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Oshogatsu Festival, Polar Bear Plunges, and More Top Things To Do in Los Angeles This Weekend

Can you handle the cold temps of the Polar Bear Plunge? Find out at the Beach House in Santa Monica. Photo by Joey Ranotti via Flickr
Can you handle the cold temps of the Polar Bear Plunge? Find out at the Beach House in Santa Monica. Photo by Joey Ranotti via Flickr
1/7/26 - By Toby B

Looking for the best things to do in Los Angeles this weekend? Here are some of our favorite events and activities to add to your list this weekend

This weekend in Los Angeles, winter is arriving in full force! Courageous Angelenos can brave the frigid waters of the Burrr-bank North Pole Plunge and the Polar Bear Plunge at the Beach House and discover the fun of snow play at Lake Forest Snowfest 2026. My family and I look forward to each year's Japanese American National Museum's annual Lunar New Year celebration, the Oshogatsu Family Festival, which features booming taiko drums and mochi pounding, intricate candy sculptures, and themed origami. This year's event celebrates the Year of the Horse on the JACCC Plaza. And little ones can start the new year on a path to creative discovery at the free Colburn School Early Childhood Open House.

Want even more fun things to do this weekend? Our Los Angeles Events Calendar is packed with great family activities every day of the week— and you can filter by age, location, or even free events!

Not on our newsletter list yet? Subscribe for free and get the best local family fun sent straight to your inbox. Already subscribed? Share it with a friend and start planning your weekend together!

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

The bikes are flying high at Supercross live. Photo by Eli Tomac
The bikes are flying high at Supercross live. Photo by Eli Tomac

Best Things To Do This Weekend in Los Angeles

Animé Los Angeles

Long Beach
Thursday - Sunday, January 8 - 11
Anime fans convene at the Long Beach Convention Center for this 4-day event. Animé Los Angeles features industry panels, live entertainment and concerts, a cosplay masquerade, a fashion show, and an idol showcase.  Guests can explore an extensive exhibit hall and artists alley. READ MORE

Celebrating President Nixon’s Birthday

Yorba Linda - FREE
Friday, January 9
President Nixon's birthday is celebrated with free admission all day at the Richard Nixon Library & Museum. The observance includes a Formal Wreath Laying Ceremony at the President’s Memorial Site at 11am. READ MORE

Pageant of the Masters Volunteer/ Casting Call

Laguna Beach - FREE
Friday - Sunday, January 9 -11
Ever wonder what it would be like to step into a famous piece of art? If you can stand still for 90 seconds, you could experience just that by volunteering for the renowned Pageant of the Masters in Laguna Beach, “where art comes to life!”  READ MORE

Colburn School Early Childhood Open House

DTLA - FREE
Saturday, January 10
Families are invited to come and explore the Early Childhood Creative Arts Program at the Colburn School on January 10, from 11am to 1:30pm. The sequential curriculum helps support key developmental milestones in children ages 7 months to 7 years while instilling them with a love of music, dance, singing, and more. Guests can take a sample class, meet faculty and the Early Childhood Department Chair, Dr. Nita Baxani, and attend an orientation at this free family-friendly event. READ MORE

Burrr-bank North Pole Plunge

Burbank
Saturday, January 10
Putting the brrrr in Burbank! The Verdugo Aquatic facility is open for an afternoon of wintry fun at the pool. All ages are welcome to enjoy games and activities in the activity pool while family-friendly music plays.  Participants can warm up wth hot chocolate and take photos with Burr Bear. READ MORE

Polar Bear Plunge at the Beach House

Santa Monica
Saturday, January 10
Santa Monica's annual Polar Bear Plunge returns! Brave Angelenos can take a plunge in the great Pacific, then warm up in the heated Annenberg Beach House pool*.  READ MORE

Lake Forest Snowfest 2026

Lake Forest
Saturday, January 10
The whole family can go sledding at Pittsford Park during the annual day of snow play, games and a sled ride down Mount Pittsford. READ MORE

