Insider Tips for Visiting Los Angeles with Kids During the Holidays 

Are you visiting LA for the holidays? Welcome to the sunniest spot in the USA. We're happy to have you, but our city can be a bit, ahem, complicated to navigate. With the holidays in full swing, it seems like every Angelino is out on the road with places to go and people to see. The traffic is, unfortunately, just a part of the landscape here. There's no way to avoid it, but knowing which areas to avoid at which time can help.

Heading south on the LA freeways is typically a challenge in the morning. For example, if you are staying in LA and hope to hit up Disneyland in Anaheim, I suggest leaving before 7am or waiting for rush hour to end and driving out at 9:30am. Conversely, drives north are often worse in the evenings from about 4:30pm - 6:00pm. Use your favorite navigation app to predict the traffic on your desired route—Waze is a lifesaver for trying to outsmart the busy roads. Also, the week of Christmas traffic is typically lighter, and the week in between Christmas and New Year's tends to be traffic-free bliss. 

If you are trying to do the holidays on a budget, there are plenty of free holiday activities in LA for families. Also, take advantage of Black Friday sales, or consider bundling tickets if you want to hit up several theme parks with a Go City Pass. 

California is known as "The Sunshine State," but December isn't always sunny and 75. Make sure to bring jackets on your trip, and maybe add a beanie to your suitcase. Angelinos tend to dress in layers as it may be chilly in the morning, 80 degrees by noon, and back down into the 50s at night.

If rain is in the forecast, LA streets flood easily, and rainboots are essential. However, don't forget your sunscreen, sunglasses, and a swimsuit; chances are that you'll encounter a few days of the blissful weather we're famous for, and that's the perfect time to hit the beach. 

Looking for a place to stay? We've pulled together a list of the most festive hotels in Southern California, and we also have a great list of our favorite local places to stay in Los Angeles with kids. We also have a comprehensive Los Angeles visitors guide for families on our site—it's the perfect way to plan your trip and make sure you don't miss any of the best sites. 

If you're looking for neighborhoods that give you all the holiday feels, we have a whole article for you. Check out our Best Neighborhood Christmas Lights & Holiday Light Displays in Los Angeles article —newly updated for the 2025 season (by yours truly). 

Must-See but Unusual Holiday Attractions in Los Angeles 

Each of these activities captures LA’s quirky, creative, and sun-meets-snow personality—the things you truly can’t do anywhere else. We're talking about holiday moments that locals actually do—fewer crowds, more heart. Each one shows off a different side of LA: creative, multicultural, and community-driven. 

1. ICE at Santa Monica - Santa Monica 

Yes, you can ice skate in all 50 states, but not all of them allow you to do so under palm trees and twinkling lights in the heart of Santa Monica. This ice rink is sponsored by Disney+ and Hulu, and offers affordable ice skating at a rink set in one of LA's most iconic spots. There is a sister rink in Pershing Square framed by skyscrapers if you are looking for a "big city" feel.

Both rinks offer select themed nights—there is a new theme every Tuesday night at the Santa Monica rink, and costumes are encouraged. Themes vary from A Very Jonas Christmas to Gilmore Girls, to Skate and movie nights featuring Die Hard one night and Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas on another Tuesday. There is also an all-out celebration on Taylor Swift's birthday, December 13th. Los Angelinos love our theme nights (and our movies and music), so you can expect everyone to show up decked out and ready to party at any of these fun events. 

2. Logan's Candies Candy Cane Making Demonstrations - Ontario 

Have you ever seen how a candy cane is made? This unique experience at Logan's Candies in Ontario allows you to observe the creation of the candy cane, then try your hand at bending your own. Logan's also offers a demonstration on how to make ribbon candy and peppermint pillows. Workshops may vary depending on what item is running lowest in the store.

This LA hidden holiday gem requires you to be in the know, as new times for candy workshops are released every Monday at 10am online. It costs approximately $6 to participate, and kids under 2 do not need a ticket. Each ticket includes plenty of warm samples—yum! 

3. Santa Paddle - Ventura 

Santa on a paddleboard—what could be more Californian? Every year, locals rent paddle boards, kayaks, or paddle boats and mosey around the harbor in a festive formation led by St. Nick himself! Dress in your most festive outfit to participate in the fun—the best Santa wins a prize. The procession starts in the harbor and moves through the water to the Channel Islands Visitor Center and back.

