It’s Thanksgiving weekend and there is no better time to check out fall happenings. Don’t miss all the fun in your neighborhood! Check out all the local activities happening November 29 through December 1.
Los Angeles Weekend Events | November 29 – December 1
L.A. Zoo Lights
When: Until January 5
Where: L.A. Zoo | Griffith Park
What: The L.A. Zoo will remain open after dark most nights through January, offering a magical take on its holiday light tradition. This year’s “Animals Aglow” edition features enchanting oversized animal-shaped lanterns, creating a vibrant and charming trail that celebrates the zoo’s diverse wildlife.
Hollywood Christmas Parade
When: December 1
Where: Hollywood Blvd
What: The Hollywood Christmas Parade is pure L.A. kitsch, as iconic as an Angelyne billboard on Sunset Boulevard. Celebrating over nine decades of holiday cheer, the parade showcases a dazzling lineup of floats, balloons, marching bands, equestrian units, and celebrity appearances. The festive U-shaped route kicks off at Hollywood and Orange, winding its way to Sunset and Orange. Reserved grandstand seating is available for purchase, with proceeds benefiting Toys for Tots, while free curbside spots offer a budget-friendly way to enjoy the spectacle.
L.A. Kings Holiday Ice
When: Until January 10
Where: DTLA
What: The annual L.A. Kings ice skating rink is back at L.A. Live, bringing festive fun to the heart of the city. Glide around the stunning Christmas tree at the center of the outdoor rink while enjoying an LED holiday light show on the massive screens surrounding the plaza. With four nightly skating sessions to choose from, it’s a perfect way to embrace the holiday spirit. Tickets, which include skate rentals, are available exclusively on-site and cannot be purchased online.
Westside and Beach Communities Weekend Events | November 29 – December 1
Winter Fest OC
When: November 22 – January 5
Where: Santa Monica
What: Celebrate a decade of holiday magic at this Christmas-themed event in Costa Mesa, transforming Orange County into a dazzling winter wonderland. Stroll through the enchanting North Pole walk-through, enjoy snow play and ice tubing, and capture festive memories with picture-perfect photo ops. This year, a brand-new holiday light show featuring over 2 million twinkling lights will take center stage. For an elevated experience, indulge in the expanded carnival, glide across the ice skating rink, or relax in VIP Arctic cabanas. Try your hand at “Polar Putt Putt” golf or warm up in cozy fireside igloos. Seasonal treats and hot cocoa will ensure you stay cozy while soaking in the holiday cheer.
Diane von Furstenberg: Woman Before Fashion
When: Until August 2025
Where: The Skirball Museum | Westside
What: Explore over 50 garments from Diane von Furstenberg, including her iconic wrap dress, in this career-spanning exhibition at the Skirball. The show also highlights her philanthropic work and the impact of her upbringing as the daughter of a Holocaust survivor, alongside artwork and fabric swatches.
Ice at Santa Monica
When: Until January 20
Where: Downtown Santa Monica
What: Just a few blocks from the beach, Ice in downtown Santa Monica brings a touch of winter to this coastal city. The 8,000-square-foot outdoor rink is open daily from November to mid-January at Fifth Street and Arizona Avenue, a short walk from the E Line. Tickets are $24 for an hour, including skate rentals, and options for private parties and cabanas are available for a more exclusive experience. Enjoy treats for sale and special themed nights throughout the season.
San Fernando Valley Weekend Events | November 29 – December 1
Holidays on the Hill
When: Until January 5
Where: Universal City
What: Nestled at the Hilton near Universal Studios Hollywood, this ice skating rink offers stunning views of the Hollywood Hills. Families can enjoy Santa’s Workshop and face painting, while couples can indulge in the “date & skate” package with tickets and themed cocktails from the Jingle Bell Tavern. Don’t miss “Wicked Wednesdays” starting December 4, featuring green lighting and tracks from the musical, or the free skating session on November 30 from 6–8 p.m., with performances by a Wicked cast member and the Los Angeles Ice Theater.
Friendsgiving Tour
When: Until November 30
Where: Burbank
What: Celebrate Friendsgiving like Rachel, Ross, and the rest of the crew with the Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood’s special 30th-anniversary experience. This seasonal offering includes a 90-minute guided tour of iconic *Friends* sets, authentic costumes, and behind-the-scenes trivia, plus a Thanksgiving feast by the show’s famous fountain. Don’t miss your chance to snag a photo on the Central Perk couch!
Blended Worlds: Experiments In Interplanetary Imagination
When: Until January 4, 2025
Where: Glendale
What: In this collaborative exhibition in Glendale, artists, and JPL scientists unite as 11 creatives across various mediums showcase their interpretations of how nature and the night sky spark wonder within us.
Conejo Valley Weekend Events | November 29 – December 1
Holiday Road
When: Until December 28
Where: Santa Monica Mountains
What: Explore the enchanting grounds of King Gillette Ranch during Holiday Road, a nearly mile-long illuminated walking trail. From the creators of Nights of the Jack, this festive event features thousands of twinkling lights, a charming Christmas village, grand holiday displays, and glowing archways. Spot Santa and Mrs. Claus, and enjoy bites from food trucks and sips from a holiday bar. Tickets start at $25 before fees, with prices varying by date and time.
Wild Lights at The Teaching Zoo
When: Until December 23
Where: Moorpark College
What: The Teaching Zoo at Moorpark College sparkles this holiday season with the “Wild Lights” event. Enjoy a self-guided 45-minute walk through the zoo, featuring dazzling lights, interactive experiences, photo opportunities, and a festive, magical atmosphere.
74th Annual Santa Paula Christmas Parade
When: November 30
Where: Main Street from Seventh St to Eleventh St. | Santa Paula
What: Get ready for a night of holiday magic at the 74th Annual Santa Paula Christmas Parade on Saturday, November 30, 2024, at 6:30 PM! Enjoy a festive parade filled with marching bands, twinkling floats, cheerful toy soldiers, classic cars, dazzling equestrians, local community groups, and of course—Santa Claus himself! It’s an unforgettable celebration for the whole family!