Unwrap the Magic: Best Ways to Celebrate Christmas in LA

Here’s how to make Christmas sparkle in Los Angeles—no snow required!

Published: June 8, 2026
Christmas Lights on Rodeo Drive

So, you want to make your LA Christmas truly unforgettable? Whether you love twinkling lights, festive shows, or a beachside Santa sighting, Los Angeles is bursting with holiday cheer. We’re talking world-class attractions, decked-out neighborhoods, and more hot cocoa stands than you can shake a peppermint stick at. Ready to design your perfect Yuletide itinerary? Let's dive into LA’s most memorable Christmas experiences—there’s magic on every corner. 

Our favorite ways to spend Christmas in Los Angeles include: 

  • Universal Studios Hollywood 
  • Griffith Observatory Tour 
  • Big Bus Celebrity Homes & Lifestyle Tour 
  • Aquarium of the Pacific 
  • Getty Center Guided Tour 
  • Grand Central Market Holiday Eats 
  • Rodeo Drive and Beverly Hills Lights 
  • The Grove’s Christmas Extravaganza 

Universal Studios Hollywood: Christmas Spectacular for All 

From mid-November through early January, Universal Studios Hollywood transforms into a festive paradise. The park's “Grinchmas” celebration brings whimsical charm, but that's just the beginning. Giant sparkling trees, snow falling on cue, and costumed characters make every corner feel magical. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter glows with extra charm, especially during “The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle,” a nighttime show where dazzling projections light up the castle and carolers fill the air with music. It's a holiday party, LA style—sunshine by day, snow machines by night! 

Strolling through the park with a warm Butterbeer in hand and a view of the glittering lights, you'll quickly forget there’s not a snowflake in sight. We think this is the perfect family-friendly Christmas adventure—there’s enough magic for kids and teens, but plenty of laughs and nostalgia for grown-ups, too. Take a selfie with the Grinch, catch a holiday parade, and cap off the night with fireworks if you time it right. Who says LA doesn’t know how to do Christmas? 

Griffith Observatory Tour: Christmas with the Best Views 

There's something special about seeing LA draped in holiday lights from up high. That's why we always recommend a visit to Griffith Observatory during December. By day, enjoy the Observatory’s fascinating exhibits and telescopes; by night, the city below transforms into a twinkling wonderland. On select evenings, the lawn fills with music and hot chocolate stands while the iconic art deco dome glows under the stars. 

Besides the unbeatable views, the hilltop setting brings that crisp, fresh December air (yes, it does get chilly in LA after sunset!). Griffith Park nearby often hosts festive events, which makes it easy to combine astronomy with a dash of Christmas spirit. Share a thermos of spiced cider, admire the city-wide glow, and take classic photos of the LA skyline—sparkling brighter than ever for the holidays. 

Big Bus Celebrity Homes & Lifestyle Tour: A Glamorous Festive Spin

Big Bus Tour

Want to see how LA’s most famous residents celebrate Christmas? The Big Bus Celebrity Homes & Lifestyle Tour is a great pick if you want to soak up some sun and spot over-the-top holiday décor in Beverly Hills and Hollywood. Learn which stars transform their mansions into winter wonderlands and see top neighborhoods lit up with dazzling displays. Guides sprinkle holiday trivia alongside celeb stories for seriously entertaining vibes. 

We love how festive music and sweeping city views put everyone in a jolly mood. Bring a Santa hat and you’ll get waves from passing locals—and maybe spot a front-yard reindeer or two. After dark, the neighborhood lights create pure holiday magic. For those who crave a break from traditional walking tours, this is fast, fun, and a total crowd-pleaser. 

Aquarium of the Pacific: Under-the-Sea Christmas 

At the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, even the fish get festive. They deck the halls (and tanks) with creative decorations, hosting special events like “Aquarium Holidays” throughout December. Pose for selfies with Santa (he scuba dives, naturally), catch the “Holiday Treats for the Animals” feedings, and take part in themed crafts or story times. Kids love the frosty faux-snow zones and the twinkling lights reflected across the water. 

The sea life becomes part of the Christmas celebration—where else will you find a penguin parade or a sea-otter stocking stuffer? It’s a unique twist on the usual holiday experience and combines learning with heaps of fun. After you’ve explored, stroll over to Shoreline Village for more eats and drinks, or catch the holiday boat parade if you're lucky with the timing. It’s festive, educational and memorable—a true LA original. 

