9 Ways to spend the holidays in L.A. with your family
I know that Los Angeles may not be a place that comes to mind as the hotbed of holiday spirit but – trust me – it’s surprisingly festive here this time of year. Maybe the city is overcompensating for all the palm trees and 70-degree weather, but there’s a whole host of holiday activities to enjoy in L.A., and no snow boots are required!
1. Zoo Lights
The Los Angeles Zoo comes alive at night for the holidays but not with the typical wildlife usually seen. Instead, glowing LED creatures like lions, tigers, meerkats, and many more make for an unforgettable experience. Wind through this well-lit wonderland on a self-guided, 60- to 90-minute stroll that will definitely delight your kids. Along with wildlife-inspired displays, you’ll encounter 3-D projections, giant illuminated snowflakes, a disco ball forest, twinkling tunnels, interactive encounters, fab photo ops, and, of course, loads of holiday cheer. Cost: Youth (2-12) starts at $12; Adults starts at $15.
KidTripster Tip: This is a timed ticket event which is open regardless of the weather. There are no refunds, so be sure to check the forecast before booking.
2. Enchanted: Forest of Light at Descanso Gardens
1418 Descanso Drive, La Canada Flintridge
Though it’s situated a little off the beaten path, Descanso Gardens is a gorgeous, natural paradise deserving of the drive. This haven gets a magical makeover for the holidays, presenting a light display unlike any other. Visitors will take a mile-long trek through a dozen multi-sensory displays of lights and sounds orchestrated in a way that is most entrancing. As the name implies, the whole experience is truly enchanting. Cost: Youth $30; Adult $30.
KidTripster Tip: This is a timed ticket event which is open regardless of the weather. There are no refunds, so be sure to check the forecast before booking.
3. Santa’s Workshop at The Grove
189 The Grove Drive, The Grove
The ultimate spot for visiting Santa in L.A. has to be at The Grove. Kris Kringle takes up residence here for the season in his larger-than-life gingerbread workshop where kids can have an awesome encounter with the big man himself. While walk-ups are welcome, wait times will vary and can get crazy long depending on the day, so the best bet is to make an appointment online here. After seeing Santa, peruse the spectacular outdoor shopping space filled with festive fare like giant snowflakes and a mega tree donning 15,000 twinkling lights and 10,000 sparkling ornaments.
KidTripster Tip: Plan your visit in the evening and experience the snow fall at 7 and 8 p.m.
KidTripster Tip: Be sure to ride the trolley or walk over to the adjacent Farmers Market and soak up all the super sights and smells of the holidays.
4. Snow Day LA
2010 Stadium Way, Old Lodge
I know what you’re thinking, snow in L.A.? No way! Maybe it’s not the effect of a full-blown blizzard, but – thanks to this annual event in Montecillo De Leo Politi Park – Angelinos and tourists alike can experience something that’s pretty darn close. This wintery excursion just north of downtown provides acres of festive fun, complete with faux snow, tubing, and twinkling trees topped with icicles and snowcaps. It’s all the fun of a snow day without having to bundle up. Cost: Youth (2-12) $19 ; Youth VIP $49; Adult $29; Adult VIP $59; the VIP (Very Important Penguin) package includes a hooded onesie to take home.
KidTripster Tip: This event is super popular and always sells out, so make sure to book tickets well in advance.
5. Queen Mary Christmas
1126 Queens Highway, Long Beach
Queen Mary Christmas packs holiday fun into every inch of this iconic cruise ship. While it’s lacking in the ice rink department with just a small square on the top deck, it makes up for it in so many other ways, especially the magically lit passages connecting the event’s various attractions. Activities include gingerbread house building, stocking decorating, and, of course, a visit with Santa. In my opinion, the best part is the Promenade Deck which is decorated with colorful ceiling lights and Christmas trees. The bow of the ship is the place to be for a nightly giant tree lighting held by the hippest holiday duo, Mr. and Mrs. Claus. This place is so fantastic, it almost feels like the North Pole has moved to Southern California. Cost: Youth (4-11) starts at $22; Adults starts at $29.
6. Polar Express Train Ride
364 Main Street, Fillmore
Ever wish that famous train from the Polar Express movie was available for a ride? It is! The Polar Express Train Ride in Fillmore is a re-creation of that magical journey the kids in the movie took to the North Pole. Travelers will enjoy a lively ride while dancing chefs serve hot chocolate with cookies and characters roam the cars, immersing guests in theatrical performances. The best part of the trip is when Santa and his helpers board the train to greet passengers and give every guest the “first gift” of Christmas. This terrific train tour will make you a true believer in the magic of Christmas. Cost: Youth (2-11) starting at $55; Adults starting at $60.
7. Christmas at theme parks
There are lots of theme parks in Southern California, and you can be sure that they are decked out for the season. Places like Disneyland, Knott’s Berry Farm, Six Flags Magic Mountain, and LEGOLAND California go whole hog for the holidays. If your schedule permits, you should visit them all, but, if you only have time to hit one park, make it Universal Studios Hollywood. This place offers a dynamic double dose of Christmas magic with Grinchmas and Christmas at Hogwarts Castle. Cost: Varies.
8. Ice skating
During the holidays, Angelinos are often known to have serious FOMOW (Fear of Missing Out on Winter) and, as such, ice rinks abound in the City of Angels and beyond. There are lots of great permanent and pop-up rinks from the Valley to the OC, so no matter where you’re hanging out, it’s possible to enjoy some ice time. These are a few of my favorites: The Rink in Downtown Burbank, LA Kings Holiday Ice, Pershing Square Ice Rink, ICE at Santa Monica, Ice Skating at Westfield Century City, and Spectrum Ice Rink. Cost: Varies.
9. Mission Inn Festival of Lights
3649 Mission Inn Avenue, Riverside
This historic hotel, in operation for nearly 150 years, has hosted presidents, celebrities, and distinguished guests from around the world. Its most famous claim to fame, however, is the annual Festival of Lights celebration. Recently named “Best Public Holiday Lights Display” by USA Today, this holiday spectacle boasts one of the biggest Christmas light creations in the nation. Mission Inn is illuminated with over five million holiday lights creating a magical, Disney-like experience: 200+ animated figures, the world’s largest man-made mistletoe, ornately decorated trees, and a SoCal version of fresh fallen snow. Cost: Free!
KidTripster Tip: After enjoying the lights, meander through the streets of downtown Riverside where the rest of the town is in full-on holiday mode, as well. There are horse-drawn carriage rides, a carousel, a Ferris wheel, and more.
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