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Best 2017 Winter Events & Festivals In Los Angeles

A Chinese band parades on January 28, 20
(credit: JOE KLAMAR/AFP/Getty Images)

(credit: JOE KLAMAR/AFP/Getty Images)

When winter arrives it usually means an end to most outdoor activities that don't involve snow and a chance of hypothermia. But in Los Angeles, winter is just a word and the outdoor festivities continue on as usual. From concerts to street fairs, winter festivals are rearing up for a spectacular season. Here are some winter events you won't want to miss.

SANTAMonicaPubCrawl-SpinPR - Verified Kellie
(Credit: Spin PR)

SANTA Monica Pub Crawl
Various Locations, Santa Monica
www.santamonicapubcrawl.com
Date: December 16, 2017

Santa Monica's annual holiday pub crawl is back for its ninth year to raise money for Westside Food Bank. Choose from one of four different crawls, drink your way through some of of the city's best bars and restaurants, and merrily make your way to Santa's Secret Hideaway After Party at 1212 Santa Monica - all for a good cause!

WaltDisneyConcertHall
(Credit: Federico Zignani)

Holiday Sing-Along
Walt Disney Concert Hall
111 S Grand Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(323) 850-2000
www.laphil.com
Date: December 16, 2017

For a great holiday experience, visit The Walt Disney Concert Hall for their "Holiday Sing Along." Sing holiday favorites like "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer," "Silent Night," and everything in between, accompanied by Walt Disney Concert Hall's huge pipe organ, a choir and a jazz combo.
Host Melissa Peterman will be accompanied by Walt Disney Concert Hall's large pipe organ, a choir and a jazz combo. Everyone in attendance will have a jolly good time!

Fall Out Boy
(credit: KROQ)

KROQ Almost Acoustic Christmas
The Forum
3900 W. Manchester Blvd.
Inglewood, CA 90305
www.events.kroq.cbslocal.com
Dates; December 9 & 10, 2017

The infamous radio station KROQ will once again present the KROQ Almost Acoustic Christmas. Two nights of live acoustic performances by some of the biggest names in music performing many of their most famous hits. The lineup includes some of todays top bands! Night one includes Muse, Thirty Seconds To Mars, Queens Of The Stone Age, Rise Against, Cold War Kids and many others. On night two, the incredible Morrissey will hit the stage, along with The Killers, Weezer, The Lumineers, Foster The People, Phoenix, Walk The Moon and more.

Pan AFrican Film Festival Red Carpet - Pan AFrican Film Festival
(credit: Pan African Film & Arts Festival)

Pan African Film & Arts Festival
6820 La Tijera Blvd., Suite 200
Los Angeles, CA 90045
(310) 337-4737
www.paff.org
Date: February 8-19, 2018

There's no greater way to celebrate Black History Month than to bring a spotlight to more than 100 black filmmakers and 100 fine artists and craft persons of African descent from around the world together. That's exactly what happens at the Pan African Film & Arts Festival (PAFF). In the hopes of breaking negative stereotypes and promoting an understanding throughout the community, the films selected by PAFF bring a different perspective and illustrate a broad range of experiences from the black community. Founded by Danny Glover, Ja'Net DuBois (Good Times) and Ayuko Babu, the PAFF is one of the biggest film festivals to be hosted in Los Angeles. Since being established in 1992 PAFF has premiered many top films like Think Like a Man, Love & Basketball, Woman Thou Art Loosed and many others. The festival also proudly recognizes rising talent as well as those established in the industry both in front of and behind the camera. Panels and workshops, including a conversation with Denzel Washington, a conversation with Nate Parker, and much more will be on offer.