Getty Center Guided Tour: Artistic Inspiration with a Holiday Touch 

For a dash of culture with your Christmas, head straight to the Getty Center. From late November, the Center decks its gardens and courtyards with subtle lights and seasonal displays—think minimalist trees, artful wreaths, and twinkling terraces with endless city views. The guided tours here offer a fabulous way to get the inside scoop on seasonal artwork and special exhibits. 

While the art inside is always impressive, we especially love the outdoor spaces at sunset. Bundle up and stroll through the sculpture gardens aglow with fairy lights. Sip hot cocoa at the airy café as you take in panoramic city scenes. The blend of high art and festive cheer makes it easy to slow down and savor the season, LA style. Check for pop-up performances or free family art workshops, too—they often have a holiday twist. 

Grand Central Market: Seasonal Eats and Festive Flavors

Grand Central Market

Nothing says Christmas quite like the smell of gingerbread and cinnamon wafting through one of LA’s most beloved food markets. At Grand Central Market, local vendors roll out cozy winter flavors—try Eggslut’s maple-laced breakfast sandwich or Madcapra’s festive falafel wrap. As you eat, holiday tunes play and string lights make every meal feel like a celebration. 

This is the place to discover locally roasted holiday coffee, quirky LA-made candies, or even a Christmas tamale that’ll have you coming back next year. It’s a buzzy, communal, and unfussy spot—a great way to taste LA’s diversity under one friendly roof. Stock up for a holiday picnic, or just enjoy the lively vibe. 

Rodeo Drive and Beverly Hills: Christmas Shopping with a Sparkle 

For pure holiday razzle-dazzle, Beverly Hills is tough to beat. Every window glows with creative displays; every palm tree sparkles with fairy lights. Browse for gifts at luxury boutiques, then hit the sidewalk to catch impressive public art installations and massive Christmas trees. Many shoppers head here for the photo ops alone—giant nutcrackers, glittering archways, and celebrity-worthy decorations at every turn. 

Between bagging gifts and sipping peppermint lattes, you might spot a stroll-by caroling group or impromptu holiday street performance. The area feels lively, sophisticated, and just perfectly over the top. If you’re on a budget, just window shopping and soaking up the festive atmosphere can be a holiday treat in itself. 

The Grove’s Christmas Extravaganza

Every December, The Grove transforms into an open-air holiday playground. The centerpiece? A towering Christmas tree decked out in thousands of sparkling lights, plus a Santa house where the big guy himself greets kids (and grown-up fans). Snow falls each night on the hour, blanketing the palm trees with perfect Instagrammable moments. 

Holiday concerts, pop-up markets, and themed treats add to the vibe. Pull up a chair at Dominique Ansel Bakery (don’t miss the hot chocolate and signature cronut), then shop, stroll, and enjoy the cheery crowds. The trolley rides get a festive twist, and you can finish your night with a seasonal film at the nearby theater. The Grove is always lively, but at Christmas, it’s pure holiday spirit—California style. 

 

Whether you want candy-cane views of the city, a Hollywood-style holiday, or sandy toes at a Christmas market, Los Angeles delivers endless ways to make festive memories. From famous studios to oceanside lights, seasonal eats to star-studded shopping, this city wraps all the best holiday spirit into a sunny SoCal package. All that’s left to do? Start your LA Christmas adventure—cheer, sparkle, and all! 

Enjoyed this? Check out Things to Do Near the Aquarium of the Pacific or Things to Do with Family in Los Angeles 

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Riders at the top of the drop on the HangTime rollercoaster at Knott's Berry Farm, LA.
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Knott's Berry Farm Vs Disneyland Comparison LA

