Top Things to Do in Los Angeles This Holiday Season

The holidays are here, and Los Angeles knows how to celebrate in style! From timeless parades to festive cocktails and European-style markets, there’s something for everyone in LA this season. If you're looking to soak up the spirit of the holidays in LA, these must-do experiences will make your season merry and bright. Here's your ultimate guide to the best things to do in LA for the holidays!

1. Experience the Hollywood Christmas Parade on Hollywood Blvd

Kick off the season with a cherished LA tradition: the 92nd Hollywood Christmas Parade on Hollywood Blvd! Since its debut in 1928, this vibrant event has been dazzling audiences with floats, marching bands, and performances that capture the heart of the season. Legendary Hollywood icons like Gene Autry and Jimmy Stewart have graced the parade, creating a beloved annual celebration that brings the Hollywood community together.

This year, the Hollywood Christmas Parade shines even brighter with its support of Toys for Tots and other important charitable organizations. It’s an evening of entertainment, philanthropy, and pure holiday magic—an essential holiday thing to do in Los Angeles.

For a perfect viewing spot, we recommend setting up your chairs right in front of Madame Tussauds Hollywood and The Hollywood Rooftop Restaurant & Bar. We’re located directly on the parade route for the perfect spot to view the floats and the festivities as they pass by. Plus, The Hollywood Rooftop is the closest spot for you to grab a festive holiday cocktail before or after the parade starts its route - great views, great drinks, great holiday vibes all around. 

2. Teremana Takeover at The Grove – December 13 & 14

Get ready for a fun, festive treat at The Grove this December! Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s Teremana Tequila is taking over on December 13 and 14, with complimentary Teremana cocktails to warm up your holiday spirits. (P.S. If you're looking for a chance to snap a photo with Dwayne Johnson’s Madame Tussauds wax figure, Madame Tussauds Hollywood is just 15 minutes away).

This two-day event is perfect for a casual night out with friends and is one of the most unique holiday things to do in Los Angeles  for tequila fans and holiday lovers alike. The Grove is Los Angeles’ favorite shopping, dining and lifestyle destination where you can get a full dose of shop-til-you-drop, dining, and entertainment in an open-air environment pulsing with style and energy. 

3. Los Angeles Christmas Market at ROW DTLA

Step into a winter wonderland at the Los Angeles Christmas Market, happening from November 29 to December 24 at ROW DTLA. Inspired by the bustling markets of Europe, this first-ever LA Christmas market has over 50 festive vendors, from gourmet food booths to artisans selling unique holiday gifts. Warm up with classic holiday treats like mulled wine and crispy schnitzel, and capture magical family moments with Santa Claus himself!

For those looking for things to do in LA for the holidays that include holiday shopping, this market is your one-stop-shop for cozy, festive vibes and seasonal delights. The Los Angeles Christmas Market is a perfect spot to enjoy the holiday season, find gifts, and create cherished memories with loved ones.

4. Festive Cocktails at The Hollywood Rooftop

Located right on Hollywood Blvd, The Hollywood Rooftop is a must-visit for festive cocktails and sweeping views. It’s the perfect pregame spot for your holiday parties, offering lifelike wax figures of stars like Zendaya, Marilyn Monroe, Scarlett Johansson, and Leonardo DiCaprio for some classic Hollywood selfies!

Enjoy happy hour everyday from 3pm to 6pm with $8 well drinks, $9 beer and wine, and $12 “mystery cocktails” where you choose the spirit, and the bartenders surprise you with something delicious. Pair your drinks with half-off appetizers and soak up the lively ambiance. With its central location near the TCL Chinese Theatre and Roosevelt Hotel, this Hollywood bar is an ideal gathering spot during the holidays in LA.

5. Get in the Holiday Spirit at Madame Tussauds Hollywood

Holiday season is all about nostalgia, and Madame Tussauds Hollywood is capturing the magic with an exclusive “It’s a Wonderful Life” display featuring a lifelike wax figure of James Stewart. Step into a classic holiday scene and snap a picture with one of Hollywood’s most iconic stars. Madame Tussauds is also home to figures of beloved celebrities like Lady Gaga, Angela Bassett, and Harry Styles, making it a must-visit for movie buffs and music lovers alike.

For fans of classic holiday films, this is one of the top things to do in LA for the holidays. It’s a perfect blend of Hollywood history and holiday cheer that will get everyone in the spirit!

This holiday season, Los Angeles offers endless opportunities to make lasting memories. Whether you’re watching the festive floats of the Hollywood Christmas Parade, sipping holiday cocktails at a rooftop bar in Hollywood, or exploring the magic of a European-style Christmas market, you’re bound to find joy around every corner.

So, bundle up, grab your friends and family, and make the most of the holidays in LA!