmas Day at THE Blvd (Beverly Hills): Celebrate Christmas in style with a festive three-course menu by Chef Rafael Alcala at THE Blvd, priced at $160 per adult and $65 per child (ages 6 to 12). Start with a choice of celery root and vanilla soup, persimmon and cranberry salad, or citrus-cured Hamachi with yuzu broth. For the main course, savor options like glazed Cornish hen, beef Wellington, beet and goat cheese tart, or miso-glazed sea bass. End the meal on a sweet note with apple crumble cheesecake or Mont Blanc with smoked cream and rum chestnut. Enjoy live music from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. as part of this elegant holiday dining experience.
When: Wednesday, Dec. 25 from 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Where: THE Blvd, Beverly Wilshire Hotel, 9500 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills, 90212

Celebrate Christmas at The Culver (Culver City): Step back in time and embrace the holiday spirit with a thoughtfully crafted holiday prix fixe menu created by Chef Diana Khngikyan. Guests can enjoy a warm and festive atmosphere with menu highlights that include Brûlée Brie Winter Greens to start, a choice of Lobster Rigatoni or Secco Marsala Chicken, and desserts such as Santa's Milk & Cookies Layer Cake. Tickets are $75; make your reservation here.
When: Wednesday, Dec. 25 from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: The Culver Hotel, 9400 Culver Blvd, Culver City, 90232

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