Snap a Few Selfies With Santa and Ice-skate With an Ocean Breeze at These LA Holiday Happenings

Rock Around the Christmas Tree at These Los Angeles Holiday Happenings

Written By: Ashlee Polarek Los Angeles Christmas Events

The holidays are rapidly approaching, and in just a few short weeks, it will be time to gather with friends and family to exchange gifts and eat delicious food. Before you get cozy in matching pj’s around the tree or light that last candle on the menorah, there are plenty of festivities happening in LA to help you sleigh your holidays. No matter what you choose, you and your loved ones’ hearts will grow three sizes as you celebrate.

 

1 |  Walking in a Waterfront Wonderland Los Angeles Christmas Events

Loews Santa Monica Holiday Events

 

Head to Loews this holiday season for a unique tree-lighting ceremony, Christmas brunch and waterfront wonderland! On Saturday, Nov. 30, join Loews for the inaugural  Waterfront Wonderland Tree Lighting. Take photos with Santa, decorate gingerbread men, enjoy live music from a toy soldier band and watch as 52 trees hung upside-down from the hotel’s atrium are lit to celebrate the season. Expect holiday movie screenings, pet adoption opportunities, family game nights and special culinary opportunities. The fun runs until Jan. 2020, but on Christmas day, don’t miss out on a three-course prix fixe Christmas brunch menu.

Loews Santa Monica
1700 Ocean Ave
Santa Monica, CA 90401
310.458.6700

2 | Add This to Your Christmas List Los Angeles Christmas Events

Shade Manhattan Beach

Pack up your sleigh and stop by Shade in Manhattan Beach for wonderful winter activities. On Dec. 9,  “Sip Under the Sparkle” during the 31st annual Manhattan Beach Fireworks display. Groove to a DJ and enjoy the rooftop bar as fireworks light up the night overhead. There is no cover for this event, but a donation of an unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots is appreciated. On Christmas Eve and Christmas day, enjoy a delicious meal of prime rib and honey-roasted squash from Zinc @ Shade.

Shade Manhattan Beach
1221 N Valley Dr 
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
310.546.4995

 

3 | Christmas is Lit Los Angeles Christmas Events

Shade Redondo Beach

On Dec. 19, cozy up and watch the Redondo Beach King Harbor Yacht Club Christmas Boat Parade sail by the Shade Hotel. Locals gather to decorate their boats before the parade kicks off; afterwards, they meet  at Sea Level, the waterfront restaurant at Shade Hotel, for drinks. Watch as the themed boats sail by—decorated to the theme of ‘Surfing the Yule Tide.’ Get ready to be wowed by yachts adorned in lights, trees and creative decorations. Enjoy a crafted cocktail or a hot coffee, children’s activities and a visit from Santa at this local favorite. 

Shade Redondo Beach 
655 N Harbor Dr
Redondo Beach, CA 90277
310.921.8940

4 | Christmas Dinner Done Right Los Angeles Christmas Events

1 Pico

Eat, drink and be merry during the holidays! Eliminate the stress of cooking this Christmas by reserving a table at 1 Pico for you and your loved ones. The kitchen, run by Chef David Almany, presents an amazing dinner on both on Christmas Eve and Christmas day. You get your selection  of four appetizers, including kabocha squash soup and Japanese snapper crudo; five entrees, including braised Wagyu short rib and grilled Chilean sea bass; and three desserts—brown butter tarts, ricotta bavarese and chocolate yule log. For brunch, enjoy chicken and waffles, filet mignon and eggs, grilled prawns, dessert and plenty more. 

1 Pico 
1 Pico Blvd 
Santa Monica, CA 90405
310.587.1717

5 | A Mary Christmas Indeed Los Angeles Christmas Events

Queen Mary Christmas

A Christmas wonderland awaits you aboard the Queen Mary. Beginning Nov. 29 and coming to a close on Jan. 1, Queen Mary Christmas is a delightful way to get in the holiday spirit. Glide around a 26-foot Christmas tree on a 6,000-square-foot ice rink. Take a photo with Santa in his captain’s chair or at the ship’s wheel. Watch the ultimate “The Polar Express in 4D,” decorate stockings, listen to Mrs. Claus read a story and more! This is the perfect family-friendly holiday outing. 

Queen Mary
1126 Queens Hwy
Long Beach, CA 90802
877.600.4313

6 | Party for Good Los Angeles Christmas Events

The Point on Pacific Coast Highway

On Sunday, Dec. 14, join The Point at their Holiday Block Party and Toy Drive to benefit The Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. Donate a toy at check-in and receive a passport that unlocks fun and incentives to enjoy during the party. Celebrate with music, face-painting and discounts to your favorite stores. 

The Point on Pacific Coast Highway 
850 S Pacific Coast Hwy
El Segundo, CA 90245
310.414.5280

7 | Brighten Your Holiday Season

Descanso Gardens

Enter a world of magic and beauty at Descanso Gardens’ Enchanted Forest of Light. Walk a mile through 10 light-filled spaces in some of the most superb areas in Descanso. Guests are encouraged to explore the interactive areas where they can manipulate light and sound, twirl hanging art pieces and watch as light dances around the floor. On special nights, enjoy performances by The California School of the Arts-San Gabriel Valley and The Flashdance DJs. 

Descanso Gardens 
1418 Descanso Dr
La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011
818.949.4200

8 | Downtown Santa Monica is About to Get Frosty

Ice at Santa Monica

Head to Santa Monica not for the beach, but quite the opposite. Put on your puffer coats and experience Ice Santa Monica and Winterlit. From Nov. 1 until Jan. 20, the corner of Fifth Street. and Arizona Avenue. turns into an 8,000-square-foot outdoor ice-skating rink that’s perfect for skaters of all skill levels. Rent a 20-by-20-foot party cabana—complete with catering—to celebrate the season. Every Sunday, listen to free musical performances that span a variety of genres. You can also meet Santa at Santa Monica Place, stroll through the Winterlit Holiday Market and celebrate the eight nights of Hanukkah with menorah lightings.  

Ice Santa Monica
1324 Fifth St
Santa Monica, CA 90401
310.260.1199

9 | A Sweet Treat for the Eyes  

Candy Cane Lane

Every year in December, the 1200 block of East Acacia Avenue. turns into a holiday wonderland with thousands of lights, props and pure creative ideas brought to life. At night, the streets close to vehicles and are open to pedestrians as they take in this truly magical display of holiday cheer. Decorations take over everything, from the grass to rooftops––and even the trees. The homeowners of East Acacia Avenue. get into the holiday spirit like few others. Bring a cup of cocoa and enjoy the brisk December air as you stroll through Candy Cane Lane. 

Candy Cane Lane 
1200 E Acacia St
El Segundo, CA 90245

 

10 | Don’t Skip The Grove

The Grove

Experience the pure magic of The Grove at Christmastime. From the beautiful tree that stands tall to the smooth jazz holiday tunes, holiday shopping surrounded by the glimmering lights are sure to get you in the holly, jolly spirit. Through Christmas Eve, bring the kiddos to Santa’s Workshop and take home a keepsake photo you’ll cherish forever. 

The Grove 
189 The Grove Dr
Los Angeles, CA 90036
323.900.8080

Website | + posts

Ashlee is a freelance writer with a focus on travel, lifestyle and food. After obtaining her degree in Journalism she took the world by storm teaching in South Korea and giving motivation speeches across the United States. She can often be found on road-trips, plane rides and cooking up her favorite meal from her most recent travels. The anti-homebody loves a good hike, good book and a day spent with friends.

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