Winter Activities In L.A.
Southern California is one of the best places to visit during the winter months. Here is a list of things to do in Los Angeles to help you plan the perfect wintery itinerary. So check out our list of the best holiday activities and attractions for ideas!
Grinchmas at Universal Studios Hollywood
Bring your friends and family to celebrate the Who-lidays!
Celebrate the Who-lidays (December 1, 2, 8, 9, and 14-20, 2018) in the whimsical world of Grinchmas and experience Christmas at Hogwarts in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter (now through January 6, 2019).
The holidays at Universal Studios Hollywood are all about creating lasting memories. Get into the spirit, dine on seasonal eats, enjoy the park decked out in holiday decor, and experience exclusive holiday festivities like the all-new nightly snowfall in Hogsmeade and dazzling light show featuring the Hogwarts castle as a backdrop.
Getting in: Universal Studios Hollywood tickets are included with Go Los Angles Cards of 3-Days or more. Most Grinchmas events are included with admission, unless otherwise noted.
Holiday in the Park at Six Flags Magic Mountain
When: Select dates, November 17 – December 30, 2018
Test your fear of speeds, heights, twists, and turns on the many roller coasters and thrill rides at Six Flags Magic Mountain and check out Holiday in the Park events to see the park transformed into a winter wonderland with festive lights, fun activities, live performances, visits with Santa, and even “Santa’s Wild Sleigh Ride” Virtual Reality Coaster thrill ride.
The plaza has been transformed into Holiday Square, with hundreds upon hundreds of glittering lights, an artificial winter snowfall, and festive carolers.
You can also enjoy musical performances and dance numbers with a holiday theme, and, of course, pay a visit to the Santa and Mrs. Claus with their merry elves.
Getting in: Six Flags Magic Mountain tickets are included on the Go Los Angeles Card. Holiday at the Park activities are included with admission, unless noted otherwise.
Knott’s Merry Farm
When: November 16, 2018 through January 6, 2019
Knott’s is the place to be this time of year if you’re a Peanuts fan. From a charming Snoopy ice show to photo ops with all the animated favs, the family will be delighted by this kid-friendly holiday experience.
Visit the park to see the classic Holiday Ice Show featuring Snoopy and other members of the Peanuts Gang (select dates), a nightly tree lighting ceremony, Santa’s Christmas Cabin, traditional carolers, the streets of Calico decked out for the holidays, and even a nightly snowfall.
In addition to all of this live entertainment and crafting, you’ll be able to soak up the lush holiday decor and festive spirit. It’s the perfect way to find a bit of the holidays in the heart of L.A.
Getting in: Knott’s Merry Farm tickets are included with the Go Los Angeles Card and holiday events and activities are included with admission, unless otherwise noted.
Aquarium Holidays at the Aquarium of the Pacific
When: weekends from December 1-23, 2018
Missing the snow this holiday season? Be sure to head to the Aquarium on the weekends in December and check out the snow play area set up on the front lawn!
You’ll get to enjoy festive decorations, daily Penguin parades, free viewings of Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas, “snowfall” in the great Hall, a special holiday menu in Cafe Scuba, and daily appearances by a Santa Diver in the large tank.
Don’t miss the giant ocean-themed gingerbread house display, decorated by Aquarium staff! Then, get your photo taken with a special aquatic holiday character.
Getting in: Aquarium of the Pacific tickets are included with the Go Los Angeles Card and Aquarium Holidays events are included with admission, unless otherwise noted.
LA Zoo Lights
Where: Los Angeles Zoo & Botanical Garden
When: November 16, 2018 through January 6, 2019; 6:00pm-10:00pm (closed November 22, December 24, and December 25)
This is a fun one for the whole family. See the Los Angeles Zoo transformed into a wild Winter Wonderland, complete with dazzling animals constructed from hundreds of lights and other fanciful materials, and innovative displays combining lights, water, and accompanying tunes.
You’ll also get a chance to meet Santa on select dates, interact with a few reindeer, and enjoy festive holidays cookies and other great treats.
Come here for some lovely seasonal fun that won’t break the bank.
Getting in: Los Angeles Zoo & Botanical Garden tickets are included on the Go Los Angeles Card, however, Zoo Lights activities are a separately ticket event and are not included with the Go Los Angeles Card.
Warner Bros. Studio Tour
Want to see more behind-the-scenes Hollywood magic? Head to Warner Bros Studio for the Warner Bros. Studio Tour, complete with the chance to get on the set of hit television shows like The Big Bang Theory and The Ellen Degeneres Show.
If you’re lucky, you might even see some celebrities on set. The Warner Bros. Studio Tour also includes a 10-million item prop department, the tallest sound stage in the nation, and a ride through the back lots.
Getting in: Warner Bros. Studio Tour tickets are included with the Go Los Angeles Card.
Sony Pictures Studios Tour
Get the real experience of a working studio on a 2-hour guided tour of Sony Pictures Studios.
You’ll see historic sound stages once home to the Yellow Brick Road, Emerald City, and the Spider-Man movies. Your tour may even swing by a smash-hit game show, “Jeopardy!” or “Wheel of Fortune.”
It’s a great opportunity to see more of the celebrity culture, the creativity behind the movie industry, and the history of Hollywood.
Getting in: Sony Pictures Studios Tour tickets are included with the Go Los Angeles Card.
Watch a Winter Sunset
Vivid sunsets are commonplace during the Los Angeles winter.
Take advantage of the miles of unobstructed views along the coastline for some of the best sunset viewing in the world.
Some of the best LA spots to watch the winter sunset, include: Griffith Observatory, Hermosa Beach Pier, Dockweiler State Beach (bring a camera to get a photo of the sunset over the famous shipwreck that washed up onto the shore), and Terranea Bluff Top Park.
Make a day of it and head to Santa Monica Pier for thrill rides and quintessential boardwalk fun at Pacific Park and then visit the sea life at the Santa Monica Pier Aquarium before watching the sun set over it all for a postcard-worthy view.
Scope out the Museum Scene
LA is home to lots of fascinating, world-class Los Angeles area museums worth exploring when it’s chilly or raining outside.
For the full Hollywood experience, movie buffs should check out the famous Hollywood Museum, to learn all about movie production, film making technology, the legacy of Tinsel Town, and more before heading to Madame Tussauds to pose for souvenir photos with their favorite celebrities.
For a more educational museum experience that you won’t find in many other cities, the Museum of Tolerance features unique exhibits that explore issues of tolerance, prejudice, discrimination, the legacy of the holocaust and contemporary human rights issues and the Japanese American Museum, located in the heart of Little Tokyo downtown, is internationally recognized for its dedication to examining America’s ethnic and cultural diversity.
Science fans will enjoy visiting the excavation site at La Brea Tar Pits and museum, one of the world’s most famous Ice Age excavation sites where you can see scientists and volunteers preparing fossils for examination or a visit to the Natural History Museum, home to real dinosaur fossils, an extensive collection of natural gems and minerals, and ancient Latin American archeological artifacts.