Events Guide to LA

10 Cheery Things To Do in LA This December

Time flies when you’re having fun! 2019 is coming to an end. Did you accomplish the resolutions you made way back in 2018? Hopefully you did or are still working on them, but now it’s time to start thinking of new goals for the new year! No reason to stay cooped up inside while you think though, because LA is turning into holiday land. Outdoor ice skating rinks, outdoor holiday movies, boat parades, and twinkly lights as far as the eye can see. This is your chance to end 2019 on a fun and happy note! Here are 10 cheery things to do in LA this December:

Moonlight Forest

December 1st – January 12th 

Exotic animals, flowers that shimmer and glisten, plus dragons and pandas? These are just a few of the things you’ll see built with lights. Moonlight Forest is a mile long walk through the LA County Arboretum and Botanic Garden where you are transported to this sparkly light forest. Just remember it is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays!

Hollywood Christmas Parade

December 1st

The Hollywood Christmas Parade is a free event that festures giant balloons, floats, bands, horses, and more! Just imagine a smaller version of the Macy’s Day parade but here in SoCal. You might even spot a few celebrities too! The parade starts at 6:00pm and the route goes east on Hollywood Boulevard, south on Vine Street, and west on Sunset Boulevard.

Winter Holiday Festival

December 7th

Winter Holiday Festival is put on by The LA Department of Recreation and Parks and features 60 tons of snow for sledding, an ice skating rink, a ferris wheel and a merry-go-round. Plus there are food vendors, a DJ, craft making and the classic photo with Santa at Pershing Square.

Indio International Tamale Festival

December 7th – 8th

Although the Indio International Tamale Festival is a bit further from the LA center, the delicious tamales will not disappoint. There are 200 vendors, five different entertainment stages, beer and wine gardens and the best part, a tamale eating contest! It is free to attend and you won’t want to miss out on trying a few different tamales.

CicLAvia

December 8th

CicLAvia is heading to the valley! Taking over Reseda, Winnetka, and Canoga Park during this round, the streets will be blocked off for cars with the exception of a few intersections. Participants will be able to walk, run, bike, or roller skate from 9:00am to 3:00pm without having to worry about as many cars!

Marina Del Rey Holiday Boat Parade

December 14th

The Marina Del Rey Holiday Boat Parade has amazingly decorated and spirited boats that circle the main channel from 6:00pm to 8:00pm. It is free to watch and if you head out there earlier, you can even take the kiddos to Snow Wonder, which is open right before from noon to 6:00pm!

Yuletide Cinemaland

December 14th – 29th

Bring a blanket so you can fully enjoy the experience of Yuletide Cinemaland over at Heritage Square. Arrive earlier before the movie for Christmas carolers, food, drinks and of course movies all part of Street Food Cinema’s holiday theme.

Hanukkah Festival

December 15th

Head over to Skirball Cultural Center to celebrate the Jewish festival of light! The Hanukkah Festival will have fun music, sing alongs, story time, snacks, and crafts!

Holiday Sing Along

December 21st

Male your way downtown and over to the Walt Disney Concert Hall for the Holiday Sing Along! Not only do you get to enjoy cheery holiday music, but there is free hot chocolate, coffee and photos with Santa before the show!

Prohibition NYE Party

December 31st

Considering we are entering a new era of the ‘20s, why not go back to the “roaring ‘20s!” The Prohibition NYE party will be held in DTLA with all the glitz and glamor of the 1920s. Live jazz bands, theatrical burlesque shows, famous DJs, and of course, an open bar with champagne and more! You won’t want to miss the ball drop at Union Station either!

Need a little break from the hustle and bustle of the holidays? Check out The LA Girl’s Best Camping Spots Near LA.