Since this is Los Angeles, even though it’s winter, the weather outside is NOT frightful. In fact, it’s pretty delightful — especially for December. From the South Bay up to Marina del Rey and into Beverly Hills, here are five of the best places to check out festive festivities from afar, either on foot or by car (as long as you’re wearing a mask).
[Note: As of late 2020, outdoor activities are currently permitted in Los Angeles County, but as always, be safe and protect yourself and others from transmitting COVID-19. Remember to wear a mask, stay six feet from other people at all times, and be respectful.]
Third Street Promenade, Santa Monica
Winterlit has returned to Downtown Santa Monica to brighten up the holiday season. Alongside tens of thousands of colored lights, there will be a collection of holiday-inspired art installations that come to life at eleven stops throughout Third Street Promenade. These works feature window displays in storefronts, as well as murals that were created by local artists who were asked to “interpret what the holiday season means to them, during an unprecedented year that has been anything but normal.”
Sleepy Hollow, South Torrance
One of the most spectacular displays of Christmas Lights in LA is in the South Bay, tucked away in a quaint residential South Bay neighborhood. The “Sleepy Hollow Christmas Lights Extravaganza” (also know as Candy Cane Lane) is located on Roberts Rd. off Pacific Cost Highway and on display from 6-10 p.m. each night beginning December 1st through New Year’s Day. This is a 100% community driven event, so make sure to be respectful and adhere to all necessary safety protocols.
Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills
The City of Beverly Hills and Rodeo Drive Committee have debuted a fabulous outdoor holiday display that can be viewed until Sunday, January 3 called “Visions of Holiday Glamour.”
The event features a Fashion Week-inspired runway spanning the entire center median from Santa Monica to Wilshire Boulevards with festive mannequins dressed in glamorous holiday outfits. The outfits are made of faux winter foliage, florals and metallic holiday ornaments.
Fisherman’s Village Harborfront, Marina del Rey
Angelenos can enjoy a seaside holiday stroll through Marina del Rey’s Fisherman’s Village, a replica of a New England seaport and fishing town, this season. The marina and boats are decorated with holiday lights throughout the month of December, and this quaint shopping plaza is also coverer with a collection of festive holiday decor. Visitors can even grab takeout for a waterside evening picnic and support one of the several restaurants at the village.
Palisades Village, Pacific Palisades
The Palisades Village is known for its wide variety of shopping, dining, entertainment, and family-friendly activities all year round… but during the holidays, this outdoor mall transforms into a winter wonderland with thousands of twinkling lights and a Hanukkah menorah.
———————————————————————————————————————————————————
Follow Metropolitan Molly updates by subscribing to my newsletter, website and on social media below:
Interested in nominating someone with a stellar story for the COVID Chronicles? Submit them, here.