Upcoming in Los Angeles
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The Smashing Pumpkins
Alternative rock band The Smashing Pumpkins performs at Kia Forum in Los Angeles. Tickets start at $40.
Night Tales
The Natural History Museum features glowing installations and cinematic projections throughout its galleries. An immersive holiday-season art experience blending light, technology, and museum collections.
Pershing Square Holiday Ice Skating Rink
Outdoor ice skating in Downtown LA with special holiday events including the DTLA Tree Lighting Ceremony on November 19, K-Pop Holiday Skate on December 15, and A Country Christmas on December 22. Multiple themed skating nights throughout the season.
Night Tales
An immersive nighttime installation at the Natural History Museum featuring glowing sculptures, cinematic projections, and enchanting light-based encounters throughout the grounds. This extended run transforms the museum into a luminescent wonderland perfect for evening visits.
Pershing Square Holiday Ice Skating Rink
Downtown LA's open-air skating rink operates through January 3, 2027 with special events including DTLA Tree Lighting (November 19), K-Pop Holiday Skate (December 15), and A Country Christmas (December 22). Multiple skating sessions available daily.
Night Tales — Natural History Museum
The Natural History Museum opens for evening hours during the holiday season, offering a new perspective on the collection. Special programming runs through January 10, 2027.
Top things to do
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Free admission to this iconic hilltop observatory with telescope viewing, planetarium shows ($6–$10), and commanding views of Los Angeles and the Hollywood Sign. The Samuel Oschin Planetarium offers live shows and interactive exhibits exploring space and astronomy.
Free public observatory with telescopes and one of the best views in Los Angeles, set within one of the largest urban parks in North America. Hike trails to overlook the entire city, visit the Greek Theatre, Los Angeles Zoo, and watch the city lights come up at sunset.
Perched high above the city at 4730 Hollywood Blvd, this free-admission observatory offers spectacular views of Los Angeles and the Hollywood Sign. Griffith Park is one of North America's largest urban parks with hiking, horseback riding, and unmatched sunset vistas.
One of North America's largest city parks spanning 4,310 acres with the iconic Griffith Observatory offering free admission and unmatched views of the Hollywood Sign and Los Angeles basin. Home to the LA City Zoo, hiking trails, and Mount Hollywood viewpoints.
Popular 2.8-3.5 mile loop hike offering panoramic vistas of downtown Los Angeles and the Pacific Ocean, with views of the Hollywood Sign. Best visited at sunrise or early morning to avoid crowds.
World-class art collection in a stunning Richard Meier-designed building with panoramic views over the city. Features European masters and contemporary works with free admission, though parking costs $20.
Tours & excursions
All excursions →Evening visit to view the city and universe through public telescopes at this free hilltop observatory. Best at sunset to catch Hollywood Sign, downtown towers, and coast views, followed by planetarium shows ($6–$10).
Two-Michelin-starred Japanese kaiseki restaurant with only one seating per night for seven guests. Chef Brandon Go offers an intimate, precision-focused fine dining experience in ROW DTLA. Reservations extremely difficult—book months in advance.
Gustavo Dudamel conducts a complete cycle of Beethoven piano concertos at Walt Disney Concert Hall, December 5-6 and beyond. Free events available at 1pm December 5, with ticket options for evening performances.
Where to stay
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Located in the historic United Artists Building (1927), this mid-range hotel features a rooftop swimming pool and bar with panoramic city views. The Art Deco architecture and nightly entertainment make it a stylish base for exploring Downtown LA's arts and culture scene.
Los Angeles' first Four Seasons, this city icon has perfected California living with a rooftop pool, lush gardens and seamless access to Beverly Hills glamour and West Hollywood's creative energy. Open since the brand's arrival in LA, it remains a symbol of effortless sophistication.
Secluded, old Hollywood glamour in the exclusive Bel-Air enclave. This is where celebrities actually stay, offering timeless elegance and discretion at the highest tier.