Coolest Things to Do in 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 in Los Angeles. We’ve compiled a list of the best Los Angeles attractions for the whole family to enjoy this season.
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18+ Best Things to Do in Los Angeles for Winter Break
LA Kings Holiday Ice Rink L.A. LIVE, Downtown Los Angeles
The annual LA Kings Holiday Ice, presented by Coca-Cola® is back again at L.A. Live for 2023! Skate into the spirit of the season at the outdoor ice rink just outside of the Crypto.com Arena. The rink is open daily from November 24 to December 31.
Check out our guide to the best outdoor ice rinks of the season for more options.
Seuss Experience
Oh, the places you’ll go at this unique Dr. Seuss Experience at Santa Monica Place! Visit with the Cat in the Hat, frolic through the Truffula Trees, and enjoy a day full of whimsy at this incredible immersive experience.
Check out these other thrilling immersive experiences if you’re looking for more fun things to do in Los Angeles for winter break.
Bluey x CAMP Experience
Bluey and CAMP are teaming up for an incredible experience you won’t want to miss. The Bluey immersive experience invites kids to step into the Heeler’s world and explore and play just like Bluey and Bingo. You can also enjoy a meet and greet photo op with the Heelers.
Dog Man: The Musical
Easily one of the best shows for kids to hit live theater in a long time! Based on the best-selling book series by Dav Pilkey, this new live show brings the hilarious antics of Dog Man to the stage. The show runs at the Kirk Douglas Theater until January 7, 2024.
Check out more family-friendly Broadway musicals coming to Los Angeles.
South Coast Botanic Garden’s Astra Lumina in Los Angeles
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.
Science of Gingerbread at Discovery Cube LA
Pay a visit to the magical gingerbread village exhibit. Guests can decorate holiday cookies, discover the science of snowflakes, enjoy storytime, meet Santa, and more! The special exhibition runs through January 7, 2024.
The Fans Strike Back: A Star Wars Fan Exhibition
Do you have young Jedi at home? They will definitely be feeling the power of the force at this incredible Star Wars-themed exhibit featuring more than 600 official items from the Star Wars Universe collected by fans and displayed for fans. The exhibit includes costumes, posters, models, memorabilia and more.
Disney on Ice Presents Frozen and Encanto
Glide into the magical adventures of Disneys Frozen and Encanto as they are brought to life like never before at Disney On Ice! Dazzling ice skating transports you to Arendelle and the Madrigal family’s Casita. The show skates into the Crypto.com Arena December 9 and 10, 2023, and the Long Beach Arena Convention Center December 28, 2023 – January 1, 2024.
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 vary through Dec. 20, 2023, with seatings at 10 am and 1pm.
New Year’s Eve Glow Party and Fireworks in Marina Del Rey
Looking to crank it up family-style for New Year’s Eve? Head to the Marina del Rey for a Glow Party with D.J.s at Burton Chace Park. Dance the evening away, then enjoy the fireworks show at 9pm and again at midnight for the bigger kids. The Glow Party begins at 7pm.
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.
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.
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.
Kidspace Children’s Museum Winter Frolic
The California sun might tempt you to enjoy winter break on a Los Angeles beach, but don’t give up on your kids’ winter wonderland dreams. Winter Frolic allows kids to build ice sculptures that won’t melt, ice skate on their socks safely, and enjoy other spectacular winter-time games. Running daily through January 7, 2024.
Bob Baker’s Nutcracker
No winter holiday is complete without The Nutcracker, and no kids’ list of things to do in Los Angeles can exclude Bob Baker’s Marionette Theater. Conclusion? Bob Baker’s The Nutcracker is simply a must. Let your kids join Clara and the Nutcracker in their efforts to defeat The Mouse King. Performances through January 7, 2024.
Lightscape at the Arboretum
The botanical beauty at the Arboretum turns ethereal with Lightscape—a stunning light, art, and music extravaganza sure to delight your senses. Explore the Fire Garden or the splendid Winter Cathedral and let the beauty do the talking.
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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