If you think LA's idea of winter is just palm trees wrapped in twinkle lights, you're about to have your mind blown.
From Whimsical Winter Wonderlands to Xmas Markets...
1. Frosty's Bar
🌐 WEBSITE | 📍 DIRECTIONS | 💰
Does sipping a peppermint martini while dancing with the Grinch surrounded by 100,000 twinkling lights in the heart of Hollywood sound like your kind of holiday magic? From November 29th through December 30th, Frosty's Christmas Bar Pop-Up transforms an iconic Hollywood venue into a winter wonderland complete with themed cocktails, Instagram-worthy photo moments, and enough festive cheer to convert even the biggest holiday skeptic.
🪄 Insider Tip: The entrance to Frosty's is located off Whitley Avenue.
2. Candy Cane Lane
🌐 WEBSITE | 📍 DIRECTIONS | 💰 FREE
Imagine an entire neighborhood that transforms into a dazzling winter wonderland where every house competes to be the most gloriously over-the-top Christmas display in Los Angeles – and yes, it's completely free. Welcome to Candy Cane Lane in Woodland Hills, where local residents have been creating holiday magic since 1952.
🪄 Insider Tip: Sometimes there's a stand on Hatteras Street selling hot cocoa, coffee, and snacks.
3. Grinchmas
🌐 WEBSITE | 📍 DIRECTIONS | 💰💰
Want to meet a mean one who's actually pretty sweet, snap selfies with Cindy Lou Who, and catch real snow falling in LA? From November 24th through December 31st, Universal Studios Hollywood's Grinchmas transforms into a Seussian winter spectacle complete with a towering 65-foot twisty tree, Who-ville carolers spreading cheer, and enough photo spots to make your heart grow three sizes.
🪄 Insider Tip: Wear green – you might just get some extra attention from the residents of Who-ville.
4. Santa's Secret
🌐 WEBSITE | 📍 DIRECTIONS | 💰💰
Forget milk and cookies – Santa's Secret Pop-Up at The Beverly Center is serving up something much naughtier with its adults-only holiday speakeasy featuring burlesque performances, craft cocktails, and enough sultry Christmas spirit to land you straight on the naughty list. Before you reach the steamy main event, you'll weave through eight immersive installations complete with flirty gingerbread girls and hunky lumberjacks, making this the kind of North Pole experience Mrs. Claus definitely doesn't know about.
🪄 Insider Tip: Book the latest available slot.
5. Swiss Chalet
🌐 WEBSITE | 📍 DIRECTIONS | 💰💰💰
When you're tired of pretending LA winters are anything close to actual winter, the Swiss Chalet Après Ski at Fairmont Century Plaza is your $115 ticket to living out those bougie Alpine fantasies, complete with duck confit, gooey cheese fondue, and holiday cocktails that'll make you forget you're still in Southern California. The cozy-chic chalets (fitting 2-8 people) are decked out in enough upscale mountain lodge décor to make any Swiss banker feel at home, and they're only around until January 1st.
🪄 Insider Tip: For the ultimate Swiss experience, be sure to try the traditional Swedish beverage, Glögg.
6. Photos With Santa
🌐 WEBSITE | 📍 DIRECTIONS | 💰💰
Skip the mall Santa chaos elsewhere and head to Westfield Topanga's Level 1 near Nordstrom, where the big guy in red is holding court in a setup that looks like it was designed by someone who actually understands aesthetics (and Instagram feeds). Running through December 24th with prices starting at $39.99, this isn't your awkward '90s Santa photo situation – think professional lighting, multiple package options, and a reservation system that means you won't spend two hours in line with a hangry toddler.
🪄 Insider Tip: There's plenty of stores here to do your last-minute Christmas shopping.
7. Holidays on the Hill
🌐 WEBSITE | 📍 DIRECTIONS | 💰💰
Perched above the city like Santa's bougie LA pied-à-terre, Holidays on the Hill at Universal City is basically a choose-your-own-adventure of peak holiday vibes. Whether you're ice skating with a date, crushing seafood and unlimited booze at the fancy buffet, or living out your Pinterest dreams at a holiday paint and sip...this is LA's answer to the North Pole.
🪄 Insider Tip: Host a private event at the Jingle Bell Tavern for the best holiday party.
8. Smorgasburg Holiday Market
🌐 WEBSITE | 📍 DIRECTIONS | 💰 FREE
Smorgasburg LA is transforming its already-iconic Sunday food market at ROW DTLA into a holiday wonderland this December, where you can stuff your face with the city's best street food while crossing names off your gift list at small business vendors (and yes, there's a holiday costume contest because this is LA). Think of it as your regular Sunday 10AM-4PM feast-fest, but with festive photo ops featuring Santa and Rudolph, plus the moral high ground of supporting local businesses while you demolish those Christmas-themed treats.
🪄 Insider Tip: There's a special Smorgasburg Carribean Christmas event on December 22nd.
9. The Holiday Village
🌐 WEBSITE | 📍 DIRECTIONS | 💰 FREE
Obsessed with all things holiday? The Holiday Village at Westfield Century City (Nov 23rd - Dec 26th) is your winter wonderland fix. Think festive shopping, Blitzen's Bar (cocktails, anyone?), live music, gift wrapping, and Santa photos – it's basically Christmas in a bubble.
🪄 Insider Tip: There will be periodic moments of snowfall every day at The Holiday Village.
10. Holidays Made Here
🌐 WEBSITE | 📍 DIRECTIONS | 💰💰
Ever dreamed of sipping coffee at Luke's Diner or strolling through Stars Hollow during the most magical time of year? From December 18th through January 5th, Warner Bros. Studios is transforming their Midwest Lot into the ultimate Gilmore Girls holiday experience, complete with the iconic gazebo, Lorelai's snow-covered house, and enough pop culture nostalgia to make even Paris Geller crack a smile.
🪄 Insider Tip: There will be daily costume meetups at 3PM in front of the Stars Hollow High School set.
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