Facebook X (Twitter) Pinterest Instagram

10 Things to do in Los Angeles for Christmas in 2019

Alyssa Ramos

Search

Holiday season is here, and if you’re looking for the best things to do in Los Angeles for Christmas in 2019, I’ve got you covered!

As a huge fan of holiday festivities, I make it a point to find the cutest, most fun things to do around my city. From ice skating Downtown, to doing a day trip to play in snow at Lake Arrowhead! And of course, all the mulled wine and decorating you can imagine!

Here’s some fun things to do this December to get in the holiday spirit!

1. Go Iceskating in Downtown Los Angeles

Hours: 11am-11pm

Cost: $9 + $5 skate rental + $3 locker rental

New York City may have Rockefeller Center, but we’ve got an equally awesome ice rink in Downtown Los Angeles! Plus, it’s not as freezing! Glide in circles around the rink at Pershing Square that’s surrounded by twinkling skyscrapers and a massive Christmas tree!

Beat the crowds by going earlier than 7pm, and reserve a spot a spot online using the link above!

2. Take a Holiday Mixology Class in Marina del Rey

Dates: Tuesdays and Thursdays, Dec 3-19, 6:30pm-8:30pm

Cost: $45

It’s definitely Merry Time in Marina del Rey, and popular restaurant SALT is making spirits bright (literally) with a holiday mixology class!

Get cozy by the fires on Salt’s patio as professional mixologists teach you how to make delicious and festive cocktails! My favorite was the Candy Cane Martini! Oh and YES! You get to drink all four of the holiday-inspired creations, plus a gourmet light bite pairing!

3. Day Trip to Santa’s Village in Lake Arrowhead

Dates: Now until January 5th

Cost: $59 online

If you’re dreaming of a White Christmas but you live in sunny LA, you might be in luck! It’s already snowing in the mountains just 1-2 hours away and Santa’s Village is open! I attempted to go to Lake Arrowhead to see it but opted for the closer Lake George because I didn’t have snow chains for my tires.

That being said, you’ll need to grab a pair of snow chains (driving without them can land you a $1500 ticket!), your warmest winter gear, and a carrot to make a snowman’s nose!

4. Winter Wonderland in Hollywood

Dates: Now – December 29, 5-10pm

Cost: Free

In true Hollywood fashion, there’s a Winter Wonderland set but it’s not for the movies, it’s for you to enjoy! Check out Santa’s house, surrounded by a forest of REAL evergreen trees, right in the heart of Hollywood!

There’s entertainment and activities for children and families, but aging-millennials can come get their holiday selfies on as well!

5. Holiday Night Market & Winter Bazaar

Date: December 12th and 19th 5-10pm

Cost: Free if you register online

The closest you’ll probably get to a Christmas Market in L.A.! Head to the Holiday Night Market and Winter Bazaar atop the Hollywood Hills near the Yamashiro Restaurant.

There will be artisan vendors and a gift wrapping station, light festival, live caroling, food trucks, seasonal drinks, and an outdoor bar!

6. Faux Snow at the Grove

Dates: Now through December 26th

Cost: Free

If you’re looking for a cute wintery date night, or fun thing to do with your friends or fam, head to the Grove! All of their holiday decorations are up, including a humongous tree, and it “snows” (aka foams) every thirty minutes!

7. Ice Skating in Santa Monica

Dates: Now until January 20

Cost: $15 for Skates + All day admission

For beach lovers who are looking for the best things to do in Los Angeles for Christmas, there’s an ice rink in Santa Monica! You can literally go to the beach (well, bundled up), then go ice skating a few blocks away!

The nice thing about this ice rink compared to the one downtown is that there’s drastically less traffic, and the admission ticket is good for all day!

8. Holidays at Universal Studios Hollywood

Dates: Now through December 29

Cost: $99-$129

Universal Studios Hollywood is currently exploding with holiday decor! And there’s no better place to celebrate Christmas than at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter! Not to mention, Grinchmas in Who-Ville!

Harry Potter World will have some extra holiday festivities happening, like a light and music show against the backdrop of Hogwarts! Plus you can shop for holiday ornaments, stockings, and seasonal food and beverages, like hot Butterbeer!

