Featured image credit: Holiday Ice Rink Pershing Square
For a city that more or less holds its enviable climate throughout the year, parts of Los Angeles undergo a radical transformation during the holiday season. These pockets may be devoid of snow, but they fill the space with character (and a heaping helping of Christmas lights). For many Angelenos, these wintry scenic spots are tradition. But for those new to town and looking for the perfect holiday scene for a family photo or just to enjoy some seasonal cheer, we’ve assembled five of our favorites.
Setting the Holiday Scene at the Venice Canals
Most would agree that, holidays or not, the Venice Canals set a mood replete with magic and romance. But in December, that fairytale enchantment spreads throughout the entire neighborhood, transforming it into one of the Greater Los Angeles area’s most scenic spots for holiday splendor. Christmas lights festoon balconies, docks, and, of course, the bridges of the canals. You’ll even find intricate winter displays, emphasizing the creativity so characteristic of the Venice community. With the radiance of the lights mirrored in the tranquil waters, a winter stroll through Venice’s holiday scene produces one of December’s most picturesque experiences in Southern California.
Enjoy Classic Big City Scenic Spots at the Skating Rink
Despite LA’s Mediterranean climate, the city manages to host numerous pop-up ice rinks every December. They’re just not necessarily consistent with location. However, you can pretty much count on an immense skating rink opening up in the Downtown LA area every year. This year, the city will host a large ice skating rink at Pershing Square from November 20 until January 11, creating plenty of cinematic opportunities to capture a big city holiday scene. Whether you live nearby or don’t mind traveling to the heart of the city, the Pershing Square Holiday Ice Skating Rink provides one of the most classic scenic spots for wintry cheer.
There’s No Christmas Like Snow Christmas
When it comes to snow, nothing beats the real thing. Fortunately, Angelenos don’t have to travel too far to experience an authentic holiday scene of snowy splendor. Nearby mountain communities like Wrightwood or Mount Baldy often experience snowfall around this time of year, and, depending on traffic conditions, are just a quick 60 to 90-minute jaunt away. The mountains are ideal for sledding, hiking, or even going all in on a cabin (though reservations book quickly). However, approach with caution if you lack experience in snowy, mountainous terrain. Mount Baldy is the third most dangerous mountain in the country!
Don’t Miss These Natural Scenic Spots and Their Special Events
The area’s numerous botanical gardens frequently get into the holiday spirit with their own seasonal spin. Some of the most scenic spots can be found simply by strolling through these gardens after dark as Christmas lights transform them into luminous landscapes fit for the whole family. Los Angeles has the rare benefit of hospitable weather, even in the cooler months, and these themed garden displays give holiday revelers a chance to enjoy it. Descanso Gardens already has its Enchanted Forest of Light fired up and burning until January 4.
Merry Meets Marine with Christmas Boat Parades
Los Angeles also enjoys celebrating the holidays on the water, making for some truly memorable scenic spots to spread the wintry cheer. One that’s become an enduring holiday tradition is the Marina Del Rey Holiday Boat Parade, which takes place on December 13 this year. Expect a spookier-than-usual atmosphere with 2025’s A Nightmare Before Christmas theme. Further down in Long Beach, the Naples Island Christmas Boat Parade offers a more traditional though equally celebratory take on December 20. These are just a couple of examples of how Westside Angelenos artfully combine the merry with the marine.
It may not be a traditional winter wonderland. But LA makes up for its lack of snow and classic scenery with its own character in its memorable scenic spots during the holidays. From softly illuminated nature trails in the pleasantly chilly evening to Christmas parades on the water, we’re never far from a holiday scene of magic.
With a brand that says as much as JohnHart’s, Senior Copywriter Seth Styles never finds himself at a loss for words. Responsible for maintaining the voice of the company, he spends each day drafting marketing materials, blogs, bios, and agent resources that speak from the company’s collective mind and Hart… errr, heart.
Having spent over a decade in creative roles across a variety of industries, Seth brings with him vast experience in SEO practices, digital marketing, and all manner of professional writing with particular strength in blogging, content creation, and brand building. Gratitude, passion, and sincerity remain core tenets of his unwavering work ethic. The landscape of the industry changes daily, paralleling JohnHart’s efforts to {re}define real estate, but Seth works to maintain the company’s consistent message while offering both agents and clients a new echelon of service.
When not preserving the JohnHart essence in stirring copy, Seth puts his efforts into writing and illustrating an ongoing series entitled The Death of Romance. In addition, he adores spending quality time with his girlfriend and Romeo (his long-haired chihuahua mix), watching ‘70s and ‘80s horror movies, and reading (with a particular penchant for Victorian horror novels and authors Yukio Mishima and Bret Easton Ellis). He also occasionally records music as the vocalist and songwriter for his glam rock band, Peppermint Pumpkin.
