What’s Open in Los Angeles on Christmas Day: A Guide
Maybe the thought of spending hours slaving away in the kitchen to prepare a traditional Christmas dinner doesn’t quite get you in the holiday spirit. If you’re looking to get out of the house and enjoy the festive season, fear not! There are plenty of places open around Los Angeles on Christmas Day to keep you entertained and well-fed.
Christmas Day Entertainment Options
If catching a Christmas Day movie or watching an NBA game is more your speed, there are plenty of options to choose from. AMC and Regal cinemas will be open, offering showings of the season’s latest family-friendly releases like “Mufasa: The Lion King,” “Moana 2,” “Sonic the Hedgehog 3,” and “Wicked.” For those looking for something a bit different, the New Beverly Cinema will be showing Robert Eggers’ new take on “Nosferatu” and Quentin Tarantino’s “The Hateful Eight.”
For sports enthusiasts, the Cosm in Inglewood is open and offering two NBA showings on Christmas Day. You can catch the Timberwolves at the Mavericks at 11:30 a.m. or enjoy a double-header featuring the Lakers at the Warriors and the Nuggets at the Suns at 5 p.m. General admission starts at $11, offering first-come, first-serve standing room and seating.
Shopping Centers and Grocery Stores
While most businesses and malls will be closed, there are a few places where you can still enjoy some holiday cheer. The Grove may be closed, but Italian restaurant La Piazza and the AMC theater will be open, with simulated snowfalls at 6 and 8 p.m. The Americana at Brand in Glendale may have individual stores open as well as simulated snowfalls at 7 and 8 p.m.
Theme Parks and Other Attractions
If you’re looking to turn Christmas Day into a mini-vacation, Southern California’s local theme parks have got you covered. Both Disneyland and California Adventure in Anaheim will be open, with single-day, single-park tickets for adults starting at $206. Universal Studios Hollywood will also be open, with one-day general admission tickets starting at $154 for adults.
For a unique holiday experience, consider visiting the Balloon Museum, which is showing “Let’s Fly,” an interactive and inflatable installation. Tickets for adults start at $52.21. The Santa Monica Pier will be open, along with its Pacific Park amusement rides, and L.A. Live offers holiday ice skating at its outdoor rink on Christmas Day.
Embracing Non-Christmas Traditions
If you’re not one for celebrating Christmas at home, consider joining the non-Christmas tradition of treating yourself to Chinese food. Just be prepared for a wait, as one restaurant manager called December 25th the busiest day of the year.
With so many options available, there’s no need to spend Christmas Day cooped up at home. Whether you’re looking for entertainment, shopping, or a unique holiday experience, Los Angeles has something for everyone this Christmas. So get out there and make the most of the festive season!