While the rest of the country bundles up in winter parkas, LA is living its best life with 70-degree beach days, winter movie tie-ins, and pop-up holiday markets where you can rock a tank top while sipping spiked hot cocoa.
Your Festive Bucket List
(for December in Los Angeles)
1. Wicked (Movie or Musical)
WICKED MOVIE:
🌐 WEBSITE | 📍 DIRECTIONS | 💰
WICKED MUSICAL:
🌐 WEBSITE | 📍 DIRECTIONS | 💰💰💰
Whether you're a movie-goer or a theater lover, experience the Land of Oz long before Dorothy arrives into town with two very different women with special talents forming the unlikeliest of friendships. Dress-up and sing along to the live musical at the Hollywood Pantages Theatre from December 4th to February 2nd, or cozy up with a big bucket of popcorn at theaters in LA such as the iPic in Westwood and watch stars Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo bring the hit broadway show to the big screen everyday in December at a variety of showtimes.
🪄 Insider Tip: The Pantages website has a map with local parking and hotel options.
2. LA Kings Holiday Ice
🌐 WEBSITE | 📍 DIRECTIONS | 💰
Feeling festive and looking to skate around a giant Christmas tree? Look no further than the LA Kings Holiday Ice event at LA Live, open now until January 10th, 2025. Enjoy a fun and easy date night, a visit with friends, or even plan a party with their private rink-rental options. Indulge in the many different food and drink options around the ice rink before or after your skating session, or show your skating receipt at participating L.A. Live restaurants to receive a 10% discount.
🪄 Insider Tip: Consider buying a Fast Pass ticket to skip the queue, available online only for $45 per person.
3. Los Angeles Christmas Market
🌐 WEBSITE | 📍 DIRECTIONS | 💰
Ever wonder what it's like to experience the iconic Christmas Markets of Germany? The first-ever Los Angeles Christmas Market will do just that, and it will be a winter wonderland like no other at Skylight ROW DTLA, now open until Christmas Eve. Be transported into a world of delicious food such as classic German soft pretzels and hot chocolate, while being surrounded by holiday lights, festive music, and activities for all ages, such as customizing Christmas-tree ornaments and listening to live Christmas carols.
🪄 Insider Tip: No tickets will be sold at the door, so be sure to purchase in advance.
4. Winter in Stars Hallow
🌐 WEBSITE | 📍 DIRECTIONS | 💰💰
If you've cried, laughed, or screamed at your television while watching the Gilmore Girls series, checking out the Holidays Made Here event at Warner Bros. Studios in Los Angeles is something totally worth visiting in Los Angeles from December 18th to January 5th. The Midwest Lot will be transforming back into Stars Hollow, Connecticut for the holiday season, so grab your besties and live like Lorelai, Rory, Luke, and Sookie for a day while venturing through iconic spots such as Luke's Diner, the gazebo, Lorelai's house, and more. Don't miss out on festive cookie decorating and Gilmore Girls trivia either.
🪄 Insider Tip: Participate in daily costume meetups at 3PM in front of the Stars Hollow High School set.
5. Trader Vic’s by CHAIN (presented by MALIBU)
🌐 WEBSITE | 📍 DIRECTIONS | 💰💰
In a plot twist that has LA's tiki enthusiasts losing their minds, legendary Trader Vic's has emerged from its decade-long hibernation for an absurdly cool two-week pop-up at CHAIN, complete with actual vintage pieces from their iconic Beverly Hilton location. For their final weekend (Friday, Dec. 13th and Saturday, Dec. 14th), you can join an intimate hour-long guided tour through five expertly crafted tiki cocktails (including the OG cocktail Mai Tai featuring MALIBU rum), while at the super-secret CHAIN location-- consider it a sexy sneak peek of their upcoming WeHo location opening in 2025.
🪄 Insider Tip: It is recommended to eat prior to the experience although light gourmet inspired bar snacks will be served.
