7 Ways to Actually Feel Winter-y in Los Angeles

Winter is coming... well it's already here.

Los Angeles has been getting pretty cold, we even have snow on the mountains. But when you're in LA you can't always cozy up by the fire while it's snowing outside your front door, so we've rounded up a list of our favorite things to do in LA to make it feel a little more like Christmas :) Let us know if we missed anything in the comments!

Grab a Drink

Image via @judys_yum_yums
Hot Chocolate at Cafe Demitasse: Try a modern twist on the classic seasonal drink with Demitasse’s lavender hot chocolate, a supremely indulgent drink topped with a thick, toasted marshmallow and laced with hints of herb. It’s basically a gourmet dark chocolate bar in liquid form and completely addictive. It's also award-winning ;)

135 San Pedro St, Downtown Los Angeles
https://cafedemitasse.com/

Hot Buttered Run at The Varnish: Hot buttered rum doesn't exactly scream Southern California, but we certainly don't have a shortage of the sweet buttery drinks around L.A. At The Varnish, the speakeasy in the back of Cole's, the hot buttered rum has garnered praise since the bar opened in 2009. "NYC natives like myself miss the east coast chill that gives us a solid excuse to cozy up with a toddy, Irish coffee or hot buttered rum," says bartender and co-owner Eric Alperin. That's why you can find his near-perfect one 365 days a year.

118 E 6th St, Downtown Los Angeles
https://www.thevarnishbar.com/

Boozy Eggnog at The Tam O'Shanter: Tam O'Shanter is one of the oldest restaurants in LA and a classic. Operating since 1922, this place feels like a Scottish travelers lodge that a Stark could walk into at any point. During the holidays they offer up a boozy eggnog tea service packed with carolers and prime rib.

2980 Los Feliz Blvd, Atwater
https://www.lawrysonline.com/tam-o-shanter/

Snow Day LA at Elysian Park

Image via Los Angeles Magazine
Experience multiple winter-themed PowderPak synthetic tubing lanes built directly onto the giant hills of The Old Lodge at Montecillo De Leo Politi Park! Only 5 minutes from Downtown LA! Hop on a tube and fly through twinkling light archways, decorated trees and falling snow!

The Old Lodge Montecillo De Leo Politi, 2010 Stadium Way, Elysian Park
https://www.snowdayla.com/

Christmas Lights at the LA Zoo

Image via Brian Gonzales
Fawn over real reindeer, visit Santa, and gaze at one of L.A.’s most impressive Christmas light displays at L.A. Zoo Lights. The celebration runs through January 7, but check the calendar for special events. This year they’ve launched two nights of “Holiday Happy Hour”—December 7 is “Flapjacks & Flannel” sponsored by Bushmills’ Red Bush Irish Whiskey and December 8 brings “Tamales & Tequila” sponsored by VIVA XXXII Tequila. Expect gourmet hors d’oeuvres, beer, wine, and a signature cocktail in the lounge area to accompany the dazzling lights.

The L.A. Zoo, 5333 Zoo Drive, Griffith Park 
lazoolights.org

Ice Skating in DTLA

Image via DTLA Rendezvous
The annual LA Kings Holiday Ice presented by Coca-Cola brings outdoor ice skating to L.A. LIVE's Xbox Plaza! The LA Kings Holiday Ice Rink presented by Coca-Cola will be open November 30, 2019 - January 12, 2020*. Skate your way into the holiday season! The ice rink is only here for a limited time, so don't miss out on this fun family activity, romantic date night, or a fun way to pass the time before and after a sports game or concert!

