By Lily Angel
As Winter break is rolling in, so are the holidays. This holiday season will be very different from last year’s quarantine Christmas. If you don’t know what to do this holiday season, don’t worry, the Plaid Press has you covered.
From staying home and catching up on some reading to doing the nature hike at Griffith Park Observatory, there are so many options in the Los Angeles area to help you celebrate
Here’s what you can do locally at a cost:
Although theme parks are not the cheapest way to celebrate the holidays, they often have the most decorations and lights.
Vaccinated Californians can visit Six Flags, which has stunning lights and amazing performances to help celebrate the holiday season. Of course, there are also fun roller coasters to make it an adventurous holiday celebration. Holiday season at Six Flags is from November 26 – January 2. One-day tickets are $29.99.
The holidays at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter can give muggles a bit of magic this holiday season as well. From November 26 to January 2, there is a seven-minute projection show that lights up the Hogwarts Castle with amazing lights set to a magical score. Tickets range from $99 to $134.
Disneyland has become almost synonymous with the holidays this year. As soon as the Halloween decorations disappear, the park is decked out in Christmas trees and wreaths. From November 12 to January 9, Main Street and many of the rides receive holiday makeovers. Small World is definitely a standout holiday attraction. Tickets range start at $104.
Vaccinated audiences can also go to a holiday sing-along at the Walt Disney Concert on December 18. The massive pipe organ, along with a choice and jazz combo performs festive favorites. Tickets are pricey, ranging from $188 to $357, but it is a fun time.
The LA Phil will also be performing the live score for “Home Alone” at the Walt Disney Concert Hall December 10-12. This show would definitely take your Christmas movie binge-watching up a notch by being able to immerse yourself in John Williams’ score live. Tickets start at $91.
For some cooler holiday cheer, head to Pershing Square in Los Angeles for some ice skating. If you are interested in Ice Skating, a visit to the Bai Holiday Ice Rink in Pershing Square Ice Skating will definitely be a day full of fun. General admission is only $9 for an hour of skating with an extra $5 for skate rentals.
If you love animals and lights then the LA Zoo is perfect for you. Their Zoo Lights event is a nighttime trip through the zoo with flowing animals, magical disco balls, glittering forests, and a twinkling tunnel! Although the live animals are not part of the event, lights and hot chocolate make for a festive treat. Tickets are $22.
The Descanso Gardens offer a similar lighted experience with their Enchanted Forest of Light. This experience is an interactive, nighttime experience featuring a one-mile walk through beautiful lighting displays. Tickets start at $32.
If you’re looking for free alternatives, these options will surely be filled with fun:
Interested in a fun free beautiful experience? Go to Universal Citywalk! Watch the lighting of the 40-foot tree, enjoy a free concert, and the holiday edition of the classic dancing water fountain.
Adore holiday music, lights, and live performances? Then the Annual L.A. County Holiday Celebration is perfect for you. Go on December 24 to experience the magic for free at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion. This event showcases the talent, artistry, and traditions of Los Angeles County. The show is also available to view on PBS SoCal.
The LA County Parks and Recreation Department hosts “Parks After Dark” where they turn 33 different parks into winter wonderlands. With 40 tons of fake snow and free activities, check their website for a list of parks and dates throughout December.
Want to experience giving back this holiday season? The Los Angeles Police Department hosts an annual toy drive. The LAPD Devonshire PALS and San Fernando Valley Rescue Mission both seek to collect new and unwrapped toys for children ages 2-18.
If you are just simply bored at home this holiday season you can experience the fun of doing crafts, or watching movies. Some crafts you can do at home with family and friends or by yourself are making snowflakes and knitting.
No matter your budget or willingness to leave the comfort of your couch, there are plenty of ways to get into the holiday spirit this season.
The Plaid Press 