Los Angeles December Events (2025): 31 Holiday Activities & Things to Do
- LA Today
- 2 hours ago
- 9 min read
December is flying by, and if you haven't locked in your holiday plans, now's the time! LA Today has hand-picked the 31 best festive experiences, from wild parties to cozy family outings.
1. KISS FM’s Jingle Ball
📅 When: Friday, Dec. 5th | 7:30 PM
📍 Where: 300 Stadium Dr, Inglewood, CA 90301
👤 Who: Tate McRae, SZA, Jack Harlow, and more top 40 heavyweights.
✨ The Vibe: The Super Bowl of pop music. High energy, screaming fans, and every hit song you heard on the radio this year packed into one night.
🎯 Perfect For: Music Lovers, Teens, Pop Culture Junkies
💰 Cost: $$ - $$$
🎟️ Get Tickets: Ticketmaster
2. Venice Sign Holiday Lighting
📅 When: Saturday, Dec. 6th | 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
📍 Where: Pacific Ave & Windward Ave, Venice, CA 90291
👤 Who: Venice Chamber of Commerce & Special Celebrity Guest
✨ The Vibe: The iconic "VENICE" sign turns red and green, blocked off streets, live music, and a very local crowd.
🎯 Perfect For: Locals, Families, Free Night Out
💰 Cost: Free
🎟️ Get Tickets: Venice Chamber
3. Dodgers World Series Trophies Photo Experience
📅 When: December (Check Schedule)
📍 Where: 1000 Vin Scully Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012
👤 Who: The 2024/2025 Hardware
✨ The Vibe: Walk the field and get a photo with the Commissioner’s Trophy. The city is still buzzing, and this is the ultimate fan flex.
🎯 Perfect For: Die-hard Fans, Instagram Flexing
💰 Cost: $$
🎟️ Get Tickets: MLB Tours
4. Long Beach International Tamales Festival
📅 When: Saturday, Dec. 6th | 12:00 PM - 7:00 PM
📍 Where: 1305 E Pacific Coast Hwy, Long Beach, CA 90806
👤 Who: SoCal’s best Tamaleros
✨ The Vibe: A delicious cultural immersion. It’s not just food; it’s tequila tastings, live mariachi, and trying to decide between the Oaxacan style or the sweet corn tamales.
🎯 Perfect For: Foodies, Day Drinking, Families
💰 Cost: $ - $$
🎟️ Get Tickets: LB Tamales Fest
5. LA Kings Holiday Ice
📅 When: Dec. thru Jan. 2026
📍 Where: 800 W Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90015
👤 Who: LA Kings
✨ The Vibe: Skating in the heart of the city surrounded by skyscrapers and LED screens. It’s busy, it’s festive, and it feels very "big city Christmas."
🎯 Perfect For: Date Night, Tourists
💰 Cost: $$
🎟️ Get Tickets: LA Live
6. San Fernando Coffee Co. (Grand Opening)
📅 When: Saturday, Dec. 6th
📍 Where: 708 W Palmdale Blvd, Palmdale, CA 93551
👤 Who: Local coffee roasters
✨ The Vibe: Fresh and caffeinated. Be the first to check out the new community hub in Palmdale. Expect grand opening energy, pastries, and really good beans.
🎯 Perfect For: Coffee Snobs, Locals Support Locals
💰 Cost: $
🎟️ Get Tickets: Official Site
7. Holiday Road
📅 When: Thru Dec. 28th
📍 Where: 26800 West Mulholland Hwy, Calabasas, CA 91302
👤 Who: The team behind Nights of the Jack
✨ The Vibe: A massive, polished walking trail. Think larger-than-life installations, thousands of lights, food trucks, and a holiday bar. It’s high production value.
