See LA How We See LA

Glitter and Ice

When it comes to holiday festivities in Los Angeles, there is no shortage of events across the city, and Downtown LA has its fair share. One special spectacle is the Moonlight Forest at the LA County Arboretum. This after-dark event is held across the grounds of the Arcadia botanical garden, where the verdant setting will be filled with massive lanterns, shimmering flowers, and whimsical dragons in a truly otherworldly atmosphere.

Themes for this year’s event include "Polar Dreams" and "Ocean Visions". Chinese lanterns handcrafted in the Sichuan province are designed according to these themes and will be arranged in large forms: archways, tunnels, even in the form of an open-mouthed shark that you can walk through. It’s more than just a light installation—it’s an experiential immersion into the dazzling phenomenon of holiday decor.

If you’re looking for a more active holiday experience, just blocks away from The Wayfarer you can experience a bit of classic winter charm and even a little chill in SoCal. Head to Pershing Square to glide across the Holiday Ice Rink under the shadow of Downtown LA’s skyscrapers. This is the city’s largest outdoor ice skating rink. Seasonal events include curling lessons, a silent disco, DJ nights, and even "Let it Go" Tuesdays, when you can belt it out to Elsa’s anthem on the ice!