While Los Angeles may be at its busiest during the summer months, the winter is actually a great season to visit the city, because not only are attractions and accommodation less crowded, and cheaper, but the weather is still warm and sunny, without being scorchingly uncomfortable.

Griffith Park
Located in L.A’s Los Feliz neighborhood, Griffith Park is one of the city’s top attractions throughout the year, but, thanks to the Los Angeles Zoo, it is especially magical during the holiday season. Zoo Lights is an evening event, hosted by the zoo, that runs from December through to early January, and sees the entire zoo glowing with twinkling lights and sparkling animated animals. With everything from light shows and animal projections to real reindeer and Santa Claus appearances, this is a holiday spot that the whole family can enjoy together. In addition to Zoo Lights, Griffith Park also offers a Christmas train ride on the weekends, but be sure to book tickets well in advance, as this is always a popular festive feature.

San Pedro
While Los Angeles is known for being one of the few destinations in the world where you can whale watch throughout the year, the winter months are migration season, when these impressive creatures make their way from Alaska down to California, a journey that spans over 7000 miles. There are several spots along the coastline from where you can view the whales, but one of the very best has to be just a few miles west of San Pedro, where you can watch the gray whales frolicking in the waves.

Pershing Square
From mid November until Mid January, Pershing Square is home to the Holiday Ice Skating Rink, turning the entire area into a sparkling festive delight. Surrounded by the city skyline, this is one of the best spots for ice skating in the city during the holiday season, with special events and competitions held throughout to keep excitement at a high.

Snow Day LA
Located in Downtown LA, Snow Day LA is the very first snow tubing park in the city, and it has only recently opened this month, giving you a whole new reason to head to LA for the holidays this year. The park features more than 10,000 square feet of downhill tubing lanes, as well as nine acres containing a magical winter wonderland. When it comes to grabbing a bite to eat, some of LA’s best food trucks will be on site, serving up their tasty specialities, although for those that want to really treat themselves, the VIP Penguin Lounge also serves food, along with a variety of beverages. To round up your day, the park hosts a nightly interactive light show called the Snowman Forest, which is bound to delight visitors of all ages.

While LA may not immediately seem like a great winter holiday spot, it does, in fact, have plenty to offer. From family friendly events and activities to once-in-a-lifetime wildlife viewings, the city is an incredible place to spend the winter.