From Musicals to Immersive Light Experiences, LA Is Bringing the Merry Magic
Life isn’t always like the movies, but Iris’s escape to LA in “The Holiday” feels pretty real! We’ll take a December cruise down PCH with swaying palm trees over a frozen tundra any day, especially when the city’s immersive holiday experiences have LA’s signature production quality. Top-tier Christmas shopping, downtown ice rinks and mesmerizing light displays are just a few of the spectacles popping up this December. There are enough holiday events in Los Angeles to create an advent calendar of to-dos, but we’ve rounded up a few of our favorite things to experience during the best time of year.
Celebrate the Season at Lawry’s The Prime Rib
When: Select Dates
This holiday season, Lawry’s The Prime Rib in Beverly Hills offers a lineup of festive events that blend classic holiday traditions with exceptional dining. Starting Dec. 1, guests can enjoy nightly performances by strolling Victorian carolers, bringing timeless holiday tunes to enhance your dining experience.
On Dec. 2-3, Lawry’s presents Dickens’ A Christmas Carol Dinner, where you can savor a three-course feast with tray-passed appetizers and entrees like prime rib, salmon Rockefeller or king oyster mushroom as a live performance of Dickens’ holiday classic unfolds. This special evening is priced at $169 for adults and $79 for children. Families also won’t want to miss lunch with Santa on Dec. 21 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., where kids can meet Santa while the whole family enjoys Lawry’s celebrated dishes. And leading up to the holidays, this Beverly Hills restaurant is offering a four-course prix fixe special available Monday through Friday through Nov. 27 for $95 per guest. The meal includes the famous Spinning Bowl Salad, roasted prime ribs of beef and indulgent desserts like crème brûlée or Dark Chocolate Fantasy Cake, with optional wine pairings.
Location: Beverly Hills
SPARKLE DTLA Light Show at The Bloc
When: Nightly from Nov. 17-Dec. 31
If you’re looking for a dazzling holiday experience, SPARKLE DTLA at The Bloc is a must-see! This annual event transforms downtown Los Angeles into a vibrant, immersive wonderland with 18 million lights dancing in sync to festive tunes. Featuring one of LA’s largest interactive holiday displays, this Los Angeles spectacle offers stunning photo ops and plenty of holiday cheer. The show runs nightly, sparkling every hour on the hour from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., and is free to attend for all ages—even furry friends are welcome! With its vibrant lights, festive music and cozy atmosphere, SPARKLE DTLA is a perfect way to add some holiday magic to your season.
Location: DTLA
Marina del Rey Holiday Boat Parade
When: Dec. 14
Trade in crackling fires for fireworks at Marina del Rey’s legendary holiday boat parade. This night of lights has been spreading the Christmas spirit for over 60 years! On Dec. 14, LA locals will flock to the marina like it’s the North Pole to witness the merry wonder. A spectacular light show will signal the start of the parade at 5:55 p.m., followed by a cruise line of sleigh-like sailboats that starts at 6 p.m. Park in the Burton Chace Park or Fisherman’s Village public lots and view the spectacle from the south jetty or marina shore.
Location: Marina Del Rey
L.A. Zoo Lights
When: Nov. 15-Jan. 5
At L.A. Zoo Lights, it’s not just tiny tots with their eyes all aglow but tigers, elephants and chimpanzees, too! From Nov. 15 until Jan. 5, the L.A. Zoo transforms into an immersive holiday experience for all ages to enjoy. This nature-focused seasonal celebration features dazzling new lantern sculptures of larger-than-life animals and holiday wonders and is as inspiring as it is breathtaking. Festive foods and seasonal spirits (spiked hot cocoa, anyone?) will be available for purchase. Check online for holiday happy hours and get your tickets to this epic holiday event in Los Angeles!
Location: Los Angeles
Holiday Movies at Rooftop Cinema Club
When: Various dates in December
LA rooftops never looked so cozy! Snuggle up at the Rooftop Cinema Club in DTLA to experience holiday classics on the big screen. Trust us, “Elf” becomes even more magical with LA’s twinkling skyline in the background. On the fourth-floor terrace of the Level Hotel, movies like “Elf,” “Home Alone,” and “The Holiday” play on rotation all month long. Classic concessions are available for purchase, and we recommend packing your fluffiest blanket for a night under the stars.
Local Insight: Fireside films are back at Rooftop Cinema Club! These tickets are sold in pairs and include Adirondack seating, a personal heater and your choice of a warm seasonal beverage—think hot tea, Ghirardelli hot cocoa, coffee or apple cider.
Location: DTLA
The Holiday Ice Rink in Pershing Square
When: Nov. 21-Jan. 12
Pershing Square is the Times Square of LA, aka the most festive place to ice skate this winter! This pop-up ice rink transforms the heart of downtown LA into a frozen oasis surrounded by skyscrapers and a 105-foot twinkling tree! Ice skating sessions are 60 minutes long, and general admission tickets are $20 (price includes skate rental!). Kids can also perfect their skating skills with the help of penguin and polar bear skate helpers that will help with balance and control.
