The holiday season is in full swing with plenty of events bringing joy and cheer across L.A. County. Metro has partnered with two top outdoor rinks to bring you holiday fun on the ice. From Pershing Square in downtown to Santa Monica by the beach, lace up your skates and glide into the season. Wherever you plan to go, Metro can get you there. Keep reading for details.
Holidays in L.A.
Holiday Ice Rink at Pershing Square
Experience the Holiday Ice Rink at Pershing Square, a downtown L.A. winter tradition for more than 20 years. This massive 7,200-square-foot ice surface offers professional-quality skating in the heart of the city. Located next to Pershing Square Station (B and D lines) and a short walk from the A and E lines via Historic Broadway Station, it’s one of the easiest ice rinks to reach without worrying about traffic or parking. Open now through Jan. 11. Tickets start at $22.
Go Metro: Take the B or D Line to Pershing Square Station or take the A or E Line to Historic Broadway Station and walk to the rink.
Ice at Santa Monica Presented by Disney+ and Hulu
Ice Rink at Santa Monica is back for its 17th season, delivering an unforgettable holiday experience in the heart of the city. Located at the corner of Arizona Avenue and Fifth Street, this outdoor rink offers a one-of-a-kind California experience: skating under the sun by day, followed by the sparkle of stars at night. Best of all, Metro’s E Line drops you just a few blocks away at Downtown Santa Monica Station, making your trip easy, fun and sustainable.
Go Metro: Take the E Line to Downtown Santa Monica Station, and it’s a short walk to the ice rink.
Metro riders get $5 off general admission to experience the holiday season at both ice rinks with promo code “MetroHoliday,” valid December 4–18 and January 5–11 .
All Weekend
L.A. Zoo Animal Lights: Animals Aglow
Light up your life at the L.A. Zoo Lights, the city’s wildest holiday tradition. Lanterns, lights and exotic animals await. The event features a giant walk-in kaleidoscope, seasonal treats and cocktails, and photo ops throughout the park, including Santa Claus himself. Tickets start at $19. Through Jan. 11.
Go Metro: Take the A Line to Lincoln/Cypress Station and transfer to Bus Line 296 or take the bus directly and get off at L.A. Zoo stop in Griffith Park.
Metrolink’s Holiday Express brings festive magic to stations across Southern California. Each stop transforms into a winter wonderland with music, treats, crafts and a scenic train ride that includes carolers, holiday characters and special visits from Santa and Mrs. Claus.
This year’s host stations include L.A. Union Station, San Bernardino Depot, Irvine, Riverside, downtown and Simi Valley.
Whether it’s your first time on a train or a beloved family tradition, this seasonal favorite deliver holiday memories that last well beyond the ride. Tickets $30 per rider and free for children ages 2 and under. Every weekend in December until December 21st.
Go Metro: Take the A, B, D or J Line to Union Station.
The Percy Jackson Quest at The Getty Villa
Calling all fans of Percy Jackson! To celebrate Season 2 of “Percy Jackson and the Olympians,” all demigods (and ancient world enthusiasts) are invited to join a quest through the galleries and gardens of the Getty Villa Museum. Test your knowledge of Greek mythology and the world of Percy Jackson as you complete challenges to win a prize. Prizes are limited, so arrive early for the best chance at glory. Available while supplies last. Weekend of December 6 and December 13. 10:30-3:00 p.m. FREE.
Go Metro: Take the E Line to Downtown Santa Monica Station and connect to Bus Line 134 at Fifth Street/Colorado, then get off at PCH/Getty Villa. Or take Bus Line 134 directly to PCH/Getty Villa — the stop is right across from the museum.
Relive the magic and nostalgia of “Home Alone” at the Walt Disney Concert Hall. Experience the beloved holiday classic on the big screen while a live orchestra performs John Williams’ iconic score. It’s a can’t-miss evening for fans of all ages. Tickets start at $202. 8-10 p.m. December 5 though December 7.
Go Metro: Take the A Line to Grand Avenue Arts/Bunker Hill Station or take the B or D Line to Civic Center/Grand Park Station and walk to the concert hall.
The LA Ski Show and Snowboard Expo
The Los Angeles Ski Show and Snowboard Expo has marked the annual kickoff to the So Cal Winter Season for over 60 years. An event created by Skiers and Riders FOR Skiers and Riders! Ski Dazzle offers FREE informative seminars, prizes, entertainment, ski and snowboard lessons, pre-season fitness, interactive features, films, lift ticket offers and so much more, all in a family environment. Tickets start at $22, free for kids. December 5 through December 7.
Go Metro: Take the A or E Line to Pico Station, and it’s about a 10-minute walk to the convention center. Or Take the J Line straight to the L.A. Convention Center stop.
