21 Can’t Miss Activities to Do in Los Angeles This January
Looking for some things to do in Los Angeles this January? There are plenty of activities depending on what you are looking to do! Check out this massive list of exciting activities from former Los Angeles resident Sarah Mcdonough!
Last updated: March 5, 2024
6 min read
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While January can be one of the gloomier months in Los Angeles, there are still so many fun activities to take advantage of. Depending on the activities that interest you, there are plenty of different options, from seeing a live show, to watching the Rose Parade stroll by.
No matter if you are looking for something to do with your family, or solo, here are a few ways to kick the year off with a bang:
Rose Parade
Peak Season
January 1st. If January 1st falls on a Sunday, the parade is traditionally moved to January 2nd.
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Parade Enthusiasts, Families Enjoying Festive Events, Flower Lovers, Cultural Explorers
The Rose Parade, also known as the Tournament of Roses Parade, is an annual New Year’s Day event held in Pasadena that kicks off the Rose Bowl Game. This year Michigan will take on Alabama in what is anticipated to be a fantastic match up.
Even if you don’t have tickets to the game you can still watch the Parade for free from the sidewalk or buy tickets to bleacher seats for a guaranteed view of the floats.
Following the parade, the floats are also displayed for public viewing in an event known as the Post-Parade Showcase which is a great option for anyone who wants to avoid the crowds and get a chance to look more closely at the intricate designs.
Solvang’s Julefest
Peak Season
December, January
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Holiday Enthusiasts, Christmas Lovers, Cultural Explorers, Families Seeking Festive Experiences
If you missed this festival in December, you can still catch the magic until January 6th. Set in the Danish inspired town of Solvang, the Julefest celebration is a month of holiday events and festivities featuring seasonal music and culinary delights.
I find January to be the best time to visit, as you miss the crowds but still get to extend the season and enjoy the charm of this unique place while it is decorated for the holidays.
Squid Games: The Trial
Peak Season
January
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Thrill Seekers, Fans of Interactive Experiences, Adventure Enthusiasts
If you were one of the millions who watched Squid Game and wondered how you would fare in the electrifying world of the show, now is your chance to suit up with Netflix’s newest immersive experience Squid Game: The Trials which is running in Los Angeles until the end of January.
Tickets start at $39 and allow you to actually compete in real life competitions that mimic those in the show. Afterwards, you can grab some incredible food at Night Market which has a range of incredible international food items and beverages.
Astra Lumina
Peak Season
January
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Nightlife Enthusiasts, Art Lovers, Cultural Explorers, Music Aficionados
Astra Lumina is an immersive experience that uses light, scenography, original soundscape and projection to create a mesmerizing Garden that you can walk through at night.
Tickets start at $39 for adults, or you can buy family bundles making it a great date night spot or place to bring your children.
Ice Skating
Peak Season
Late November to Early January
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Ice Skating Enthusiasts, Families Seeking Winter Activities, Outdoor Recreation Lovers
If you want to extend the winter wonder of the holiday season, head to ICE at Santa Monica where you can skate under palm trees until January 15th! The nearby promenade is a great spot to grab a bite to eat before or after you hit the ice.
NewFilmmakers Festival
Peak Season
January
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Film Enthusiasts, Aspiring Filmmakers, Artists, Cultural Explorers, Fans of Independent Cinema
If you’re a fan of independent cinema, you absolutely should check out this monthly festival which screens documentaries, shorts and features from all over the world followed by Q+A’s.
The submissions are always incredibly impressive, and it’s a great way to discover emerging talent and connect with industry professionals if you’re interested in working in film.
This month’s event will be held on January 13th with tickets starting at $10 per program, or $30 for an all access pass to the screenings, panels and open bar.
San Diego Rodeo
Peak Season
January
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Rodeo Enthusiasts, Western Culture Lovers, Families Seeking Entertainment, Cultural Explorers
Looking for a quick weekend getaway near Los Angeles? Head down to San Diego January 12-14 for the first-ever rodeo in Petco Park where the world’s top cowboys will compete for over half a million dollars in prize money. One day tickets are selling for around $50 as well as packages for the full three days.
Whale Watching
Peak Season
December to April
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Ocean Enthusiasts, Wildlife Lovers, Nature Photographers, Family Explorers, Adventure Seekers
Starting in mid January through April, Gray whales can be seen migrating from the Arctic towards the western coast of Mexico. There are several tours operating out of Long Beach starting as low as $35 for two hour excursions to spot whales and other Marine Life.
Uncorked: Wine Festival
Peak Season
January 27
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Wine Enthusiasts, Connoisseurs, Food Lovers, Social Butterflies, Cultural Explorers
On Saturday January 27, the 8th annual Uncorked Wine Festival is being held at Union Station in Downtown Los Angeles. The event brings in over 150 wines from across the globe and features live music, food trucks and other beverage options.
Tickets start at $65 and benefit the nonprofit organization A Kid Again which creates experiences for kids with life threatening illnesses.
The Dr.Seuss Experience
Peak Season
January
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Whimsical Adventure Seekers, Families With Children, Fans of Dr. Seuss
Running through the end of January, head to Santa Monica for an interactive immersion into the world of Dr. Seuss. They are currently running a promo offering one free kids ticket with every adult ticket purchase making it a perfect family activity.
