Celebrating Christmas in Los Angeles will be the ultimate vacation destination for anyone because this place exudes a festive atmosphere. This location upholds various customs throughout the holiday season, including boat parades, the illumination of trees, holiday performances, and numerous events organized in theme parks. One can discover several unique and exclusive traditions and events that are only celebrated during the Christmas season in Los Angeles. These activities commence in November and continue until February, with some only lasting for two months in November and December.
There are numerous long-standing traditions being followed for centuries, and new customs are constantly being added to the list. Thus, here is a comprehensive guide on what to do in Los Angeles during Christmas.
Climate In LA During Christmas
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Weather in LA during Christmas may constitute one of the rainiest periods of the year. The average high temperature during this season will be around 20 degrees Celsius, while the average low will be 10 degrees Celsius. This is the perfect time to explore tourist attractions, as the final two weeks of the month are packed with tourists due to the holiday ambiance. Remember to bring a raincoat or an umbrella to stay dry.
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- Hollywood Christmas Parade – An Annual Parade
- Outdoor Ice Skating – A Time-Honored Tradition
- Disneyland Christmas Fantasy – Enchanting Experience For the Entire Family
- Christmas Tree Lighting – A Customary Tradition
- Knott’s Merry Farm – Holiday Performances, Unique Shopping, And More
- Sing Along – A Fun Custom
- San Gabriel Valley – For Food Enthusiasts
- L.A. Zoo Lights – A Christmas Wonderland
- Universal Studios Hollywood – Meet Your Favorite Classic Characters
- Six Flags Magic Fountain – Festive Decorations, Lights Show, And More
1. Hollywood Christmas Parade – An Annual Parade
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Christmas eve in Los Angeles is inseparable without this long-standing tradition. After the Thanksgiving custom, the Santa will accompany floats and will march with a band down the land of Hollywood Boulevard. This procession will commence at 6 pm precise and you will be finding many places from where you can observe this parade without paying any prices and you can also choose the grandstand seats which you will have to buy. One can select the bleacher seats which are situated between Highland Ave and Orange Drive. It is u shaped route which will commence from Hollywood Boulevard and Orange and it will then travel to the East.
What’s exceptional: The appearance of Santa Claus as per custom at the conclusion of parade
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2. Outdoor Ice Skating – An Old Tradition
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Outdoor Ice skating in Los Angeles is one of the most captivating places that every person should visit during Christmas. It has been built at the Downtown on the ice facility and the venue spreads across LA basin. It has a technology installed in it which prevents the ice from melting even during warm weather and hence it is one of the best places to visit. Ice skating during Christmas is an old tradition.
What’s exceptional: The technology installed there prevents ice from melting even in warm weather
3. Disneyland Christmas Fantasy – Enchanting Experience For Full Family
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Immerse yourself in the magic of Disney this holiday season. Disneyland Christmas Fantasy is a place which you can visit with your children or with your family for getting the enchanting experience. The park gets redecorated and there are dazzling lights that illuminate and it also has the nightly snowfall which is artificially produced to keep the holiday spirit alive. From the month of November, different Disney cartoons join this place and make it even merrier.
What’s exceptional: Decoration, dazzling lights and the whole vibe
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4. Illumination of the Christmas Tree – A Traditional Practice
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The practice of lighting up the tree and Los Angeles shopping are akin to a customary tradition during Christmas in Los Angeles. At shopping destinations, you will find various kinds of events that will captivate you and keep you entertained throughout the festive season with displays of traditional trees, menorah ceremonies, and much more. You will come across numerous indoor and outdoor shopping centers in the Valley that are splendidly adorned during this period.
What makes it unique: Delight in a multitude of events at the shopping destinations
5. Knott’s Merry Farm – Festive Shows, Distinctive Shopping And More
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This experience is much more affordable than Disneyland and certainly not disappointing. If you desire an exceptional Christmas celebration at a reasonable price, then this is the ideal place. All the rides are open 24 hours a day and you can relish holiday shows, exclusive shopping, festive cuisine, stunning decorations, and have a great time with your family or people of different age groups. This is undoubtedly one of the most entertaining things to engage in during December in Los Angeles that should not be missed.
What makes it unique: Make the most of your holiday without breaking the bank
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6. Sing Together – An Enjoyable Tradition
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Every individual adores Christmas carol and if you are someone who is interested in becoming a part of a massive public performance, then you can absolutely participate and join the crowd. Everyone will sing collectively multiple Christmas songs like Jingle Bells, Silver Bells, and O Christmas Tree. You will be provided with the lyrics sheet and a band will accompany you during the performance. It is one of the most captivating Christmas occasions in Los Angeles which you can experience as it is a part of the tradition with a modern twist.
What’s unique: Everyone will sing collectively the renowned Christmas songs
7. San Gabriel Valley – For Food Enthusiasts
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Festivals are incomplete without the delectable cuisine so if you are famished, you can visit San Gabriel Valley. Here, one can discover numerous open eateries which are prepared to provide you with delectable Chinese food. Dumplings, Beijing duck and seafood are the three options that you can start with and satiating your appetite with mouth-watering food will never be a problem if you are sitting in this place.
