Luckily for Angelenos, winter never comes with snow storms, hours of shoveling or unbearably frigid temperatures. But just because Los Angeles doesn’t have a classic “winter” doesn’t mean we can’t experience the best of the season (I mean, who doesn't love wearing t-shirts in January??). So take advantage of mild, sunny days and a slightly slower pace, and dive into what this city does always have to offer: a whole lot of fun. From festive holiday markets to light exhibits to ice skating, here are six things you can add to your winter in LA bucket list.
Visit the Enchanted Forest of Light
Light up your Saturday night with a walk through the Enchanted Forest of Light in Descanso Gardens. Until January 8, the nightly exhibit will feature one mile of distinctive light installations, including an entire town of “stained glass” creations by contemporary sculptor Tom Fruin, funky geometric installations by HYBYCOZO and so much more. Snag your tickets here.
Photos courtesy of Time Out & Pasadena Now
Savor a unique dining experience at Foodshop
You can always count on Venice for out-of-the-box culinary concepts. An underground supper club and communal dining experience, Foodshop is an invite-only, pop-up dinner that focuses on high-quality, locally grown ingredients and good conversation. It’s BYOB and absolutely magical. Grab an invite for your group here.
Photos Courtesy of Foodshop
Cozy up at a fireplace bar
New Yorkers will yell at us if we say it gets cold in LA, but sometimes a cozy fire and a good drink are just what the doctor ordered. Lucky enough, there are several bars throughout the city that boast grand fireplaces and seasonal cocktails to warm up come sundown, from Nobu in Malibu to Tower Bar in WeHo, Old Man Bar in Culver City (attached to Hatchet Hall), Sassafras in Hollywood and beyond. 
See Mean Girls at Pantages Theatre
No need to jet-set to New York for a stellar Broadway performance. From January 4-29, Mean Girls will take to the stage at Pantages Theatre with an all-star creative team at the helm, including Tina Fey herself, composer Jeff Richmond, lyricist Nell Benjamin and director Casey Nicholaw. New winter activity, unlocked. Purchase your tickets here.
Photos Courtesy of Pantages Theatre & Historic Theatre Photos
Check out the Smorgasburg Holiday Market
Epic food and holiday vibes? Say no more. Smorgasburg at the ROW DTLA operates the largest open-air food market in the country, and their 6th annual Holiday Market on December 11 and 18 will feature a plethora of LA’s best makers, movers and shakers. Plus, you’ll be able to shop packaged foods at their special Holiday Food Gift SmorgasMART. Plan your visit here.
Photos Courtesy of Smorgasburg
Wander the Lightscape exhibit at The Arboretum
Another light exhibit because, well, we just can’t get enough. Located in Arcadia, The Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden is playing host to the internationally acclaimed Lightscape exhibit until January 8, featuring dazzling displays of light, color and sound that include the remarkable Winter Cathedral. Get tickets here just in time for the holidays.
Photo Courtesy of Average Socialite & Cleverly Cathryn
Go ice skating
Rockefeller Center, who? Throw on a pair of skates and transport yourself to the North Pole at an array of ice rinks throughout the city. From Ice at Santa Monica to LA Kings Holiday Ice at LA Live to Downtown on Ice in Pershing Square, Los Angeles transforms itself into the ultimate winter playground for the young and young at heart.
Photos Courtesy of Time Out & NHL