9. Enchanted Light Forest at Descanso Gardens

Dates: Now through January 5th

Cost: $28 and up

Wander around 10 illuminated installations in Descanso Gardens! This immersive experience allows you to spin swirls of kaleidoscopic patterns, or tap columns that change colors!

Definitely a different spin on a holiday activity, which will make you feel like you’re in Avatar!

10. See Frozen Live at Hollywood Pantages

Dates: Now – January

Cost: $50 – $300

Ummm what? Did I just say Frozen LIVE?! Yes, that’s happening at the Hollywood Pantages theater! One of the most perfect things to do in Los Angeles for Christmas in 2019…well, in my opinion at least!

Plus you can get the full Holidays in Hollywood experience by pairing this with the Winter Wonderland I mentioned in number four!

Have any other favorite things to do in Los Angeles for Christmas in 2019 to add to this list? I’d love to hear from you in the comments below!

Search

Alyssa Ramos is one of the first original travel blogger/influencers who helped normalize solo female travel. She’s been to 146 countries so far, plus Antarctica 4x, and all of her tips are on this blog!

@mylifesatravelmovie
Alyssa Ramos | Most Traveled Women

@mylifesatravelmovie

One of the World’s Most Traveled Women 146 countries (solo, so far) • 7 Continents Expert • Activist • Entrepreneur GroupTrips: @mylifesatraveltribe
  • Ashgabat, Turkmenistan is still one of the most bizarre cities i have been to in the 155 countries I've traveled so far, and the fact that it is purposely "all white" including cars is fascinating to see (strange to try to understand why), but since everyone usually only talks about the colorless city, I decided to show you the even more bizarre colors at night -- neon rainbow!

I like to think and hope that the locals got sick of the all white decor rule and chose to show their colors at night, but considering that electricity is unlimited and free for the gov, I'm sure it's their doing...which would still be funny...

Anyway, more bizarre things -- as a tourist, you cannot just wander on your own, you have to be with a guide (maybe why there aren't too many night time Ashgabat posts, but I specifically requested to go out to eat at night in local hot spots)

Also, everyone loves to report or repeat that it's strange that there's "no people there". There are, but most of them live in regular areas outside of this main commercial capital area... also most people work during the day when tours are happening 

Sorry not sorry to burst any bubbles! But there's many more fascinating things here than click bait ones! Hopefully this still gets shown anyway 😂

What have you heard about Turkmenistan? Need fuel for my next debunking post!!
  • The top searched city for flights right now isssss BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan!

I was just there and my top tip is actually to leave Bishkek, and go immerse yourself in the nature and culture of the beautiful country!

Don't get me wrong, Bishkek was cool! I found great shopping there (both at a local mall and the traditional market), and the city is pretty, but the nature areas are just, WOW!

Don't miss Ala Archa National Park and also Issyk Kul lake area!! Full blog post coming soon!

So excited to return here next year! If you want to go here and to all 5 Stans with a really cool travel community, drop a comment or DM and I'll send you the notifications form!
  • For all the queens and princesses who aren't getting that royal treatment they deserve at home -- go to Samarkand, Uzbekistan where you can dress up and feel like it at one of the most beaitiful places in the world!

Always remember though, you are the main person who can treat yourself like royalty, and you always should!

What do you do for yourself to feel like the "royal treatment"? For me it's little things like ordering bubbles on the plane even tho I'm in economy. 😁

Comment "queen" and ill DM you my full travel itinerary and tips for Uzbekistan, including how to book this photoshoot!
  • Don’t forget to vote today, preferably for kind, cultured, people with good-morals. 😁

Trust me, I do not want politics in my posts, but once again it seems like politics are always interrupting my travels, and I had to talk about this one!

I know I get judged a lot for what I do and wear…but when it’s by a representative from the U.S. gov who is in a country where I’m wearing the local fashion of, and they laugh and make a snarky remark to another minion, that’s where I have to call someone out. 

