Where Students Celebrate Christmas & New Year’s Eve in Los Angeles

Top Places for Students to Celebrate the Holidays in Los Angeles

Los Angeles bursts with energy during the festive season. As a student in LA, you have countless ways to make your Christmas and New Year’s Eve memorable. From cultural events to vibrant parties, Los Angeles offers options for every taste and budget. Dive into this guide to discover where students gather to celebrate, unwind, and create lasting holiday memories in the City of Angels.

Why Los Angeles Is Perfect for Student Holiday Celebrations

LA’s diverse population means you’ll find holiday traditions from all over the world. Whether you want Christmas lights, themed dining, outdoor nightlife, or cozy winter activities, LA delivers. Plus, the city’s mild winter weather allows you to celebrate outside—no heavy coats required!

Best Christmas Events and Hangouts for Students in Los Angeles

Wondering where you and your friends can enjoy Christmas to the fullest? Here are tried-and-true favorites among LA’s college and university students:

• Griffith Park Holiday Lights: The LA Zoo Lights and Griffith Park Light Festival are Instagram-worthy spots. Students gather here after finals for glowing displays and casual walks under thousands of lights.
• The Grove & Americana at Brand: These shopping centers go all out with giant Christmas trees, live entertainment, artificial snow, and carolers. Many students grab hot chocolate and relax on the outdoor lawns.
• Venice Canals Holiday Boat Parade: Perfect for those seeking funky, local vibes. Decorated boats and houses light up the canals, and there’s a friendly, artsy student crowd.
• Downtown LA Ice Rink: Pershing Square’s outdoor rink is affordable, easy to reach by Metro, and full of students testing their skating skills or just soaking in the holiday spirit.
• Seasonal Concerts and Performances: Historic venues like the Walt Disney Concert Hall or El Capitan Theatre host affordable student nights and festive programming.

For students celebrating Christmas away from home, LA’s inclusivity is a big comfort. International students often join city-hosted events, local club parties, and neighborhood gatherings to connect with new friends and cultural traditions.

Student-Friendly Ways to Ring in New Year's Eve in Los Angeles

Ready to countdown to midnight? LA’s New Year’s Eve scene is legendary, and students can join in on a budget. Here are popular options:

• Grand Park NYE LA: This downtown celebration is free and alcohol-free, making it open to all ages. Enjoy live music, digital art, and food trucks with the downtown skyline as your backdrop.
• Santa Monica Pier: Many students head to the ocean for beach festivals, pop-up DJ gigs, and New Year fireworks over the Pacific. It’s festive, casual, and memorable.
• Hollywood Club Parties: Many venues near USC, UCLA, and other campuses offer student discounts and themed parties, so you can dance into the new year on a student budget.
• House Parties and Rooftop Gatherings: Students often host NYE parties in Westwood, Koreatown, and Highland Park. Rooftop apartments offer epic skyline views and a community vibe.

Tip: Use the Metro to get around safely and affordably. Most transit lines run until 2 am or later on New Year’s Eve.

Affordable and Free Holiday Experiences for LA Students

Students don’t have to spend big to have a festive holiday season. Check out these budget-friendly Los Angeles holiday activities:

• Self-Guided Christmas Light Tours: Walk or drive through neighborhoods like Beverly Hills, Toluca Lake, or Sleepy Hollow (Torrance) for amazing residential displays.
• Campus Holiday Events: Most LA colleges, including UCLA, USC, Cal State LA, and Santa Monica College, hold holiday-oriented mixers, movie marathons, and multicultural dinners for students staying in the city.
• Outdoor Movie Nights: Rooftop Cinema Club shows seasonal classics throughout December and early January. Bring a blanket and friends!
• Pop-Up Holiday Markets: Shop for student-budget gifts at local street fairs in Silver Lake, Echo Park, and DTLA. Enjoy live DJs and food trucks while you browse.

Cozy and Unique Holiday Dining for Students in LA

The LA food scene lights up for the holidays. Many restaurants and cafes near colleges cater to students with special holiday menus and discounts. Here are some picks:

• Festive Cafes: Cafecito Organico (Silver Lake), Coffee Commissary (Hollywood), and UCLA’s Kerckhoff Coffee House serve limited-edition lattes and pastries in cozy, student-friendly settings.
• Ethnic Eateries: Celebrate global traditions at Little Tokyo, Koreatown, Thai Town, and Olvera Street with authentic holiday dishes and lively atmospheres.
• Food Trucks and Night Markets: Discover holiday-themed bites and desserts at Smorgasburg LA or the 626 Night Market pop-ups, popular with students citywide.

Many places stay open late on December 24 and 31, making it easy to share a holiday meal before joining a party or event.

Holiday Activities for International Students in Los Angeles

International students often form close-knit groups for Christmas and New Year’s Eve. Here’s how you can join in or create your own traditions:

• Campus Cultural Clubs: Attend or help organize international potlucks, Secret Santa exchanges, and holiday movie nights open to all.
• Multilingual Church Services and Gatherings: LA’s diversity means you’ll find Christmas Eve and New Year’s services in many languages, helping you stay connected to home traditions.
• Group Outings: Plan a group picnic at Griffith Observatory, a beach sunset at Malibu, or a day at Disneyland to mark the holidays with friends.

Tips for Safe and Fun Holiday Celebrations in LA

• Use public transport or rideshare for late-night travel, especially on New Year’s Eve.
• Stay with your group and watch your belongings in crowded venues.
• Be mindful of city curfews and local health guidelines during big events.
• Stay hydrated and look after friends at club parties or outdoor festivals.

Frequently Asked Questions: Student Holiday Celebrations in Los Angeles

What are the best free Christmas events for students in Los Angeles?

Grand Park’s Winter Glow, LA Zoo Lights (select nights), and community light displays in Beverly Hills and Torrance are popular. Many college campuses also hold complimentary holiday movie nights and cultural dinners for students.

Where do students gather for New Year's Eve in LA?

Grand Park NYE LA downtown, Santa Monica Pier, and rooftop parties in Westwood and Koreatown are favorite spots. Many students also join nightclub events or host their own home gatherings near campus.

Can you find international holiday celebrations for students in Los Angeles?

Yes. LA colleges host multicultural events, and neighborhoods like Little Tokyo, Olvera Street, and Koreatown celebrate with music, food, and performances. Many local churches and cultural centers also organize gatherings in different languages.

Are LA’s public transit options safe for students during the holidays?

Yes. LA Metro extends service hours and increases security on key holidays. Most students use rideshare apps or Metro trains and buses, especially for big events like New Year’s Eve downtown.

Which LA neighborhoods are most popular with students during Christmas and New Year's?

Westwood (near UCLA), Downtown LA, Silver Lake, Koreatown, Highland Park, and Santa Monica tend to attract large student crowds for both public celebrations and smaller gatherings.