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5 Reasons To Visit Los Angeles For Winter Break

ice_skating skate 610
(credit: Thinkstock)

When tourists arrive in the city of Los Angeles, there are a number of activities to enjoy that capture the essence of the L.A. experience. After all, the city of Los Angeles is home to some of the world's most beautiful beaches, top movie premieres, live television tapings and bright sunny skies year-round. Celebrity appearances, Hollywood red carpets, fine dining and live all-star entertainment are just some of the other perks that draw tourists and residents out on the boulevards to experience the magic of L.A.

Pershing Square Ice skating skate
(credit: Pershing Square)

Pershing Square Ice Rink
532 South Olive St.
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 624-4289
www.holidayicerinkdowntownla.org
Dates: November 13, 2015 - January 19, 2016

Pershing Square's ice rink is set to open up to the public this Winter from mid-November through 2016. Ice skating events are set to take place, live events with special guest DJs will set the stage for a winter wonderland. Located right in the heart of Los Angeles, this is the perfect way to both get your fill in the holiday season and get a taste of LA culture. It's rare to find outdoor ice skating rinks in California, so Pershing is certainly a unique option, and most of the time you won't even have to wear a coat!

culver city tree
(credit: Culver City Downtown Business Association)

Downtown Culver City Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony
Town Plaza
310-202-6060
www.downtownculvercity.org
Date: December 4, 2015

In the beginning of December, the City of Culver City will present a special Holiday Christmas tree lighting ceremony that is sure to get any visitor in the spirit of the holidays. The tree, which will tower at 22 feet tall, will feature over 7,500 energy efficient colorful lights to set the tone for the winter season. Beverages that will be served include hot cider, hot cocoa and special treats for kids and families to enjoy. Happy holidays!

Hollywood Christmas Parade
Participants parade on a street in Hollywood, California, on November 30, 2008 during Hollywood Santa Parade 2008 to kick off the holiday season. (credit: JEWEL SAMAD/AFP/Getty Images)

Hollywood Christmas Parade
Starting at Highland Ave. and Hollywood Blvd.
866-727-2331
www.thehollywoodchristmasparade.org
Date: November 30, 2015

Grammy Award-winning recording artist Stevie Wonder is scheduled to serve as Grand Marshal on the Hollywood Christmas Parade this winter season. The parade, which will take place live in Hollywood on Nov. 30th, will also feature co-hosts on the live parade broadcast including Laura McKenzie and Erik Estrada. It wouldn't be an LA event without even more celebrities. Also floating by will be Olympian boxer Oscar De La Hoya, "Bella And The Bulldogs" actress Brec Bassinger, musician Cassidy Diana, and even Grumpy Cat himself.

Related: Walking Tour Of Larchmont Boulevard

Holiday Season In Full Swing Nearly 2 Weeks Before Christmas new york city shopping NYC
(credit: Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

Los Angeles County Holiday Celebration
Dorothy Chandler Pavilion at The Music Center
135 N. Grand Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90012
www.lacountyarts.org
Date: December 24, 2015

On Christmas Eve, The Music Center in downtown LA will host a set of spectacular arts event this winter. Consisting of a three-hour show at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, the event consists of cultural arts with an international theme that will include musical choirs, dancers and music ensembles. On Dec. 20, The Walt Disney Concert Hall will also host an afternoon of holiday caroling featuring choirs, ensembles and a special guest instrumentalist on the hall's organ.

Marina Del Rey Holiday Boat Parade
(credit: Marina Del Rey Holiday Boat Parade)

Marina del Rey Holiday Boat Parade
310-670-7130
www.mdrboatparade.org
Date: December 13, 2015

About a week before Christmas, there will be a festive and colorful holiday boat parade with boating owners competing for the best decorated boat for the holidays. In addition to the boating parade, a fireworks display will take place just before the parade begins. Extravagance is the name of the game here in LA, and nothing celebrates that more in the seasonal winter spirit than the Holiday Boat Parade.

Related: Best Winter Activities In Los Angeles


Belinda Ware is a Hollywood Insider news journalist who finds herself in the right place at the right time covering celebrity news, pop culture, opinion pieces and general breaking news stories on the latest trends in popular news. Her hobbies include golf, chess and world travel. Read more on Examiner.org

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