Festive Holiday Fun at The Grove

It's Christmas at The Grove! That means it's time to indulge in a festive whirlwind of shopping, dining, and holiday experiences right in the heart of Los Angeles. If you're coming to Los Angeles for a merry and bright holiday this year, you don't want to miss an opportunity to see this iconic spot all decked out for the season. You can also snap up some great last-minute holiday gifts while you're at it. The L.A. Farmers' Market is an especially fun place to be when cravings for holiday treats hit! Here's a guide to visiting the Grove during Christmastime!

The Grove at Christmas: What to Expect

During the holiday season, The Grove hosts a wide range of exhibits and interactive events. In addition to live entertainment, visitors can look forward to in-store holiday displays and limited-time pop-up events. While the calendar of events transforms by the week, you can get an idea of the fun with this list of top events happening at The Grove at Christmas:

1. Snow: While Southern California doesn't exactly look like the North Pole, The Grove transforms into a winter wonderland with daily snowfall in the central portion of the market!‍
2. Christmas Tree Lighting: The Grove's annual tree-lighting event takes place in early November. No worries if you can't make it in time! The towering tree stays lit all season long with help from thousands of twinkling lights and whimsical decorations.‍
3. Santa’s Cottage: Kids love this adorable cottage that offers opportunities for photos with Santa. Visits to Santa's workshop run through Dec. 24. Due to the popularity of this attraction, making reservations with Santa online ahead of time is strongly recommended. The Grove also runs several pet nights throughout December that allow pet owners to snap photos of their furry friends with Santa. You can check out the calendar of events taking place at Santa's cottage here.‍
4. The Grove's Christmas Market: In addition to the dozens of permanent retailers at The Grove, the holiday season brings a special Christmas market consisting of more than 50 vendors selling specialty holiday treats and gifts. Savor gingerbread cookies and hot cocoa while browsing handmade arts and crafts.

The holiday season also brings live music to the grove! Hang around to hear cheerful sounds from Belle Air Brass, Toy Soldier Band, Dave Damiani, and more. The Grove's trolley also transforms for the season. Hop on for a trolley ride that brings you through the festive atmosphere to take in views of Santa's cottage, the sparkling Christmas tree, and much more!

Getting There

The Grove is a massive dining, shopping, and entertainment complex with outdoor spaces located at the intersection of Third Street and Fairfax Avenue in the city's Fairfax District. During the holidays, The Grove extends its hours to allow for more enchanted after-dark fun with trolley rides, live music, and more. You can view the full Christmas at The Grove calendar of events for the current year here.

There's No Place Like Los Angeles for the Holidays

There's something special about visiting the place where so much of the Christmas magic you've seen on the screen over the years was made! While Los Angeles may not be frosty, you can find plenty of cozy spots that will truly make you feel like you're living in a Christmas movie! You can also plot an epic holiday card this year by climbing up to the Hollywood Sign photo spot to snap a picture.