Christmas Vacation in Los Angeles: 65 Staycation Ideas for Things To Do With Kids

Christmas vacation is a wonderful break during the hustle and bustle of the holidays, but what do you do with that awkward period when the big celebrations are over but the kids aren't back in class? The good news is that we live in Los Angeles, where the weather is (typically) warm and sunny, and there are plenty of fun things to do and memories to make during the Christmas vacation break.

This just might be my favorite time of the year in LA. Why, you ask? Take a look at the freeways! During the winter break, you won't find bumper-to-bumper traffic from the valley to the south bay. It will most likely only take you 20-30 minutes to get anywhere in LA County, and that's some holiday magic even Santa can't dream up. 

If you do feel like a quick day trip, make the most of a winter Christmas vacation with the kids by trekking to places that have snow play near LA or venturing to the best snow tubing near Los Angeles. Discover more local adventures in our Weekend Getaway Guide and Day Trips for Los Angeles Families. 

LAUSD schools are closed from December 20, 2023 through January 5, 2024 for the holiday break. If you're taking advantage of this long Christmas vacation to travel, be sure to check our other cities for the coolest things to do all over the US. We’ve got whole sites dedicated to the best things to do with kids in most major US cities, complete with calendars filled with events for each and every day. Heck, even if you’re traveling abroad, we’ve got you covered! 

Things To Do With Kids During Christmas Vacation in Los Angeles 

 
Entertainment over Christmas vacation awaits at Pretend City. Photo courtesy of Pretend City

1. Pretend City — Irvine 

Yes, this is always a fabulous museum for the under-seven set. But one of the reasons we recommend visiting during Christmas vacation is that the museum is fabulous at holiday programming. Whatever your family celebrates, this little hands-on museum has an event for you, from Christmas countdowns to Kwanzaa celebrations to Noon Year’s Eve and more. 

2. Moorpark Teaching Zoo — Moorpark

See the rescued animals perform in animal shows, assisted by students at Moorpark College. December 28 is also the final night of Wild Nights and Ocean Nights. 

3. Wish at the El Capitan — Hollywood 

Check out Disney's newest animated feature at our favorite theater in Hollywood. After seeing the show, pop by Ghirardelli's next door for a delicious hot fudge sundae. 

4. Kidspace Children's Museum — Pasadena

Pasadena's kid heaven is a must for anyone growing up in LA. During Christmas vacation, kids can take part in the annual Winter Frolic, complete with a Sock Skating Rink. 

5. International Printing Museum — Carson

History comes to life in this Carson museum showcasing the history of printing. This lesser-known museum is one of our favorite hidden gems. Make sure to set plans to visit for Saturday, as the museum is by appointment only on other days of the week. 

6. EquestFest — Burbank

If you have an equestrian in your family, you'll want to hop over to the Burbank Equestrian Center for this fantastic horse show featuring equines that will be clopping along in the 2024 Rose Parade. This all-ages event is on Friday, December 29, 2023. 

7. Enchanted Forest of Light — La Canada-Flintridge

Wander the woods of Descanso Gardens in the evening and get lost in this enchanting light display. Bring your camera for lots of photo opportunities. This one is an annual tradition for our family. 

8. Cabrillo Marine Aquarium — San Pedro

Explore the tidepools and marine life at this gem of an aquarium. Did you know tidepooling in Los Angeles is best in the winter? Fact. 

9. 2024 Rose Parade — Pasadena

Attend events before, after, or during this iconic parade. You can even help decorate a Burbank Rose Parade Float!

10. Battleship Iowa — San Pedro

Tour the historic ship down on the LA Waterfront. Check the website in advance because it's occasionally closed for private events.

RELATED: Family-Friendly Bowling Alleys in Los Angeles

 
Strike or spare? Photo by Kylie Williams for Mommy Poppins

11. MB2 Entertainment — Santa Clarita

Spend the day with bumper boats, go-karts, bowling, VR, arcade games, laser tag, axe throwing, mini golf, and more.

12. Astra Lumina — Palos Verdes

Visit the South Coast Botanic Gardens at night for an enchanting night walk. Depending on where you live in LA, Palos Verdes at night can be too much of a drive on a regular night. But during the holidays, with no traffic, it's a breeze! 

13. CAMP — Century City

Step behind the magic door to discover the ever-changing fun. This winter break, the theme is Bluey's house. We checked this one out, and it was a 2023 highlight. It's the perfect experience to "gift" your kids for the holidays. Going to Bluey's house for real life?! Now, that's the way to spend a Christmas vacation. 

14. Science of Gingerbread — Santa Ana & Sylmar 

Build and learn holiday-style at Discovery Cube. This is perhaps the greatest holiday museum exhibit in town, and this year, it's at both the OC and LA locations. If you're willing to drive south, the Orange County location has one of the most impressive collections of gingerbread houses on display in the entire southland. 