🎯 Perfect For: Families, Groups of Friends
💰 Cost: $$$
🎟️ Get Tickets: Holiday Road
8. Santa Monica Pub Crawl
📅 When: Saturday, Dec. 13th
📍 Where: Main Street, Santa Monica, CA (Registration typically starts at a designated bar on Main St., check website for exact location)
👤 Who: Thousands of festive locals
✨ The Vibe: Rowdy charity fun. Put on a Santa suit or elf ears and hop between bars with discounted drinks. It raises money for the Westside Food Bank.
🎯 Perfect For: Party Animals, Singles
💰 Cost: $$
🎟️ Get Tickets: SM Pub Crawl
9. Pawliday Pet Market
📅 When: Saturday, Dec. 13th
📍 Where: 12005 Bluff Creek Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90094
👤 Who: Annenberg PetSpace
✨ The Vibe: Wholesome overload. Adoptable pets, photos with Santa for your dog, and local vendors selling pet treats.
🎯 Perfect For: Dog Owners, Families
💰 Cost: Free
🎟️ Get Tickets: Annenberg PetSpace
10. 8 Nights at Birdie G’s
📅 When: Sunday, Dec. 14th - Monday, Dec. 22nd (Hanukkah)
📍 Where: 2421 Michigan Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90404
👤 Who: Chef Jeremy Fox + Guest Chefs
✨ The Vibe: Culinary excellence. For the 8 nights of Hanukkah, different guest chefs create a "mash-up" menu. It’s loud, fun, and the food is incredible.
🎯 Perfect For: Foodies, celebratory dinners
💰 Cost: $$$$
🎟️ Get Tickets: Resy Blog
11. Winter Arts Festival
📅 When: Saturday, Dec. 6th - Sunday, Dec. 7th
📍 Where: San Fernando Blvd (between Magnolia Blvd & Orange Grove Ave), Downtown Burbank, CA 91502
👤 Who: Jackalope Arts
✨ The Vibe: Etsy in real life. Over 150 handmade makers taking over the streets of Burbank. Great for finding gifts that aren't from Amazon.
🎯 Perfect For: Holiday Shoppers, Strollers
💰 Cost: Free
🎟️ Get Tickets: Jackalope Art Fair
12. A Very Die Hard Christmas (Parody)
📅 When: December (Check Schedule)
📍 Where: 1106 N Lillian Way, Los Angeles, CA 90038 (The Stagecrafts sometimes uses various venues, check specific ticket link)
👤 Who: Theatre Unleashed
✨ The Vibe: Hilarious chaos. A musical parody of the best Christmas movie ever made. Expect action figures, bad wigs, and lots of "Yippee Ki Yay."
🎯 Perfect For: Comedy Fans, People who hate Hallmark movies
💰 Cost: $$
🎟️ Get Tickets: The Stagecrafts
13. Christmas Car Wash
📅 When: December (Check Schedule)
📍 Where: 4801 Woodruff Ave, Lakewood, CA 90713
👤 Who: Carwood Staff
✨ The Vibe: Viral sensation. Stay in your car while you get washed by elves, reindeer, and Santa while lights flash around you. It’s efficient entertainment for your December events calendar.
🎯 Perfect For: Kids, TikTok creation
💰 Cost: $$
🎟️ Get Tickets: Carwood
14. Frosty’s Christmas Bar
📅 When: December (Check Schedule)
📍 Where: 1626 N Cahuenga Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028
👤 Who: Frosty’s Pop-Up
✨ The Vibe: Maximum kitsch. Wall-to-wall decor, speciality cocktails in festive mugs, and loud holiday bangers. It is designed for Instagram stories.
🎯 Perfect For: Girls Night Out, Influencers, Clubbers
💰 Cost: $$
🎟️ Get Tickets: Frosty's
15. Christmas Tree Lane
📅 When: Sunday, Dec. 7th (Lighting Ceremony)
📍 Where: Between Woodbury Rd and Altadena Dr, Altadena, CA
👤 Who: Christmas Tree Lane Association
✨ The Vibe: Historic tradition. These massive Deodar Cedars have been lit up for over 100 years. Turn off your headlights and just cruise.