Overheard at the train station in Samarkand, Uzbekistan by a couple of my group trip guests, was “Look at that b*tch in pink” by a member of Rubio’s delegation who were there doing security checks for his upcoming visit.

The group of horribly dressed older men and one woman then had the joke on them when they were given a tour of a bazaar…where the local fashion I was wearing was prominently on display everywhere. 🫠

Just goes to show that if these Gov officials can talk badly about a U.S. citizen abroad, just imagine what they think of you all back home! 

So this is my response as a very proud “b*tch in pink”, and this whole situation is a great example of WHY I always purposely wear hot pink on my travels 🤗💖

PS stop starving your own people Marcocito!!!
  • Which of these is your travel type, and is it accurate with where you’d like to celebrate Dia de los Muertos in Mexico?

Save this for future trip planning!

This is my 10th-ish year living on/off in Mexico, and I’ve been very fortunate to get to experience Dia de los Muertos in a few different cities! But no matter where you go, the most important thing is that you remember and celebrate those who have passed!!!

You can find all the events happening by searching social for “city name + Dia de los muertos events” 💀😁

Or you can just wander around the barrios or cemeteries! Not joking, the cemeteries are all open and decorated, just be sure to pay your respects and not just go for photos…

Speaking of which, all photos of me are real locations, just with a little enhancement and graphics 😬

Are you celebrating your passed loved ones today? Where??
  • Anyone else have a bunch of random currency from various countries all over the place? What do you do with it all??

I started using a cheap coupon organizer to keep track of it all, especially since I repeat many of the countries I go to, and it has been so much easier that just a bug wad of colorful bills!

If I know I likely won’t return to a country, I usually give the cash away though, or keep a small bill as a souvenir!

Never would have guessed my fanciest most valuable wallet would be the $5 one that stores priceless memories from 155 countries! (Well I don’t have cash from all of them, maybe just 50, but still!)

What’s your most valuable priceless possession?

Also if you’d like to use my shipping link, please comment “rich bc”!
  • Sneaky fabulous way to see Registan Square in Samarkand before it opens: book this photoshoot!

((Comment Samarkand to get sent my full Uzbekistan travel guide plus the contact info for this photoshoot!))

Various colors, jewelry, and masculine costumes available as well! Cost is around $47 for the outfit, photos, and a video!

Highlight is definitely "flying" around Registan Square, and you really have to run to get those videos!! 😂

Would you do this or nah?

-------

#uzbekistan #samarkand #flyingdress #mylifesatravelmovie
  • Questions literally no one has ever asked about making 'smores or likely at the Darvaza Gas Crater (AKA "Door to Hell") in Turkmenistan.

((Comment "crater" and ill send my full blog post about how to go here! I've been twice now,))

This is a massive crater that collapsed in the desert when people were drilling for natural resources decades ago. Someone thought it would be smart to light it on fire, and it has been burning non stop ever since...

Rumors are it will close down soon for the gov to sell the gas, so go see it while you can! Or join one of my group adventures there!
  • When life brings you to the Door to HɛIl, roast some marshmallows, throw a dance party with friends, strap your seat belt on tight, and HOLD ON for a wild ride out of there! ...both figuratively and literally.

This is the famous Darvaza Gas Crater in Turkmenkstan, Aka the "Door to Hɛll". I went here solo last year and then recently brought my Travel Tribe which was waayyyyyy more fun...perhaps too much fun!!

First of all, I've never seen people enjoy that minivan Mario Kart race through the barren desert before 😂 or thought anyone would be down for Turkmen beer roadies. 

Then the looks on all of their faces when we drove up to the gas crater at night made the journey not only worth it but priceless!

We then proceeded to have an aggressive game of UNO (a must on our adventures), too much Turkmen wine (that's similar to port) and a very uncomfortable sleepover in yurts with "Chanel" and "Versace" bedding. IYKYK.

Also, can't believe I found marshmallows there, or that one of the guides just lit a hole on fire to roast them, but the smell of gas was very unappetizing so they were not consumed (by me).

FYI everyone is still saying the Darvaza Crater will be extinguished soon so the gov can capture the gas to sell, so go see it while you can, if you're up for a truly wild adventure!!

