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Christmas in Los Angeles

Your guide to Christmas events and activities in Los Angeles, including a holiday gift guide, the best Christmas movies and fun ways to warm up

By Michael Juliano and Time Out contributors Posted: Thursday December 20 2018

Marina del Rey Holiday Boat Parade
Photograph: Courtesy Marina del Rey Holiday Boat Parade

While we may not be dreaming of a white Christmas in Los Angeles, we can certainly look forward to tons of shopping and more than a few Christmas lights on palm trees. We’ve gathered together a list of the best Christmas events, activities, movies and songs for this most magical time of year. If it’s shopping you’re after, we have the ultimate holiday gift guide and some great stocking stuffer ideas. Don’t miss out on these holiday events because before you know it New Year’s Eve planning will be in full swing and then it’ll be back to work (or whatever pays for all your partying). Merry Christmas!

Christmas events in Los Angeles

Christmas events in Los Angeles
Things to do

Christmas events in Los Angeles

There are plenty of Christmas events and holiday activities to get you in the festive mood.

Where to see Christmas lights in L.A.
Things to do

Where to see Christmas lights in L.A.

Take the time to check out these twinkling neighborhoods and attractions.

Where to go ice skating in Los Angeles
Things to do

Where to go ice skating in Los Angeles

Make the city your winter wonderland at these outdoor rinks.

The best Christmas shows and ‘Nutcrackers’ in Los Angeles
Theater

The best Christmas shows and ‘Nutcrackers’ in Los Angeles

What better way to get in the festive spirit than with a Christmas show?

A guide to SantaCon
Things to do

A guide to SantaCon

SantaCon is a holiday celebration with a pretty simple premise. Get a whole bunch of people to dress up like Santa Claus and hit the town. 

A guide to the Hollywood Christmas Parade
Things to do

A guide to the Hollywood Christmas Parade

Every year we don our gay apparel (still too tight from Thanksgiving dinner) and head to the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Holiday markets in Los Angeles
Shopping

Holiday markets in Los Angeles

Fed up with mass-produced merch and crowded stores? Try a holiday market instead.

See more in our December events calendar
Things to do

See more in our December events calendar

The holidays are here for real and they’ve taken over our December events calendar.

More ways to celebrate Christmas

Where to eat Christmas dinner in L.A.
Restaurants

Where to eat Christmas dinner in L.A.

Skip the at-home turkey basting and dine out instead.

Where to buy Christmas trees in Los Angeles
Things to do

Where to buy Christmas trees in Los Angeles

Start decorating with a tree from one of these places, including real, fake and live trees, along with places where you can cut your own.

The best local charities to donate to in L.A.
Things to do

The best local charities to donate to in L.A.

Spread the wealth during the holiday season with these 10 fantastic local organizations 

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The 50 best Christmas movies
Movies

The 50 best Christmas movies

Roast a chestnut, nog an egg and settle in with some cookies and milk to Time Out’s top Christmas movies.

Holiday gift guide

The best L.A. experiences to give as gifts
Shopping

The best L.A. experiences to give as gifts

We’re all about experiences over things.

The best gift shops in Los Angeles
Shopping

The best gift shops in Los Angeles

These shops are full to the brim with giftable goodies.

Christmas gifts for her this holiday season
Shopping

Christmas gifts for her this holiday season

Doing a little holiday shopping for a special lady in your life?

Christmas gifts for him that he’ll actually love
Shopping

Christmas gifts for him that he’ll actually love

Always running out of gift ideas for him?

Cheap Christmas gift ideas under $25 that are actually great
Shopping

Cheap Christmas gift ideas under $25 that are actually great

The most wonderful time of the year can also be the most expensive.

Holiday markets in Los Angeles
Shopping

Holiday markets in Los Angeles

L.A. has a wealth of seasonal craft fairs you can browse.

See more of our past Christmas coverage

13 winter cocktails to keep you warm and fuzzy
Bars

13 winter cocktails to keep you warm and fuzzy

We scoured LA's best bars to find the drinks that make you want to curl up by the fire and get toasted.

12 L.A. beers of Christmas
Bars

12 L.A. beers of Christmas

Here are 12 holiday beers from local breweries that are just as tasty as they are festive.

Where to find the best Christmas cookies
Restaurants

Where to find the best Christmas cookies

Head to these bakeries for all your holiday cookie needs.

Best gift shops in L.A. for anyone on your list
Shopping

Best gift shops in L.A. for anyone on your list

We searched the city for the best gift shops and bring you the top places for the next time you need to buy a present.

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