Los Angeles Christmas Events 2015
- Jennifer Capunitan
- Nov 23, 2015
- 4 min read
When I moved to Los Angeles five years ago I never thought I could truly feel the childlike magic of Christmas with palm trees, beaches and 70-degree weather, but I must admit that now I actually cherish the warm December afternoons and 60-degree hot chocolate nights that don't need a snow shovel or salt for the driveway.
I have made so many wonderful memories in Los Angeles and some of the best were at Christmas time with my husband, son and our friends. So, here's just a short list of some of our favorite Christmas events that take place in LA every year!
Not only is the new home of the Hollywood news show EXTRA and the boardwalk coupled with Universal Studios theme park, but Universal City Walk has become a local favorite for upbeat, rock-n-roll Christmas shows!
On the day after Thanksgiving, the CityWalk turns into a sprawling winter wonderland that stays through the holiday season in December. The CityWalk Tree Lighting offers a festive show full of holiday music, dazzling lights, and a towering Christmas tree. The annual CityWalk Tree Lighting ceremony takes place at the 5 Towers stage at Universal’s bustling CityWalk.
With four nightly shows on the hour, the CityWalk Tree Lighting features a towering tree illuminated with about 10,000 bright lights. After soaking up the holiday cheer at the lighting ceremony, the crowd disperses throughout the elaborately decorated CityWalk for shopping, snowfall every half hour, and pictures with the Rock 'n’ Roll Santa at the Fountain Court.
The CityWalk Tree Lighting is free and all ages are welcome to take part in this family-friendly holiday celebration. Parking at the CityWalk after 3PM costs about $10 per car. After enjoying the CityWalk Tree Lighting ceremony, keep celebrating the season at the shops and restaurants at the CityWalk.
WHEN: Thanksgiving - New Year's, Every day after 3pm
WHERE: 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA 91608
COST: FREE Admission; $10 Parking
After having our son, the Americana at Brand located in the heart of Glendale became one of our favorite hang-outs. My son also got to experience his first "snow" at the Americana last year when the fake snow came down during their Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration! It was quite magical with loud speakers playing Bing Crosby's "I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas", children laughing with glee at all the millions of lights and snow falling everywhere from the tops of the buildings. (This probably sounds silly to northerners, but this is as close as we get to a "white Christmas" in Southern California! Ha! Ha!)
Here's a whole list of events coming in December to the Americana at Brand! You will NOT be disappointed! EVENTS CALENDAR
WHEN: Thanksgiving - New Year's
WHERE: 889 Americana Way suite 330, Glendale, CA 91210
COST: FREE
WEBSITE: http://www.americanaatbrand.com/
Growing up in Northeast Ohio, one of my favorite Christmas traditions with my family was to attend a holiday concert or production and 'The Nutcracker' was one of my all-time favorites. Even now as an adult I still get chills when I hear 'The Dance of the Sugar Plum Ferries' or any of the angelic music from 'The Nutcracker'. So, I decided to include information on our top Christmas list about the matinees that are kid-friendly and a memorable experience for the whole family!
WHEN: Dec. 5 - 27
WHERE: Alex Theatre,
COST: Range $35.50 - $103.50 depending on your seating preferance.
Make your way up to Eucalyptus Grove between November 27 through January 3 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. to see the girls—Jingle, Belle, Noel, and Velvet—who are heading back to the L.A. Zoo for some fun in the cool California sun!
This year, Reindeer Village will be decked out like a winter wonderland to help our real reindeer guests feel right at home for the holidays.
Kids can have a blast with Christmas crafts at the Zoo craft tables, photos taken in the Reindeer Sleigh, and listening to Christmas Carolers singing the magical tunes of the season!
WHEN: Daily through Jan 3
WHERE: Griffith Park, Los Angeles Zoo, 5333 Zoo Dr., Los Angeles
COST: $11-$13
WEBSITE: www.lazoo.org/reindeerromp
The biggest outdoor ice skating rink in Southern California, Woodland Hills Ice, is now open for the season! The rink features over 7,000 square feet of 100% real ice and has daily public skating, learn to skate classes, and you can even host your holiday party (birthday or otherwise) here.
Woodland Hills Ice 2015/2016 season prices are: $13 for child admission including rental, $15 for adult admission including rental and $20 for an all-day pass including rental. Kids 3 and under are free with a paid adult. A 12-session punch card will also be available for kids and adults, which includes skate rental.
WHEN: Now - Jan.24, 2016
WHERE: Westfield Promenade, 6100 Topanga Canyon Blvd., Woodland Hills, CA
COST: $13 - $20
WEBSITE: http://woodlandhillsice.com/ice/
Comments