10 Things to do in Los Angeles for Christmas in 2019

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!