Although the City of Angels doesn't get snow during the winter, the city can feel just as festive and magical during holiday activities as anywhere else in the country. As with everything else, LA does the holidays at a full sprint, meaning guests of all ages can enjoy the wonder and spirit of the season.
While there are tons of things to do during the holidays in southern California, we've compiled our top three activities for both individuals and families to experience. Get out your calendars and start planning!
Holiday Concert Series at Walt Disney Concert Hall
The Walt Disney Concert Hall is the home of the LA Philharmonic, and the building itself is as iconic as other LA landmarks like the Hollywood sign and the Walk of Fame. Designed by legendary architect Frank Gehry, the building is full of charm and whimsy, and that's before you set foot inside.
During the holiday season, the LA Phil performs classic concerts like The Nutcracker and a holiday sing-along concert where everyone can participate in the fun. Another modern trend is seeing classic films while the orchestra plays the soundtrack live in front of you. During this season, you can buy tickets to Home Alone and get a unique experience for one of the season's best movies.
If you're bringing kids along, there are plenty of pre-concert activities for little ones of all ages.
Enchanted Forest at Descanso Gardens
While the weather can get a bit nippy during the winter, nothing beats the magic of strolling through an illuminated winter wonderland. Descanso Gardens features a one mile walk through various scenes that range from impressive to downright magical. All these installations are designed to impress, so be sure to have your camera ready since you'll want to capture each moment as it happens.
The Enchanted Forest runs from November 20th to January 8th, and visitors can come rain or shine. However, since this is an illuminated event, the first entry is at 5:30 pm, and the last entry is at 8:30 pm.
Holiday Road
While the Enchanted Forest is magical, it features many installations that are not specific to the holiday season. If you're looking to see massive sets and scenes depicting your favorite moments from the season, Holiday Road is the place to be.
This massive experience is sure to delight visitors of all ages, and it's both visually impressive and offers interactive exhibits. You'll feel a bit like you walked into the North Pole, so be ready to participate in some fun, family-friendly activities. There are also food trucks on-site, so you can grab some delicious food during your visit.
Holiday Road runs from November 25th to December 30th.
Experience the Holiday Season at NMS Overland
Although most of these holiday activities are not in central LA, they're still easily accessible for residents. However, if you want to ring in the season in style, it's best to be at NMS Overland. These apartments are spacious and luxurious and are sure to make you feel at home. Whether you're solo, with a partner, or have kids, NMS Overland can cater to your needs. Schedule a visit and see what you're missing!