Coolest Things to Do in the South Bay and Los Angeles for Winter Break
The holiday season is right around the corner, and you know what that means—it is time to start planning the schedule for this year’s winter break. Luckily, living in SoCal has a major advantage: you cannot run out of things to do. We’ve compiled a list of the best South Bay and Los Angeles attractions for the whole family to enjoy this season.
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This post is sponsored by South Bay Credit Union. South Bay Credit Union is for all who live, work, or worship in the South Bay.
Best Things to Do in the South Bay for Winter Break
South Coast Botanic Garden’s Astra Lumina
Astra Lumina is back and offers the perfect excuse to take a stroll through the South Coast Botanic Garden. This immersive experience features the magic of projections, lighting, and music to transform the garden into a celestial pathway to experience the wonder of the stars and enjoy peace and harmony.
Disney on Ice Presents Let’s Dance
Glide into the magical adventures of Disneys Frozen, Encanto, and Aladdin as they are brought to life like never before at Disney On Ice! Dazzling ice skating transports you to Arendelle with Anna and Elsa. The show skates into the Long Beach Arena Convention Center January 1 – 4, 2026.
Nutcracker Ballet
San Pedro City Ballet, home of American Ballet Theatre superstar Misty Copeland, presents its annual production of The Nutcracker, with artistic direction by Cynthia and David Patrick Bradley. Join Clara on a dreamlike journey with a dancing Nutcracker, mischievous mice, sparkling snowflakes, and a magical Christmas tree. The show runs December 13 and 14.
Sand Sledding at the Beach
Not feeling up to snow boots and jackets? Throw on your flip-flops instead and head to one of the best beaches in Los Angeles to take the kids sand sledding.
Check out our guide to sand sledding spots.
Southern California Steamers Holiday Lights Train Rides
All aboard for a Holiday-themed train ride through a half mile of lights and displays. In Wilson Park. Riders must be at least 32″ to ride; no infants are allowed to ride the trains. The event takes place Friday, December 19 & Saturday, December 20, 5:00pm to 8:30pm.
Winter Break Camp
Need a break from the kiddos while you check off that to-do list? Sign up for one of our favorite winter camps in the South Bay.
Look For Santa!
The jolly old elf is all over the South Bay just in time for the holiday season. Check out our guide to where you can spot Santa all across the neighborhood.
Best Things to Do in Los Angeles and Beyond for Winter Break
Pershing Square Holiday Ice Rink
The Holiday Ice Rink Pershing Square is back in downtown Los Angeles for another season, open from November 20, 2025, through January 11, 2026. Celebrating over 25 years of winter fun in sunny Los Angeles, this 7,200-square-foot rink is the city’s largest outdoor skating venue, drawing more than 45,000 skaters and over 221,000 spectators each season.
Check out our guide to the best outdoor ice rinks of the season for more options.
Teddy Bear Tea
This beloved Los Angeles event invites kids of all ages to high tea at the iconic Langham Huntington Hotel. Enjoy sandwiches, sweets, and even a special visit from Santa. Every young guest receives a teddy bear to bring home as a memento. Dates TBA.
L.A. Zoo Lights
The famous L.A. Zoo lights are back this year featuring magnificent displays of glowing animals. Mixing the beauty of nature with the light spectacles that make the holidays so magical, L.A. Zoo Lights remains one of the favorite kids’ activities during winter and a staple of Los Angeles.
Snow Tubing at Mt. Baldy Resort
Snow in L.A. is a rarity, but that doesn’t mean your kids’ white winter wishes can’t come true. Mt. Baldy Resort is a short enough drive that you can play in the snow and be back in time for dinner by the beach.
Check out more places to play in the snow near L.A.
Holiday Road at King Gillette
Holiday Road takes the poinsettia crown for things to do in Los Angeles during winter break. Bright lights, Christmas ambiance, hot drinks, and fresh snow—Holiday Road brings a walking trail straight from the North Pole to the heart of L.A.
Bob Baker’s Nutcracker
No kids’ list of things to do in Los Angeles can exclude Bob Baker’s Marionette Theater. Bob Baker’s Holiday on Strings is simply a must. Performance dates TBA.
Holiday Light Festival at Griffith Park Train Ride
Who knew the Polar Express had a stop at Griffith Park? A mile-long track decorated in the most exquisite and charming holiday decor and a train exploring every one of them—a classic family activity during the season.
Enchanted at Descanso Gardens
Descanso Gardens transforms into a tranquil garden of lights and wonder for the winter holidays. The aptly named Enchanted is an interactive and immersive experience unlike any other, making it a perfect family activity to enjoy together.
Take a Road Trip
One of the best parts of living in Los Angeles is that we’re in close proximity to so many other great cities that make the perfect last minute road trip. San Diego, Santa Barbara, Palm Springs and Solvang are all excellent family-friendly destinations just a short, last minute drive away.
Check out our travel guides for more road trip ideas.
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