6. Home Alone in Concert
🌐 WEBSITE | 📍 DIRECTIONS | 💰💰
Home Alone is one of the most widely-recognized Christmas movies of all time, and now you have the chance to see the film with a live orchestra at the Walt Disney Concert Hall for 3 days, December 20, 21, and 22. Conducted by David Newman and composed by John Williams', you will be able to see Macauley Culkin's character Kevin McCallister fight off bad guys and protect his home during the holidays on the big screen with a sound like no other, providing you with an experience beyond your wildest dreams.
🪄 Insider Tip: Wear your ugliest Christmas sweater and participate in 'Ugly Sweaters and Trivia' at 7PM.
7. Hollywood Holiday:
Red-Carpet Industry Event
🌐 WEBSITE | 📍 DIRECTIONS | 💰
Hollywood Holiday at Skybar is the kind of red-carpet mixer where industry insiders and festive vibes collide, all set against the iconic LA skyline while supporting local toy drives. Whether you're here to network or just take glamorous photos on the step and repeat, this is your chance to celebrate the season like a true Hollywood local.
🪄 Insider Tip: Feeling the holiday spirit? Bring a new, unwrapped toy for Hope the Mission to brighten a child's holiday.
8. UCB: Missy and Merry's Holiday Jamboree
🌐 WEBSITE | 📍 DIRECTIONS | 💰
If the wholesome holiday vibe isn't for you, maybe your best option could be some seriously funny standup comedy to elevate the stress of family-gatherings and gift-giving. With music, standup, sketches, and tons of different characters throughout the show, get ready for December 7 - a night of dirty jokes, ugly sweaters (guests are encouraged to wear one too), and even a potential pop-in from THE Santa Claus himself.
🪄 Insider Tip: Arrive at least 5 minutes before the show begins or your tickets will be released to the waitlist.
9. Beach Volleyball (in the Winter)
🌐 WEBSITE | 📍 DIRECTIONS | 💰 FREE
If you're not from a year-round warm part of the world, the idea of playing beach volleyball in December may sound a bit extreme, but in Los Angeles, it's more of a norm than building snowmen. Whether you live in the area or are on vacation, take advantage of the warm winter weather and gather your friends for some beach volleyball at the Santa Monica State Beach whenever you get the chance, especially as it's one of the most picturesque beaches in the world.
🪄 Insider Tip: There are 13 large parking lots at Santa Monica State Beach, making it easily accessible for a day trip.
10. Sullivan King
🌐 WEBSITE | 📍 DIRECTIONS | 💰💰
If you're not already aware, Sullivan King, AKA Keaton Prescott, is a famous American DJ known for their music in dubstep and heavy metal, and Los Angeles is lucky enough to be able to say he'll be at Academy LA for one night only on December 21. The event is 21+ and the dress-code is upscale, so come in your best 'fit and get ready to groove the night away to some classic dubstep and heavy metal beats.
🪄 Insider Tip: Check out their VIP options for the seats with the best views of the show.
11. Holiday in the Park
🌐 WEBSITE | 📍 DIRECTIONS | 💰
Looking for a holiday-filled excursion to enjoy with kids (or without)? Six Flags' Holiday in the Park event is celebrating their 10 year anniversary this year, and visitors will be able to experience the park in a completely new light - as a festive winter wonderland from November 28th to January 5th. With over two million sparkling lights, holiday music, festive food and drink, and more, visiting Six Flags in December is fun for the entire family without breaking the bank either.
🪄 Insider Tip: You can write a letter to Santa at Santa's Workshop.
12. Holiday Shopping
🌐 WEBSITE | 📍 DIRECTIONS | 💰
If bargain hunting in one of the most well-attended flea markets in the entire country for over 50 years isn't reason enough to visit the market, then check it out for the sole purpose of being able to run into celebs such as Drew Barrymore, Kendall Jenner, and more. Held on the second Sunday of each month, the 8th of December this month, the market runs around the Rose Bowl Stadium, with different sections of merchandise to chose from such as antiques and collectibles, arts and crafts, vintage clothing, and much, much, more (including a food court if you need a break from all the shopping). For a more high-end shopping experience there is always the very holiday "The Grove."
🪄 Insider Tip: See the Flea Market's online map to know exactly what to find in each area of this large venue.
Not Subscribed?
Subscribe to LA Today and we'll send you the must-see LA events, experiences, and activities.