You’re never far from a thrill ride in California, where adrenalin junkies, rollercoaster riders and log flume aficionados are spoiled for choice thanks to the abundance of great theme parks. Knott’s Berry Farm and Disneyland are two of the oldest in the state. Indeed, Knott’s dates all the way back to the 1920s when a solitary stand hawking berry pies, jams and preserves planted the seed for the multi-million-dollar amusement park that stands on the exact same spot today. We took a deep dive into these two magical worlds in our comparison of Knott’s Berry Farm and Disneyland in LA. Knott's Berry Farm Vs Disneyland: A Short History California's Disneyland needs no introduction. The original and (many would say) still the best, it’s the only Disney park to have been designed and constructed under the watchful eye of Walt himself. Since opening in 1955, this Anaheim stalwart has been the dream ticket for wide-eyed kids around the world, so it’s little wonder that even after all these years it remains one of the planet’s most-visited theme parks, regularly topping 18m visitors in the pre-Covid era and outgunned only by its younger Disney sibling, Florida’s Magic Kingdom, in the world rankings. The souped-up 21st Century Disneyland contains no less than nine themed zones across 100+ acres, with over 50 attractions to explore, and a whole host of characters to meet: Mickey, Minnie, Goofy and Donald, to name just a few. The charming old Disney Railroad ferries enchanted visitors around the park, covering around 1.2 miles and saving you a small fortune in shoe leather. Quirky fact: Walt Disney secretly kept a private apartment inside Disneyworld, and it’s still there today. Look out for a light in the window above the fire department on main street to see if the maestro’s spirit is in residence. Knott’s Berry Farm operates on a slightly smaller scale, but still packs a punch with nearly 50 rides across its 57 acres. And, oh boy, that boysenberry pie. From its humble beginnings as a roadside berry stand a century ago, Knott’s has expanded organically over the years, adding Mrs. Knott's Chicken Dinner Restaurant as well as several shops and other attractions by the 1940s, including a ghost town, which is still there (though somewhat modernized) today. By the 70s, Knott’s Berry Farm boasted a log ride, bumper cars and a steeplechase rollercoaster. And the rest, as they say, is history. Today, it’s a fully fledged theme park, chock full of thrill rides and other fun attractions. And yes, you can still tuck into a classic fried chicken dinner or sweet, sweet slice of boysenberry pie – though perhaps not immediately prior to boarding the frankly terrifying HangTime rollercoaster. Quirky fact: when the Knott family sought to sell the park in the late 1990s, they ruled Disney out as a potential buyer because of concerns the park would become unrecognizable from their parents’ original vision. Knott's Berry Farm Vs Disneyland Comparison: Thrill Rides The cash injection that followed the sale of Knott’s Berry Farm to Cedar Fair in 1997 saw a rapid increase in the number of thrill rides in the park. And, nearly three decades later, there are stacks of great options for the adrenalin fiends among you. Chief among these is the Xcelerator (pictured above), the name of which alone will have most shrinking violets running for the bumper cars and spinning teacups. If you’ve ever wondered what it feels like to be catapulted 20 stories high, reaching speeds up up to 82mph in a little over two seconds, now’s your chance. Definitely not for the faint of heart, it’s joined by the likes of the HangTime coaster with its stomach-churning 96-degree drop, and the epic GhostRider: the tallest and longest wooden rollercoaster in the West. Disneyland’s slightly more child-friendly focus means fewer adrenalin-fueled rides, but there are still a good few here that will get your pulse racing. Case in point: golden oldie Space Mountain has really stood the test of time. Debuted way back in 1977, this pimped-up sci-fi coaster tears through dark tunnels with flashing lights and a booming soundtrack that will make your hair stand on end. The Indiana Jones Adventure is another hair-raising dark ride that allows you to step into the shoes of the famous hat-wearing octogenarian