LA’s endless summer spirit takes on a magical twist during the holiday season, proving you don’t need snow to create unforgettable December memories. From twinkling marina lights to cozy outdoor films, our sun-kissed city transforms into a wonderland of distinctly Californian festivities. Here’s our curated guide to the most inspiring holiday happenings around West LA.
Gather under the stars for an only-in-LA holiday experience with Fireside Films by Fireside Films by Rooftop Cinema Club or Yuletide Cinemaland by StreetFood Cinema. Wrap yourself in a blanket beside your personal fire pit, share treats from local food trucks, and lose yourself in beloved holiday classics screened against the city’s night sky.
Watch as Pershing Square and Downtown Santa Monica transform into ice skating winter wonderlands—the perfect blend of California cool and holiday tradition to delight visitors of all ages.
Just a scenic drive up the coast, this cherished Danish village becomes pure enchantment during its month-long Julefest celebration: wander through maker’s marts, marvel at twinkling trees, and let the festive energy of this unique coastal treasure transport you to another world.
Some traditions simply can’t be missed. Join fellow Angelenos in celebrating these timeless moments of wonder—hot chocolate in hand, holiday music in the air—as The Grove (Monday, November 25) and Downtown LA Music Center (Monday, December 2) light up their majestic trees for the season.
If your perfect holiday experience is thousands of Christmas lights, familiar characters, and candy canes galore, then Holiday Road is made for you. Walk through this winding, photo moment-filled pathway—including Gingerbread Lane, the North Pole, and an Icicle Corridor—in this all-in-one holiday outing.
On December 14, our beloved marina sparkles with creativity during the MargaritaVille Holiday-themed boat parade. Whether you’re lucky enough to catch a ride on the water or are watching from shore, look forward to a distinctly coastal interpretation of holiday spirit.
For those seeking thoughtfully crafted treasures, the Renegade Craft Fair and ROW DTLA Holiday Market offer an inspired alternative to traditional gift shopping. Browse handmade pieces and holiday finds in these vibrant community gatherings that celebrate local artistry.
Experience this beloved holiday classic reimagined, as John Williams’ iconic score comes to life through a full live orchestra. It’s a fresh take on a familiar favorite that proves even the most traditional holiday moments can surprise and delight.
As evening falls, the LA Zoo transforms into an illuminated wonderland where light sculptures of beloved animals and towering glowing flora create an otherworldly experience. It’s a magical reminder that the most extraordinary holiday moments often come from unexpected places.
Boy Smells creates products that, ultimately, try to get you closer to yourself. The brand started out making candles in 2015 and has since expanded into room sprays, body care, underwear and fine fragrance. It’s all intimate and it’s all intentional — without ever taking itself too seriously because what would be the fun in that?
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West Los Angeles offers what so many visitors to LA actually want but rarely find: a genuine slice of local life alongside easy access to everything that makes this city special. Beyond the tourist magnets and Instagram hotspots lies this collection of neighborhoods where real Angelenos live, work, and build community. This guide highlights the places where locals spend their time, from morning coffee spots to hidden cultural institutions that rarely make it into travel roundups.
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Tucked into the heart of Malibu and just a short five-minute drive from our hotel, Malibu Country Mart is where the rhythm slows and the essentials of a perfect afternoon come into focus—good food, open-air shopping, and the kind of coastal ease that defines life here.
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