Los Angeles Winter Bucket List: 20 Things To Do This Season

los angeles winter bucket list

Los Angeles Winter Bucket List: 20 Things To Do This Season

Winter has finally arrived here in Southern California! We may not get the white Christmas that we’ve always dreamed of, but there’s still plenty to do and see. We searched for the top rated and newest events happening this season and created the ultimate Los Angeles Winter Bucket List. Think of it as your official guide for unique things to do this Christmas season and all through the winter. When the weather temperature drops, you’re now out of excuses to sit home and binge watch Netflix.

December 

Los Angeles Winter Bucket List

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Winter may be the best time of year to check out the stars from Griffith Observatory. The sun sets much earlier during the winter, allowing plenty of time to gaze up at a twinkly night sky.

On December 16th, grab some friends for a few drinks and go on the Santa Monica Annual Pub Crawl. You and your group can choose from one of four routes that offer varying drink and food specials. Admittance is only $15 pre sale, and all proceeds go toward benefiting the Westside Food Bank. Now you can say that your drinking is for a good cause.

Visit the Original Farmer’s Market this winter for a delicious lunch at one of the 30 restaurants on site. When you visit between December 18-24 you can watch shows, hear the Christmas carolers, view the decorations and partake in the holiday-themed arts and craft activities.

Celebrate the Holidays in Los Angeles at The Music Center’s 58th Annual LA County Holiday Celebration. This free, three-hour event has everything from choirs, dance groups, to music performances. This year features the City Ballet of Los Angeles performing a piece from The Nutcracker, along with many ethnic dances.

los angeles winter bucket list

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One of your winter evenings just has to be spent in the Descanso Gardens Enchanted Forest of Light. With light-up pathways, sculptures, glowing plants, and more, you’ll want to make sure you’re there for every step of the mile-long walk to navigate this garden.  There are also plenty of holiday events during the day throughout the winter months like wreath making, weekend walks, and Patina dinners with Santa.

On December 10th, the Skirball Cultural Center will host their annual Hanukkah Festival. Everyone is welcome to come and enjoy performances by Latin Jewish bands. Learn how to dance salsa, cubana, mambo, and hip hop dance. Enjoy workshops that teach you how to create a community art installation and learn about Mexican chocolate.

On December 9th, Stevie Wonder will be performing at the Staples Center for his annual benefit concert Stevie Wonder’s House of Toys. All of the proceeds will go to Wonder’s We Are Foundation which helps children with disabilities and families in need. Other guest performers include Andra Day, Dave Matthews, Pharrell, Savion Glover and Tony Bennett. Just make sure that you bring an unwrapped toy or gift with you to this awesome event.

Move through a Victorian era setting as you explore the vignette style storytelling at The Heritage Square Museum. The 23rd Annual Holiday Lamplight Celebration promises a unique Christmas celebration full of delight. Come check out the history and fun on December 2nd and 3rd.  

Celebrate the holidays at the Renee and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall with Seth MacFarlane and Pacific Symphony, on December 22nd and 23rd. MacFarlane is a world renowned actor, director, writer, and producer (Family Guy, American Dad, The Orville, and many more), as well as a talented comedian and musician. This special concert event will be sure to brighten your holiday season.

los angeles winter bucket list

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Enjoy a true winter wonderland at Chill at the Queen Mary. This event will feature restaurants with food from six different regions all over the globe. There are plenty of family-fun activities, like ice bumper cars, ice tricycles, tubing tracks, skating rinks and ice trails. Each night there is a tree lighting ceremony, gingerbread decorating, and so much more. This event is from December 13 to January 7th. Purchase tickets here.  

On Saturday, December 2nd, the 2017 Annual Boat Parade will be cruising down the waters by the Battleship Iowa. This parade is going to be lit – up! Watch as all the vessels are decked out in Christmas cheer. Along with the parade there will be a visit from Santa Claus and carolers, holiday treats and hot chocolate. Make sure that you bring an unwrapped toy with you, as it will be donated to families in need this holiday season.

los angeles winter bucket list

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Don’t miss out on one of the biggest and most fun arts and crafts fair at the Fairplex in Pomona. Visit the Harvest Festival and revel in the photography, jewelry, specialty foods, wood art, metalwork and more. Come explore and enjoy the fun sights and passion-filled artistry.

A great way to get into the Christmas spirit is to watch the holiday classic, A Christmas Carol live. Between December 1st – 24th you can see the play at the South Coast Repertory. Enjoy the tradition and the story before the season is over.

January

Kick off the New Year with some great drinks and entertainment! Until 2am on New Year’s Eve, Angel City Brewery will feature specialty brews and cocktails as well as delicious eats from local food trucks. Live entertainment includes performances from John Morgan, The Vignes Rooftop Revival, Runson Willis III, and The Fuzzy Crystals. Lastly, Angel City is hosting a free Sparkling Berliner Weisse toast at midnight.

With the purchase of a ticket for Poppy’s New Year’s Eve Celebration, you have access to an open bar and DJ performances all night long. At midnight the New York Times Square ball drop will be shown and all guests will enjoy complimentary champagne or a Prosecco toast. If you’re willing to splurge on bottle service, Poppy boasts a surreal and fantastic atmosphere, which is sure to amaze you.

los angeles winter bucket list

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Experience one of the most vibrant and energetic parades in California. On January 1st, the annual Tournament of Roses Parade will be a delightful and captivating visual event, followed by the exciting Rose Bowl football game. Tickets are available if you want to sit comfortably during the show, as opposed to stand and watch from the street.

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If you’re looking to celebrate the beginning of the New Year in a really big way, the N.Y.E.L.A. Countdown is the exciting block party you’re looking for. LA’s Music Center and City Hall have combined forces to bring you a massive New Year’s Eve bash that you’ll never forget. Between live DJ’s, music on multiple stages and plenty of options for delicious food, this is the place to experience a blowout end of the year bash.

Looking for a show to attend while you ring in the New Year? Head to Avalon Hollywood which was voted “Best Dance Club” by LA Weekly, and hear Markus Schulz’s live performance. The event starts at 10pm and goes all night long. Tickets start at $70, or you and your group can experience their VIP bottle service for an unforgettable New Year’s Eve.

February

There’s no shame in being single on Valentine’s Day, especially with the Be My Valentine Bash Speed Dating event for singles. Join Do Relish speed dating for this fun and fast-paced event this Valentine’s Day. Who knows, you may end the night having found your perfect match.

This February, the exclusive and private 41 Ocean Club in Santa Monica is hosting a pre Valentine’s Day event. On February 13th, join them for the Black and Red Ball, and dress in your best black and red attire. The evening begins with some exquisite hor d’oeuvres, then dance the night away in style.

los angeles winter bucket list

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Looking for a romantic getaway? Look no further than Los Angeles! With Sunset Gondola rides, you can experience the romantic scenery of a rarely traveled canal. Paddle along a quiet, calm river as you and your sweetheart embody one of the most iconic romantic symbols there is. They’ll even provide you with wine and cozy blankets for your scenic journey.

XoXo, Casey

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