More wild and weird stories from our 5 Stans Group Adventure coming soon! 🤪

Is this on your bucketlist??
Ashgabat, Turkmenistan is still one of the most bizarre cities i have been to in the 155 countries I've traveled so far, and the fact that it is purposely "all white" including cars is fascinating to see (strange to try to understand why), but since everyone usually only talks about the colorless city, I decided to show you the even more bizarre colors at night -- neon rainbow! I like to think and hope that the locals got sick of the all white decor rule and chose to show their colors at night, but considering that electricity is unlimited and free for the gov, I'm sure it's their doing...which would still be funny... Anyway, more bizarre things -- as a tourist, you cannot just wander on your own, you have to be with a guide (maybe why there aren't too many night time Ashgabat posts, but I specifically requested to go out to eat at night in local hot spots) Also, everyone loves to report or repeat that it's strange that there's "no people there". There are, but most of them live in regular areas outside of this main commercial capital area... also most people work during the day when tours are happening Sorry not sorry to burst any bubbles! But there's many more fascinating things here than click bait ones! Hopefully this still gets shown anyway 😂 What have you heard about Turkmenistan? Need fuel for my next debunking post!!
24 hours ago
281
View on Instagram |
1/9
The top searched city for flights right now isssss BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan! I was just there and my top tip is actually to leave Bishkek, and go immerse yourself in the nature and culture of the beautiful country! Don't get me wrong, Bishkek was cool! I found great shopping there (both at a local mall and the traditional market), and the city is pretty, but the nature areas are just, WOW! Don't miss Ala Archa National Park and also Issyk Kul lake area!! Full blog post coming soon! So excited to return here next year! If you want to go here and to all 5 Stans with a really cool travel community, drop a comment or DM and I'll send you the notifications form!
1 day ago
View on Instagram |
2/9
For all the queens and princesses who aren't getting that royal treatment they deserve at home -- go to Samarkand, Uzbekistan where you can dress up and feel like it at one of the most beaitiful places in the world! Always remember though, you are the main person who can treat yourself like royalty, and you always should! What do you do for yourself to feel like the "royal treatment"? For me it's little things like ordering bubbles on the plane even tho I'm in economy. 😁 Comment "queen" and ill DM you my full travel itinerary and tips for Uzbekistan, including how to book this photoshoot!
4 days ago
641
View on Instagram |
3/9
Don’t forget to vote today, preferably for kind, cultured, people with good-morals. 😁 Trust me, I do not want politics in my posts, but once again it seems like politics are always interrupting my travels, and I had to talk about this one! I know I get judged a lot for what I do and wear…but when it’s by a representative from the U.S. gov who is in a country where I’m wearing the local fashion of, and they laugh and make a snarky remark to another minion, that’s where I have to call someone out. Overheard at the train station in Samarkand, Uzbekistan by a couple of my group trip guests, was “Look at that b*tch in pink” by a member of Rubio’s delegation who were there doing security checks for his upcoming visit. The group of horribly dressed older men and one woman then had the joke on them when they were given a tour of a bazaar…where the local fashion I was wearing was prominently on display everywhere. 🫠 Just goes to show that if these Gov officials can talk badly about a U.S. citizen abroad, just imagine what they think of you all back home! So this is my response as a very proud “b*tch in pink”, and this whole situation is a great example of WHY I always purposely wear hot pink on my travels 🤗💖 PS stop starving your own people Marcocito!!!
7 days ago
1,178114
View on Instagram |
4/9
Which of these is your travel type, and is it accurate with where you’d like to celebrate Dia de los Muertos in Mexico?

Save this for future trip planning!

This is my 10th-ish year living on/off in Mexico, and I’ve been very fortunate to get to experience Dia de los Muertos in a few different cities! But no matter where you go, the most important thing is that you remember and celebrate those who have passed!!!

