It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Despite the lack of snow, Los Angeles is all for holiday cheer. For those spending your winter break in the City of Angels, here are our tree-topping experiences to keep your holidays bright.
What Trojans can do on campus for the holiday season:
Snow Fest
Both during and after finals, the university is hosting numerous festive events for students. The festivities start Friday when Residential Education and Student Life host Snow Fest between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. The event is open to all USC Housing residents and will transform the Great Lawn into a winter wonderland, complete with activities, crafts and holiday snacks.
“Elf” (2003) Screening
Following Snow Fest, students can make their way to Tutor Campus Center’s Grand Ballroom for Late Night SC’s screening of “Elf” (2003). The Will Ferrell flick will open its doors at 8 p.m. and start around 8:30 p.m.
FreeSCycle Winter Clothing Drop ‘n’ Swap and Trojan Food Pantry
Until December 5, the USC Sustainability Hub in the Student Union will host multiple charity and recreational events. Both the FreeSCycle Winter Clothing Drop ‘n’ Swap and the Trojan Food Pantry Non-Perishable Food Drive will be held in the Sustainability Hub. Students will be able to pick up and/or drop off clothes from the Drop ‘n’ Swap.
DIY Arts and Crafts
On Monday, the “Hub for the Holidays” at the Sustainability Hub will host a DIY ornament and garland-making session from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. on December 4. On the following day, students are invited to decorate cookies and watch horror film shorts at the same time. Coffee, hot cocoa and snacks will be provided on both days.
SC Winter Luncheon
To cap off the university’s holiday events, Student Life is hosting an SC Winter Luncheon on December 15 in the TCC Grand Ballroom. The event will run from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and RSVPs must be submitted by December 8 for admission. If you are not going home for the holidays, or if you live in Los Angeles, the luncheon would be a great way to end the semester.
Every corner of L.A. has a holiday tradition worth loving:
Marina del Rey Boat Parade
The Marina del Rey Boat Parade will flaunt the marina’s best-decorated holiday boats on December 9 at 5:55 p.m. The 60-year-old tradition is a staple of Marina del Rey and typically draws thousands to see the fireworks and thoroughly lit boats. The best viewing locations are Burton Chace Park and Fishermen’s Village. If you are willing to make a day trip out of it, the park is hosting booths, vendors and performances as late as 10 p.m.
Universal Studios
Los Angeles is home to Universal Studios Hollywood. The park prepared itself for the holiday season last month and will be continuing the festivities into early January. Universal Studios Hollywood is hosting two major holiday events this season: “Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” and “Grinchmas.” Potterheads can catch shows in Hogsmeade and take in the beautifully decorated castle, while the nerkles and nerds of the world can immerse themselves in Dr. Seuss’ “Who-tacular” Christmas creation.
Enchanted Forest of Light at Descanso Gardens
For a more down-to-earth experience, you might want to take a late-night walk through the Enchanted Forest of Light at Descanso Gardens. The La Cañada Flintridge location opens every day at 5:30 p.m. until January 7 and offers whimsical, Alice-in-Wonderland-esque environments for patrons to wander through. Tickets cost $45 for general admission.
The Grove
The Grove is an L.A. classic: it’s a bustling outdoor mall that’s filled with lights and decorations during the winter holidays. Open daily, it’s most popular once the sun sets for the holiday lights. “There’s a lot of little pop-ups [people] can go visit for the holidays, and it’s really beautiful. You should go check it out,” said Olivia Dean, a sophomore majoring in psychology.
Honorary mention: Disneyland
Although it’s not in L.A., Disneyland decked the halls with Christmas decorations. About an hour-long drive from USC, Disneyland is filled with fun holiday festivities. Visitors to the Anaheim park will see it lit up with festive lighting and may get the chance to catch Disney characters and other holiday figures in a parade. Tickets start at $96 for daily admission.
Although L.A. may not be known for its winters, visitors and residents will have plenty to do during the cold holidays!