Christmas in Los Angeles: Events, activities, gift guide & movies
Your guide to Christmas in Los Angeles, including the best events and activities, a holiday gift guide, the best Christmas movies and fun ways to warm up.
Photograph: Courtesy Universal CityWalk
Ready to turn LA into a winter wonderland? Our guide to Christmas in Los Angeles is a good start. Find the best ways to warm up and get cozy. Go shopping with our holiday gift guide for unique gift ideas for everyone on your list. Get out and explore the fun activities and events—from caroling and ice skating to petting real reindeers—that'll keep you in the holiday spirit. This is going to be the best Christmas in Los Angeles ever.
Events and activities
Nightmare Before Christmas screening
- Price band: 2/4
Catch Jack and Zero trying to take over Christmas in 3D on the big screen for one day only in Santa Monica.
- American Cinematheque at the Aero Theatre 1328 Montana Ave, at 14th Street
- Until Sat Dec 15
A Swingin' Christmas with Big Bad Voodoo Daddy
- Price band: 2/4
Big Bad Voodoo Daddy rolls into town with its super-slick take on swing and current album in tow—Rattle Them Bones.
- Walt Disney Concert Hall 111 S Grand Ave, between W 2nd & W 3rd Sts
- Fri Dec 27
Holiday Card and Ornament Making at NHM
- Price band: 1/4
Prep for the holidays amongst dinosaurs and ancient artifacts at this free card and tree trimmings workshop for kids.
- Natural History Museum 900 Exposition Blvd, between S Figueroa St & S Vermont Ave
- Sat Dec 28
LA County Holiday Celebration
- Free
LA's biggest holiday show, with more than 20 choirs, music ensembles and dance troupes.
- Dorothy Chandler Pavilion 135 N Grand Avenue, between W 1st & W Temple Streets
- Mon Dec 30
Cool ways to warm up
Rent a living Christmas tree
If the carolers won't come to you, go to them
Go ice skating
Chill at the Queen Mary
- Price band: 2/4
- Queen Mary 1126 Queens Highway, Long Beach, CA 90802
- Until Sun Jan 6
The Rink at Hyatt Regency Century Plaza
- Price band: 1/4
- Hyatt Regency Century Plaza 2025 Avenue of the Stars, between Constellation & W Olympic Boulevards, CA 90067
- Until Thu Jan 3
Beverly Hills Holiday Ice Rink
- Price band: 2/4
- Beverly Hills City Hall 455 North Rexford Dr
- Until Sun Jan 6
Catch a winter movie
The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey
Stand Up Guys
Amour
Guilt Trip
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