The holiday fun is free to watch from the dock, and is followed by Ventura Harbor's annual beloved (and free!) Winter Wonderland event with live reindeer, ice sculpting, face painting, and more photo ops with the jolly old man of the hour. All the fun takes place on December 20th, 2025. 

4. Sand Snowman Contest - Hermosa Beach 

This annual contest is a staple in Hermosa Beach, and people drive from all over the greater LA area to take part in the fun. Families are encouraged to bring their own tools and accessories, then construct a "snowman" out of sand in this friendly, beachside competition on December 6, 2025. The building starts around 9am, and judging begins at 11:15am.

Prizes are awarded to winners in several categories, including funniest snowman, best traditional snowman, Hermosa Beach favorite snowman, most unique snowman, and best dressed snowman. The competition is free to enter and free to watch. 

5. Sock Skating at Kidspace - Pasadena 

This one is a personal favorite—my two-year-old loves to be included in the fun, and is sad when we go ice skating since she isn't old enough to join. The sock skating at Kidspace is the perfect way to get her "out on the ice" in a safe environment. Plus, it's so darn cute! The sock skating is a few extra dollars on top of admission, but it is well worth it. The kids will love slipping and sliding on the pretend ice to festive holiday tunes. Winter Frolic also includes a variety of other "wintery" activities, such as no-melt snowman building, a winter tricycle track, and no-melt ice block play. 

6. Enchant Los Angeles at Santa Anita Park - Arcadia 

I added this one to the list because it's brand new and absolutely beautiful. Santa Anita Park is LA's premier horse racing track, but this winter, it's transforming into a winter wonderland featuring the world's largest Christmas maze (my boys LOVE mazes). In addition to the maze, there is an ice slide, an ice skating trail, a seasonal marketplace, and festive food and drinks available for purchase.  

7. Venice Canals Holiday Walk - Venice Beach 

Grab your coziest sweater and a mug of hot cocoa, then walk the stunning Venice canals at night to watch the lights twinkle on the water. This free and totally unique Christmas activity in LA is idyllic in every sense, and perfect for all ages, too. 

8. Las Posadas at Olvera Street - DTLA 

Every year, the merchants of Olvera Street band together to tell the Christmas Story with a procession featuring Mary, Joseph, and a host of live musicians. Before the nightly processional, kids can participate in a piñata breaking (candy is also thrown to the children in the crowd, so no one feels left out).

This yearly tradition highlights the rich Latina culture in Los Angeles, and provides an opportunity to support the merchants selling their wares in this corner of the city. The event is free to attend and takes place every evening from December 16, 2025, to December 24, 2025. 

9. Holiday Meal at The Tam O'Shanter - Atwater Village 

The Tam O'Shanter is LA's beloved Scottish steakhouse, and the cozy spot goes all out for Christmas. If you are going to have one "Christmassy" meal in LA, this is the spot to go to! Up the anti by reserving a spot at one of their Dickens' A Christmas Carol dinners, where the classic holiday tale is performed while guests enjoy a traditional holiday meal. 

10. Holidays Made Here at Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood - Hollywood 

Have you ever just wished you could celebrate Christmastime in Stars Hollow with Lorelai and Rory? Well, Stars Hollow isn't in Connecticut; it's here in LA, and for the show's 25th Anniversary, the Warner Bros. Studio Tour is adding a special, immersive experience for fans of all ages. Hop on the studio tour, and you'll be transported to Stars Hollow at Christmastime, with special appearances by Gilmore Girls cast members (Scott Patterson says he plans to stop by every day!).

Get your celebrity sighting with a dose of Luke's Coffee and a whole lot of cinematic magic at this one-of-a-kind tour running from December 18, 2025, to January 4, 2026. Guests can also participate in cookie decorating, a tree lighting, a romantic dance, or a grand finale show, depending on the time of their tour. 