archaeologist before hurtling through terrifying tunnels at a velocity no OAP should ever have to endure. Knott's Berry Farm Vs Disneyland Comparison: Water Rides If you don’t come away from your theme park adventure with a drenched shirt and the souvenir photo to prove it, can you really say you’ve been to a theme park? Calico River Rapids forms part of the Ghost Town zone at Knott’s Berry Farm and sees riders spin and splash down the river in family-friendly six-seater dinghies. The Timber Mountain Log Ride is an altogether wetter affair, and the park’s most popular attraction. Ride through a 330-foot long mountain before enjoying (or should that be enduring?) a 42-foot free fall and early bath. Knott’s also has a separately ticketed water park (Knott’s Soak City) that’s open between May and September. Disneyland has a number of sedate boat rides, including the Jungle Cruise and cute Storybook Land Canal Boats, but it’s Splash Mountain you came for, right? Don’t be fooled by the relatively gentle start, with its kid-friendly Br’er Rabbit, Br’er Fox and Br’er Bear storyline: there’s an inevitable drop towards the end that comes with a near-cast-iron guarantee of a soaking. Exit to the sounds of animatronic characters gleefully singing ‘Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah’ at you as you wring out your shirt. Knott's Berry Farm Vs Disneyland Comparison: Family Rides Both of these titans of the theme park world are ostensibly geared towards kids, though Disneyland definitely has the upper hand here, both in terms of pester-power, instantly recognizable characters and child-friendly attractions. In fact, the vast majority of rides and attractions here have no height restrictions, and many are even suitable for babies and toddlers. You’ll find these in every single zone, but particularly Fantasyland, which you’ll recognize straight away from the iconic Sleeping Beauty Castle at its entrance. Inside, expect more nostalgic adventures based around your childhood favorites, including a cute flying Dumbo carousel, the Mad Hatter’s spinning teacups, and a meet and greet with Tinker Bell and her fairy friends in Pixie Hollow. Camp Snoopy is Knott’s Berry Farm’s main children’s zone, with kid-friendly coasters, miniature trains and carousels, primarily designed for children 36” and over. There’s also a chance to meet Snoopy and the rest of the Peanuts gang. Some other attractions around the park, including the Calico Mine Ride, the Merry-Go-Round and Knott’s Bear-y Tales have no height restrictions and are great for families. Fast facts: Knott’s Berry Farm Tickets An All-Inclusive attraction pass from Go City includes general admission and saves you money when visiting multiple attractions in LA. Buy a 1, 2, 3 or 5-day pass to access as many attractions as you like in that time period, including the Warner Bros. Studio Tour, LA Zoo and Natural History Museum. You can also book tickets direct via the Knott’s Berry Farm website. Opening Hours The park generally opens daily at 10AM. Closing times vary by season. Check the calendar on the Knott’s Berry Farm website for the most up-to-date information. Getting There Knott’s Berry Farm is at 8039 Beach Blvd, Buena Park, CA 9062. There’s paid parking on site, or you can take a train to nearby Buena Park Metrolink station. More info on transport options here. Fast facts: Disneyland Tickets Browse ticket options and book direct on the Disneyland website. Opening Hours Hours vary throughout the year but Disneyland usually opens between 8AM and 10AM and closes between 10PM and midnight. View the calendar here. Getting There Disneyland is at 1400 South DuSable Lake Shore Drive. Get info on Disney-themed paid parking here. The park is also served by the Metro Express Line 460 bus from downtown LA and elsewhere, and there’s a Greyhound station about half a mile from the park, which connects to thousands of bus stations across the US. Save on attractions in Los Angeles Save on admission to Chicago attractions with Go City. Check out @GoCity on Instagram for the latest top tips and attraction info.
Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak
Los Angeles Santa Monica
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15+ Things to Do in Los Angeles with Teenagers During Your Trip