15. Santa Barbara Zoo — Santa Barbara

Head north (maybe on the train?) to a great little zoo that feels like an adventure. Feed giraffes, take the zoo train, and wander the Australian Walkabout. 

16. LA Kings Holiday Ice — DTLA

Skate at LA Live. It’s not Rockefeller Plaza, but it’s not too shabby! There are more places to ice skate in the LA area, too!    

17. Little Tokyo — DTLA

Spend an afternoon steeped in Japanese culture, eating mochi and sushi. 

18. The Proud Bird — El Segundo

Have a bite and a holiday drink at the food hall while your kids watch the planes and explore the airplane playground. It's also a perfect destination when dropping off or picking up family or friends from LAX, as it's minutes from the airport. 

19. Huntington Library — San Marino

Wander the gorgeous gardens for hours and explore exhibits in the indoor galleries. The Children’s Garden is charming, and the Chinese Garden is spectacular.  

20. Autry Museum — Griffith Park

Learn some real cowboy history, and check out the new family play space! 

RELATED: Best Children's Museums in Los Angeles and Orange County

 
Check out a great museum for music-loving kids. Grammy Museum photo courtesy of Mommy Poppins

21. Grammy Museum — DTLA

Rock out at this unique music museum. Park at LA Live, and maybe take a turn around the ice skating rink while you're at it! 

22. Broad Museum — DTLA

The kid-favorite exhibit, Yayoi Kusama’s Infinity Mirrored Room—The Souls of Millions of Light Years Away, is open. Make sure to book your ticket in advance. The bright colors of Warhol, Basquiat, and Lichtenstein's artworks will also delight kids. 

23. La Habra Children's Museum — La Habra

Take a drive to this hands-on museum with an outdoor dinosaur garden. Ring in the new year at their New Year's Noon party on December 31. 

24. Skypark at Santa's Village — Lake Arrowhead

Take a longer drive up into the mountains (this one is worth it) for Lake Arrowhead's delightful Santa-themed outdoor adventure park.  

25. Olvera Street — DTLA

Enjoy treats like churros and the famous taquitos at Cielito Lindo, and shop on DTLA's iconic, oldest street.

26. Noah's Ark — Brentwood 

Visit the Skirball's wonderful, endlessly entertaining, and interactive play space.

27. Los Angeles Arboretum — Arcadia

Hang with the peacocks on over 120 acres of natural beauty. Or head over in the evening for Lightscape at the Arboretum.

28. Hansen Dam — Lake View Terrace

The fabulous Discovery Cube LA used to be our whole reason for coming here. But while you’re visiting the Science of Gingerbread exhibit (mentioned above), don’t sleep on Hansen Dam Park’s other wonders, like the wide open spaces, universal access playground, bike paths, and natural beauty around the mini-lake. 

29. Sand Sledding — Venice Beach

The famed slopes for beach sledding are meticulously crafted each year by bulldozers. 

30. Ventura Harbor — Ventura 

Take a boat sleigh ride to see the holiday lights in the harbor and wander around Ventura, exploring all the other fun things to do with kids in Ventura County. 

31. Whale watching cruise — Multiple Locations 

The season of the Pacific Gray Whale is just beginning, and charters are taking families on whale watching cruises.

32. South Coast Botanic Gardens — Palos Verdes

Get lost amid the greenery and check out Thomas Dambo's Trolls: Save the Humans exhibit, which will be on display through January 14, 2024. 

33. Christmas Nights at 123 Farm — Beaumont 

Take advantage of the non-existent traffic to drive out to these lovely lavender fields that are all lit up for the holidays.

34. The Citadel — Commerce

Do some outlet shopping for great deals—especially after Christmas. 

35. Tanaka Farms — Irvine

See the twinkling Hikari: Festival of Lights or take a festive tractor ride through the farm fields.

36. Balboa Island — Newport Beach

Take a walk, smell the salt air, and enjoy food at a local restaurant. Don't forget to treat yourself to a frozen banana during Christmas vacation. 

37. Festival of Lights — Riverside

See the famous Festival of Lights at Riverside's Mission Inn through January 7, 2024. 

38. Santa Monica Pier — Santa Monica

Watch the sunset over the Pacific Ocean, ride the Ferris wheel, and play a little Skee-ball. 

39. Underwood Family Farms — Moorpark

Even after Christmas on the Farm closes, the Animal Center and Pick Your Own Fields remain open.

40. Trapeze school — Santa Monica

Although the kids won't be in school for Christmas vacation, they can go to a different kind of school over the holiday break. Book a trapeze school class on the Santa Monica Pier to fly through the ocean air.

41. Sunset Ranch — Hollywood

Kids ages eight and up can take a one or two-hour horseback ride in the storied Hollywood hills for a Christmas vacation adventure they'll never forget. 