11. Bob Baker Marionette Theater's The Nutcracker - Sierra Madre

We checked out this adorable handmade marionette rendition of The Nutcracker for the first time last year and thoroughly enjoyed the performance. Bob Baker Marionette performances are like stepping back in time. The original show was created in 1969, and today's version remains consistent with it. My daughter was absolutely delighted by the sparkly puppets, and even more delighted by the free ice cream handed to every visitor after the show. This performance takes place at the Sierra Madre Playhouse, and is a quick jaunt from Christmas Tree Lane in Altadena, if you want to top the night with another holiday memory.  

12. Float Fest: A Rose Parade Showcase - Pasadena 

Everyone knows about the Rose Parade, but not that after the parade ends, the floats head to a block near Pasadena High School for Float Fest. Kids can grab a scavenger hunt map upon arrival and search for stickers while gazing at the floats up close. It's way better than spending the night on Colorado Blvd. to watch the floats glide by on January 1st, and it's so fun that we've made this one an annual tradition. In fact, I'm so committed to Float Fest that I went on my due date with my fourth child (and did not go into labor by the way)! 

13. Sand Sledding - Playa Vista 

I tried to keep this list to a neat dozen, but sand sledding needed to be included. This free and easy LA winter activity is a hit amongst the locals. Grab a sled, boogie board, or cookie sheet, and head to the beach, where sand berms are in place to protect the community from winter tides. Climb to the top of the large berms and sled down- it's the perfect SoCal spin on a traditional winter activity. These berms don't last forever; as the weather warms, they are smoothed out to make more space for beachgoers on the shoreline. 

FAQ About Unique Christmas Events in LA for Kids 

What are the best things to do in LA with kids during Christmas? 
LA is packed with holiday magic, from magical "snowfall" at The Grove to epic light displays like Enchanted at Descanso Gardens and LA Zoo Lights: Animals Aglow at the LA Zoo. Kids can also hop on a Christmas Train at the Southern California Railway Museum and feel immersed in The Polar Express. Gilmore Girls fans need to go on the Holidays Made Here tour at Warner Bros. to experience a Stars Hollow Christmas. 

Are there free holiday events for families in LA? 
There are a lot of free holiday events for families in LA, including Sparkle DTLA at The Bloc, The Apollo Lighting at the Columbia Memorial Space Center, the boat parade of lights in Dana Point, and the Mission Inn: Festival of Lights. 

Where can we see snow near Los Angeles? 
While there isn't snow in LA, when it rains in the city, it often snows in the surrounding mountains. Spots like Big Bear, Lake Arrowhead, Pine Mountain, and Mountain High are all great options to play in the snow as the weather grows colder. Keep in mind that LA winter doesn't really get rolling until January; oftentimes, it hasn't rained/snowed enough in December to create significant snow buildup in the mountains. 

What are LA locals' favorite Christmas light displays? 
Everyone loves Upper Hastings Ranch in Pasadena—it's a hit with all the Angelinos. The Valley crowd loves Wakfield Wonderland in Santa Clarita—a double-sided cul-de-sac that goes all out with holiday spirit. Another favorite is the Seaside Holiday Christmas Lights in Torrance. 

Is Disneyland worth it during the holidays, or is it too crowded? 
Unfortunately, Disneyland is pretty much always crowded. Gone are the heydays of no lines and easy maneuvering. However, as an avid Disney fan, I'd say yes, Disneyland at Christmastime is worth the effort. Try to opt for a weekday and arrive early. This will give you a few hours without big crowds. I have also found that if you're willing to brave "bad" weather, rainy days at Disneyland can be extra magical, and the crowds are at a minimum. Just buy a poncho, bring an umbrella, and plan to spend most of your time on indoor attractions. 

What is the weather like in Los Angeles at Christmas? 
Weather can be finicky in LA, but typically Christmas arrives with a sunny, 70-degree day. I remember Christmases in tank tops, but I have also spent Christmases in sweaters staring out the window at the rain. While rain in December is not incredibly common, it does happen. Angelinos tend to dress in layers to adapt to the changing temperatures throughout the day, especially in the winter months. 

What are some good family day trips from LA during the holidays? 
Solvang is a couple of hours from LA, and this little Dutch town has been voted one of the most festive spots in the entire country. We also love a good drive to Big Bear, where Santa's Village awaits with the most magical holiday fun available in SoCal. Also, Perris, located near Murrieta, southeast of LA, is home to an epic Polar Express train in December.