Friday, December 5
Every first Friday of the month, L.A.’s Chinatown stays open late for an evening of exploring the unique small businesses and contemporary art and culture spaces that make this historic neighborhood special. Check out West Plaza and Chungking Road, which buzz with a mix of local pop-up vendors and DJ-spun music. Step into the area’s galleries, which stay open for extended hours just for this monthly celebration. 5-9 p.m. FREE.
Go Metro: Take the A Line to Chinatown Station.
Pasadena Tree Lighting
Join Pasadena Mayor Victor M. Gordo for the Mayor’s Annual Holiday Tree Lighting ceremony Friday evening. Bring the whole family for an evening of celebration featuring local singers and dancers, crafts for kids provided by Armory Center for the Arts, light refreshments and a special appearance by jolly ol’ Santa Claus. Be sure to have your camera ready to capture some festive holiday moments at the free photo booth courtesy of Oh! Snaptastic! Photo Booth by Girl Squad Media. 5-7 p.m. Free.
Go Metro: Take the A Line to Memorial Park Station, and it’s a short walk to city hall.
102.7 KIIS FM’s Jingle Ball returns Friday with a star-studded lineup at Intuit Dome. Alex Warren, Leon Thomas, Renee Rapp, Zara Larsson and more hit the stage for the biggest holiday concert of the season. Get ready for a night of nonstop hits and holiday cheer. 7:30-10:30 p.m. Tickets start at $73.Go Metro: Take Bus Line 115 to Manchester/Kareem, Bus Line 117 to Prairie/Century and Bus Line 212 to Prairie/Kelso. Or Take C Line to Hawthorne/Lennox Station and connect to Bus Line 212 to Prairie/Kelso.
Saturday, December 6
Roots & Routes: Grill & Chill
Willowbrook is turning up the flavor this December with Roots & Routes: Grill & Chill, a free community celebration hosted by Markets at Metro and the Willowbrook Inclusion Network.
This lively afternoon will mark the debut of the Roots & Routes Flavor Grill Cart, serving up free tastings for the first 200 guests. Visitors can enjoy sizzling bites hot off the grill, live music, art, and plenty of community spirit right in the heart of Willowbrook.
Go Metro: Take A or C Line to Willowbrook/Rosa Parks Station.
SPARKLE DTLA
Celebrate the holiday season at the Grand Debut of SPARKLE DTLA this Saturday. Experience the magical glow of 18 million lights illuminating the night while you dance and synchronize to festive tunes with host Ryan Manno from KOST 103.5 The Ellen K Morning Show. This free event is open to the entire community. 5-7 p.m. FREE.
If you missed, this Saturday’s event the lights show will be sparking all throughout month until December 31.
Go Metro: Take the A, B, D or E Line to Seventh Street/Metro Center and walk to the Plaza level.
Sunday, December 7
The Long Beach tradition is coming back this holiday season. Playlarga x LB Living hosts the annual International Tamales Festival in downtown Long Beach on Sunday. This beloved event includes live entertainment, a Kids Zone, shopping, a Homemade Tamales Contest, tequila tasting and much more. It’s a delicious celebration of culture and community along 855 Elm Avenue in DTLB. Tickets start at $12.05. 1-7 p.m.
Go Metro: Take the A Line to Anaheim Street Station, and it’s a 10-minute walk to Elm Avenue.
Comic book lovers, assemble! Since 2011, the Latino Comics Expo has been the ultimate gathering for Latinx and Latin American comic artists, animators, industry experts and superfans. This year’s event teams up with MOLAA to bring the celebration to the Viva Event Center on Sunday. Expect panels, artist meet-and-greets, exclusive merchandise and a powerful showcase of Latino storytelling through the art of comics. It’s free, it’s vibrant and it’s not to be missed. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. FREE.
Go Metro: Take the A Line to 5th Street Station, and it’s a five-minute walk to MOLAA.
Go Metro Forecast
After a cool start to the week, Southern California is in for a warm and pleasant weekend. Temperatures will start climbing on Friday as high pressure builds over the West Coast. Expect mostly dry conditions and partly to mostly cloudy skies with highs reaching the low to mid-70s.
By Sunday, we could see the warmest temperatures of the weekend, with some spots approaching the upper 70s or even low 80s. It’ll feel like a taste of spring heading into early next week.
A light offshore breeze may develop, keeping skies mostly clear inland, though some patchy fog could form along the coast during the early morning hours. Overall, it’s shaping up to be a fantastic weekend to get outside and enjoy the sunshine.
Go Metro This Weekend
To plan a transit trip, you can use Google Maps, Apple Maps, the Transit or Moovit apps or the trip planner on metro.net.
Know of a great Metro-accessible event happening in L.A.? We want to hear about it! Send us your suggestions for future weekend roundups at bryantke@metro.net or tag us on social media @metrolosangeles.
To keep up with real-time updates on our buses, rails and elevators just head to alerts.metro.net
Check back next week for another weekend roundup!
Follow us for more things to do:Instagram @metrolosangeles
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