What's Open on Christmas Day 2025 in Los Angeles

Los Angeles is one of the largest and most diverse cities in the world — meaning that Christmas is just another day for hundreds of thousands, if not millions of Southland residents. There are plenty of major retailers and essential stores that stay open on Christmas Day and Christmas Eve. Plus, there are family events that make it so you don't have to spend the entire day stuck at home. Experience the magic of the holiday by visiting open theme parks, ice skating rinks, and iconic spots in the city that might be less crowded than usual.

What Can Families Do on Christmas Day in Los Angeles?

 
Spend the day on the Santa Monica pier. Photo courtesy of pacpark.com

1. Santa Monica Pier — Santa Monica

Ride a coaster and grab a treat at this classic LA destination on Christmas Day. If you have family in town for the holidays, this tourist attraction is the perfect place to show off the city. Pacific Park and all the pier fun is open from 11am - 9pm on Christmas.

2. Angels Flight Railway — DTLA

It's on everyone's "to-do" list, and it's open on Christmas Day from 6:45am to 10pm! Why not take advantage of a day when it's easy to find parking downtown and ride this landmark railcar? At $2 fare for a round-trip ticket, this is by far one of the most affordable Christmas Day activities in the city.

3. Outdoor Ice Skating — Multiple Locations

In SoCal, you're not likely to find a pond outside your home to try out your new skates. But what could be more festive than a glide on the ice before Christmas dinner? There are plenty of rinks ready to receive visitors for the holiday. Glide over to Ice at Santa Monica or the holiday ice rink at Pershing Square in DTLA.

4. Grand Illuminations — DTLA

This free light show in DTLA runs on Christmas and is steps away from Angels Flight. So, you can knock out two Christmassy Los Angeles spots in one go. Grand Illuminations is a brand-new light show with towering dandelions, light columns, and a 25-foot illuminated tree.

5. Griffith Park — Los Feliz

While Griffith Park's attractions aren't open on Christmas in Los Angeles, the park itself is. Burn off those Christmas cookie calories with a hike up to the Griffith Observatory, or let the kids burn off energy at Shane's Inspiration playground.

6. Swan Pedal Boats — Echo Park

This is a great option if you have family visiting from out of town and want to do something "very LA" with them. Reservations are required, and there are even illuminated night rides that begin after 5pm.

RELATED: Best Outdoor Ice Skating Rinks in Los Angeles for Kids and Families

 
Don't miss the sparkling holiday lights on Candy Cane Lane. Photo courtesy of Trip Advisor

7. Neighborhood Light Displays — Multiple Locations

Those twinkling lights start coming down after Christmas, so take the opportunity to get into the holiday spirit with a tour of the incredible neighborhood light displays all over LA. This is a fun, free activity that the whole family can enjoy before Christmas comes to a close.

9. Catalina Island — Avalon

The Catalina Express runs on Christmas Day, and although many businesses on the island will be closed, the bison don't take the day off—and just taking the boat and going for a hike is a fine day's excursion.

10. Pirates Take Christmas — Buena Park

Who needs to make a Honey Baked Ham for Christmas dinner when you can let a crew of pirates take care of the meal for you? Pirates Dinner Adventure in Buena Park is open on Christmas Day with a special Christmas dinner show. Will the pirate crew steal Christmas? There's only one way to find out!

11. The Grove — Mid-City

The Grove is open on Christmas Day in Los Angeles, and there is snow in the forecast: two snowfalls are scheduled for 6pm and 8pm. The movie theater is open, too.

12. Winter Fest OC — Costa Mesa

What better way to spend Christmas than immersed in a winter wonderland at SoCal's largest winter festival, featuring a North Pole Journey, light displays, photo ops, and more? Winter Fest OC is open on Christmas Day, and it is the perfect place to bring festive cheer and make family memories.

13. Sparkle DTLA — DTLA

Stroll the BLOC in downtown LA to admire the impressive and free public light display.

RELATED: Snow Play near Los Angeles: Places LA Families Can Pretend It's Winter 

 
Go sand sledding at the beach.

14. Sand Sledding — Venice Beach

The Venice Beach sand berms are up again for the season, and they're under attack by plastic saucers. For those not in the know, each year, the city amasses giant hills of sand to protect the beach community from winter storms, and the beach community storms the hills. Grab a leftover Amazon box from the Christmas shopping, a plastic saucer, or a boogie board, and hit the hills!

15. Chinatown — DTLA

Many of the shops and restaurants in Chinatown are open on Christmas Day in Los Angeles—in fact, a Chinese meal is a holiday tradition for many families. The best Chinese food in the city is right here, and it's always fun to wander the plaza and admire the architecture.

16. Marina Lights — Marina del Rey

After a joyful Christmas holiday, walk along the water and bask in the free holiday light display at Burton Chace Park in Marina del Rey.

17. Santa Barbara Zoo — Santa Barbara

The kid-pleasing zoo is always open on Christmas Day — and I know several families who take advantage annually! Christmas at the Santa Barbara Zoo is a great family outing (until 3:30pm) on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

18. La Brea Tar Pits — Mid-Wilshire

The Page Museum is not open on Christmas Day, but families can still explore the outdoor exhibits at the tar pits (and kids can run/roll down the fantastic hill on the grounds!)

