A list of activities to help you enjoy your winter here in sunny Southern California.
Here in Southern California, and specifically Los Angeles, we have the luxury to not deal with snow and unbearable cold temperatures in most areas. However, we also have the benefit of being able to drive manageable distances to find activities that can make this place a winter wonderland. Here’s a list of activities for you to enjoy this winter from a Southern California local.
Ice skating at LA Live
From November 26 to January 8, the LA Kings will hold their annual “Holiday Ice” event at LA Live, right across the street from Crypto.com Arena. The Christmas music, the bright lights from buildings and electric billboards and the big city feel all contribute to this winter activity. Go with family and friends, or make it a date night.
Rooftop movies
Another great way to enjoy this winter is to get bundled up, go outside at a cool location, sip on some hot chocolate or coffee and watch movies. Rooftop Cinema Club (RCC) has three locations: Downtown LA, El Sugundo and LA Art District. These year-round events are a perfect place where you can watch classic films or a current blockbuster movie. Starting November 26, RCC will start showing holiday classics like “The Polar Express,” “Elf,” “A Christmas Story” and “Home Alone.”
LA Zoo lights
The LA Zoo will continue their annual event, “LA Zoo Lights,” where the zoo is completely transformed into an immersive, bright landscape. This year’s theme is “Animals Alglow” which will include huge, bright and colorful sculptures of animals and nature. Photo ops and places to purchase food and beverages will be along your self-guided tour. The event runs from November 18 to January 22.
Snowboarding and skiing
Just because we don’t experience any snowfall in most areas of SoCal doesn’t mean we can’t snowboard. Three spots to shred are at Bear Mountain, Snow Valley and Mountain High.
Bear Mountain, the most popular out of the three, is located in Big Bear. It’s a good spot for beginners, intermediate and advanced skiers and snowboarders. Snow Valley is slightly smaller than Bear Mountain but still provides good shreds. Mountain High is the closest of the three to Azusa and provides tubing for the younger ones that join the snow trip.
Santa’s Village
Santa’s Village is returning to Lake Arrowhead after being closed for 24 years. You’ll step into the North Pole at this classic event. There will be a meet-and-greet with Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus and other Christmas characters, an ice rink to skate with elves, shows for the little ones, and holiday-themed food.
Six Flags Magic Moutain’s “Holiday in the Park”
Six Flags probably does the Christmas season the best. Their sets and decorations, music played throughout the park and snowfall that happens at the end of each night transform the park into more than the “thrill capital of the world.”
Their “Holiday in the Park” will take place on select nights from November 24 to January 1. Attractions will include sleigh rides through the park, bright and colorful sets, holiday-themed food, special merchandise, dance areas with a DJ and specially themed sections of the park.
Long Beach International Tamales Festival
Long Beach City College will host the second annual Long Beach International Tamales Festival on December 4. The all-day event will have live performances, art workshops, shopping, drink testing, a homemade tamale contest, tamales from different regions of Latin America and other Latin dishes.
Yuletide Cinemaland
Street Food Cinema will take over the Heritage Square Museum in LA for their “Yuletide Cinemaland” event. From December 3 to 23, each night the museum will screen a different holiday movie like “Elf,” “Edward Scissorhands,” “The Muppet Christmas Carol” and “The Nightmare Before Christmas.” Along with each screening, you’ll be able to tour decorated Victorian houses, eat at special vendors and walk through Christmas light sets.