The holiday season is in full swing with plenty of events bringing joy and cheer across L.A. County. There are events at the Getty Villa and in Long Beach this weekend. Metro has also partnered with two top outdoor rinks to bring you holiday fun on the ice. Wherever you plan to go, Metro can get you there. Keep reading for details.
Holidays in L.A.
Holiday Ice Rink at Pershing Square
Experience the Holiday Ice Rink at Pershing Square, a downtown L.A. winter tradition for more than 20 years. This massive 7,200-square-foot ice surface offers professional-quality skating in the heart of the city. Located next to Pershing Square Station (B and D lines) and a short walk from the A and E lines via Historic Broadway Station, it’s one of the easiest ice rinks to reach without worrying about traffic or parking. Open now through Jan. 11. Tickets start at $22.
Ice at Santa Monica Presented by Disney+ and Hulu
Ice Rink at Santa Monica is back for its 17th season, delivering an unforgettable holiday experience in the heart of the city. Located at the corner of Arizona Avenue and Fifth Street, this outdoor rink offers a one-of-a-kind California experience: skating under the sun by day, followed by the sparkle of stars at night. Best of all, Metro’s E Line drops you just a few blocks away at Downtown Santa Monica Station, making your trip easy, fun and sustainable.
Go Metro: Take the E Line to Downtown Santa Monica Station, and it’s a short walk to the ice rink.
Metro riders get $5 off general admission to experience the holiday season at both ice rinks with promo code “MetroHoliday,” valid December 4–18 and January 5–11
All Weekend
L.A. Zoo Animal Lights: Animals Aglow
Light up your life at the L.A. Zoo Lights, the city’s wildest holiday tradition. Lanterns, lights and exotic animals await. The event features a giant walk-in kaleidoscope, seasonal treats and cocktails, and photo ops throughout the park, including Santa Claus himself. Tickets start at $19. Through Jan. 11.
Go Metro: Take the A Line to Lincoln/Cypress Station and transfer to Bus Line 296 or take the bus directly and get off at L.A. Zoo stop in Griffith Park.
Metrolink’s Holiday Express brings festive magic to stations across Southern California. Each stop transforms into a winter wonderland with music, treats, crafts and a scenic train ride that includes carolers, holiday characters and special visits from Santa and Mrs. Claus.
This year’s host stations include L.A. Union Station, San Bernardino Depot, Irvine, Riverside, downtown and Simi Valley.
Whether it’s your first time on a train or a beloved family tradition, this seasonal favorite deliver holiday memories that last well beyond the ride. Tickets are $30 per rider and free for children ages 2 and under. Every weekend in December until December 21st
Go Metro: Take the A, B, D or J Line to Union Station.
The Percy Jackson Quest at The Getty Villa
Calling all fans of Percy Jackson! To celebrate Season 2 of “Percy Jackson and the Olympians,” all demigods (and ancient world enthusiasts) are invited to join a quest through the galleries and gardens of the Getty Villa Museum. Test your knowledge of Greek mythology and the world of Percy Jackson as you complete challenges to win a prize. Prizes are limited, so arrive early for the best chance at glory. Available while supplies last. Weekend of December 6 and December 13. 10:30-3:00 p.m. FREE.
Go Metro: Take the E Line to Downtown Santa Monica Station and connect to Bus Line 134 at Fifth Street/Colorado, then get off at PCH/Getty Villa. Or take Bus Line 134 directly to PCH/Getty Villa — the stop is right across from the museum.
Major League Table Tennis at Terasaki Budokan
Major League Table Tennis brings the heat to Los Angeles Dec. 12-14 at Terasaki Budokan. The hometown Los Angeles Spinners defend their home court against the Atlanta Blazers, Bay Area Blasters and New York Slice in a weekend packed with fast-paced rallies, Golden Game finishes and top-tier professional table tennis action.
The home showdowns kick off Friday at 7:30 p.m. with Atlanta vs. Los Angeles, followed by Bay Area vs. Los Angeles at 7:30 p.m. Saturday. The weekend wraps up Sunday with New York vs. Los Angeles at 2:30 p.m. Tickets start $7.
Go Metro: Take the A or E Line to Historic Broadway Station, and it’s about a 10-minute walk to Terasaki Budokan.
LA County’s Camino City Terrace
Explore nearly two miles of car-free streets at LA County’s Camino City Terrace, presented by Metro. This free, family-friendly celebration invites everyone to walk, bike, skate and soak up the sights, sounds and flavors of the City Terrace neighborhood in unincorporated East Los Angeles.
Enjoy hands-on activities, live music and dance, local food and artisan vendors, interactive workshops and more. It’s a perfect way to connect with neighbors and celebrate the rich culture of City Terrace during the holiday season. December 13-14. FREE.