Location: DTLA
Holiday Festivities at The Point
When: Select Dates
For a family-friendly holiday celebration, head to The Point in El Segundo, where seasonal events turn this Los Angeles shopping center into a winter wonderland. On Dec. 7, the CHLA Toy Drive & Holiday Block Party invites visitors to contribute to Children’s Hospital Los Angeles by donating toys or household items in exchange for a shopping and dining passport. This festive event features live carolers, balloon twisters and holiday-themed activities. Then, on Dec. 15, The Point will host a Hanukkah celebration with traditional dreidel games, storytelling, crafts and holiday treats from 1 to 3 p.m. If you’re dreaming of a white Christmas, experience The Point’s snow showers every Saturday in December from 6-8 p.m., where flurries magically fall every half hour!
Location: El Segundo
Holidays at Universal Studios Hollywood
When: Nov. 29-Jan. 6
Celebrate the holidays with a dose of movie magic at Universal Studios Hollywood! SUPER NINTENDO WORLD buzzes with holiday-themed character encounters, while The Wizarding World of Harry Potter transforms into a winter wonderland that will leave fans of all ages enchanted. And don’t miss Grinchmas, where The Grinch himself and the Whos from Whoville bring plenty of laughs and holiday fun to guests. From holiday-themed decor throughout the park to unique merchandise—think ornaments, tree toppers and Grinch-inspired collectibles—there’s plenty to bring home for your own celebrations. And with festive treats and drinks available at every turn, you’ll be fueled for a day of holiday thrills.
Local Insight: Looking for a place to stay during your visit to Universal Studios? Book an overnight stay at Sheraton Universal Hotel!
Location: Studio City
Los Angeles Ballet’s “The Nutcracker”
When: Select Dates in December
Nothing says holiday magic quite like “The Nutcracker,” and Los Angeles Ballet’s rendition of this beloved classic brings a unique SoCal twist. Running from Dec. 6-28, the performance takes audiences on a journey with Clara and her Nutcracker Prince through whimsical scenes that reflect the beauty of Southern California. Picture a Spanish-style Hancock Park mansion, snowy forests inspired by Big Bear and even archways that evoke the charm of Venice Beach. The production opens at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium, moves to Royce Hall at UCLA, and concludes with a grand finale at Hollywood’s Dolby Theatre, where Tchaikovsky’s timeless score is performed live by the Los Angeles Ballet Orchestra.
Location: Pasadena Civic Auditorium, Royce Hall at UCLA and Dolby Theatre
Ice at Santa Monica
When: Nov. 8-Jan. 20
Swap snowy landscapes for ocean views at Ice at Santa Monica, where the corner of Fifth Street and Arizona Avenue transforms into an ice-skating oasis from Nov. 8-Jan. 20. Here, you can glide under the California sun by day and twinkling lights by night, all within steps of the beach. Special events include themed skate nights, private party tents and concessions that keep the holiday spirit high. Don’t miss “Taylor’s Birthday Celebration” on Dec. 13, where fans can skate to Taylor Swift’s hits and snag a friendship bracelet, and the New Year’s Eve East Coast Countdown on Dec. 31 from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m., with a countdown to midnight. Presented by Disney+, Ice at Santa Monica is a whimsical winter experience that combines L.A.’s coastal charm with the magic of the holiday season.
Location: Santa Monica
Holiday Road Calabasas
When: Nov. 24-Dec. 28
Follow the holiday road to find your winter wonderland! At Holiday Road Calabasas, you’ll feel like you’re the main character in a Hallmark movie with larger-than-life Christmas characters and an immersive village to explore. Candy canes and gingerbread houses line the mile-long path of this winter fantasy. It’s family fun for everyone, with LA’s favorite food trucks and seasonal beverages for sale. Tickets and parking can be purchased in advance for this Los Angeles holiday event taking place Nov. 24- Dec. 28. Wear matching Christmas sweaters for all the family photo ops!
Location: Calabasas
92nd Annual Hollywood Christmas Parade
When: Dec. 1
Step into a world of glitz, glamor and holiday cheer at the 92nd Annual Hollywood Christmas Parade, a beloved Los Angeles holiday event that has brightened up Tinseltown since 1928. Featuring dazzling floats, marching bands and performances by today’s biggest stars, this historic event draws thousands of spectators each year. And beyond the spectacle, the Hollywood Christmas Parade also serves a philanthropic purpose, raising funds and collecting toys for the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation and other charities supporting underprivileged children. Join the festivities and experience an unforgettable night where Hollywood’s heart shines not only with lights but also with generosity.
Location: Hollywood
