It’s the most wonderful time of the year! The holiday season has everyone craving delicious treats and singing along with holiday classics playing in department stores. Even though Los Angeles does not experience snowy winters, the city’s many festive events will put you in the holiday spirit (even when the weather is a perfect 70 degrees of sunshine). Dowtown Los Angeles is not always top of mind when it comes to holiday destinations, but it may need to be reconsidered. The majority of DTLA’s tourism falls in the summer months, but the holidays are a beautiful time to explore the city, as a visitor and as a local.
Embrace the Holiday Cheer
One of LA’s most accredited attractions is the city’s love for the arts. As a hub for Hollywood talent, famous musicians, and world-renowned museums, Los Angeles is an art and entertainment-lovers dream. There is never a shortage of performances in Los Angeles at any time of the year, but Christmas is one of the best times to take advantage of astounding concerts to spark holiday cheer.
Downtown Los Angeles’ most distinguished concert venue is the Walt Disney Concert Hall, home to the LA Philharmonic Orchestra. During the holidays, it is beautifully decorated to host joyous events, such as the Holiday Sing-Along this year on December 21st and the White Christmas concert on December 22nd. Other holiday concerts include A Chanticleer Christmas beginning on December 17th and Christmas Time is Here on December 20th. Ring in the New Year with Kristin Chenoweth’s New Year’s Eve concert on December 31st.
The iconic Bradbury Building is another remarkable destination during the holidays. Tourists and locals flock year-round to the architectural masterpiece that was built in 1893 to experience a piece of LA’s history. The building is located in the heart of downtown Los Angeles at 304 South Broadway. In mid-December, The Bradbury hosts an annual Christmas Concert. The historic building’s design emphasizes natural acoustics, which make The Bradbury a spectacular venue for a holiday concert.
A Winter Wonderland in Los Angeles
It may be hard to believe, but there is an ice-skating rink located in downtown Los Angeles during the holiday season. The ice rink at Pershing Square is perfect for those who find it difficult to get in the holiday spirit amid of a sunny Southern California winter. This year, the ice will open on November 14th, 2019 until January 20th, 2020. This will be the 22nd year of DTLA’s Holiday Ice Rink, which offers skate rentals and themed events throughout the season.
Christmas Tree Lighting
Of course, every city has to have a classic, magical tree-lighting ceremony. The Downtown Los Angeles Union Station hosts the annual Tree Lighting and Cocoa Concert just outside of the station. In addition to the tree-lighting, the family-friendly event becomes a winter wonderland with a Christmas concert, holiday crafts, hot chocolate, and a visit from Santa Claus.
Holiday Lights
Finding the best holiday light show is a tradition for many families. If you are in Los Angeles, you won’t have to search too hard, with holiday lights located everywhere across the county. Holiday light hot spots include the LA Zoo’s bright lights and the magical Venice Canals, but one of the most luminous events is in downtown LA.
During the holiday season, locals and visitors will find twinkling lights blanketing the city’s Grand Park. Grand Park’s Winter Glow is an annual holiday lighting that spans within the 12 acres of Grand Park, finishing at The Music Center Plaza. This free event features illuminated and interactive art installations using light and projection technology. This year, the lights and art activations will turn on at sunset on December 6th and continue nightly until 10:00 pm Christmas night.
Los Angeles for the Holidays
For those coming into the city, traffic and parking can feel overwhelming, especially during the holidays. Fortunately, Joe’s AutoParks has many convenient parking locations throughout Los Angeles that will help to make your visit easier. Wherever you go, check JoesAutoParks.com for the nearest parking lot location and follow Joe’s AutoParks on Facebook for the latest updates in Los Angeles.
Whether you call Los Angeles home, or you are planning a trip as a visitor, the holiday season is the perfect time to get to know LA. Festive and family-friendly events are endless within the city and in surrounding areas. With concerts, light shows, and skating rinks, the seasonal events in Los Angeles will make everyone feel like they are in a winter wonderland
REFERENCES: [1] “Concerts and Events Calendar” LA Phil. 2019; [2] “Christmas Concert at the Bradbury” WeLikeLA. 2018; [3] “Holiday Ice Rink Pershing Square” Holiday Ice Rink Downtown LA. 2018; [4] “The Best Outdoor Ice Skating in Los Angeles” Discover Los Angeles. 14 March, 2019; [5] “Grand Parks Winter Glow” Grand Park LA. 2019.
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