Go Metro: Take A,B,D or J Line to Union Station and connect on Bus Line 106 to Eastern and Romona and walk down City Terrace Drive.
Saturday, December 13
Bucked Up LA Bowl Hosted by Gronk
The Bucked Up LA Bowl Hosted by Gronk brings college football excitement to Los Angeles with a matchup between the Boise State Broncos and Washington Huskies. More than just a game, this is an unforgettable gameday experience filled with premium hospitality and the vibrant spirit of L.A. SoFi Stadium. 5 p.m. Tickets start at $36.97.
Go Metro: The free SoFi Stadium shuttle connects fans to the action from the LAX/Metro Transit Center. Take the Metro C or K Line – or other local bus lines such as Big Blue Bus Line 3 and Culver Citybus Line 6 – to the LAX/Metro Transit Center and hop aboard the shuttle at bus bay 8. More tips for your game day trip.
KROQ Almost Acoustic Christmas
KROQ Almost Acoustic Christmas returns to the Kia Forum on Saturday, December 13 featuring The All-American Rejects, Evanescence, Papa Roach, The Paradox, Rise Against, Social Distortion, Third Eye Blind, Wet Leg and Yellowcard!
Tickets are on sale now via Ticketmaster.com with prices as low as $50 plus fees! Proceeds benefit Al Wooten Jr Youth Center and Para Los Niños.
Go Metro to Intuit Dome: Take Bus Line 115 to Manchester/Kareem, Bus Line 117 to Prairie/Century and Bus Line 212 to Prairie/Kelso.
L.A. Kings Hockey
The L.A. Kings face off against the Calgary Flames at Crypto.com Arena. Catch all the action as the Kings defend home ice Saturday. 7-9 p.m.
Go Metro: Take the A or E Line to Pico Station, and it’s about a 5- to 10-minute walk to the arena. Or take the J Line straight to the Crypto.com Arena stop.
Celebrate the warmth and traditions of the season at AJUA’s Posada at MOLAA in Long Beach. This festive community gathering brings families together with music, dance, art-making and cultural heritage for all ages. It’s a joyful celebration you won’t want to miss. MOLAA, 628 Alamitos Ave. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free.
Go Metro: Take the A Line to Fifth Street Station, and it’s a 10-minute walk to MOLAA.
Sunday, December 14
Metro Bike Share 101 Workshop at LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes
Are you interested in using Metro Bike Share but just don’t know where to begin? Come to this beginner workshop designed to teach you how to check out a bike, learn more about the Metro Bike Share system and learn some of the basics of safe riding. Join us at LA Plaza de Culture y Artes, from 12-4 p.m.
Go Metro: Take A,B,D or J Line to Union Station and walk about 5 minutes to LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes.
LA Rams Football
The NFC West-leading Rams host the Detroit Lions at SoFi Stadium Sunday afternoon, in a game with playoff implications for both teams. 1:25 p.m-4:25 p.m
Go Metro: The free SoFi Stadium shuttle connects fans to the action from the LAX/Metro Transit Center. Take the Metro C or K Line – or other local bus lines such as Big Blue Bus Line 3 and Culver Citybus Line 6 – to the LAX/Metro Transit Center and hop aboard the shuttle at bus bay 8. More tips for your game day trip.
Black On the Block Winter Festival
Los Angeles, the celebration is back. Black on the Block Winter Fest returns with more than 100 Black-owned businesses, giveaways, live performances, music, food, drinks and activations in one vibrant gathering.
This is more than a festival — it’s a movement to uplift local businesses, celebrate community and keep the Black dollar circulating this holiday season. Come shop, eat, dance and support Black excellence all in one place. Los Angeles Center Studios on Bixel Street. Tickets start at $20.
Go Metro: Take the A, B, D, E or J Line to 7th/Metro Center, and it’s a 15-minute walk.
Go Metro Forecast
Expect the weekend to feel more seasonable across Southern California. Temperatures will settle into 70s under dry skies. It’ll be comfortable overall, though you might notice some afternoon breezes, especially near the coast and in the valleys. For now, it’s a nice stretch of calm, comfortable fall weather across SoCal. Temperatures should trend warmer next week though.
Go Metro This Weekend
To plan a transit trip, you can use Google Maps, Apple Maps, the Transit or Moovit apps or the trip planner on metro.net.
Know of a great Metro-accessible event happening in L.A.? We want to hear about it! Send us your suggestions for future weekend roundups at bryantke@metro.net or tag us on social media @metrolosangeles.
To keep up with real-time updates on our buses, rails and elevators just head to alerts.metro.net
Check back next week for another weekend roundup!
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