The Top 10 Things to Do During Winter

 

 

Are you looking for some fun holiday activities in the LA area that can be enjoyed by the entire family? Check out some favorite spots to kick-start some winter cheer.

 

          1) Lights at the L.A. Zoo

 

The L.A. Zoo turns it up a notch every holiday season with its dazzling display of lights. It is a fantastic place to spend a memorable night with your family, soaking up the excitement, enjoying the festivities and the wild wonder of holiday lights. This is a nighttime celebration that comes complete with a ceremony and festive decorations.

 

          2). LA Kings Holiday Ice (Microsoft Square | LA Live)

 

Treat the family to an experience they won’t forget. During the winter season, Microsoft Square transforms into a holiday ice rink, sponsored by the LA Kings. With a variety of terrific eateries, premiere shopping and 20,000 square feet of stunning LED signage, you can skate under the stars or on a Sunday afternoon and get an LA tan.

 

          3) Disneyland, Universal Studios & Knotts Merry Farm

 

If you are missing your holiday spirit, you can never go wrong when your destination is one of these family friendly theme parks; Disneyland, Universal or Knotts Merry Farm. During the holiday season, you will get the VIP experience with vibrant and unforgettable shows and attractions. From seasonal food, to concerts and sing-alongs, all you have to do, is celebrate and enjoy!

 

          4) Hot Chocolate Movie Night

 

One tradition my wife and I started several years ago was having some of our friends over for a Christmas movie (like “Die Hard”) and setting up a hot chocolate bar. This is a sweet, messy fingers treat and an affordable option that is fun for the whole family. The bar can include mixers such marshmallows, whip cream and chocolate chips and you can spice it up with other add-ons such as peanut butter chocolate chips, pretzels, cinnamon sticks, candy canes, ginger bread, etc.

 

          5) Holiday Lights Display

 

Light up your holiday season with a little help from the neighborhood. We could have made this topic a list within itself... but check out some of my favorite cities to take the family when we’re in the mood to be transformed to a holiday wonderland!

 

 

          6) Fillmore & Western Holiday Train Tours

 

Book a seat on the Fillmore Holiday Train. With three rides to choose from; the Sugar Plum Express, North Pole Express and Return Santa to the North Pole, each tour is different and will take you and your family on an extraordinary adventure. You can explore Santa’s workshop,sit-in on storytelling time and even cut down your very own Christmas Tree. Though the menus vary with each train ride, this is a wonderful opportunity to create quality time during this holiday season.

 

          7) Queen Mary Christmas (Formally CHILL)

 

If you’re looking for a new tradition, take a trip to Long Beach and celebrate the winter chill surrounded by the magic of the Queen Mary. This fun attraction is perfect for the entire family; as you stroll their beautiful decks and marvel at the 80 Foot Christmas tree, don't forget the True North Ice Rink, the carolers, delicious food, seasonal music and just some good ole’ fashion fun.

 

          8) The Rose Parade

 

Bring in 2019 by joining a few thousand of your closest friends for the 130^th Annual Tournament of Roses Parade. Traveling 5.5 miles through Old Town Pasadena, this nationally televised New Year's Day parade is famed for its extravagant floats, stellar marching bands, flyovers and more! And with Grammy Award Winning Artist, Chaka Khan as this years Grand Marshall, your ears are in for a treat!

 

          9) Skiing and Snowboarding

 

One of my favorite features about living in Los Angeles; you can hit the beach and play in the morning, then drive to the mountains to show off your skills in the snow in the afternoon. This winter take the family skiing or snowboarding at one of our local resorts. Mountain High and Snow Summit | Bear Mountain are great resorts, highlighting a family-friendly atmosphere with the best snow conditions and the most rideable terrain in Southern California. Group and private lessons are always available. And if you’re missing some gear or equipment, Ski Dazzle opens this weekend at the LA Convention Center.

 

          10) Volunteer or Donate to a Good Cause

 

The holidays are a great time to remember those who are less fortunate and instill knowledge to our children about the joy of giving back. Spend a day with your family buying new toys for children in need, or volunteer at an organization that helps families, veterans or animals. I’ve provided some organizations below that provide excellent opportunities to give back.