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What to do over the Christmas period and what should I pack/wear?
What do locals typically wear day-to-day? How dressed up do people get to go out? Any general style tips would also be useful.
Also, if you have any recommendations for fun things to do during the holiday season, whether it's events, comedy shows, festive activities, or must-see spots, I'd really appreciate it. I tried researching online, but it's a bit overwhelming. We like being active, eating, drinking, and more cultured activities too such as going to the theatre.
Thanks so much in advance!
One thing that catches UK visitors off guard: the sun is still strong here even when the air feels cool. You'll want sunglasses every single day and probably sunscreen if you're spending time outdoors. I'd bring a few short-sleeve shirts for midday and a proper wool coat for evenings - the temperature swing between 3pm and 8pm is real.
For festive activities, skip the Grove unless you love crowds and $40 valet parking. Instead, head to the L.A. Zoo Lights on a weekday evening - it's less packed than Griffith Park and the animal-shaped light displays are genuinely charming. For theatre, check what's at the Geffen Playhouse in Westwood; their holiday show is usually clever and the building itself is lovely.
If you two are active, rent bikes and ride the Ballona Creek trail from Culver City to the beach at Playa del Rey. It's flat, about 7 miles each way, and you end up at a quiet stretch of sand where you can watch the sunset. For drinks after, the Culver Hotel has a proper fireplace and live jazz most nights - feels very LA but in a cozy way.
LA winter weather is basically a mild autumn by UK standards. You'll want layers - jeans or trousers with a t-shirt and a light jacket or hoodie will work for most days, and bring a proper coat for evenings since it can drop to the 40s F (single digits C). For going out in places like Santa Monica or Silver Lake, people dress up a bit but not dramatically - nice jeans and a blouse or a casual dress with boots will fit right in.
For holiday activities, the Griffith Park Light Festival is a solid bet if you want something festive without the chaos of downtown. It runs through early January and you can walk through the zoo after dark with all the lights up. For comedy, the Upright Citizens Brigade theatre in Franklin Village consistently has good improv shows for around $10-15, and it's a proper LA experience. If you want something more cultured, check what's playing at the Ahmanson Theatre in downtown - they usually have a solid show running through the holidays.
For active stuff, consider hiking Runyon Canyon early in the morning before the crowds hit, or if you want something less touristy, the trails at Temescal Canyon in Pacific Palisades offer ocean views without the Instagram crowd. Afterward, grab lunch at the Apple Pan on Pico for a proper burger experience - it's been around since the 1940s and the hickory burger is worth the queue.
Things to Do in Los Angeles (2026)
Start with the Hollywood Walk of Fame along Hollywood Boulevard, where over 2,700 stars honor celebrities. For a classic photo, hike up to the Griffith Observatory for sweeping vi… 🌴 Iconic Sights
Start with the Hollywood Walk of Fame along Hollywood Boulevard, where over 2,700 stars honor celebrities. For a classic photo, hike up to the Griffith Observatory for sweeping views of the city and the Hollywood Sign. Arrive early to avoid crowds, especially on weekends.
🎨 Museums and Culture
The Getty Center in Brentwood offers free admission (parking $20) and stunning gardens with art from the Middle Ages to modern times. For contemporary art, head to The Broad in downtown LA, which has free timed-entry tickets for Yayoi Kusama's Infinity Mirror Rooms. Book online weeks ahead.
🏖️ Beach Day Essentials
Santa Monica Pier is a lively spot with an amusement park and aquarium, but for a quieter vibe, try Manhattan Beach with its wide sandy shores and local shops. Both have bike paths connecting to Venice Beach, where you can watch skateboarders at the famous Venice Skate Park.
🍽️ Foodie Hotspots
Grand Central Market in downtown LA has been a food hall since 1917, offering everything from tacos at Tacos Tumbras a Tomas to egg sandwiches at Eggslut. For Korean BBQ, head to Koreatown's Park's BBQ, where the beef short ribs are a must-try. Expect lines on weekends.
🚶 Hidden Neighborhoods
Explore the Arts District for street art and industrial-chic galleries, then grab coffee at Blue Bottle. Echo Park is great for a stroll around the lake and vintage shopping on Sunset Boulevard. Both neighborhoods are walkable and less touristy than Hollywood.
🚌 Getting Around
LA's Metro system has expanded with the K Line connecting Crenshaw to the Westside, but a car is still the most convenient option. Rideshares are widely available, but traffic on the 405 and 101 can be heavy from 7-10 AM and 4-7 PM. Consider renting a bike for beach areas.
🌆 Best Evening Spots
Catch sunset at the rooftop bar of the Ace Hotel in downtown LA, which offers craft cocktails and views of the city skyline. For live music, the Hollywood Bowl hosts concerts from May to October, with affordable bench seats starting around $20. Pack a picnic for a classic LA experience.
💡 Local Tips
Many museums offer free admission on certain days, like the Natural History Museum on the first Tuesday of the month. Parking can be expensive, so use apps like SpotHero to reserve spots ahead. Always carry a reusable water bottle, as tap water is safe and refill stations are common.
Seconding the Academy Museum free day tip, that's a solid addition. One thing the guide doesn't mention is that the Griffith Observatory can get completely overrun on summer weekends, to the point where they close the road to cars. If you're not up for the hike from the bottom, take the DASH Observatory bus from the Vermont/Sunset Metro station, it's 50 cents and drops you right at the door. Also, for a quick beach lunch that's not a tourist trap, the fish tacos at Fishing with Dynamite in Manhattan Beach are worth the short walk from the pier.
one thing the guide doesnt mention is that the getty center has a free shuttle from the parking structure up to the museum, so you dont have to hike the hill unless you want to. also if you go on a weekday morning the gardens are basically empty and the light is perfect for photos. for a quick bite after, the cafeteria is overpriced but the hot dog stand outside the tram stop has decent cheap snacks
honestly the guide is pretty solid but i think theyre sleeping on the food scene in the san gabriel valley. if you have a car and an afternoon, drive out to monterey park for some of the best chinese food in the country. the soup dumplings at din tai fung are famous for a reason but the real hidden gem is the xiao long bao at mei long village just down the street. way less of a wait and just as good. also for a chill evening that's not downtown, the rooftop at the standard on sunset has a great vibe and you can see