42. El Dorado Frontier — Long Beach

This small amusement park only costs $15 per person and is open on weekends through February. 

43. Holidays at Disneyland — Anaheim

The Happiest Place on Earth becomes the merriest place on Earth this holiday season and makes the perfect getaway for a Christmas vacation outing. 

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

 
It's a winter wonderland at Hogwarts. Photo courtesy of Universal Studios

44. Holidays at Universal Studios — Hollywood

At night, Hogwarts Castle is illuminated by a dazzling display of festive lights and music. And the Who-tacular festivities are back with The Grinch, Max, and all the Who-ville denizens.

45. Dr. Seuss Experience — Santa Monica

Step into the interactive pages of classic Dr. Seuss books and interact with beloved characters like The Cat in the Hat and get more of a Grinch fix. 

46. Bart's Books — Ojai 

Wintertime is an ideal time to visit Ojai. Although the kids may have just received new books from Santa, you can never have enough books, and you can't visit Ojai without going to Bart's outdoor bookstore. 

47. Knott’s Merry Farm — Buena Park

Where else can you see Merry Christmas, Snoopy!, an ice show featuring the Peanuts Gang and a cast of world-class ice skaters?

48. The Getty — Brentwood

When you need something to do over Christmas vacation, The Getty is always a fun option with the beautiful outdoor gardens for kids to explore and the impressive art collection. Don't forget to pick up the art detective cards for a scavenger hunt through The Getty. 

49. Cayton Children's Museum — Santa Monica

Taking the kids to the Cayton is the perfect way to entertain them during Christmas vacation. Jump in the ball pit, pretend play at a veterinarian's office and grocery store, and interact with all kinds of fun exhibits. 

50. La Brea Tar Pits — Hancock Park

Visitors can watch paleontologists at work at the excavation site in the park, visit one of the best hills in the city for rolling down, and check out the mammoths stuck in the Lake Pit. And that’s all before you even go inside the museum! 

51. Go hiking — Multiple Locations

Take advantage of the cooler weather to take a nice long hike. We’ve got favorite family hikes, hikes for toddlers, hikes for strollers, and even wildlife walks for little animal lovers.

52. Rose Bowl Loop — Pasadena

Take a stroll around the Rose Bowl and make a stop for a photo-op at the rose garden, which also has lots of history about Jackie Robinson. There's also a nearby playground and Kidspace is right there, too. 

53. Joshua Tree National Park — Joshua Tree

The winter months are an ideal time to visit the desert. Take a road trip to Joshua Tree National Park for a memorable Christmas vacation memory. 

54. Dodger Stadium Tour — Elysian Park

You can't catch a ballgame in the winter, but you can do the next best thing to get your little sports fan a baseball fix until opening day with a tour of the iconic Dodger Stadium. 

55. Lake Balboa Park — Van Nuys

With swan boat rentals, bike rentals, a playground, and a lake to walk around, it's easy to spend a whole day during Christmas vacation at this popular park in the valley. 

56. The Strand — Santa Monica

If the kids got new bikes for the holidays, now is the time to test them out on 22 miles of this popular beach bike path! But if they didn’t, several bike rental shops are open along the strand from Santa Monica to the South Bay.

57. Legoland — Carlsbad 

Amusement park rides, playgrounds, and lots of LEGO bricks will make for a thrilling day during Christmas vacation. Plus, Holidays at Legoland is still happening through January 7, 2024. 

58. See a Sports Game — DTLA & Anaheim

The Lakers, Clippers, Kings, and Ducks all have home games during Christmas vacation, so take your little sports fan to see the pros at work. 

59. The Grove — Fairfax

Have "snow much fun" getting as close to a winter wonderland as you can in LA with a nightly snowfall at 7pm and 8pm until December 31, 2023. 

60. Aquarium of the Pacific — Long Beach 

Dive into a day at the aquarium during Christmas vacation with schools of fish, touch tanks, and captivating sea creatures.

61. LA Zoo — Griffith Park   

LA Zoo Lights: Animals Aglow shine bright until January 7, 2024. 

62. Natural History Museum — Exposition Park

The NHM features special exhibits like LA Underwater and an Electron Microscope Lab, along with permanent exhibitions like the Dinosaur Hall and Age of Mammals. On December 8, 2023, the museum opened its newest exhibit—100 Carats: Icons of the Gem World. 

63. Bob Baker’s Nutcracker — Highland Park 

If you haven’t ever seen this marionette show, you simply must. It’s an LA holiday classic. 

64. Southern Railroad Train — Griffith Park

The Holiday Lights Festival train runs through January 7, 2024, and you do not want to miss it! 

65. San Diego 

Jump in the car and take the family to San Diego for a quick trip. It will feel like you traveled for a Christmas vacation, and our neighboring kid-friendly city has endless entertainment for children of all ages. 

Originally published on December 21, 2012

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