Oh What Fun! Celebrating the Holidays in Los Angeles
With the holiday season officially underway, it’s time to kick up the festive vibes and spread cheer in classic SoCal style. With these (mostly) outdoor events, a twinkle of lights and some artisanal hot cocoa will be sure to enchant and inspire everyone in your family, especially the kids at heart. Cheers to adding some much deserved extra sparkle at the end of this year!
Photo: Time Out/Michael Juliano
Lightscape at the Los Angeles Arboretum
The internationally acclaimed Lightscape transforms the Arboretum into an unforgettable night of wonder and light at this must-see holiday event. Wander through the magnificent Winter Cathedral’s peaked tunnel of lights, gaze with awe at the oversized lilies floating in front of the Queen Anne Cottage and the main lawn's carpet of pulsating lights experience… need we say more? You’ll want to get your tickets early. Now through January 16th: https://www.arboretum.org/lightscape/
The Immersive Nutcracker
This holiday experience brings Tchaikovsky’s timeless score to life through theater, virtual reality, and colorful wall-sized projection so you can feel like you’re IN the Nutcracker! A family-friendly experience that’s filled with holiday-themed decorations, awe-inspiring environments and installations at a few locations around LA including the Beverly Center and Westfield Topanga. Perfect fun for all ages. https://www.theimmersivenutcracker.com/
Winter Wonderland at Palisades Village
The holiday is not complete without visiting the sparkling and majestic 50’ white fir with 3,000 lights as you wander around the always enchanting Palisades Village. Grab your oat nog latte at Alfred and get all your gifts at their fabulous boutiques before watching a Christmas movie at the classic Bay Theatre. On your way out, you might even catch one of their nightly snowfalls. https://palisadesvillageca.com/
Hot Chocolate at ChocoVivo
If you can’t go through the holidays without a cup of hot cocoa, this eco-chic venue in Culver City will satisfy your nostalgia and check the foodie box. Voted as one of EaterLA's best chocolate spots, ChocoVivo offers a European-style brew that’s rich, creamy, and an experience that’s fit for sipping. All of their dark-chocolate products are produced from their own plantation and roastery, then stone ground the way the Mayans and Aztecs made it. Pure perfection, so on your way out get some gifts for the chocoholic in your life. https://chocovivo.com/
Winterlit & Santa Monica Place
Winterlit is another immersive, festive experience but on the west side in downtown Santa Monica with tens of thousands of colorful lights, decor and garlands along and around the Third Street Promenade. Lookout for weekend DJ sets and ballerina performances by the Santa Monica Beach Belles in a 14’ Snow Globe: https://www.santamonicaplace.com/holiday
Ice Skating
Catch some winter vibes downtown, as LA LIVE opens up the city’s largest and most popular outdoor ice rink. Bring your friends, family, or date through January 8, 2022 or enjoy the rink before and after the always entertaining and festive King’s game! https://www.lalive.com/la-kings-holiday-ice-la-live
Enchanted Forest of Lights at Descanso Gardens
Enchanted Forest of Light is an unforgettable interactive light show that will for sure put you in the holiday spirit. A one-mile walk through sparkling, swirling installations, Flower Power on the Promenade, an entire town of magical stained glass creations in the Rose Garden by contemporary sculptor Tom Fruin. Be sure to get your tickets early. https://www.descansogardens.org/
Anything we miss? Contact us and let us know. However you decide to celebrate the season, wishing you and yours a safe and festive holiday and happy new year!
— Team Meepos