🎯 Perfect For: Low-stress outings, Seniors
💰 Cost: Free
🎟️ Get Tickets: N/A (Drive-through)
16. Hanukkah Festival
📅 When: Sunday, Dec. 14th
📍 Where: 2701 N Sepulveda Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90049
👤 Who: Skirball Arts Team
✨ The Vibe: Community warmth. Live music, storytelling, art-making, and delicious latkes. A great way to celebrate the Festival of Lights.
🎯 Perfect For: Families, Culture Seekers
💰 Cost: $$
🎟️ Get Tickets: Skirball
17. The Muppets Christmas Carol (Rooftop Movie)
📅 When: Sunday, Dec. 14th
📍 Where: Check website for specific venue (e.g., Downtown LA or El Segundo) at Rooftop Cinema Club
👤 Who: Kermit & Miss Piggy
✨ The Vibe: Nostalgic joy. Watch Michael Caine act alongside puppets under the stars. Headphones provided so the audio is crisp.
🎯 Perfect For: 90s Kids, cozy vibes
💰 Cost: $$
🎟️ Get Tickets: GoPassage
18. Holiday Cruise-In
📅 When: Saturday, Dec. 13th
📍 Where: 6060 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036
👤 Who: Donut Media + Petersen
✨ The Vibe: Gearhead holiday. It’s a car meet, a toy drive, and a fan meet-up for Donut Media fans all in one.
🎯 Perfect For: Car enthusiasts
💰 Cost: Free
🎟️ Get Tickets: Petersen Museum
19. A Victorian Holiday
📅 When: December (Check Schedule)
📍 Where: 301 N Baldwin Ave, Arcadia, CA 91007
👤 Who: The Queen Anne Cottage
✨ The Vibe: Bridgerton meets Christmas. Tour the historic cottage decorated in authentic period style. A rare peek inside a preserved landmark.
🎯 Perfect For: History Buffs, Architecture fans
💰 Cost: $
🎟️ Get Tickets: Arboretum
20. Maydan Market (New Food Hall)
📅 When: Holiday Hours (Check Schedule)
📍 Where: 5035 W Adams Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90016
👤 Who: Culinary Entrepreneurs
✨ The Vibe: Trendy discovery. Check out LA’s newest food destination featuring global flavors. Great for grabbing a bite before heading to a party.
🎯 Perfect For: Casual Dinner, Exploring new neighborhoods
💰 Cost: $$
🎟️ Get Tickets: Maydan Market
21. The Grinch Meal at McDonald's
📅 When: December (Seasonal Offer)
📍 Where: Your Local McDonald's
👤 Who: McDonald's & The Grinch
✨ The Vibe: Whimsical comfort. A fun, themed fast-food meal that taps into holiday nostalgia and provides a quick, easy bite.
🎯 Perfect For: Kids, Quick Eats, Last-minute Grinch fans
💰 Cost: $
🎟️ Get Tickets: N/A (Order at counter/drive-thru)
22. Get a REAL Christmas Tree (Home Depot)
📅 When: December (while supplies last)
📍 Where: Your Local Home Depot
👤 Who: Home Depot
✨ The Vibe: Rustic tradition. The smell of pine, the hunt for the perfect shape, and the beginning of your home's holiday transformation.
🎯 Perfect For: Families, Homeowners, DIY Decorators
💰 Cost: $$ - $$$
🎟️ Get Tickets: N/A (Just show up)
23. The Secret Diary of Mrs. Santa
📅 When: Wednesday, Dec. 17th
📍 Where: 6917 W Sunset Blvd, Hollywood, CA 90028
👤 Who: Melissa Errico & Billy Stritch
✨ The Vibe: Old school glamour. A Tony-nominated actress singing holiday tunes in a supper club setting. Classy, jazzy, and intimate.