Family vacations are wonderful, but finding attractions that everyone will love can be a challenge. Especially when you’ve got teens in the mix! How do you find something that keeps them entertained and sees them spending time with the whole family? Fortunately, we’re here to help you out. If you’re looking for things to do in Los Angeles with teenagers, check out this list of our favorite teen-friendly activities, including... Universal Studios Hollywood Knott's Berry Farm Six Flags Magic Mountain Madame Tussauds Hollywood Long Beach Whale Watch K1 Speed Indoor Go Karting Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood Aquarium of the Pacific L.A. Zoo and more... Immerse yourself in the world of Universal Studios Hollywood  The whole family can agree that Universal Studios Hollywood is a must-visit destination in Los Angeles. They’ve got attractions to appeal to the whole family, such as thrilling rides like TRANSFORMERSTM: The Ride-3D, and many more. There are plenty of other franchise-based attractions, too, like Despicable Me Minion Mayhem and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. You're bound to find something your teens love! Another central feature of the Universal experience is their famed Studio Tour, which escorts guests behind the scenes of one of the world’s most prolific movie studios. Please note: Admission is only available on the Los Angeles All-Inclusive Pass and can only be used on a single day during the duration of the pass. Meet celebrities at Madame Tussauds Hollywood If all your teen does is gush over celebrities, visiting Madame Tussauds Hollywood will be a real treat. Get a few awesome photos with your favorite stars and craft that perfect Instagram snap for your friends at home. You'll find famous figures organized throughout multiple exciting exhibits, including themes like movie characters, pop stars, and sports icons. Who wouldn't love the chance to meet some of the most famous people in the last few years? After all, a wax replica of Beyoncé is probably the closest most of us will come to meeting the real deal! The Kylie Jenner figure is a must-see for fans of the Kardashian clan. Sculpted to represent the reality star in her custom-made Balmain gown from the 2016 Met Gala, this figure is so realistic it actually fooled her fans. Indulge your love of Hollywood It’s hard to avoid celebrity culture when you’re visiting L.A., so why not embrace it? There are plenty of amazing attractions that will keep your teen enthralled as you explore the world of Hollywood stardom, from a fascinating visit to the Hollywood Museum to a comprehensive movie star homes tour. Or, you could opt for a fun Hollywood Behind-the-Scenes walking tour that highlights many of the Hollywood hotspots and historic sites, from the Walk of Fame and the TCL Chinese Theatre to the Hollywood sign. Enjoy L.A.'s other amazing theme parks If Universal Studios Hollywood isn’t enough to quench your theme park thirst, then bring the kids to one of the many other amazing theme parks in the Los Angeles area. From the charming, old-school style of Pacific Park to the always exciting Knott’s Berry Farm (which also has a sister water park!), there are so many choices. Another local favorite is the fantastic Six Flags Magic Mountain, featuring a wide variety of thrill rides and other entertainment. Getting in: Knott's Berry Farm is included on the Go City® All-Inclusive Pass. Get out on the water California's coast is teeming with stunning marine life, so don't waste the opportunity to get the teens outdoors and onto a boat trip to spot these beautiful creatures! Join a Whale Watch tour to get up close to orca whales, humpback whales, fin whales, minke whales, and sperm whales. They can be seen year-round engaging in lunge feeding, breaching, fluking, and more. You might even spot bottlenose and Pacific white-sided dolphins and California sea lions, harbor seals if you're lucky! Get wild on indoor karts Let the kids race each other for the title of best go-kart driver at an exhilarating indoor kart racing facility operated by K1 Speed Indoor Go Karting. Get a feel for some of the newest and best kart technology out there as you all enjoy riding laps with K-1 Speed’s new European electric karts. State-of-the-art scoring technology will make you feel like you’re in a real kart race, too! And don't worry, parents, even if they don't have their driver's license yet, it's totally safe for them to operate these karts. Kind of like practice for the real thing! Explore famous movie studios If your teens loved the Universal Studios Hollywood experience and are looking for more movie action, you're in luck. Hollywood is chock full of famous studios with movie lots to tour, including the iconic Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood and the family-favorite Sony Pictures Studio Tour. Warner Bros. is an especially fun experience because you'll be essentially walking through a working studio, which is something cinematically inclined teens will love. Encounter aquatic animals Animal-loving teens will find much to enjoy about Los Angeles. Aquatic creatures abound at the delightfully interactive Santa Monica Pier Aquarium (which is located in a fun neighborhood to explore). For those who want to focus exclusively on the vast array of sea life found in the Pacific Ocean, the Aquarium of the Pacific is a sure bet. If your teen prefers the fuzzy over the scaly, then a visit to the L.A. Zoo in Griffith Park is a great option. Featuring over 1,000 different creatures from around the globe, in addition to more than 7,000 different plants in the Botanical Garden, this is an unbeatable attraction in Los Angeles. Battleship Iowa museum Can't choose? No need, see it all with Go City® There you have it. Our list of some of the top things to do in Los Angeles with teenagers during your upcoming trip. Consider adding a few of these teen-friendly options to your vacation itinerary. Enjoy! With an All-Inclusive Pass from Go City, you can visit both attractions for a fraction of the cost. Plus, you could save up to 50% on all your Los Angeles must-sees. Or pick an Explorer Pass, if you've chosen your fave and have a specific bucket list you're dreaming of ticking off. Whichever Los Angeles attraction pass you pick, it'll help you make the most of your trip! ☀️ Compare Los Angeles passes ☀️ – 🌏 Explore other destinations 🌏 – ✈️ Buy a pass ✈️  
Katie Sagal
Girl at a Winter Market in the Snow
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LA’s Best Winter Markets for Food, Gifts and Festive Fun

From mulled cider to handmade gifts, these Los Angeles winter markets make shopping feel like part of the adventure!

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