Los Angeles doesn’t do snow, but it does the holidays in its own way — lit-up harbors, glowing lantern trails, and outdoor ice rinks under palm trees. The good news if you’re staying near the airport: some of the city’s best seasonal traditions are a short drive from Embassy Suites LAX North. Here’s how to plan a festive few days without spending the whole trip in traffic.
Close to the hotel: the beach cities and the marina
The coastline just south and north of LAX is where locals go for holiday cheer, and it’s the easiest outing from our front door.
- Marina del Rey Holiday Boat Parade. A decades-old tradition held on the second Saturday in December, with decorated boats cruising the main channel after a short light show. Burton Chace Park and Fisherman’s Village are the go-to viewing spots. Arrive early — traffic and parking get tight.
- Marina Lights at Burton Chace Park. If you miss the parade, the park’s waterfront holiday light display runs through much of December and makes for an easy evening stroll with a hot drink.
- Manhattan Beach Pier Lighting. The South Bay’s unofficial kickoff to the season, usually held in mid-to-late November. The pier lights up, the Roundhouse Aquarium stays open late, and downtown shops and restaurants keep their doors open into the evening.
- King Harbor Holiday Boat Parade in Redondo Beach. A smaller, laid-back alternative to the Marina del Rey parade, typically held in December along the Redondo waterfront.
Worth the drive: L.A.’s big holiday light shows
- L.A. Zoo Lights at Griffith Park. Giant animal and nature-themed lantern sculptures fill the zoo after dark on select nights from November 20, 2026 through January 10, 2027. This year adds a seasonal skating rink (separate ticket) and Santa on select nights. It’s an evening event with separate admission from the daytime zoo, and buying tickets in advance saves money.
- Outdoor ice skating. Downtown’s Pershing Square rink is the city’s largest outdoor rink and typically opens in late November and runs into early January. Ice at Santa Monica, near the Third Street Promenade, is another favorite and pairs well with a walk to the pier.
Event dates and hours change year to year, so confirm details on each event’s official website before you go.
How to plan your holiday evenings
- Do one big outing per night. L.A. traffic in December is real. Pair the farther trips (Zoo Lights, downtown skating) with a relaxed night close to the hotel.
- Go early on weekends. Parades and pier events draw big crowds. Arriving before sunset gets you parking and a better view.
- Bring layers. Coastal evenings in December get chilly, especially by the water. A jacket and a blanket for parade viewing go a long way.
- Use rideshare for the busiest nights. It saves the parking hunt, though expect delays around the marina on parade night.
Why Embassy Suites LAX North works as your holiday base
Holiday trips tend to mean full days and late nights, and that’s where a suite helps. Every accommodation has a separate living area and bedroom, so kids can crash after an evening of lights while the adults wind down in the next room. Mornings start with a complimentary made-to-order breakfast, and the evening reception is an easy way to regroup before heading out. If you’re flying in or out around the holidays, the free 24-hour airport shuttle takes the stress out of early departures and late arrivals.
Traveling for Thanksgiving or Christmas too? Our holiday travel guide for LAX covers the airport side of the trip, and our list of where to eat near LAX has dinner covered on your low-key nights.
Ready to plan a festive stay? Book your holiday stay at Embassy Suites LAX North →
