🏙️ Los Angeles: Sunny & Bright — A West Coast Christmas

Where Coastal Glow Meets Holiday Magic in the City of Angels

Los Angeles may not deliver a white Christmas, but it offers something just as enchanting: sunny skies, ocean breezes, dazzling coastal light displays, festive rooftop pop-ups, and world-class holiday dining. December transforms LA into a glittering blend of surf-meets-seasonal charm, proving you don’t need snow to feel the spirit of the holidays.

From festive outdoor markets and celebrity-studded shows to iconic destinations like The Grove, LA Live, and Manhattan Beach Pier, the city’s holiday celebrations unfold under palm trees wrapped in lights—making Los Angeles one of the most unique places to spend Christmas in the U.S.

Welcome to Sunny & Bright: A West Coast Christmas—your essential guide to celebrating the holidays LA-style.

☀️ Why Christmas in Los Angeles Feels Unlike Anywhere Else

While most cities bundle up in layers, Angelenos spend the holidays in sweaters optional mode, sipping cinnamon-spiced cocktails on rooftops and watching surfers decked out in Santa hats. The mix of perfect weather, outdoor festivities, and ocean-to-city experiences makes LA a dream destination for travelers wanting a warm, yet festive, winter getaway.

LA’s holiday season blends:

• Stylish outdoor celebrations
• Trend-setting Christmas pop-ups
• Iconic shopping destinations
• Coastal light shows
• Sunset dining
• Global culinary flavors
• Festive hotel experiences

Instead of snowflakes, expect sunshine, ocean views, and plenty of West Coast sparkle.

🎁 The Grove: LA’s Most Beloved Holiday Wonderland

No holiday season in Los Angeles is complete without a visit to The Grove. This open-air shopping mecca becomes a full-blown Christmas village, complete with:

• A 100-foot Christmas tree rivaling Rockefeller Center
• Falling “snow” every evening
• Holiday performances and live music
• Santa’s Workshop + photo ops
• Beautifully decorated storefronts
• Endless dining and shopping

The Grove’s holiday spirit is cinematic—fitting for a city known for its love of spectacle. And because it’s outdoor and walkable, it’s the ideal place to stroll, shop, and soak up the season.

Don’t miss: the nightly snowfall show, which runs through Christmas.

🎄 Rooftop Winter Pop-Ups: Holiday Magic in the Sky

Los Angeles rooftops transform into seasonal sanctuaries filled with glowing lights, themed cocktails, cozy fire pits, and panoramic city views. These holiday pop-ups combine classic Christmas charm with LA’s signature glamour.

Top picks for 2025 include:

Skybar at the Mondrian

Think twinkling lights, cityscape views, and holiday craft cocktails.

The Rooftop at The Wayfarer DTLA

Seasonal menus and skyline views.

The Ace Hotel Rooftop

Warm drinks, seasonal DJ sets, and a chic, artsy crowd.

Perch LA

Parisian-inspired setting with live music and a festive rooftop ambiance.

Reservations recommended for prime sunset hours.

🌊 Coastal Glow at Manhattan Beach: A Holiday Tradition with Surf Vibes

Just 30 minutes from downtown, Manhattan Beach offers one of the most picturesque and laid-back Christmas experiences in Southern California. The pier lights up in a stunning holiday display with:

• A glowing, tree-shaped light sculpture
• Palm trees wrapped in festive colors
• Oceanfront walks
• Sunset views that steal the show

Stroll The Strand with a warm drink, browse boutiques along Manhattan Beach Boulevard, or enjoy a seaside dinner at restaurants like The Strand House or Nick’s Manhattan Beach.

Tip: Aim for sunset—the sky turns pink, orange, and gold right as the holiday lights begin to glow.

🍽️ Seasonal Menus at LA’s Top Restaurants

Los Angeles restaurants go all out for Christmas with holiday tasting menus, festive cocktails, and cozy seasonal flavors made with California ingredients.

Top spots offering holiday menus or seasonal specials include:

Republique – La Brea

French-inspired dishes, seasonal pastries, and a warm historic setting.

Gwen – Hollywood

A festive feast for meat lovers with curated tasting menus.

Water Grill – Santa Monica

Fresh seafood and holiday dishes just steps from the ocean.

Book early—holiday tables fill fast.

🎉 Holiday Events Worth Traveling For

Los Angeles hosts dozens of holiday festivals, shows, and immersive installations. A few worth adding to your December itinerary:

• LA Zoo Lights – A family-favorite with glowing light sculptures.
• Enchanted Forest of Light at Descanso Gardens – A dreamy, interactive light walk.
• Marina del Rey Boat Parade – Yachts decorated in over-the-top holiday displays.
• Hollywood Christmas Parade – A beloved LA tradition with floats, stars & music.

These events bring the holidays to life with a uniquely Southern California twist.

🏨 Where to Stay for a Sunny Holiday Escape

Los Angeles offers a wide range of festive hotels, from glam rooftop retreats to beachfront havens.

Top seasonal picks include:

The Fairmont Miramar – Santa Monica

Holiday décor, ocean breezes, and easy access to the pier.

The Hoxton, Downtown LA

Chic, stylish, and close to holiday markets & nightlife.

The Beverly Hilton

Classic Hollywood glamour with festive lobby décor and seasonal menus.

Hotel Casa del Mar – Santa Monica

Oceanfront elegance with twinkling lights and cozy holiday touches.

✨ Insider Tips for a Magical LA Christmas

• Book rooftop pop-ups early—prime seats go fast.
• Traffic increases during the holidays—plan accordingly.
• Pack layers—warm days, cool nights.
• Visit beaches in the morning for the best lighting and fewer crowds.
• Explore LA’s smaller neighborhoods—Silver Lake, Brentwood, and Los Feliz all offer charming holiday vibes.

🎄 Final Thoughts: Celebrate Christmas the West Coast Way

Los Angeles proves that holiday magic doesn’t need snow. With sun-soaked days, sparkling nights, and a festive atmosphere that stretches from the beaches to the rooftops, the city offers a Christmas celebration filled with warmth, beauty, and unmistakable West Coast style.

Whether you’re skating in DTLA, enjoying sunset cocktails on a rooftop, or walking beneath coastal holiday lights, a Los Angeles Christmas is joyful, glittering, and endlessly unforgettable.

Step into 🎄 Chicago: Windy City Wonderland and experience the magic of the holidays in one of America’s most iconic winter cities. From sparkling lights to festive markets, uncover the best seasonal moments—and start planning your perfect Chicago holiday escape today.