It’s our favorite time of year, but for those of us on the Golden Coast, it can be difficult to find the cheer with our ever-present sunshine and warm temps.  But making cozy holiday vibes is easy because our beautiful city is packed to the brim with fun shopping activities and experiences that are sure to keep you merry and bright during this vibrant season!

Check out a local Holiday Market:

If you want to give vintage and second-hand treats, look no further than the Holiday Rose Bowl Flea.  This massive flea market hosts various vendors for everything you’re looking for.  Make the time to visit this weekend for all the incredible holiday shopping options.  

The Los Feliz Holiday Flea is also running every Sunday in December. Check out their second location at the Autry Museum while you shop secondhand, handmade, and local.  The LFHF features live music, a full bar, and food trucks;  Making it a cheery way to spend a Sunday afternoon!

Light the Menorah in Santa Monica or go to the Hanukkah Festival!

Located at 1300 Third Street Promenade, you can join local Synagogues and community leaders as they celebrate the Festival of Lights each night.  With lots of dining and shopping options on the Promenade, you can make a night of it enjoying the multitude of lights while the sun goes down over the coast.   

Shop Small on Magnolia Boulevard in Burbank

If you’re looking for unique gifts, Magnolia Boulevard in Burbank has all the clever spots.  Audrey K Boutique is a delightful store that is women-owned and operated where you can find wrapping bow-themed purses, holiday outfits for every level of occasion,  and a jewelry section that dances like sugar plums in your head.  

Across the Street is Stay Home Friend, which boasts locally made jewelry, kitchen accessories, candles, and more.  

Later, when you’re in need of a sweet treat to pick yourself up, take the short walk to Romancing the Bean and devour a pastry or a peppermint latte to do the trick. 

LA Zoo Lights and Train Ride

The LA Zoo Lights – Animals Aglow is certainly LA’s wildest tradition.  With a stunning decorated landscape filled with lantern sculptures, this nature-focused experience is truly inspired. Book your tickets ahead of time to be sure of being admitted into this winter wonderland that will dazzle your family and look for their value weekends for lower pricing or the VIP nights for small crowds.

All Aboard the Holiday Griffith Park Train for a world of fun and color.  Operating since 1948 and a personal favorite of mine as a child, the GPT is a wonderful one-mile track of rails making this an engaging evening out for all ages.  Book in advance to guarantee a spot this holiday season. 

Holiday Cinema at Heritage Square

Sit back, grab some pizza and ice cream, and get ready to defend your house ya filthy animal.  Street Food Cinema celebrates Yuletide Cinemaland all December long.  Most nights are double features, Muppet Christmas Carol & Scrooged, Home Alone 1 & 2, making this a perfect way to kick off the holidays with friends, family, or even a first date.   Snacks and parking are aplenty as you promise to honor Christmas year-round! 

Kwanzaa Joy Celebration 2023

On Saturday, December 20th, Kwanzaa Joy Celebration takes place in Pomona.  With tickets running anywhere from $10 – $250, it’s easy to take part in this incredible display of community.  From meditations and reflections on the Seven Principles, cultural food, handcrafted artisan markets, and artistic performances, this is an event not to be missed.  Also, culturally and historically relevant books can be dropped off to be donated to local public schools and the Alliance Community Cultural Center in Downtown Pomona to support equity in our children’s educational experience.