800 West Olympic Boulevard, Downtown Los Angeles
https://www.lalive.com/events-calendar/holidayice/faq2015

Echo Park Community Parade

On Saturday, December 14, 2019, Echo Park will host the 52nd annual Echo Park Community Parade along Sunset Boulevard between Vin Scully Avenue to Park Avenue. All are invited to take a place along the parade route and to enjoy the revelry, cheer, community spirit and wondrous merriment that makes the annual Echo Park parade a must-see cultural event by thousands of Angelenos and visitors. Parade floats and entries will include classic cars, spectacular performances by community groups, and, of course, Santa and his elves. The main stage at Echo Park and Sunset Boulevard will feature live entertainment, remarks by local elected officials and other special guests. This year’s parade theme is "Echo Park Holiday Wishes"

751 Echo Park Avenue, Echo Park
http://www.echoparkcommunityparade.com/

Harry Potter Christmas at Universal Studios

In the Harry Potter books and movies, Harry wakes up on Christmas morning to gifts that magically appear at the foot of his bed. Hogsmeade is covered with snow and decorated with greenery and enchanted candles. Harry experiences his first-ever Christmas feast of roast turkey and mounds of side dishes and other goodies ... and now, so can you! Here’s your chance to magically transport yourself to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter this season! A few things you don't want to miss: Dazzling holiday décor throughout the streets of Hogsmeade, including lights, wreaths, garland and the largest ball of mistletoe you’ve ever seen. The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle — A nighttime show with projection, music and dazzling lights. Holiday Frog Choir — Ring in the holiday season with holiday songs sung by a choir of Hogwarts students and their croaking frogs. English Holiday Dinner with juicy turkey, gravy, sourdough stuffing, carrots, Brussels sprouts, bacon-wrapped sausage and cranberry sauce at the Three Broomsticks. It's quite tasty! The Three Broomsticks also offers a Cheese Toasty with Chicken sandwich (think fancy grilled cheese with chicken, bacon mustard sauce and sliced tomato) served with salad or potato wedges. Holiday shopping — Pick up your wizarding ornaments, stockings, figurines and tree topper so you can take the holiday magic home with you. Also check out Universal's Grinchmas in the park! 

100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA 91608
https://ww2.universalstudioshollywood.com/web/en/us/things-to-do/events-and-seasonal-activities/holidays-at-universal-studios-hollywood

Great Spots to See Christmas Lights

Image via kcet.org

Christmas Tree Lane: Christmas Tree Lane is a 0.7-mile boulevard of deodar cedar trees in Altadena, California. The trees on the Lane, Santa Rosa Avenue, have been lighted annually as a Christmas Holiday display since 1920. The association that runs it claims it is "the oldest large-scale outdoor Christmas display in the world".

Santa Rosa Ave. between Altadena Drive and Woodbury Road; Altadena, California
http://www.christmastreelane.net/

Sleepy Hollow Christmas Lights: Tucked in a South Torrance neighborhood is one of the most spectacular display of Christmas Lights in the South Bay. It’s a neighborhood tradition where folks can walk or drive through to get in the holiday spirit. Sleepy Hollow Christmas Lights Extravaganza (also know as Candy Cane Lane) is located on Roberts Rd. off Pacific Cost Highway. SHCLE is on display from 6-10 p.m. every night starting December 1st until the evening of New Year’s Day. Walking offers a much more relaxed, up-close view of all the displays, without worrying about holding up the cars behind you. Some of the houses will be selling hot chocolate, coffee, or churros as you walk through the neighborhood.

Pacific Coast Highway / Calle Mayor
Torrance, CA 90505

Candy Cane Lane: Candy Cane Lane has been a tradition in Woodland Hills since 1952 and the residents have tried to outdo each other with their light displays each year. It is a group of homeowners at Lubao & Oxnard Streets in Woodland Hills who collectively decide each year to put on an amazing holiday display of lights and decorations.Santa has been seen posing for photos with children and some of Santa's elves have been seen roaming.

5966 Lubao Ave, Woodland Hills

Marina del Rey Holiday Boat Parade: Watch a trail of lighted boats cruise through the main channel. Arrive early to grab a spot on the lawn at Chace Park or a good photo spot at Fisherman’s Village, two of the most popular viewing places. Narration on a PA system is available at both locations. The 2019 parade theme is “Kids Make Holidays Bright.” A brief fireworks show at 5:55 p.m. announces the start of the parade, which lasts until about 8 p.m. Free admission. The Marina del Rey Holiday Boat Parade organization is a volunteer-run, non-profit community organization that presents the parade with support from corporate and community sponsors, in conjunction with the Los Angeles County Department of Beaches and Harbors.

https://mdrboatparade.org/