Let's face it -- Christmas break is looming before us, an entire month just waiting to be filled with hot chocolate, presents, family dinners, mistletoe, and fun activities.
These are just a few holiday events happening in LA (and LA County) this December. Grab a friend, a warm jacket, and go check these out!
1. L.A. Zoolights
Basically, the L.A. Zoo gets into the Christmas spirit with tons of lights and holiday music! Even though most of the animals are asleep, this event is a fun, Christmassy alternative to plain old 'going to the zoo.' You can see the reindeer and also take pictures with Santa! (This video about Zoolights makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside.)
Note: Lasts from Nov. 27 to Jan. 3.
Tickets: $13-16
2. Knott's Merry Farm
Peanuts gang on ice? Santa's Christmas Cabin? Count me in! Knott's celebrates the holidays with lavish decorations, a crafts fair, delicious food, and nightly snow! There's also a tree lighting and marching toy soldiers, just FYI.
Tickets: $33-35
3. Queen Mary's Chill
"Dickens' famous book, A Christmas Carol, comes to life with over two million pounds of ice at the Queen Mary Dome. It's all hand-carved from more than 2 million pounds of ice! Outside of The Ice Kingdom, you can go ice tubing on the glistening ice slides, wander through a traditional Victorian hedge maze, watch the art of candlemaking and enjoy festive entertainment."
Tickets: $20
4. Downtown on Ice
It's really just an ice rink in Pershing Square, but it's an ice rink surrounded by big-city buildings and LA icons. Take your friends out for a day in DTLA, and end it with a couple hours of ice skating!
Note: Lasts until Jan. 18.
Tickets: $13 (with skates), $9 (without skates)
5. LA Ballet's The Nutcracker
If you want a reason to dress up this holiday season and feel cultured/sophisticated, check out the LA Ballet's "The Nutcracker!" Currently showing at UCLA's Royce Hall and Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center, "The Nutcracker" is an incredibly beautiful ballet that's bound to get you in the holiday mood. 10/10 on the musical score, too. (Good job, Tchaikovsky.)
Tickets: $35-103 (depending on your seat)
6. Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade
"For the 107th year... over 100 decorated vessels parade around a 14-mile circuit in the Newport Harbor. You can see the parade for free during each of the five nights, but there are also reserved seats and dining packages available for purchase."
Note: Lasts until Dec. 20.
Tickets: Free!
7. Christmas Lights (of course)
Hastings Ranch, Pasadena
"This Pasadena area neighborhood will be a sure hit with your little elves. Starting the first weekend of December, each block has its own theme—from Santa’s Toy Shop to a snowy Winter Wonderland. This is a large neighborhood with a ton to see, so driving is recommended. Most drivers go slowly so you can enjoy it as if you’re walking."
Note: Check out these websites for other places that also get decked out for Christmas! (redtri, timeout and santaclaritaguide)
Tickets: FREE (not counting gas money?)
