Come one, come all! Bring the family along and explore Tinseltown during the holidays. See classic Christmas music concerts or spend the day outdoors and ice skate under blue skies and warm weather— there’s something for every family member.
- Hear the holly jolly music echo at The Music Center that is home to the Ahmanson Theatre, Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, Mark Taper Forum and Walt Disney Concert Hall. Visitors can attend the entire season without seeing the same event twice.
- Spend the day ice skating at the annual Bai Holiday Ice Rink Pershing Square with “Let It Go Tuesdays” celebrating the acclaimed film, FROZEN. The Los Angeles Kings will also host their annual holiday skating attraction, LA Kings Holiday Ice at three locations. In addition to the flagship location at L.A. LIVE, Holiday Ice outdoor rinks are hosted at Westfield Topanga & The Village in Woodland Hills, and for the first time at Westfield Valencia Town Center.
- See the dazzling holiday light decorations at the Enchanted: Forest of Light for an interactive nighttime experience that features a one-mile walk through the Descanso Gardens. For more light displays see our guide.
Shopping
L.A. offers a shopping encounter unlike any other city in the country, especially during the holidays. With sunshine and clear blue skies year-round, shoppers have the option of exploring nearby attractions as they indulge in retail therapy.
- As one of the highest-grossing shopping centers in the US, The Grove brings style, warmth and energy, as well as the world’s leading brands and personalities, everything from Vince and Shinola to Sandro and Tiffany & Co. For the holiday’s bring the kids to Santa’s Workshop and celebrate with Santa himself.
- Westfield is sharing the joy of the holidays at their shopping, dining and entertainment hubs in Century City, Santa Anita, and Topanga & The Village. The spirit of the season is in full swing at each location, with special events that you’ll want to add to your calendar alongside your holiday shopping.
- For an open-air and vibrant shopping experience stop by The Bloc in the heart of DTLA where an array of eclectic shops offers everything from artisanal products to large chain goods. Be sure to bring the family along to the SPARKLE DTLA holiday display where a magical nighttime journey illuminates the city skyline with 16 million hues of lights.
Eat
Dining with kids in L.A. doesn’t mean forgoing trendy new restaurants. L.A. is home to a variety of dining experiences ranging from food stands and stalls to fast-casual and white tablecloth. Below are some of the best kid-friendly dining options that will also appeal to their parent’s appetites.
- The Fields LA is a new, elevated food hall in Downtown L.A.’s Exposition Park offering nine dining options, including fried chicken sandwiches from Chef Tim Hollingsworth of Otium fame. The best part? Children eat for free at The Fields LA. While in Exposition Park, families can catch a LAFC soccer match at the brand-new Banc of California stadium and visit one of the nearby museums within walking distance.
- For families with picky eaters, history buffs and gourmands, Grand Central Market (GCM), is a one-stop-shop. Movie fans might recognize the market from “La La Land” starring Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone. GCM is home to nearly 40 food vendors options ranging from street Thai food to Mexican and kid favorites such as McConnell’s Fine Ice Cream and PBJ.LA.
After snapping a family selfie at “Urban Light” on a visit to Mid-Wilshire’s LACMA, which often hosts family days, parents with kids in tow will want to grab a bite at Ray’s + Stark Bar. This establishment housed on the museum’s property specializes in new American cuisine and offers a delicious Kid’s Table menu including organic chicken tenders and grass-fed hamburgers.
