“Winter in Los Angeles? I didn’t know that was a thing,” said a colleague of mine who moved to L.A. a year ago.
She was surprised to learn that you can enjoy the beach and the snow in one day. This seasonal diversity is among the beauties of living in Southern California. From the coastline to the mountains, the six destinations below offer up wintry ambiance guaranteed to warm your hearts with snow — real and reimagined. Make space on your phones and cameras to capture every enchanting moment, SoCal style.
The Holiday Ice Rink Pershing Square
532 S. Olive St., L.A.
Nov. 21-Jan. 12
holidayicerinkdowntownla.com
There’s nothing quite like ice skating at Pershing Square in Downtown L.A., surrounded by historic architecture on all sides. (No shade to the L.A. Kings Holiday Ice at L.A. Live; we like you, too.)
At Pershing Square, even the journey from the parking lot up the escalators elicits pure joy — from the sound of kids screaming with excitement, the Zamboni ice machine zooming down ice and laughing couples enjoying their first date. We’ve been going since my daughter, Dominie, was 2, and the smile on her face as she steps onto the ice a decade later is still going strong.
Get there for the opening celebration on Nov. 21, which will include a holiday tree lighting ceremony and a sneak performance of “Wicked.” To commemorate the Broadway musical’s run at the Pantages Theatre starting Dec. 4, the rink will host “Wicked” Wednesdays, with the show’s musical hits providing the soundtrack for the night and a green-lit rink. Other themed nights include DJ Spotlight Thursdays and Classical Sundays. The rink is even offering one-hour curling lessons on select Saturdays.See you there!
Westfield Century City Holiday Village
10250 Santa Monica Blvd., L.A.
Nov. 23-Dec. 26
westfield.com/centurycity
You’ll never forget your children’s excitement when they experience their first snowfall — whether it’s in the mountains or the mall, frankly. Angelenos don’t actually have to travel far from home to experience snowfall. Westfield Century City’s holiday village in the outdoor mall’s atrium will be bustling with winter-themed activities in the town square, where you can twirl beneath the mall’s daily snowfall.
Visit the North Pole Adventure and book reservations for your kids to deliver their holiday wish list to Santa and make a stop at Mrs. Claus’ Bakery. Friendly villagers will also be on hand to greet visitors and provide live entertainment to spread holiday cheer. In addition to the more than 180 stores at Westfield, there’s a holiday market to shop for gifts and enjoy holiday treats. Parents will want to stop at Blitzen’s Bar for a merry adult treat — handcrafted cocktails — and hot cocoa for the kids.
Holiday Road
King Gillette Ranch
26800 West Mulholland Hwy., Calabasas
Nov. 24-Dec. 29
holidayroadusa.com
Bundle up for a magical winter stroll in Calabasas, where King Gillette Ranch is transformed into a twinkling winter wonderland. Prepare for a chorus of oohs and ahhs from each family member as you take in numerous immersive holiday installations and towering oak trees bedecked in thousands of lights along the mile-long asphalt walking route. Along the way, pose with statues of North Pole polar bears, penguins, reindeer and gingerbread men. Hang out in the snow play area, where snow flurries make it really feel like Christmastime.
Don’t be surprised to also see bubbles fill the air for an extra helping of fun. Holiday music plays throughout the experience, with carolers adding live cheer. And when you get hungry, food trucks are ready to provide sustenance, while a full bar will offer specialty cocktails for parents. On select nights, kids can get their faces painted and meet Santa.
Santa Monica holiday celebrations
Ice at Santa Monica
Arizona Avenue and 5th Street in Downtown Santa Monica
Nov. 8-Jan. 20
iceatsantamonica.com
mainstreetsm.com/calendar
Our beaches are year-round gifts, and Santa Monica doesn’t disappoint with an array of winter activities coupled with an invigorating coastal breeze. It’s the kind of welcoming chill on your face to really get you in the spirit of the season, especially if it’s enjoyed below colorful lanterns at the Ice at Santa Monica rink just blocks away from the sand. Temperatures are lower this close to the ocean, so come prepared with scarves, gloves, hats and layers for the kids as they do laps in the 8,000-square foot rink with patterned lighting, setting the ice aglow in the evening.
A plus: If your kids aren’t quite ready for the grand ice, there is a tot rink for little ones to enjoy and get accustomed to the ice. Lessons are available, too. The fun starts Nov. 8 with a special Taylor Swift night on the pop star’s birthday on Dec. 13.
Around Downtown Santa Monica, there are free family-friendly events worth adding to your calendar. Catch Santa at Third Street Promenade as he lights the Christmas tree on Nov. 21. The holiday tree lighting ceremony also includes activities and live entertainment. Weeks later, on Dec. 8, the California Heritage Museum offers another opportunity to visit with Santa, hear the Santa Monica High School Choir perform and stroll from the California Heritage Museum Lawn to the lighting of the most unique tree in the city: the awe-inspiring Edgemar Christmas tree made of metal shopping carts bedecked with large ornaments by local artist Anthony Schmitt.
Big Bear Snow Play
42825 Big Bear Blvd, Big Bear Lake
Open every day through the holidays through Easter
bigbearsnowplay.com
bigbear.com/events
Two words that will pique anyone’s curiosity: Glow tubing. Sounds worth the drive, right?
At Big Bear Snow Play, tube down two hills during the day, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., and in the evenings, from 5-9 p.m. The hills are lit in colorful lights for a thrilling after-dark tubing experience starting in November (excluding Christmas Eve and Christmas).
Snow tubing generally starts early to mid-November. Don’t worry about a tiresome climb up the hill; there’s a magic carpet lift (large conveyor belt) to take riders back to the top of the hill after each run. Minimum height requirement for tubing is 36 inches.
Get there early to take advantage of free parking before the lot fills up. And make sure to bring water-resistant gloves and socks for added protection and extra clothes to stay dry after tubing. Families can also warm up in the heated lodge. The second floor features a food court to grab a bite and hot drink. For stunning vista views, proceed outside to the wraparound deck. Nearby snow play can also be had at Snow Valley and Snow Summit.
Holidays at Legoland
PHOTO COURTESY LEGOLAND CALIFORNIA
Nov. 23-Jan. 5 (select days)
legoland.com
My family has fond memories of visiting Legoland during the winter season — with three generations of us equally enjoying the park: My mom sharing in the wonder with her grandkids over all the sights. My daughter dancing around the Lego snowman. A selfie with my sisters in front of the Christmas tree.
The winter season brings especially magical experiences with holiday installations galore, many interactive, all built with their iconic bricks. Plus, there’s a heaping of snow — man-made and LEGO-made snowflakes. You can hear laughter all around, and, of course, every Lego figurine in the park will be smiling.
Come dressed in your festive attire to snap a unique family photo at the giant twinkling Lego tree or wreath for a family photo. Visit the Lego Snowman in the Snow Kingdom with the snow flurries to dampen your day in a good way. There are song and dance performances adding to the cheer, as well as plenty of opportunities to snap pics with Lego characters such as Toy Soldier and Gingerbread Man. And on select nights in December, watch the night light up with fireworks.
There’s More
For ultra local winter events, contact your local city council office, the Los Angeles County Parks and Recreation and the Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks’ websites. There may be tree lighting and snow play pop-ups happening in your own neighborhood!
Teena Apeles is the author of “52 Things to Do in Los Angeles” and founder of the creative collective Narrated Objects.
