January Events in Los Angeles you Haven’t Thought of Yet
Often, January can feel like one of the cooler months of the year in terms of things to do, thanks in part to the holiday rush of the last two months. Even as I write this, it’s already January 1st (sorry to miss National Bloody Mary Day…), so maybe I’ll help inspire you to try Dry January instead? Here’s how to keep busy with some fresh January Events in Los Angeles.
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Lightscapes
Don’t turn down the lights quite yet; Los Angeles is still a winter wonderland through the end of January.
- Enchanted at Descanso Gardens in La Cañada, Flintridge offers a nightly light-up of the botanical gardens and a chance to feel what it’s like to walk a forest at night. The lights are accompanied by an ethereal, meditative soundtrack that you can enjoy on Spotify on the car ride home. The event runs from now until January 5th. Tickets are available here.
- L.A. Zoo Lights features light-up animals at night while the real animals sleep tight. Enjoy it until January 5th.
- Astra Lumina at the South Coast Botanical Gardens is a one-mile light walk that runs until January 31st, 2025. Timed tickets begin at 5:30 p.m.
The Year of the Snake
2025 marks the year of the Snake and Sapporo will be celebrating by lighting up the Far East Building in Little Tokyo at 347 1st St. from January 16th to the 19th. In addition, the brand will be helping to raise funds for the Little Tokyo Community Council, matching donations made through this link through January 19th, 2025.
L.A. on Ice
Enjoy these last two outdoor rinks before the city hangs up its skates.
- Ice at Santa Monica takes place near the Third Street Promenade at 5th Street and Arizona and is open DAILY from 11:30 a.m. until 9 p.m. It’s on now until January 20th. Tickets are just $20 and can be purchased on-site or pre-purchased online to secure your time.
- Pershing Square Holiday Ice Skating Rink is open now until January 12th in DTLA. Tickets are $20, and time slots can be pre-purchased beginning at 11:30 a.m.
Three Kings Day (January 6th)
Christians and people with kids love a good Three Kings Day, or celebration of the Epiphany, which is a night where if you leave your shoe outside, it will be filled with goodies. This year, it falls on January 6th, and if you’re looking for something sweet to keep everyone busy with during the daylight hours, then La Monarca Bakery & Cafe has got you covered. Along with the traditional circular Rosca de Reyes bread with the tiny hidden baby inside, they’ve also got Rosca Conchas. The story goes, if you find the baby, you owe your family a tamales party.
The Art Scene
Get behind the scenes of the new film, A COMPLETE UNKNOWN with a look inside the closet that brings Bob Dylan to life on screen. The exhibition A COMPLETE UNKNOWN | DESIGN BEHIND THE SCENES at the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising (FIDM) Museum runs from January 6th to the 17th from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
National Pastrami Day (January 14th)
In honor of National Pastrami Day, head to Langer’s Delicatessen for the next best thing since sliced bread: The No. 19!
The Return of Smorgasburg LA
The incredible outdoor food festival, Smorgasburg LA, is back in action Sunday, January 12th. Every year, for their grand “re-opening,” they debut about a dozen new food vendors – on top of the already seventy or so in the lineup! Shops of the past included Lobsterdamus ramen, Saucy Chick Rotisserie, Sus Arepas, Tacos 1986, and Kavahana – a kava beverage out of the Pacific Islands that is a perfect alternative to alcohol.
The event takes place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at ROW DTLA. Entry is free, and there is ample parking.
Ramyun Pop-Up
Nongshim – the #1 purveyor of instant noodles in Korea – is having a pop-up in K-Town with an unofficial end on January 31st. Visit to taste 9 different bowls and enjoy some immersive photo opps. Best of all each meal includes Bottled Water, a Korean Banana Puff snack, and a Salad for less than $10!
Dine LA (January 24th to February 7th)
Hungry for a night out? Then check out this year’s list of nearly 400 restaurants in Los Angeles offering discounted prix-fixe menus. You can search by pricing and neighborhood which really streamlines the process of finding your new favorite meal.