The Eagles
Peak Season
January 5-6, 12-13
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Parade Enthusiasts, Families Enjoying Festive Events, Flower Lovers, Cultural Explorers
In January the Eagles will be in Los Angeles for four nights as a part of the west coast stop on their final “The Long Goodbye” tour. If you’re lucky enough to score tickets, head down to the forum early and grab an incredible Italian dinner at one of my favorite spots: Sunday Gravy.
Pretty Woman: The Musical
Peak Season
January 12-14
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Musical Theater Enthusiasts, Fans of Romantic Comedies, Cultural Explorers
On January 12, 13 and 14th, this acclaimed musical will be coming to Los Angeles at the Fred Kavli Theatre. Brought to life with the creative vision of two-time Tony Award winner Jerry Mitchell, the musical received a record breaking Broadway run before embarking on a national tour. Tickets are available starting at $45.
The Emmy Awards
Peak Season
January 14th
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Television Enthusiasts, Entertainment Industry Professionals, Celebrity Followers, Fashion Lovers
On Monday January 14th, the 75th annual Primetime Emmy Awards will be held at the Peacock Theatre at LA Live after a fourth month delay due to the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes.
While tickets are not sold to the public, many locations around the city will hold viewing parties to celebrate the evening.
Jimmy Kimmel Live Taping
Peak Season
January
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Late-Night Comedy Fans, Fans of Celebrity Interviews, Live Audience Enthusiasts
As January is one of the slower tourism months in Los Angeles, it can be a great time to try to join a live audience at one of the city’s many talk shows. Jimmy Kimmel Live is one of my favorite shows to attend, especially as they tape in an iconic building right on Hollywood Blvd.
You can request tickets by date at https://1iota.com/show/1/jimmy-kimmel-live.
Lunar New Year Festival
Peak Season
January 27-28
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Families and Children, Cultural Enthusiasts, Food Connoisseurs, Art and Performance Aficionados
On January 27-28, Monterey Park hosts a free Lunar New Years festival offering specialty food vendors, amusement rides and live entertainment like traditional lion and dragon dancers.
There are several free nearby parking lots offering shuttle service to and from the festival making it easily accessible.
Smorgasburg
Peak Season
Year-Round, Every Sunday
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Foodies and Culinary Adventurers, Social Gatherers and Friends, Families with Diverse Tastes
Every Sunday from 10am-4pm Row DTLA hosts over 100 small businesses in a massive open air market. The food and beverage vendors are incredible, and there is a large family friendly beer garden with live music where you can spend the afternoon.
There are also dozens of small vendors offering homemade goods and local art.
Glen Ivy Hot Springs
Peak Season
January
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Wellness and Spa Enthusiasts, Couples Looking for a Romantic Getaway
Located in Temescal Valley just over an hour from Los Angeles, Glen Ivy is the perfect place for a relaxing escape from the city during this colder month. The spa has sulfur-rich geothermal mineral baths, salt water pool, cold plunge pools, roman baths and dozens of other spa treatments.
My favorite add-on is the Grotto Experience where you descend into a heated cavern and are painted head to toe with a warm aloe vera, coconut oil, eucalyptus, shea butter and lavender masque. The property is stunning and an amazing retreat for a solo, couples or girls day away.
Big Bear Resort
Peak Season
January
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Outdoor Enthusiasts, Winter Sports Enthusiasts, Couples Seeking a Romantic Getaway
For a more adventurous getaway, head up to Big Bear for a weekend away in the mountains. Set on an alpine lake at the base of a ski mountain, this is a great location for anyone wanting to spend some time in a cozy cabin or hit the slopes.
The town also has dozens of great bars and restaurants, and Big Bear mountain also offers night skiing for a unique experience to ski under the stars.
Enchanting Gondola Ride
Peak Season
January
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Couples on Romantic Getaways, Proposal Planners, Celebrators of Special Occasions
Long Beach is renowned this time of year for its magical houses adorned with Christmas lights and lining the romantic canals. Several companies offer gondola rides through the canals to give you a true Venetian experience.
Holiday Cruises start at $200 for two people, or you can book for larger groups as well.
Beach Bonfire
Peak Season
January
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Friend and Family Gatherers, Romantic Couples, Nature Enthusiasts, Adventure Seekers
Even though temperatures are cooler in January, you can still enjoy the California beaches with a beach bonfire. Dockweiler Beach in El Segundo has dozens of firepits where you can BBQ at sunset and then enjoy a bonfire into the night.
Since it is the only beach in Los Angeles that allows firepits I recommend getting there early to claim a pit, but January is a great month for having a high chance of finding an open spot.
There is plenty of parking available along this beach, just be aware that no new cars are allowed in after sunset.
Outdoor Comedy Show
Peak Season
January 20th
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Comedy Enthusiasts, Nature Lovers, Socializers, Adventure Seekers, Tourists and Locals Alike
On January 20th, check out an outdoor comedy show on Venice Beach featuring comedians from Netflix, Comedy Central and More. The event is BYOB and tickets start at $24. Purchase Here.