🎯 Perfect For: Jazz fans, Fancy Date Night
💰 Cost: $$$
🎟️ Get Tickets: Catalina Jazz Club
24. Holiday Fest Pasadena
📅 When: Saturday, Dec. 6th
📍 Where: South Lake Ave (between Colorado Blvd & California Blvd), Pasadena, CA 91101
👤 Who: South Lake Business District
✨ The Vibe: Neighborhood block party. Free photos with Santa, horse and carriage rides, scavenger hunts, and live music while you shop.
🎯 Perfect For: Shoppers, Families with small kids
💰 Cost: Free
🎟️ Get Tickets: South Lake Ave
25. Yuletide Cinema
📅 When: December (Check Schedule)
📍 Where: Heritage Square Museum (3800 Homer St, Los Angeles, CA 90031) & Million Dollar Theatre (307 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90013) - Check site for specific venue
👤 Who: Street Food Cinema
✨ The Vibe: Immersive movies. They don't just show the movie; they have carolers, food trucks, and holiday photo ops in historic locations.
🎯 Perfect For: Movie Buffs who want "more"
💰 Cost: $$
🎟️ Get Tickets: Street Food Cinema
26. Holidays in the Village
📅 When: Sunday, Dec. 7th
📍 Where: Westwood Blvd & Broxton Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90024 (Westwood Village)
👤 Who: Westwood Village Improvement Association
✨ The Vibe: College town cozy. A menacing amount of artificial snow, a holiday market, and community performances near UCLA.
🎯 Perfect For: Westsiders, Students
💰 Cost: Free
🎟️ Get Tickets: Holidays in the Village
27. Grand Illuminations December Events
📅 When: Early Dec (Check website for 2025 dates)
📍 Where: 200 N Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012
👤 Who: Downtown Center Business Improvement District (DCBID)
✨ The Vibe: Vibrant and community-focused. The lighting of trees and projections across Grand Park often with music, kicking off the holiday season.
🎯 Perfect For: Families, Downtown Explorers, Free Fun
💰 Cost: Free
🎟️ Get Tickets: Downtown LA
28. LA Zoo Lights: Animals Aglow
📅 When: Dec. 2025 thru Jan. 2026
📍 Where: 5333 Zoo Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90027
👤 Who: LA Zoo
✨ The Vibe: Neon jungle. The lights are shaped like animals and the focus is on conservation and color. It’s vibrant and very stroller-friendly.
🎯 Perfect For: Kids, Walking off dinner
💰 Cost: $$
🎟️ Get Tickets: LA Zoo
29. Mr. Brainwash x Disney
📅 When: Sunday, Dec. 14th (Opening)
📍 Where: 465 N Camden Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90210
👤 Who: Mr. Brainwash x Disney
✨ The Vibe: Hypebeast culture meets The Mouse. A massive collaboration between the street artist and Disney. Expect bright colors, splatter paint, and very expensive art.
🎯 Perfect For: Art Collectors, Pop Culture fans
💰 Cost: $$
🎟️ Get Tickets: Mr. Brainwash
30. Marina Del Rey Holiday Boat Parade
📅 When: Saturday, Dec. 13th | 6:00 PM
📍 Where: Burton Chace Park (13650 Mindanao Way, Marina Del Rey, CA 90292) / Fisherman’s Village (13755 Fiji Way, Marina Del Rey, CA 90292)
👤 Who: Local Boaters
✨ The Vibe: Floating spectacular. This year's theme is "Nightmare Before Christmas." Watch yachts and boats decked out in LEDs circle the main channel. Fireworks usually kick it off!
🎯 Perfect For: Crowds, Visual Spectacle
💰 Cost: Free
🎟️ Get Tickets: MDR Boat Parade
31. 66th Annual L.A. County Holiday Celebration
📅 When: Wednesday, Dec. 24th | 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM
📍 Where: 135 N Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012
👤 Who: The Music Center
✨ The Vibe: The grand finale. Over 20 music ensembles, choirs, and dance companies performing for free. It’s broadcast live on PBS, but being there is magical.
🎯 Perfect For: Tradition Keepers, The Whole Family
💰 Cost: Free
🎟️ Get Tickets: Music Center
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