What's Open on Christmas Day in Los Angeles

 
Spend the day on the Santa Monica pier. Photo courtesy of pacpark.com

1. Santa Monica Pier — Santa Monica

Ride a coaster and grab a treat at this classic LA destination on Christmas Day. If you have family in town for the holidays, this tourist attraction is the perfect place to show off the city. Pacific Park and all the pier fun is open from 11am - 9pm on Christmas. 

2. Angels Flight Railway — DTLA 

It's on everyone's "to-do" list, and it's open on Christmas Day from 6:45am to 10pm! Why not take advantage of a day when it's easy to find parking downtown and ride this landmark railcar? At $2 fare for a round-trip ticket, this is by far one of the most affordable Christmas Day activities in the city. 

3. Outdoor Ice skating — Multiple Locations 

In SoCal, you're not likely to find a pond outside your home to try out your new skates. But what could be more festive than a glide on the ice before Christmas dinner? There are plenty of rinks ready to receive visitors for the holiday. Glide over to Ice at Santa Monica or the holiday ice rink at Pershing Square in DTLA. 

4. Grand Illuminations — DTLA 

This free light show in DTLA runs on Christmas and is steps away from Angels Flight. So, you can knock out two Christmassy Los Angeles spots in one go. Grand Illuminations is a brand-new light show with towering dandelions, light columns, and a 25-foot illuminated tree. 

5. Griffith Park — Los Feliz 

While Griffith Park's attractions aren't open on Christmas in Los Angeles, the park itself is. Burn off those Christmas cookie calories with a hike up to the Griffith Observatory, or let the kids burn off energy at Shane's Inspiration playground. 

6. Swan Pedal Boats — Echo Park 

This is a great option if you have family visiting from out of town and want to do something "very LA" with them. Reservations are required, and there are even illuminated night rides that begin after 5pm. 

7. Balloon Museum: Let's Fly LA — DTLA 

Float away in this unique art installation, open on Christmas Day in Los Angeles. These wacky and interactive art installations are sure to wow your family and friends and create a Christmas memory that will stand out for years to come. 

RELATED: Best Outdoor Ice Skating Rinks in Los Angeles for Kids and Families

 
Don't miss the sparkling holiday lights on Candy Cane Lane. Photo courtesy of Trip Advisor

8. Neighborhood light displays — Multiple Locations 

Those twinkling lights start coming down after Christmas, so take the opportunity to get into the holiday spirit with a tour of the incredible neighborhood light displays all over LA. This is a fun, free activity that the whole family can enjoy before Christmas comes to a close. 

9. Catalina Island — Avalon

The Catalina Express runs on Christmas Day, and although many businesses on the island will be closed, the bison don't take the day off—and just taking the boat and going for a hike is a fine day's excursion.  

10. Pirates Take Christmas — Buena Park

Who needs to make a Honey Baked Ham for Christmas dinner when you can let a crew of pirates take care of the meal for you? Pirates Dinner Adventure in Buena Park is open on Christmas Day with a special Christmas dinner show. Will the pirate crew steal Christmas? There's only one way to find out!

11. The Grove — Mid-City

The Grove is open on Christmas Day in Los Angeles, and there is snow in the forecast: two snowfalls are scheduled for 6pm and 8pm. The movie theater is open, too. 

12. Winter Fest OC — Costa Mesa

What better way to spend Christmas than immersed in a winter wonderland at SoCal's largest winter festival, featuring a North Pole Journey, light displays, photo ops, and more? Winter Fest OC is open on Christmas Day, and it is the perfect place to bring festive cheer and make family memories. 

13. Sparkle DTLA — DTLA 

Stroll the BLOC in downtown LA to admire the impressive and free public light display. 

RELATED: Snow Play near Los Angeles: Places LA Families Can Pretend It's Winter 

 
Go sand sledding at the beach.

14. Sand sledding — Venice Beach

The Venice Beach sand berms are up again for the season, and they're under attack by plastic saucers. For those not in the know, each year, the city amasses giant hills of sand to protect the beach community from winter storms, and the beach community storms the hills. Grab a leftover Amazon box from the Christmas shopping, a plastic saucer, or a boogie board, and hit the hills! 

