West Los Angeles Holiday Events
West Los Angeles real estate is home to some of Los Angeles’s most magnificent neighborhoods. Pacific Palisades offers a sense of laid-back luxe blended with a breezy beach atmosphere while Brentwood delights residents with affluence and an unexpected small-town charm. Likewise, Santa Monica dazzles with vibrant sunsets, the legendary Santa Monica Pier, and delectable culinary offerings.
With a backdrop of surfer vibes, cool, cosmopolitan glamour, and chic sophistication, West Los Angeles sets a picturesque scene for the holidays. From classic holiday activities like ice skating and tree lighting ceremonies to gorgeous garden strolls and the glistening beauty of an evening snowfall, West Los Angeles creates a magical holiday experience. Read on for a list of fun holiday events the whole family can enjoy.
Ice Skating in Santa Monica
Santa Monica is known for surfers, sun, and sand, but it is also home to a classic holiday scene: rosy-cheeked ice skaters gliding and spinning beneath twinkling fairy lights. Beginning in November, surfers stash their boards and lace up their blades as the coveted Ice at Santa Monica takes center stage. Arizona Avenue and 5th Street transform into a winter wonderland with a premier outdoor skating rink, and residents relish the festive fun. Stop in for an after-dinner spin around the rink, book a skating lesson, and take your skills to the next level. Broomball games are a popular form of winter revelry here, while those looking to celebrate in style can host private parties. Complete the perfect evening with a visit to the concession stand for hot chocolate and cookies.In addition to upscale dining,
The Santa Monica-Venice Christmas Run
LA’s largest holiday running event, the Santa Monica-Venice Christmas Run, debuted in 1977 and has since become a favorite way for the Los Angeles community to celebrate the holidays. As a fundraiser for local non-profits, the Christmas Run offers residents a chance to connect and work in unison to build up the community—not to mention, it’s an opportunity for some seriously festive fun. Participants don Santa hats, glittering snowflake dresses, and reindeer ears for the costume contest while runners race through the streets of Los Angeles to benefit organizations like Harvest Home.
The Nutcracker at the Broad Stage
Since 1973, BroadStage at Santa Monica College’s Performing Arts Center has hosted an incredible performance of “The Nutcracker,” featuring Westside Ballet’s interpretation of the festive story of snow travels and snow queens. During the series of eight extraordinary performances, which begin November 26 and run through December 4, patrons enjoy an artistically choreographed ballet set to a musical score by world-renowned composer Tchaikovsky. This is the longest-running Nutcracker tradition in Southern California and promises a magical evening full of wonder, perfect for setting the stage for the Christmas season.
Enchanted Forest of Lights at Descanso Gardens
Filled with breathtaking beauty and lush landscaping, Descanso Gardens is truly a sight to behold. The specialized botanical collections here celebrate Southern California’s unique terrain, and this non-profit organization fosters a stunning natural setting for LA’s busy city dwellers Winter sets the stage for the awe-inspiring Enchanted Forest of Light, an interactive nighttime experience with mesmerizing lighting effects and bewitching floral creations. Wander down the mile-long path as you take in the sculptures, gardens, and light shows to ring in the festive season.
Candy Cane Lane in Torrance
The holiday spirit comes in all shapes and sizes in Los Angeles. From traditional winter activities to faux snowflakes, LA residents revel in the magic of the holidays. Torrance offers one of the most well-known celebrations with its renowned Candy Cane Lane, where the sprawling estates glitter with lights and Christmas decor. Every year since 1985, the Sleepy Hollow neighborhood has transformed into a spectacular show of the Christmas spirit. Igloos and layers of artificial snow blanket the lawns, while Charlie Brown and Snoopy wear scarves and gather around the tree with the Peanuts gang. Carolers provide a sweet and festive soundtrack to highlight the festive cheer. Some residents even offer hot chocolate and cookies, making this one of the city’s most beautiful displays of Christmas warmth and community charm
Holiday Shopping at Westfield Century City Mall
Exclusive and high-end, Westfield Century City is an open-air shopping experience coveted for its remarkable design and fashion-forward retail spots. This pretty place transforms into a bastion of celebration and winter fun during the holiday season, with lights and ornaments galore. Shop for everyone on your list while treating yourself to the beautiful decor and festive refreshments at this entertainment epicenter. Plus, families can enjoy Santa’s North Pole Journey as they explore the North Pole scenery and take holiday photos.
Holiday Boat Parades
The affluent communities of Marina del Rey and Balboa hold long-standing traditions of lighted boat parades—extravagant displays that residents look forward to each year.
Marina del Rey’s wonderful tradition has been a holiday mainstay for 60 years and is truly a memorable experience for all who witness it. When the first parade was organized in 1963, only 20 boats entered the procession. Today, the marina contains an impressive 6,000 boats bedecked in grandeur and glistening lights, and the parade has become the stuff of legends. The dark watery night shines with a colorfully lit parade of vessels, each vying for the honor of winning the prize for “Best Overall.” Some boats offer an elegant take on Christmas lights, with soft snow and winter themes, while others dazzle with giant polar bears, Frosty the Snowman villages, and wondrous depictions of Santa’s sleigh ride.
South of Marina del Rey, you’ll find Balboa’s Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade and Ring of Lights festival. Participants can join the boat parade in the harbor or showcase their homes in this beloved waterfront celebration. Festive visitors marvel at the shimmering waves of Newport Harbor as they shine under thousands of holiday lights.
Festivities Along Montana Avenue
Enjoy Montana Avenue’s eclectic mix of 150+ distinctive shops and cafes along one elegant tree-lined street. Minutes from the ocean, miles from the crowds, lies Santa Monica’s premier shopping area. Where locals and celebrities gather to shop, dine, revive, and relax. Personalized services with a low key vibe. Experience the difference.
If you are interested in exploring all that West Los Angeles real estate has to offer, contact the expert team at Barnum & Citron Luxury Real Estate. With top-notch service and an eye for the exquisite and luxurious, Michele and Lainie are ready to help you find your dream home today.