You can find all the events happening by searching social for “city name + Dia de los muertos events” 💀😁

Or you can just wander around the barrios or cemeteries! Not joking, the cemeteries are all open and decorated, just be sure to pay your respects and not just go for photos…

Speaking of which, all photos of me are real locations, just with a little enhancement and graphics 😬

Are you celebrating your passed loved ones today? Where??
Which of these is your travel type, and is it accurate with where you’d like to celebrate Dia de los Muertos in Mexico?

Save this for future trip planning!

This is my 10th-ish year living on/off in Mexico, and I’ve been very fortunate to get to experience Dia de los Muertos in a few different cities! But no matter where you go, the most important thing is that you remember and celebrate those who have passed!!!

You can find all the events happening by searching social for “city name + Dia de los muertos events” 💀😁

Or you can just wander around the barrios or cemeteries! Not joking, the cemeteries are all open and decorated, just be sure to pay your respects and not just go for photos…

Speaking of which, all photos of me are real locations, just with a little enhancement and graphics 😬

Are you celebrating your passed loved ones today? Where??
Which of these is your travel type, and is it accurate with where you’d like to celebrate Dia de los Muertos in Mexico?

Save this for future trip planning!

This is my 10th-ish year living on/off in Mexico, and I’ve been very fortunate to get to experience Dia de los Muertos in a few different cities! But no matter where you go, the most important thing is that you remember and celebrate those who have passed!!!

You can find all the events happening by searching social for “city name + Dia de los muertos events” 💀😁

Or you can just wander around the barrios or cemeteries! Not joking, the cemeteries are all open and decorated, just be sure to pay your respects and not just go for photos…

Speaking of which, all photos of me are real locations, just with a little enhancement and graphics 😬

Are you celebrating your passed loved ones today? Where??
Which of these is your travel type, and is it accurate with where you’d like to celebrate Dia de los Muertos in Mexico?

Save this for future trip planning!

This is my 10th-ish year living on/off in Mexico, and I’ve been very fortunate to get to experience Dia de los Muertos in a few different cities! But no matter where you go, the most important thing is that you remember and celebrate those who have passed!!!

You can find all the events happening by searching social for “city name + Dia de los muertos events” 💀😁

Or you can just wander around the barrios or cemeteries! Not joking, the cemeteries are all open and decorated, just be sure to pay your respects and not just go for photos…

Speaking of which, all photos of me are real locations, just with a little enhancement and graphics 😬

Are you celebrating your passed loved ones today? Where??
Which of these is your travel type, and is it accurate with where you’d like to celebrate Dia de los Muertos in Mexico?

Save this for future trip planning!

This is my 10th-ish year living on/off in Mexico, and I’ve been very fortunate to get to experience Dia de los Muertos in a few different cities! But no matter where you go, the most important thing is that you remember and celebrate those who have passed!!!

You can find all the events happening by searching social for “city name + Dia de los muertos events” 💀😁

Or you can just wander around the barrios or cemeteries! Not joking, the cemeteries are all open and decorated, just be sure to pay your respects and not just go for photos…

Speaking of which, all photos of me are real locations, just with a little enhancement and graphics 😬

Are you celebrating your passed loved ones today? Where??
Which of these is your travel type, and is it accurate with where you’d like to celebrate Dia de los Muertos in Mexico?

Save this for future trip planning!

This is my 10th-ish year living on/off in Mexico, and I’ve been very fortunate to get to experience Dia de los Muertos in a few different cities! But no matter where you go, the most important thing is that you remember and celebrate those who have passed!!!

You can find all the events happening by searching social for “city name + Dia de los muertos events” 💀😁

Or you can just wander around the barrios or cemeteries! Not joking, the cemeteries are all open and decorated, just be sure to pay your respects and not just go for photos…

Speaking of which, all photos of me are real locations, just with a little enhancement and graphics 😬

