12 Wonderful Ways to Celebrate the Holidays
It’s the most wonderful time of the year! And we’ve rounded up 12 wonderful ways to celebrate the holidays not far from The Pearl. Put some sparkle in your season with illuminated holiday shows at Descanso Garden. Ice skating enthusiasts can show off their glides and spins at LA Kings Holiday Ice. Or take in a holiday performance at Walt Disney Concert Hall. If you’re looking for some gift giving inspiration, The Grove is offering an immersive shopping experience complete with real snow! Ring in the New Year at Grand Park’s NYELA Countdown to 2023 with their signature 3D light show projected onto L.A.’s iconic City Hall.
12 Wonderful Ways to Celebrate the Holidays
1 Stroll through the Enchanted Forest of Light at Descanso Gardens
Descanso Gardens
1418 Descanso Dr.
La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011
Enchanted Forest of Light is an interactive, nighttime experience unlike anything else in Los Angeles, featuring a one-mile walk through unique lighting experiences in some of the most beloved areas of Descanso Gardens. This iconic show runs until January 8, 2023. Tickets must be purchased in advance.
2 Light Up the Night at LA Arboretum
Lightscape at LA Aboretum
301 North Baldwin Ave.
Arcadia, CA 91007
Lightscape is an internationally acclaimed extravaganza of light, art and music that transforms the Arboretum into an illuminated night experience. Wander along stunning new installations on an expanded trail that includes the magnificent Winter Cathedral. Due to high demand, they recommend you purchase tickets in advance.
3 Commune with the Animals at LA Zoo Lights: Animals Aglow
LA Zoo
5333 Zoo Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90027
L.A.’s brightest winter tradition has been reimagined for the 2022/2023 season. Explore an immersive landscape filled with spectacular lantern sculptures of animals among blooming flowers, towering trees, and more, for a wildlife-centered experience that’s as inspiring as it is breathtaking. Nature is something we all share, and this celebration of nature’s wonders is meant for all to enjoy.
4 Skate like a King at L.A. Live
LA Kings Holiday Ice
L.A. Live
800 W Olympic Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90015
The annual LA Kings Holiday Ice brings outdoor ice skating to L.A. Live on Xbox Plaza right out front of Crypto.com Arena. Skate your way into the holiday season and enjoy the rink until January 8, 2023. Bring your friends, family, date or enjoy the ice before and after a sports game or concert.
5 Glide and Spin at Holiday Ice Rink Pershing Square
Holiday Ice Rink Pershing Square
532 S Olive St.
Los Angeles, CA 90013
The hottest place to chill during the holidays, Holiday Ice Rink Pershing Square is back for a season of outdoor ice skating in the heart of downtown LA. Plan a night out with your friends and get on the ice. Open daily through January 8, 2023.
6 Catch a Holiday Concert at Walt Disney Concert Hall
Deck the Hall Holiday Concerts
Walt Disney Concert Hall
111 S Grand Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90012
A treasured L.A. tradition, Deck the Hall offers outstanding holiday programming for a wide variety of tastes at Walt Disney Concert Hall. Make sure to arrive early for drinks and merriment in the fun-filled Winter Wonderland. The program includes The Nutcracker with Dudamel: Tchaikovsky & Ellington, Home Alone in Concert, A Chanticleer Christmas, and more. Snowshoes not required!
7 Immerse Yourself in The Nutcracker Suite
American Contemporary Ballet
Two California Plaza
350 S Grand Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90071
American Contemporary Ballet presents an immersive experience for all five senses, of the Tchaikovsky classic that delights children and adults alike. American Contemporary Ballet was founded by choreographer Lincoln Jones and dancer Theresa Farrell to produce original contemporary classical ballets. The company performs over 60 shows each season, spanning a repertory which includes works by George Balanchine, Fred Astaire, Lincoln Jones, and reconstructions of seminal ballet works.
8 Walk in a Winter Wonderland at The Grove
The Grove
189 The Grove Dr.
Los Angeles, CA 90036
Celebrate the magic of the season with twinkling lights, festive sights, and joyful experiences as The Grove transforms into a Winter Wonderland. Snow falls every evening at 7PM and 8PM through December 25. Need some inspiration for your holiday shopping? The Grove is your one-stop destination for the best clothing, accessories, beauty and more. With its fashion-forward collection of stores and ever-changing pop-up shops, The Grove delivers a dynamic shopping experience unlike any other.
9 Shop ’Til you Drop at Westfield Century City
Holiday Market at Westfield Century City
10250 Santa Monica Blvd.
Los Angeles CA 90067
Experience the joy of the season at the Westfield Century City Holiday Market. Discover something new around every corner with snow, live entertainment, and delightful experiences at more than 200 shops and restaurants. Whether you’re looking for a stocking stuffer or a splurge, or just some good times with family and friends, you’ll find something for everyone.
10 Feast Like a Scot at Tam O’Shanter
Delighting diners for 100 years, the Tam O’Shanter is Los Angeles’ oldest restaurant operated by the same family in the same location. More than a steakhouse, guests enjoy good cheer, warm hospitality, and exceptional food in a cozy old-world atmosphere. If you have some Scottish ancestry, you might even find your family tartan among the extensive collection decorating the walls!
11 Celebrate Hollywood’s Biggest NYE Bash at Universal Studios
EVE at Universal Studios Hollywood
100 Universal City Plaza
Universal City, CA 91608
Be part of Hollywood’s biggest celebration at Universal Studios Hollywood’s EVE event on Dec. 31, where you can party until 2AM. Fill your day with heart-pounding rides, shows and attractions, and then keep the thrills going into the night. Have fun and celebrate with multiple party areas featuring music, dancing, photo ops, drinks available for purchase, and a midnight countdown celebration with fireworks.
12 Ring in the New Year at Grand Park
Grand Park’s NYELA Countdown to 2023
200 N Grand Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Grand Park’s NYELA returns with Grammy®-nominated Cuban Funk artist Cimafunk and renowned DJ Marques Wyatt topping off the highly-anticipated New Year’s Eve celebration. Powered by The Music Center’s Grand Park team, the West Coast’s largest free New Year’s Eve event will also continue Grand Park’s historic 10th anniversary celebrations when the park’s signature 3D countdown light show projected onto L.A.’s iconic City Hall leads revelers into 2023. Attendees are welcome to enjoy a light bite and dessert for purchase from L.A.’s favorite gourmet food trucks. Alcohol is not permitted and will not be sold at Grand Park.
Photo Credits:
Photo #1: The Grove
Photo #2: Descanso Gardens
Photo #3: LA Arboretum
Photo #4: LA Zoo
Photo #5: LA Kings / L.A. Live
Photo #6: Holiday Ice Rink Pershing Square
Photo #7: LA Phil
Photo #8: American Contemporary Ballet
Photo #9: The Grove
Photo #10: Westfield Century City
Photo #11: Universal Studios Hollywood
Photo #12: Grand Park