What’s unique: Enjoy scrumptious food at the numerous open eateries
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8. L.A. Zoo Lights – Christmas Wonderland
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Los Angeles Christmas celebration can be best experiences at LA Zoo lights with your children. It is a wonderland which is occupied by the animals. On the eve of Christmas, you will be able to encounter this glowing tradition. So, you can easily end your day by looking into all the lights and walking through this zoo and have a warm beverage in your hand.
What’s unique: Encounter the glowing tradition
9. Universal Studios Hollywood – Meet Your Favorite Classic Characters
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Universal Studios Hollywood is one of the other best places to celebrate Christmas in LA. On the eve of Christmas, Grinch and the Whos of Whoville delight both the young and old visitors. You can enjoy rides, meet your favorite characters, attend special events and performances throughout December month.
What’s unique: Dazzling show of light inside the castle of downtown area of Hogsmeade.
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10. Six Flags Magic Fountain – Festive Decor, Lights Show And More
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There are many parks which you can visit to be a part of the wonderful LA Christmas celebration. Six Flags Magic Fountain is one of them. The place goes all out with the festive decoration, lights show, and holiday fare. You can enjoy homemade fudge, hot cocoa, and special Christmassy cake.
What’s unique: Enjoy the festive vibe, homemade cakes
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Accommodations in Los Angeles During Christmas
With cozy storytelling sessions, stunning displays of lights, and breakfast with Santa, here is a compilation of three hotels that should be considered for a visit to Los Angeles during the holiday season. This is one of the highly recommended festive destinations where you can have an amazing time.
1. The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa
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It is a historic hotel situated in Riverside that attracts a large number of visitors due to its renowned annual events and dazzling festival of lights, among many other attractions. This place is adorned with approximately 4 million gracefully displayed lights. Santa Claus makes an appearance here, and it is well-known for possessing the largest man-made mistletoe, offering horse-drawn carriage rides, and much more.
Location: 3649 Mission Inn Ave., Riverside, 951-784-0300
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2. Beverly Wilshire, Beverly Hills
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If you happen to find yourself in Beverly Hills, then this is the ideal place to immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere. You won’t come across a hotel lobby decorated in winter Wonderland fashion quite like this one. Here, you can partake in Christmas Day events, savor ornament-like desserts, enjoy live music, and much more.
Location: 9500 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills, 310-275-5200
3. Ritz-Carlton, Marina Del Rey
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If you are considering staying in an elegant hotel, then this is the perfect place for you. You will have the opportunity to enjoy the stunning vistas of Marina and the hotel ensures that the patrons are experiencing all the festive atmosphere. You will also have a prime view of the renowned fireworks and boat parade from this location.
Location: 4375 Admiralty Way, Marina del Rey, 310-823-1700
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Christmas is all about the splendid embellishment Carol singing, Christmas feast, Christmas tree, Santa Claus and many more. So, even if you are in Los Angeles during this time with your family, then these are the activities to engage in Los Angeles on Christmas 2022. The Christmas climate in Los Angeles is distinct and winter will not completely arrive in the land of Los Angeles during this time but it will not impede the people from celebrating the holiday season with the same ardor. So whether it’s a celebration of Hanukkah, Christmas, New Year or the fusion of them, you have everything needed to celebrate Christmas in Los Angeles 2022. So, why wait? Plan a journey to LA right away!
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Commonly Asked Questions About Christmas In Los Angeles
Where is Christmas observed in Los Angeles?
Here are some of the lively spots in Los Angeles where you can spend your Christmas: 1. The Queen Mary 2. Disneyland 3. LA Zoo 4. Descanso Gardens 5. Long Beach 6. Griffith Park
How is the climate in Los Angeles in December?
Los Angeles in December is perfect for you if you dislike the cold, freezing temperatures. The maximum temperature is 20 degrees Celsius and the minimum temperature is 14 degrees Celsius. The winter in LA is mild and pleasant.
What can you do in LA on Christmas?
Have these fantastic experiences in Los Angeles on Christmas: 1. Witness the Hollywood Christmas Parade 2. Go Ice-skating 3. Enjoy watching Disneyland Christmas Fantasy 4. Join a Christmas Boat Parade 5. Watch the NutCracker Ballet
What can you do on Christmas Day in Hollywood?
You can engage in the following activities on Christmas Day in and near Hollywood: 1. Observe Hollywood Christmas Parade 2. Visit the Winter WOnderland at The Grove 3. Visit the Griffith Observatory 4. Explore the Museum of Illusions
Is December a good time to visit LA?
Yes, December is a favorable time to visit Los Angeles, California as the weather is splendid and it is a festive season throughout the country. Enjoy the Christmas and New Year celebrations in Los Angeles and have a memorable experience.
Where should I go for Christmas in California?
These are the destinations you should head to for Christmas holidays: 1. Queen Mary 2. Solvang 3. The Mission Inn 4. Newport Beach 5. Anaheim 6. Palm Springs
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