Our Top 10 Activities To Do Over Winter Break
If you're like us then you may also be a little anxious about how to fill 3 (or so) long weeks of Winter Break or maybe you are a toddler parent who wants to know what fun holiday events are around town for kids... well look no further! We have compiled a list of our favorite family friendly holiday activities in and around LA. This list is sure to have you partying all night long. Enjoy!
1. Santa's North Pole Village at Wisdome.LA
This cool art space in Downtown LA has been transformed into an immersive holiday (instagram-worthy) experience! It has everything from an indoor synthetic ice skating rink, to snow in almost every location, and even Santa himself. There are three geodesic domes that transport you from downtown LA to the North Pole as soon as you walk in the door! Plus a magical outdoor area with bubbles (which were a huge hit!!) We highly recommend this one and we have an exclusive discount as well. Use code: ICC15 for 15% off of the ticket price. Check our Instagram page for a 5 ticket giveaway!!!
Open now through December 30, 2019
1147 Palmetto St.
Los Angeles, CA 90013
2. Moonlight Forest at the LA Arboretum
We discovered this one last year and it quickly rose to the top as one of our faves! The whimsical light displays are a kid favorite! Live entertainment and a variety of food trucks make it an all night event. There is plenty of space for the kiddos to run around and the giant illuminated peacock makes for a great photo op! Bonus: Free Parking!
Open now through January 12, 2020
301 N Baldwin Ave
Arcadia, CA 91007
3. Enchanted Forest of Light at Descanso Gardens
Here you will find a glowing and magical, enchanted experience as you meander through Descanso Gardens. We love this one because the light displays are really well done (the tulip garden is a personal fave). The food here is also tasty. Last year we got a warm Nutella sandwich and it was seriously heavenly! We love a place with on site parking and lots of space for the kiddos to run around. Timed tickets make it manageable and not super crowded.
1418 Descanso Dr.
La Canada, CA 91011
4. LA Zoo Lights
One of our annual holiday traditions for the past several years and it just keeps getting better. Member tickets are only $11 which puts this as one of the less expensive (but super festive) options for the holidays. While you don't actually see any animals (other than inside the LAIR exhibit). It is really cool to experience the zoo at night. They also have strategically placed bar carts around which certainly helps keep us jolly and bright ;) They have re-done the laser light water show and it is pretty cool. The zoo is also a great family friendly place to spend New Years Eve! They have a special program that includes dinner but you can also just do regular Zoo lights that night. Pro tip: try the churros!
5333 Zoo Dr.
Los Angeles, CA 90027
5. The Holiday Lights Train at the Southern Railroad in Griffith Park
This is one of the sweetest little displays that is also a toddler favorite! They have added Santa's Village this year for an extra $2 plus $5 for the picture making this our top pick for the most inexpensive Santa Photo Op!! Pro tip: Get there early or go on a weeknight. We went on a Saturday and there was a very long line. Buy the tickets beforehand if you can so that you can avoid the ticket booth line as that gets hectic as well.
Open now until January 5, 2020
4400 Crystal Springs Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90027
6. Yuletide Cinemaland by Streetfood Cinema
Streetfood Cinema is an outdoor movie experience that is absolutely delightful and the perfect way to watch a movie with a new baby or child who just cant seem to sit still ;) This Holiday edition at the Heritage square museum is quite festive and pretty outside the box as far as family holiday events go. Multiple food trucks make it a great night out! Check out their schedule by clicking here. This week's movies include: The Grinch, Elf, The Muppets, and Edward Scissorhands.
Now through December 29, 2019
3800 Homer St
Los Angeles, CA 90031
7. The Upper Hastings Ranch Holiday Light Up
This adorable and quite lavish neighborhood display features a different theme for each block. Plan to drive through slowly (and respectfully). It's FREE! Pro tip: Bring snacks and a blanket, roll the windows down, and play holiday music for the littles as you cruise through in the car.
Now through January 2, 2020
Sierra Madre Blvd., Michilinda Ave., Hastings Ranch Blvd., and Riviera Pasadena. Check out their Facebook page for more details.
AND Wakefield Court Winter Wonderland
Stroll down the winding cul-de-sacs and enjoy this illuminated neighborhood display. Bundle up the littles and enjoy the leisurely walk.
Check out their Facebook Page for more info.
Now Through Christmas
Wakefield Court Between Seco and Haskell Canyon off Copper Hill Dr. and Courtland.
Saugus, CA
8. La Kings Holiday Ice at LA Live
It's back and it does not disappoint. This outdoor skating rink is centered around a giant Christmas tree. What can be more festive than that?
Now through January 12, 2020
9. Grand Park Winter Glow
These illuminated pathways and fountains in Grand Park are always a family favorite! Stroll through this interactive art installation and enjoy the magic of holiday lights. It gets really cold so bundle up! It also gets less crowded the later you go. Pro tip: Take the Red or Purple line to Civic Center/Grand Park Station but definitely bring a baby carrier or lightweight stroller as well.
Now through Christmas
200 N Grand Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90012
10. Merry and Bright in the Marina
Burton Chace Park is transformed into an illuminated wonderland for the holidays. Surrounded by family friendly restaurants you can truly make a night out of this one! And on Saturday December 28 they will be having live music followed by a free screening of Avengers: Endgame! They also have a bunch of New Year's Eve events if you still need ideas.
Now through December 31
13650 Mindanao Way
Marina Del Rey, CA 90292
All photos by: Matt Sayles
Taken at Wisdome.LA