Are you celebrating your passed loved ones today? Where??
Which of these is your travel type, and is it accurate with where you’d like to celebrate Dia de los Muertos in Mexico? Save this for future trip planning! This is my 10th-ish year living on/off in Mexico, and I’ve been very fortunate to get to experience Dia de los Muertos in a few different cities! But no matter where you go, the most important thing is that you remember and celebrate those who have passed!!! You can find all the events happening by searching social for “city name + Dia de los muertos events” 💀😁 Or you can just wander around the barrios or cemeteries! Not joking, the cemeteries are all open and decorated, just be sure to pay your respects and not just go for photos… Speaking of which, all photos of me are real locations, just with a little enhancement and graphics 😬 Are you celebrating your passed loved ones today? Where??
1 week ago
20310
View on Instagram |
5/9
Anyone else have a bunch of random currency from various countries all over the place? What do you do with it all?? I started using a cheap coupon organizer to keep track of it all, especially since I repeat many of the countries I go to, and it has been so much easier that just a bug wad of colorful bills! If I know I likely won’t return to a country, I usually give the cash away though, or keep a small bill as a souvenir! Never would have guessed my fanciest most valuable wallet would be the $5 one that stores priceless memories from 155 countries! (Well I don’t have cash from all of them, maybe just 50, but still!) What’s your most valuable priceless possession? Also if you’d like to use my shipping link, please comment “rich bc”!
1 week ago
14630
View on Instagram |
6/9
Sneaky fabulous way to see Registan Square in Samarkand before it opens: book this photoshoot! ((Comment Samarkand to get sent my full Uzbekistan travel guide plus the contact info for this photoshoot!)) Various colors, jewelry, and masculine costumes available as well! Cost is around $47 for the outfit, photos, and a video! Highlight is definitely "flying" around Registan Square, and you really have to run to get those videos!! 😂 Would you do this or nah? ------- #uzbekistan #samarkand #flyingdress #mylifesatravelmovie
2 weeks ago
43353
View on Instagram |
7/9
Questions literally no one has ever asked about making 'smores or likely at the Darvaza Gas Crater (AKA "Door to Hell") in Turkmenistan. ((Comment "crater" and ill send my full blog post about how to go here! I've been twice now,)) This is a massive crater that collapsed in the desert when people were drilling for natural resources decades ago. Someone thought it would be smart to light it on fire, and it has been burning non stop ever since... Rumors are it will close down soon for the gov to sell the gas, so go see it while you can! Or join one of my group adventures there!
2 weeks ago
9
View on Instagram |
8/9
When life brings you to the Door to HɛIl, roast some marshmallows, throw a dance party with friends, strap your seat belt on tight, and HOLD ON for a wild ride out of there! ...both figuratively and literally. This is the famous Darvaza Gas Crater in Turkmenkstan, Aka the "Door to Hɛll". I went here solo last year and then recently brought my Travel Tribe which was waayyyyyy more fun...perhaps too much fun!! First of all, I've never seen people enjoy that minivan Mario Kart race through the barren desert before 😂 or thought anyone would be down for Turkmen beer roadies. Then the looks on all of their faces when we drove up to the gas crater at night made the journey not only worth it but priceless! We then proceeded to have an aggressive game of UNO (a must on our adventures), too much Turkmen wine (that's similar to port) and a very uncomfortable sleepover in yurts with "Chanel" and "Versace" bedding. IYKYK. Also, can't believe I found marshmallows there, or that one of the guides just lit a hole on fire to roast them, but the smell of gas was very unappetizing so they were not consumed (by me). FYI everyone is still saying the Darvaza Crater will be extinguished soon so the gov can capture the gas to sell, so go see it while you can, if you're up for a truly wild adventure!! More wild and weird stories from our 5 Stans Group Adventure coming soon! 🤪 Is this on your bucketlist??
2 weeks ago
22424
View on Instagram |
9/9

Join My Group Trips

Available Group Trips

If you like 10 Things to do in Los Angeles for Christmas in 2019you might also be interested in...

Best Things to do in Seattle: First-Timers Guide

11 Christmas Markets in USA That Look Like Europe

Best Photo Spots in Yellowstone National Park

Epic Adventures at Jackson Hole in Summer 2022

Where to See Niagara Falls Spring Super Blooms in 2021

2 Day Fort Lauderdale Staycation Itinerary

Best Things to do in Palm Beach in 2024

New Orleans Holiday Guide for 2020

Key West Winter Vacation Guide in 2024

10 Best Things to do in French Polynesia for Adventurers