The holiday season is fast approaching, and now is the time to make your festive plans. Whether you’re looking for a chill and laid-back way to connect with friends, awe-inspiring light shows to enjoy with the whole family, or exciting holiday parties that last long into the night, MedMen has put together the ultimate guide to holidays and NYE events in LA.
LA’s Holiday Season by Neighborhood
The vibe you’re going to get in LA this holiday season is largely dependent on the culture of the neighborhood and the customs of each locale.
Downtown LA Holiday Attractions and Events
- Pershing Square Ice Rink: Open from November 20 through January 11, this all-ages attraction promises a classic winter holiday setting right in the heart of LA
- Holidays at Union Station: Take a tour of this iconic location while it’s at its most festive! Much of the space is impeccably decorated for the season, and you’ll get to see famous spaces like the Waiting Room and the Fred Harvey Restaurant
- The Music Center’s Holiday Performance: Head over to the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion on December 24 for the 66th annual holiday variety show. This all-ages event is free to attend but does require a ticket, so sign up soon to secure your spot
Westside and LAX Area Celebrations
- ICE at Santa Monica: Presented by Disney+ and Hulu, this ice rink is open daily from noon to 10:00 PM beginning November 7 and ending January 19. Skate rentals are available, but even if you’re not planning to hit the ice yourself, there are plenty of seasonal events held at the location
- Marina Del Rey Holiday Boat Parade: Held annually on the second Saturday in December, this year’s parade is themed around A Nightmare Before Christmas and promises a unique, family-friendly event
- Culver City Tree Lighting: Get a magical winter wonderland of your very own! On Thursday, December 4, head to Town Plaza, where there will be an annual tree lighting ceremony and 50 tons of fresh snow, complete with sledding, snowmen, and carnival games
Hollywood and Beyond: City-Wide Highlights
- Universal Studios Holiday Events: While Universal Studios brings the magic any time of year, you’ll find especially festive moments from November 24 through January 4. Be sure to catch the Grinchmas show and the festive decorations around the parks
- Enchanted Forest of Light: Visit Descanso Gardens for a breathtaking display of holiday brilliance. Geometric art installations and the famed “stained glass” village are among the magical moments you’ll see along your holiday trip through the gardens
- Hollywood Christmas Parade: The annual parade is a tradition with a lot to live up to, and the 93rd iteration of the event promises to be a crowd-pleaser. Join 2025 Grand Marshal Luke Wilson on Sunday, November 30
New Year’s Eve in Los Angeles: Your Complete Guide
Are you ready to ring in 2026 with glitz and glamour? Or would you rather see the New Year arrive in a quieter, more intimate setting? Either way, Los Angeles has NYE offerings to fit every taste and budget!
Major NYE Events and Parties
- NYE 2026 at Elevate Lounge: Gorgeous views of the LA skyline? Check. Live DJs playing top club hits in a range of genres? Check. Open-air dance floor? Check. Midnight champagne toast? Of course! Head to Elevate Lounge for an upscale experience that’s sure to bring in the New Year with style. Doors open at 9:00 PM on New Year’s Eve. This is a 21+ event
- Gloria Molina Grand Park NYE: This free event is one of the biggest in the city! Head out for family-friendly events, live performances, and a midnight 3D light show
- Gatsby’s House NYE: For a truly upscale event, visit the W Hollywood Hotel with DJ PROPHET, multiple mingling areas, and fully-staffed bars
Planning Your LA Holiday and NYE Adventures
Week-by-Week Holiday Activity Guide
It’s never too soon to kick off your holiday fun! With so much to do in LA, you can make it a weekly countdown to the New Year for a full month of festive celebration. Spend the first week of December visiting one of the skating rinks and taking in the decor as the business districts literally light up.
Make your second week of December one to remember with a light show at the zoo or Descanso Gardens (or both!) By the third week of December, you can amp up the fun with a trip to Universal Studios or the holiday variety showcase.
By NYE, it’ll be time to choose how you want to greet the New Year—loud and rowdy, quiet and serene, or somewhere in between!
MedMen’s Convenient LA Locations
As you plan your holiday celebrations, make sure to check out MedMen’s convenient locations.
1. LAX Location: Perfect for Westside Celebrations
Located at 8740 S Sepulveda Boulevard, Suite 105, our LAX location is easy to get to on your way to or from Westside Celebrations.
2. Downtown Location: In the Heart of Holiday Action
Our Downtown location is at 735 S. Broadway and is easily accessible from the heart of all the holiday festivities.
No matter how you choose to celebrate LA’s holiday season and NYE, we here at MedMen hope you’ll stop by and see us now and in 2026!
