Los Angeles may be known for sunshine and palm trees, but when winter rolls around, Hollywood knows how to transform into a wonderland of festive activities. Planning a Los Angeles winter trip or other holiday festivities in Southern California? Lucky you! LA and SoCal offer a wide range of family-friendly winter activities to make memories for years to come.
Whether you’re looking for holiday magic, snowy adventures, or unforgettable artistic experiences, here are 10 must-do winter activities in Los Angeles and the surrounding Southern California region:
1. Ice Skating at Pershing Square
The winter forecast for Southern California is often mild and warm, though you’ll still need an extra layer or two. In fact, especially as night falls, you’ll often see locals donning hats and scarves during the holiday season.
If you’re looking for a picture-perfect winter experience, nothing says winter in Los Angeles quite like gliding across the ice under the skyscrapers at Pershing Square’s Holiday Ice Rink. This outdoor rink in the heart of downtown offers a dreamy and vibrant ice skating experience.
Open from mid-November through early January, Pershing Square’s Holiday Ice Rink features festive lights, music, and themed skating nights. Skates are available to rent on-site, making it perfect for spontaneous holiday fun or planned outings with friends and family.
Tip: Visit in the evening to enjoy the full magic of the downtown skyline lit up around you.
2. Visit a Southern California Holiday Theme Park
Southern California’s theme parks go all out for the holidays!
- Disneyland becomes a holiday dreamland with A Christmas Fantasy Parade, dazzling holiday magic fireworks, wintertime enchantment at Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle, and more Yuletide Disneyland delights.
- During the winter months, Universal Studios Hollywood lights up with Grinchmas festivities, complete with Who-ville performances and appearances by The Grinch himself.
- Six Flags Magic Mountain hosts Holiday in the Park, featuring millions of twinkling lights, holiday treats, festive decorations, and more.
These parks add seasonal cheer to their thrills and rides, making them must-sees for your Los Angeles winter experience. If you have friends and family visiting from out of town, these Southern California theme parks make a wonderful addition to your holiday vacation together.
3. Skiing and Sledding in the Local Mountains
Yes, a Los Angeles winter can include snow! In fact, you can hit the slopes just a couple of hours from the beach. Los Angeles is within reach of several snowy mountain escapes, especially as you move toward the Inland Empire:
- Mountain High, about 90 minutes from Los Angeles, offers skiing, snowboarding, and tubing.
- Snow Valley and Bear Mountain (both part of Big Bear Lake’s resorts) provide great terrain for beginners and advanced skiers alike.
- For families, Mt. Baldy offers a scenic lift ride and snow play area that is perfect for sledding with little ones.
Xpress Shuttles can help make your Los Angeles winter adventures easy, with options to book private rides from the airport to local mountain resorts and destinations, such as Snow Valley Mountain Resort.
4. Meet Santa at The Grove or Americana at Brand
Meet Santa Claus in Los Angeles this holiday season! The Grove in Mid-City Los Angeles and The Americana at Brand in Glendale transform into winter villages over the winter holidays, complete with snowy fountains, massive holiday trees, and yes, Santa Claus himself!
At these legendary Los Angeles malls, families can book photo sessions with Santa while enjoying winter window-shopping, delicious food and drinks, and more holiday fun.
5. Experience Magical Light Displays
Los Angeles neighborhoods love to show off during the holidays. You’ll also want to check out these unmissable magical light displays around the city:
- Enchanted Forest of Light transforms the Descanso Gardens into an entirely different realm of holiday magic and mystery!
- Sleepy Hollow Christmas Lights Extravaganza, also known as Candy Cane Lane, is located in Torrance, Southern California, and offers one of the largest holiday decoration displays in the country.
- LA Zoo Lights at the Los Angeles Zoo dazzles with animal-themed light installations, lasers, and interactive displays.
6. Cozy Up at a Mountain Cabin in Big Bear
For a true winter escape, rent a cozy cabin in Big Bear Lake. Just two hours from Los Angeles, Big Bear offers a snowy retreat complete with log cabins, roaring fireplaces, and charming alpine town vibes.
Spend your days skiing or snowshoeing, and your nights roasting marshmallows and playing board games. It’s an ideal way to slow down and reconnect during the hectic holiday season.
7. Shop (and Sip Cocoa) at a Holiday Market
Skip the mall this year and shop local at LA’s many festive holiday markets. These Los Angeles winter events combine artisan shopping with food trucks, live music, and plenty of warm beverages:
- Renegade Craft Fair brings together independent makers from across the country.
- Smorgasburg LA Holiday Market adds seasonal vendors to its already popular Sunday lineup.
- Marina del Rey’s Holiday Market Nights include waterfront views and free boat parade viewing.
You’ll find everything from handmade gifts to gourmet treats, and plenty of chances to sip hot cocoa along the way.
8. Attend a Holiday Performance
LA’s performing arts scene shines during the winter months. Make it a tradition to see:
- The Nutcracker performed by the LA Ballet or at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion.
- A Christmas Carol at A Noise Within in Pasadena.
- Holiday concerts by the LA Philharmonic.
These events bring culture, tradition, and plenty of heart to your winter season.
9. Take a Day Trip to Lake Arrowhead
Nestled in the San Bernardino Mountains, Lake Arrowhead is a hidden winter jewel in Southern California. Quieter and less commercial than Big Bear, Lake Arrowhead is perfect for a day of snowshoeing, resting in nature, and sipping cider. December often brings snow, turning the area into a winter postcard-perfect retreat just outside of Los Angeles.
The Lake Arrowhead Village also hosts Santa visits, carolers, and tree lighting events throughout the season.
10. Hollywood Christmas Parade
The Hollywood Christmas Parade is a festive annual event held along Hollywood Boulevard, featuring a dazzling procession of celebrity guests, marching bands, colorful floats, and, of course, Santa Claus.
Held the Sunday after Thanksgiving, the parade celebrates the start of the holiday season and attracts thousands of spectators, making it one of LA’s most beloved holiday traditions.
Enjoy a Los Angeles Winter with Xpress!
A Los Angeles winter may not seem like a holiday wonderland at first glance, but the city truly knows how to deliver a magical holiday season. With skating in the heart of downtown, mountain snow just a short drive away, and countless festive experiences scattered across the region, winter in Los Angeles and Southern California offers the best of both worlds.
Xpress Shuttles offers a stress-free way to travel around Los Angeles and the surrounding areas this winter. Whether you’re heading out for a festive evening or planning a snowy mountain escape, Xpress Shuttles helps make your winter adventures safe, smooth, and enjoyable. Travel with ease and peace of mind this holiday season.
Book your private transportation with Xpress Shuttle today, and enjoy the Los Angeles holiday magic stress-free. Call 866-381-4481 today!