West Hollywood Movies in the Park: Winter Special Frozen II

West Hollywood
Saturday, January 10
West Hollywood goes into the unknown, with a cozy indoor screening of Frozen II. Before the movie begins, guests can enjoy themed activities, crafts, and games, along with hot chocolate and cookie decorating. READ MORE

Royalty & Tea with the Pasadena Rose Court

Pasadena - FREE
Saturday, January 10
The Hastings Branch of the Pasadena Public Library gets a royal visit from the Rose Queen and her court. Future Kings, Queens, Princesses, and Princes are invite to come dressed in their finery, as Her Highness and court read stories and share their experiences. READ MORE

CCCPTA District Wide Talent Show

Culver City - FREE
Saturday, January 10
The community is invited to cheer on the incredible creativity and talent of Culver City Unified School District’s student performers as they light up the stage at the CCCPTA District Wide Talent Show. READ MORE

Monster Energy AMA Supercross

Anaheim
Saturday, January 10
Monster Energy AMA Supercross brings indoor motocross to Angel Stadium in Anaheim. Riders from across the globe seek to outrace each other on the sport's most challenging courses, featuring tight corners, fast straightaways, challenging rhythm sections, and vertigo-inducing jumps. READ MORE

Reptile Super Show (Pomona)

Pomona
Saturday & Sunday, January 10 - 11
All the cool(-blooded) creatures are in Pomona this weekend! Wander through over 100,000 sq. ft. of reptiles, amphibians, turtles, supplies, cages, lights, supplements, educational workshops, and more. READ MORE

2026 Oshogatsu Family Festival

Little Tokyo - FREE
Sunday, January 11
2026 gallops in at the Japanese American National Museum's annual Oshogatsu Family Festival: this year's event celebrates Year of the Horse. The popular annual event features cultural performances, crafts, and activities for families and kids of all ages.  Activities are held on plaza at the Japanese American Cultural & Community Center. READ MORE

Chumash Songs and Stories Workshop

Newbury Park

January 11
Chumash Elder, Dennis Garcia shares his ancestors' culture with Chumash songs and stories. READ MORE

Zine Workshop: Martin Luther King Jr.

Exposition Park - FREE
Sunday, January 11
I have a zine....CAAM hosts a zine-making workshop inspired by the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. READ MORE
The Griffith Observatory is always a great place to take kids. Photo courtesy Amy Steinberg
The Griffith Observatory is always a great place to take kids. Photo courtesy Amy Steinberg

More Things To Do in Los Angeles This Week With Kids

Top Free Things To Do with Kids in Los Angeles in January 2026, According to MP Editors

January is a great month to keep expenses down with some free fun. READ MORE

January Holidays for Kids: A Kid-Friendly Celebration for Every Day

Though the holidays are over, we've got 31 things to celebrate in January! READ MORE

30 Free Things To Do Indoors in Los Angeles: Free Places To Play Indoors on Cold and Rainy Days

Totally free things to do with kids indoors for odd days with lousy weather. READ MORE

100 Fun Free Things To Do in Los Angeles with Kids

Free family fun in LA is budget-friendly bliss! READ MORE
There are plenty of places to play in the snow near Los Angeles. Photo courtesy Big Bear Resort
There are plenty of places to play in the snow near Los Angeles. Photo courtesy Big Bear Resort

More Fun Winter Things To Do With Kids

LA Winter Vacation Guide: Best Getaways and Activities for Families

Where to find snow in LA, plus more winter fun! READ MORE

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People in other places survive winter; Angelenos visit it. READ MORE

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Find great family slopes, tubing, and boarding spots all around the country with our kid-friendly ski guide. READ MORE

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Here are 100 reasons why kids in California should never be bored. READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

Long Beach Convention Center
Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
Annenberg Community Beach House
Los Angeles County Fairgrounds/ Pomona Fairplex
Japanese American Cultural & Community Center
Satwiwa Native American Indian Culture Center
The California African American Museum