The holiday season is in full swing with plenty of events bringing joy and cheer across L.A. County. There is everything from Metro Bike Share to the Los Angeles Ballet. 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.
Go Metro: Take the B or D Line to Pershing Square Station or take the A or E Line to Historic Broadway Station and walk to the rink.
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
Thursday, Dec. 24: As has become our tradition, we’ll be offering free rides on Christmas Eve from 4 a.m. on Dec. 24 through 3 a.m. on Dec. 25.
Thursday, Dec. 31: We’re also — as we do every year — offering free rides on New Year’s Eve from 4 a.m. Dec. 31 through 3 a.m. on January 1 so you can safely celebrate the arrival of 2026. Thursday, Jan. 1: The A Line is the easiest way to reach the Tournament of Roses parade with four stations that are a short stroll from the parade route — Del Mar, Memorial Park, Lake and Allen. Football fans headed to the Rose Bowl can also take the A Line to Memorial Park Station and walk a few minutes to the Rose Bowl Shuttle to the stadium. More info here on how to reach the Rose Bowl.
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 through December 21st.
Go Metro: Take the A, B, D or J Line to Union Station
Collect-A-Con, the nation’s largest trading card and pop culture convention, takes over the Los Angeles Convention Center Dec. 20-21. This epic collectible extravaganza brings more than 500 dealers with the hottest finds, from sports cards and comics to video games and vintage toys.
This is an all-ages weekend event with food on site and free kids’ zones featuring play areas, activities and entertainment included with admission. Whether you’re a serious collector or just getting started, this is your chance to geek out. Tickets start at $38.08.
Go Metro: Take the A, E, or J Line to Pico Station and walk about 10 minutes to the LA Convention Center.
Friday, December 19
The Nutcracker (Opening Night) at Los Angeles Ballet
Los Angeles Ballet’s “The Nutcracker” is a beloved holiday tradition that brings magic to life on stage. Journey with young Clara and her enchanted Nutcracker as they battle the memorable Mouse King, then travel through the Land of Snow to the Palace of the Dolls. LAB stays true to the classic holiday story while giving it a unique Southern California twist that makes this production distinctly L.A. It’s the perfect way to kick off the season. Performances last through December 28. Tickets start at $109.70. Dolby Theatre.
Go Metro: Take B Line to Hollywood/Highland Station, and it’s a short walk to the Dolby Theatre.
Saturday, December 20
One Last Cinnamon Roll Community Ride
Join Metro Bike for One Last Cinnamon Roll Community Ride in North Hollywood. This fun, social 7.6-mile ride brings North Hollywood residents together for a relaxed, end-of-year roll along the Chandler Bike Path. It’s all about celebrating our shared love of cycling, strengthening connections among local riders and building momentum for future group rides.
We’ll gather for a picnic and conversation at Olive Recreation Center to reflect on the past year, share ideas and nurture the relationships that will fuel an even more connected, bike-friendly year ahead. RSVP required. 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Free.
Go Metro: Take B Line to North Hollywood Station and meet up with Metro Bike.
Get ready for a magical holiday celebration at the North Pomona Christmas Market. This one-day winter festival brings live entertainment, festive shopping, food, family activities, giveaways and more under the sparkling December night sky. It’s the perfect spot to soak up holiday cheer with the whole family. 2695 N. Garvey Ave., Pomona. 2-10 p.m. Free.
Go Metro: Take the A Line to Pomona North Station, and it’s a short walk to Garvey Avenue. You can’t miss the market with all the festive activity.
LA Lakers vs LA Clippers
Crosstown rivals collide as the LA Clippers host the LA Lakers in an early season showdown that’ll have the whole city talking. Whether you bleed purple and gold or red and blue, this is the game you don’t want to miss. 7:30-9:30 p.m.
Go Metro: Connect to a free bus shuttle at Hawthorne/Lennox Station (C Line), Downtown Inglewood Station (K Line) or LAX/Metro Transit Center (C/K Lines). Note that boarding at Hawthorne/Lennox Station will be on Hawthorne Bl heading southbound (opposite side of SoFi shuttle boarding location). The shuttles will start running at 20-minute intervals two hours before each game begins and at 10-minute intervals for one hour after each game ends.
Sunday, December 21
Metro Bike Adventure: Park-to-Park Fun Ride
Join Metro Bike Share, the Walk ‘n Rollers and South LA Cafe for a Park-to-Park Fun Ride through South Los Angeles. If you’re bike-share curious, this free ride is your chance to explore the neighborhood while learning how to seamlessly incorporate Metro Bike Share into your daily life. Plus, expect prizes and giveaways along the way.
This approximately 7-mile ride on city streets will take you to different community sites in South L.A., including Richardson Family Park and Exposition Park. We’ll meet at South LA Cafe for a brief introduction to the Metro Bike Share system and road safety before rolling out. Helmets will be provided for Metro Bike Share riders. You’re welcome to bring your own bike — helmets are required for everyone.
Note: All Metro Bike Share riders must be 16 or older. The first 15 registered riders will have access to a free Metro Bike Share bike and helmet. If bikes are sold out, join the fun on your own wheels. South LA Café on 2401 W Jefferson Blvd. Free.
Go Metro: Take the E or K Line to Expo/Crenshaw Station and connect to Bus Line 38 at Jefferson and Crenshaw. The bus will drop you off at Jefferson/Fourth Avenue, near the cafe.
Go Metro Forecast
We’re tracking cooler weather across Southern California this weekend. Temperatures will stay in the 60s and 70s across most microclimates, including the L.A. metro area. Expect some foggy mornings followed by mostly sunny skies through Sunday.
Looking ahead, things could turn more active next week. Forecast models are showing an increasing chance of rain around Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Early outlooks suggest a strong storm system, possibly an atmospheric river that could bring several inches of rain, especially in the foothills and mountains.
It’s still too early to know exact timing or totals, but it’s a good idea to keep an eye on the forecast as we get closer to the holiday weekend, especially if you have travel plans.
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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