19. Madame Tussauds — Hollywood

There’s something for everyone here, from seeing life-sized Avengers to meeting Marilyn Monroe. And it’s open on Christmas Day in Los Angeles.

20. Magic Mountain — Valencia

Experience a theme park open on Christmas Day in Los Angeles. Indulge in holiday treats at Holiday Village and see millions of lights transform Magic Mountain into a festive wonderland for Holiday in the Park.

21. Ventura Botanic Gardens — Ventura

This spectacular and unique botanic garden on a hill rewards you with incredible ocean views and free admission on Christmas Day.

RELATED: Restaurants Open on Christmas Day in Los Angeles 

Don your robes and enjoy the holiday at Hogwarts. Photo courtesy of Universal Studios

22. Universal Studios — Hollywood

Don't expect it to be empty, but compared to the rest of winter break, Christmas is a pretty good day to hit Hollywood's theme park. Plus, Christmas in Hogsmeade is pretty magical. Be sure to check out Grinchmas as part of the Holidays at Universal Studios Hollywood.

23. Disneyland — Anaheim

You can't get much merrier than a day at the Happiest Place on Earth on Christmas Day. Between the seasonal treats like the Mickey gingerbread cookies, the Christmas Fantasy parade, and holiday-themed rides like Haunted Mansion Holiday and "It's a Small World," a day at Disneyland may be the perfect way to make timeless memories on December 25. This trip could even double as a Christmas present surprise.

24. El Capitan — Hollywood

After an exciting Christmas morning, taking it easy in a movie theater might be a relaxing way to enjoy Christmas Day in Los Angeles. See Disney's latest movie, Avatar: Fire and Ash, in 3D at the El Capitan.

25. Whale Watching — San Pedro

The whale watching season officially begins in December as the giant mammals start their long journey south. Not all whale watching companies are running charters on Christmas Day in Los Angeles, but this spot in San Pedro is historically open.

26. Holidays at Legoland — Carlsbad

With festive shows, shimmering lights, and a stunning Lego Christmas tree, this is one of the best spots to spend your holiday.

27. Shatto 39 Lanes — Koreatown

This no-frills bowling alley is open on Christmas Day in Los Angeles. Bowling could be a new fun tradition for the family at this bowling alley beloved by Angelenos on the eastside.

28. Sunset Ranch — Hollywood

Sunset Ranch is open and booking horseback rides under the Hollywood Sign on Christmas Day in Los Angeles for both the afternoon and evening. Talk about riding off into the sunset on a holiday.

29. Mission Inn Festival of Lights — Riverside

Embark on a Christmas day trip to Riverside to see the free, dazzling holiday light spectacle at the Mission Inn Festival of Lights.

30. San Diego Zoo Safari Park — San Diego

The Safari Park is a different experience than other zoos. Animals wander freely in a faux Africa, and visitors can observe them on foot, from a train, in a safari truck, or even on a zip-line.

31. Balboa Island — Newport Beach

While not every business on Balboa Island will be open on Christmas Day, the ferry to and from the island runs 365 days a year. Take a little boat ride around the bay, and check out some of the stunning Christmas lights in the evening.

Stores Open on Christmas Day for Last-Minute Gifts or Essentials

When you need last-minute essentials on Christmas — whether that's gift wrap, batteries for a new electronic — there are some options. However, keep in mind that many of these retailers are only open for limited hours on Christmas. Keep in mind, hours may very by location.

• CVS
• Walgreens
• 7-Eleven

Are Any Grocery Stores Open on Christmas Day 2025 in Los Angeles?

Oh no! You just realized you're missing the rosemary you need to complete your Christmas prime rib roast! Luckily, there are some grocery stores open on Christmas Day in Los Angeles. However, if you're a fan of Trader Joe's, Erewhon or Whole Foods, you're out of luck. They're all closed on Christmas. The same goes for Kroger stores, which includes Ralph's and Food For Less.

Again, you should keep in mind that locations may have different hours or policies on being open on Christmas Day. They'll certainly have reduced hours. If you're desperate for an ingredient and none of the major retailers near you are located, be glad you live in Los Angeles! Many ethnic grocers maintain regular hours on Christmas.

• Vons
• Pavilions
• Vallarta

Grocery Stores Typically Closed

• Ralph's
• Trader Joes
• Erewhon
• Whole Foods
• Sprouts
• Aldi

Are Walmart, Target, and Costco Open on Christmas Day?

None of these stores are open on Christmas Day. All three major retailers have traditionally been closed on the holiday to allow employees to celebrate with their families.

FAQ – What’s Open on Christmas Day 2025?

Q: Is Walmart open on Christmas Day?
A: No, Walmart is closed on Dec. 25, 2025. Most stores reopen early Dec. 26.

Q: Are grocery stores open on Christmas?
A: A few, like Vons and Pavilions are open with limited hours — call your local store to confirm.

Q: Are gas stations open on Christmas?
A: Yes, most gas stations and attached convenience stores (7-Eleven, Circle K, AM/PM) stay open.

Q: Are restaurants open on Christmas Day?
A: Many chain diners like Denny’s, IHOP and Waffle House are open, plus select hotel restaurants. Here's a list of restaurants in LA that are open on Christmas.

Q: Is Starbucks open on Christmas Day?
A: Many are, but with limited morning hours — check the app for your nearest location because hours and availability will vary by store.

Originally published December 21, 2011