15. Chinatown — DTLA

Many of the shops and restaurants in Chinatown are open on Christmas Day in Los Angeles—in fact, a Chinese meal is a holiday tradition for many families. The best Chinese food in the city is right here, and it's always fun to wander the plaza and admire the architecture. 

16. Marina Lights — Marina del Rey

After a joyful Christmas holiday, walk along the water and bask in the free holiday light display at Burton Chace Park in Marina del Rey. 

17. Santa Barbara Zoo — Santa Barbara

The kid-pleasing zoo is always open on Christmas Day- and I know several families who take advantage annually! Christmas at the Santa Barbara Zoo is a great family outing (until 3:30pm) on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. 

18. La Brea Tar Pits — Mid-Wilshire

The Page Museum is not open on Christmas Day, but families can still explore the outdoor exhibits at the tar pits (and kids can run/roll down the fantastic hill on the grounds!) 

19. Madame Tussauds — Hollywood 

There’s something for everyone here, from seeing life-sized Avengers to meeting Marilyn Monroe. And it’s open on Christmas Day in Los Angeles. 

20. Magic Mountain — Valencia 

Experience a theme park open on Christmas Day in Los Angeles. Indulge in holiday treats at Holiday Village and see millions of lights transform Magic Mountain into a festive wonderland for Holiday in the Park. 

21. Ventura Botanic Gardens — Ventura

This spectacular and unique botanic garden on a hill rewards you with incredible ocean views and free admission on Christmas Day. 

RELATED: Restaurants Open on Christmas Day in Los Angeles 

Don your robes and enjoy the holiday at Hogwarts. Photo courtesy of Universal Studios

22. Universal Studios — Hollywood 

Don't expect it to be empty, but compared to the rest of winter break, Christmas is a pretty good day to hit Hollywood's theme park. Plus, Christmas in Hogsmeade is pretty magical. Be sure to check out Grinchmas as part of the Holidays at Universal Studios Hollywood. 

23. Disneyland — Anaheim

You can't get much merrier than a day at the Happiest Place on Earth on Christmas Day. Between the seasonal treats like the Mickey gingerbread cookies, the Christmas Fantasy parade, and holiday-themed rides like Haunted Mansion Holiday and "It's a Small World," a day at Disneyland may be the perfect way to make timeless memories on December 25. This trip could even double as a Christmas present surprise. 

24. El Capitan — Hollywood 

After an exciting Christmas morning, taking it easy in a movie theater might be a relaxing way to enjoy Christmas Day in Los Angeles. See Disney's latest movie, Mufasa: The Lion King, in 3D at the El Capitan. 

25. Whale Watching — San Pedro

The whale watching season officially begins in December as the giant mammals start their long journey south. Not all whale watching companies are running charters on Christmas Day in Los Angeles, but this spot in San Pedro is historically open. 

26. Holidays at Legoland — Carlsbad 

With festive shows, shimmering lights, and a stunning Lego Christmas tree, this is one of the best spots to spend your holiday. 

27. Shatto 39 Lanes — Koreatown 

This no-frills bowling alley is open on Christmas Day in Los Angeles. Bowling could be a new fun tradition for the family at this bowling alley beloved by Angelenos on the eastside. 

28. Sunset Ranch — Hollywood

Sunset Ranch is open and booking horseback rides under the Hollywood Sign on Christmas Day in Los Angeles for both the afternoon and evening. Talk about riding off into the sunset on a holiday. 

29. Mission Inn Festival of Lights — Riverside

Embark on a Christmas day trip to Riverside to see the free, dazzling holiday light spectacle at the Mission Inn Festival of Lights. 

30. San Diego Zoo Safari Park — San Diego

The Safari Park is a different experience than other zoos. Animals wander freely in a faux Africa, and visitors can observe them on foot, from a train, in a safari truck, or even on a zip-line. 

31. Balboa Island — Newport Beach 

While not every business on Balboa Island will be open on Christmas Day, the ferry to and from the island runs 365 days a year. Take a little boat ride around the bay, and check out some of the stunning Christmas lights in the evening. 

32. Sesame Place — Chula Vista 

Celebrate the joy of Christmas at Sesame Place San Diego with A Very Furry Christmas, featuring festive meet-and-greets with Cookie Claus and a winter wonderland of holiday magic. 

Originally published December 21, 2011