ICE santa monica fb
(credit: ICE Santa Monica)

ICE At Santa Monica
1324 5th St.
Santa Monica, CA 90401
(310) 260-1199
www.downtownsm.com
Dates: November 1, 2017 - January 15, 2018

Ice skating blocks away from the Pacific Ocean is a fun way to spend time with friends outdoors during winter in Los Angeles. The ice rink is 8,000 square feet and is open through January 16, 2016. For just $15, you'll gain entrance to skate for as long as you want and includes skate rentals too. Not sure how to ice skate? Take a private or group figure skating lesson by Randy Gardener's school of skating (an additional cost). Holiday parties and winter birthday celebrations are welcome to host a private party here, too.

LAZooLights
(Credit: Jamie Pham )

L.A. Zoo Lights
LA Zoo & Botanical Gardens
5333 Zoo Dr
Los Angeles, CA 90027
(323) 644-4200
www.lazoolights.org
Dates: November 17, 2017 - January 7 2018

Experience the magic that is L.A. Zoo Lights this holiday season! From November 17, 2017 through January 7, 2018, the Zoo comes alive with nighttime holiday light events. Once you enter the park, you'll take a self-guided tour that lasts from 60-90 minutes inside the Zoo. See creative animal-themed light displays, including 3D projectors, lasers, and thousands of LED's, as well as a water show, live reindeer, music, and the all new "Wild Wonderland" finale. In addition to the tour, there will be hot cocoa and other holiday treats on offer, as well as a chance to take pictures with Santa on select dates!

enchantedlights verified kellie
(Credit: Descanso Gardens)

Enchanted: Forest of Light
Descanso Gardens
1418 Descanso Dr.
La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011
www.descansogardens.org
Dates: November 25, 2016 - January 8, 2017

Enjoy a one-mile walk through eight distinct lighting displays in the beautiful Descanso Gardens this month. The interactive, nighttime experience includes large-scale light features, lighted pads, and a chance to manipulate sound and color in the Oak Grove. The beautiful gardens are transformed into 10 themed sparkling displays that will surely get you in the holiday spirit! Learn more at our Guide To Descanso Garden's Enchanted: Forest Of Light.

snow los angeles tubing
(Credit: Syda Productions/shutterstock)

SNOW! Los Angeles
The Old Lodge
2002 Stadium Way
Los Angeles, CA 90026
www.snowdayla.com
Date: Now Through December 23, 2017

Every child and adult in Los Angeles can finally experience a snow day with this week's opening of Snow! Los Angeles. Over 10,000 square feet of snow tubing awaits, spread across 9 acres of winter wonderland. After tubing down the hill, visit the giant 12' gingerbread house, walk the penguin light path filled with gigantic animated penguin scenes, go ice skating, and much more!

LA Chinese firecracker festival run walk
(credit: Geoff M./Yelp)

Los Angeles Chinatown Firecracker Festival/Run
943 N. Broadway
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(323) 256-1363
www.firecracker10k.org
Date: February 24 & 25, 2018

The annual L.A. Chinatown Firecracker Festival invites Angelenos to bike, walk, run and play, all while celebrating the unique Asian culture and communities within Los Angeles. As one of the largest and longest-running Chinese New Year run in the country, there is a 5k/10k run/walk, as well as a kiddie run for the tots. The free festival, located in Chinatown's Central Plaza, will commemorate traditional Chinese music ensembles, Korean performers, Vietnamese folk dancers, taiko drummers of Japan and Lion Dancers. Those interested should visit www.http://www.firecracker10k.org for times and more information.

Related: Best Running Clubs In Los Angeles

queenmarychill- VERIFIED - Kellie fell
(Credit: Queen Mary)

CHILL At The Queen Mary
The Queen Mary
1126 Queens Highway
Long Beach, CA 90802
(800) 437-2934
www.queenmary.com
Dates: December 13, 2017 - January 17, 2018

The Queen Mary's CHILL experience opens tonight, and this year they're taking it international with food, beverages, and Christmas traditions from around the world. Also new to this year is the unveiling of the first-ever Ice Adventure Park in the U.S. - a 38,000-square foot ice park featuring ice skating, bumper boats, zip line, shuffleboard, ice tubing, and lots more.

Related: Best Interesting Public Art Sculptures In Los Angeles

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