Winter in Los Angeles can be tricky with its sunny weather and lack of frosty feels. But let’s remember LA is magical and loves to put on a show during the wintertime. We looked all over to find the most epic winter destinations to add to your bucket list this season. So get ready to experience a holly jolly holiday like no other.
The Magic of Snow
What screams winter in LA more than fake snow? Ok, so we know that you have to go a little up north to the mountains to get some fresh powder, but there are a ton of places in LA putting on a show to give the locals a taste of a magical snowfall.
1. The Grove
Location: 189 The Grove Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90036
Snow is falling here nightly until December 31st. They have two time slots to catch it at 7 p.m. & 8 p.m. If you do any last minute Christmas shopping, on December 24th and 25th the snow shows are at 6 p.m., 7 p.m., and 8 p.m.
2. The Market at Westfield
Location: Atrium, 10250 Santa Monica Blvd. Space Level 1, Los Angeles, CA 90067
The Market at Westfield has snow falling until January 5th, on the hour every hour from 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. You can also enjoy their holiday village experience, with holiday shopping and hot chocolate.
3. The Americana at Brand
Location: 889 Americana Way, Glendale, CA 91210
This destination has snow until December 25th, daily at 7 p.m. & 8 p.m. Stop by and enjoy their exceptional restaurants, festive activities, and shopping.
4. 6 Flags Magic Mountain
Location: 26101 Magic Mountain Pkwy, Valencia, CA 91355
This amusement park has winter snow until January 5th, every 20 minutes starting at 5 p.m! It’s the perfect place to enjoy a thrilling day and snowy night, with holiday treats and festive entertainment.
Mountain Ski Destinations (Near LA)
Need an escape from the bustling sunny LA, head over to the mountains and engulf yourself in a winter wonderland. Treat yourself to a holiday escape, the perfect trip with friends and family. Enjoy winter sports like skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing. Most resorts include rentals, lessons, and season passes as well. Also warm up after the outdoor activities with campfires, spa’s, and cozy bars and restaurants. Here are our top three mountain destinations near LA:
1. Big Bear Mountain Resort
Location: 43101 Goldmine Dr Suite A, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
Big Bear Mountain is a widely known destination for travelers. The resort has rentals, lessons, and season passes as well. They even have a charming village at its base, a perfect blend of adventure and tranquility. Big Bear has multiple cabins to book your stay, such as lakefront, pet-friendly, hot tub cabins, and game table cabins. Also, check out the cutest spot The LA Girl stayed at in Big Bear lake!
2. Mammoth Mountain
Location: 10001 Minaret Road, CA 93546
Mammoth Mountain has about nine beautiful and distinct properties to choose from. Their website is easy to navigate and covers all aspects when booking your trip. Mammoth town offers bowling, trampolines, movies, fitness and more!
3. Mount Baldy
Location: 8401 Mount Baldy Road Mount Baldy, CA 91759
Mount Baldy’s unique perks include cat tours, and scenic rides. The destination has two options of staying, Mt Baldy Lodge and Camp Baldy. Annual passes include three tiers – the Winter Passes, Club Baldy, and Loyalty Club.
Duffy Boat Rides
Bundle up in your coziest winter clothes and bring a blanket on the perfect date night boat ride. Embrace the charm of a leisurely cruise aboard a Duffy electric boat, in warmth and comfort. This experience offers a unique and enchanting way to embrace the season’s beauty on the water, self driven by you.
1. Marina Del Rey Boat Rental
Location: 13717 Fiji Way, Marina del Rey, CA 90292
Hop on the cutest electric boat ride through Marina Del Rey. Make sure to call ahead to make a reservation. If you want to make a whole day of it, you can book the reservations for 1 to 8 hours.
2. Duffy Boat Rentals Long Beach
Location: 6272 Pacific Coast Hwy, Long Beach, CA 90803
This two hour minimum boat ride is open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Perfect for a group activity, holding up to ten passengers.
3. Boat Rentals Newport Beach
Location: 400 Main St. Newport Beach, CA 92661
Courtesy of Newport Boat Parade
This is the most festive boat ride near LA. Book a holiday special ride like Holiday Lights 2 hour ride, or The Newport Beach Boat Parade (4 hours). Make sure to check out their website for available dates, don’t miss out on this unique experience!
Holiday Bars
What better way to get into the season than festive bars. It’s the perfect immersive experience with holiday cocktails and festive tunes. We found the best bars in Los Angeles with holiday lights, cozy corners, and menu’s filled with seasonal delights. Here are our top three choices:
1. EP & LP: Holly Jolly Holiday Bar
Location: 603 N La Cienega Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069
This is the best and most festive holiday bar in LA! We recommend the Milk & Cookies cocktail and Run Rudolph Run cocktail. For light bites you need to try their Asada Tacos. Open now through December 30th, make sure to make a reservation. Check out our experience here.
2. Death & Co
Location: 818 E 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90013
Death & Co. is open nightly Tuesday’s through Sunday’s, until December 30th. We recommend the Polar Espresso cocktail and Peppermint Muddy Buddies.
3. Frosty’s Christmas Bar
Location: 6555 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028
Known as the holiday hot spot, experience this ultimate winter experience. Frosty’s Christmas Bar has fun festive cocktails that look as good as they taste, The LA Girl pick here includes a GRINCH-A-RITA and Orange Holiday Fizz.
Ice Hockey: The LA Kings
Location: 1111 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90015
Bundle up in the rink and cheer on the Los Angeles ice hockey team, the LA Kings at the Crypto.com Arena! The perfect chilly arena of winter excitement to experience a thrilling ice hockey game. The air is a crisp cold, so make sure you bring those layers to stay cozy. This is the perfect energetic activity to go with friends and family, or even a date. Grab a cup of steaming hot cocoa, bundle up, and and get in that chilly winter mood.
Check out The Most Festive Holiday Activities To Do in LA for more winter cheer.
