The holiday season is here and we’re already in full festive mode. Sure, LA might not be the first place that comes to mind for holiday vibes, but this city makes the season absolutely magical anyway. Between iconic pop-ups, immersive experiences, and over-the-top holiday chaos, there’s actually too much to do. We’ve rounded up The Best Holiday Pop-Ups in LA You Can’t Miss this season. Trust us, your calendar is about to be fully booked.
1. Candlelight Holiday Concert
Candlelight concerts are stunning year-round, but during the holidays? They hit completely different. The ambiance, the music, the excuse to actually dress up — it’s the perfect way to kick off the season with some class. Honestly, this is date night perfection and you can’t convince us otherwise.
Photo Courtesy of Candlelight Concerts
2. Disneyland
Okay, technically not LA, but this list would be incomplete without Disneyland’s holiday transformation. The castle lit up, decorations covering every inch of the parks, the iconic Christmas parade, and seasonal treats hit different during the holidays. And the firework show with falling “snow” is absolutely worth staying for.
3. Frosty’s Christmas Bar
Want to drink in the most aggressively festive bar LA has to offer? Frosty’s Christmas Bar is what happens when Christmas explodes in the best, most chaotic way possible. Themed cocktails, unhinged decor, and pure holiday energy. Throw on your coziest sweater and boots — this pop-up bar is calling your name.
Photo Courtesy of Frosty’s Christmas Bar
4. Gilmore Girls Stars Hollow Holiday Experience
This might be our absolute favorite on the entire list. If you’re a Gilmore Girls fan, nothing compares to walking through Stars Hollow fully decorated for the holidays. You’re literally on the actual set where the show was filmed 25 years ago — it’s surreal. Grab coffee at Luke’s Diner, snap photos at Lorelai’s house, and take a stroll through the “snow.” It’s the ultimate nostalgic holiday experience that every fan needs to check off their list.
Want to visit more iconic film locations? Check out our blog on Our Favorite Los Angeles Film & TV Locations.
5. Holiday Afternoon Tea
Looking for a classy holiday activity that gives you an excuse to actually dress up? Holiday afternoon tea is calling your name. LA has incredible spots across all price ranges serving festive-themed tea experiences that feel fancy without being pretentious. It’s the perfect way to treat yourself this season.
6. Holly Jolly Bar
The Holly Jolly Bar brings holiday vibes with a more laid-back, sophisticated energy than Frosty’s. The decor is elevated, the ambiance is actually chill, and the themed cocktails deliver. Perfect spot to grab friends for a more refined holiday drinking experience.
Photo Courtesy of Holly Jolly Bar
7. Pershing Square Ice Skating?
Ready to hit the ice? Pershing Square is one of the most iconic spots to do it in LA. Every year they drop an ice rink right in the middle of Downtown, and it’s the perfect way to embrace the holiday season without leaving the city.
8. Smorgasburg Christmas Market
It’s not quite the same as those iconic European Christmas markets, but this is LA’s version and it’s still worth your time. Smorgasburg hosts themed holiday market events throughout the season with solid food vendors, unique shops, and genuine festive vibes. Perfect for a casual weekend outing.
9. LA Zoo Lights
Ever experienced the zoo after dark? Now’s your chance. The LA Zoo completely transforms at night for Zoo Lights, with exhibits open and the entire place covered in holiday light displays. It’s surprisingly magical walking through lit-up pathways in the crisp evening air. Bring gloves, grab a hot cocoa, and take it all in.
Be sure to tag us @fortheaesthetic.la if you visit any of these Holiday Pop-Ups in LA!
For The Aesthetic 