Listen up, while everyone else is still nursing their New Year's hangover at Erewhon or posting "new year, new me" stories from their overpriced Westside pilates class, we've rounded up the "actually-worth-your-time" LA events and experiences.
YOUR LA BUCKET LIST FOR JANUARY 2025
1. Attend a Golden Globes Party
🌐 WEBSITE | 📍 DIRECTIONS | 💰 $40+
Come play celebrity at LA Today's red-carpet event. The Golden Globes Pre-Party is where the industry’s movers, shakers, and people who just look really good in tuxedos gather to sip cocktails and talk about how The Bear changed their lives. It’s glitzy, it’s glamorous, and it’s a great excuse to wear that outfit you’ve been saving for “something special.” Just don’t forget to RSVP—this isn’t the kind of party you can crash.
2. Eat at Cheeseburger Week
🌐 WEBSITE | 📍 DIRECTIONS | 💰VARIES
While the rest of LA is posting sad salad bowls for their January detox, Pasadena is out here doing the Lord's work with a whole week dedicated to cheese-topped patties. Sure, you could stick to the classics but the real move is hitting up the limited-time specials that won't destroy your monthly dining budget.
3. Snap a Pic on Top of the Hollywood Sign
🌐 WEBSITE | 📍 DIRECTIONS | 💰 FREE
Yes, it’s touristy. Yes, it’s a bit of a hike. But standing at the top of the Hollywood Sign and looking out over the city is one of those “wow, I actually live here” moments that never gets old. The trail is about 6 miles round trip, so bring water, wear good shoes, and maybe leave the skinny jeans at home. Bonus: January’s cooler weather means you won’t be sweating buckets by the time you get to the top.
4. Lite Brite: Worlds of Wonder
🌐 WEBSITE | 📍 DIRECTIONS | 💰 $22.50+
If your Instagram feed has been looking a little dull lately, Lite Brite: World of Wonder is here to fix that. This immersive light installation is basically a giant playground for adults, with glowing sculptures, trippy visuals, and enough neon to make you feel like you’re in a Daft Punk music video. It’s open through January 31st, so grab your friends, charge your phone, and prepare to be dazzled.
5. Brunch Electronik
🌐 WEBSITE | 📍 DIRECTIONS | 💰 $50+
Brunch Electronik is what happens when someone says, “What if we took brunch and made it a rave?” This outdoor party combines world-class DJs and a crowd that’s ready to dance like it’s 2am, even though it’s barely noon. The event is an open-air party, day to night, complete with electronic music, food trucks, art vendors and much more.
6. Animé Los Angeles 20
🌐 WEBSITE | 📍 DIRECTIONS | 💰$40+
Anime Los Angeles is basically Comic-Con’s cooler, less chaotic cousin. It’s happening January 4th-7th at the Long Beach Convention Center, and it’s the perfect excuse to break out that cosplay you’ve been working on since last summer. Expect amazing panels, merch, and enough Sailor Moon costumes to fill a small galaxy.
7. See "Once Upon a Matress"
🌐 WEBSITE | 📍 DIRECTIONS | 💰 $45+
If you’re in the mood for some live theater that doesn’t take itself too seriously, Once Upon a Mattress is the move. This musical comedy is a cheeky retelling of The Princess and the Pea, complete with catchy songs and plenty of laughs. It’s playing at the The Ahmanson Theatre in Los Angeles, so grab a ticket and make a night of it.
8. Go Ice Skating
🌐 WEBSITE | 📍 DIRECTIONS | 💰 VARIES
Ice skating in LA is one of those things that feels a little ridiculous, but also kind of magical. Pershing Square’s outdoor rink is open until January 12th, Santa Monica’s rink goes until January 15th, and Pasadena has an indoor option if you’re not into the whole “skating under the stars” vibe. Whichever one you choose, just know that falling is part of the fun.
9. Yoga on the Mountain
🌐 WEBSITE | 📍 DIRECTIONS | 💰 FREE
If your New Year’s resolution involves “being more zen” or “spending more time in nature,” Yoga on the Mountain is a solid place to start. Held at King Gillette Ranch in Calabasas, this outdoor yoga class comes with stunning views and a side of fresh air. It’s open to all levels, so don’t worry if your downward dog is more like a downward blob.
10. Sound Experience at The Getty
🌐 WEBSITE | 📍 DIRECTIONS | 💰 FREE
The Getty is already one of the most peaceful places in LA, but if you are looking for what to do in Los Angeles this January, they’re taking it to the next level with a curated sound experience. Wander through while listening to ambient music designed to match the art, and suddenly, you’re not just looking at a painting—you’re feeling it. It’s like ASMR, but way classier.
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