Ice Skating at The Rinks Lakewood ICE
Located just 10 miles north in Lakewood, The Rinks Lakewood ICE is one of the best places for ice skating in the Greater Los Angeles area. The 85,000 square foot ice skating and hockey facility has been family owned and operated for over 60 years. It’s the perfect place to take a group for some holiday fun on the ice. Groups looking for a festive activity can visit during one of The Rinks’ many themed skate events. Throughout November and December catch a Christmas themed skate complete with holiday music and decor. On select nights, skaters can even get pictures with Santa on the ice. An additional fee is charged for themed skate events. The Rinks Lakewood ICE
Address: 3975 Pixie Ave, Lakewood, CA 90712 Phone: (562) 429-1805
Hike the Pathfinder Park Nature Trail
One of Downey’s hidden gems, Pathfinder Park Nature Trail is a great place to spend a crisp winter day outdoors. Wind through oak and sycamore trees on a hike perfect for families and outdoor enthusiasts. At just under 2 miles long, the hike has moderate ups and downs and leads hikers to scenic overlooks of the San Gabriel River. The trail is open daily from sunrise to sunset and makes for a refreshing alternative to being cooped up indoors. Pack along hot cocoa or apple cider to reward the group post-hike. The park also has a playground and picnic tables to make a full day outdoors.
Pathfinder Park Nature Trail Address: 8150 E Pathfinder Rd, Rowland Heights, CA 91748
Griffith Park Light Festival
Griffith Park, one of the largest urban parks in the country, transforms into a winter wonderland each holiday season for the beloved Griffith Park Light Festival. The massive park is decked out with dazzling light displays and installations across its sprawling landscape. Groups can walk, drive, or even ride the tram through the park to see the lights synced to holiday music. Stop for photos at large displays like the LED-lit crystal trees and the neon reindeer tunnel. Smaller groups can cozy up in the observation cabin, only accessible by reservation, for panoramic views of the colorfully lit park all night long.
Griffith Park Light Festival Address: 4730 Crystal Springs Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90027
Brunch with Santa at the Skirball Cultural Center
Celebrate the season with a visit from Santa himself at the Skirball Cultural Center’s annual Brunch with Santa. Groups can enjoy a delicious brunch buffet alongside both classic and modern holiday entertainment. Live musical acts will get you in the spirit as you dine surrounded by the center’s seasonal decor. Of course, no holiday brunch is complete without an appearance from Santa Claus. After brunch, groups are invited to share their wish lists and take memorable photos with Santa amidst a backdrop of faux snow. Make your group’s visit extra special by stopping for professional family photos before you leave. Brunch with Santa at the Skirball Cultural Center
Address: 2701 N Sepulveda Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90049 Phone: (310) 440-4500
Check Out Christmas lights at Candy Cane Lane
Since 1952, Candy Cane Lane has been dazzling Downey families and visitors with impressive residential Christmas light displays. For over a month between Thanksgiving and Christmas, neighbors on Acacia Avenue team up to create a winter wonderland of lights synced to music. Groups can walk or drive through Candy Cane Lane to see the twinkling lights displays. Make sure to roll down the windows to hear the holiday music as you cruise through this winter tradition. Vehicles enter off Florence Avenue and exit onto Woodruff Avenue. Keep an eye out for lights synchronized to holiday classics and even iconic tunes like “Baby Shark.” Candy Cane Lane Acacia Avenue between Florence and Woodruff Avenues
Meet Animals at Riley’s Farm
Step back in time with a trip to Riley’s Farm in Oak Glen for a glimpse at 1860s living. This living history farmstead gives groups a chance to get up close and personal with all types of heritage breed animals. Meet donkeys, pigs, sheep, goats, chickens, and more in their natural habitat at this unique Southern California attraction. Along with the hands-on animal encounters, Riley’s Farm has additional activities like horse-drawn wagon rides, gold panning, and even colonial cooking classes. Visitors can choose from festive experiences like the “Chrismiss” event and Carol Evening Hayrides during the holiday season for extra old-fashioned fun. Riley’s Farm
Address: 12261 S Oak Glen Rd, Oak Glen, CA 92399 Phone: (909) 797-7534
Holiday Hayrides at Underwood Family Farms
At Underwood Family Farms in Moorpark, guests can embark on a festive hayride adventure this holiday season. Hop on a tractor-pulled hayride out to the farm’s picturesque fields dotted with decorated trees and holiday characters. Kids will love searching for Rudolph and Frosty along the ride. After a journey through the farm’s enchanting holiday landscape, the hayride loops back for access to Underwood’s seasonal festivities. Don’t miss the holiday art classes, fresh holiday wreaths, and the farm’s famous hot cider. Visitors can even cut down their own Christmas tree at Underwood’s U-Cut Forest. Underwood Family Farms
Address: 3370 Sunset Valley Rd, Moorpark, CA 93021 Phone: (805) 529-3690
Find Unique Gifts at Downey Landing Holiday Market
From November through December, Downey Landing hosts a festive outdoor holiday market perfect for finding one-of-a-kind gifts. Shop arts, crafts, decor, clothing, and specialty foods from dozens of local artisans and vendors. Beyond shopping, the holiday market also features live music, kids’ crafts, and photos ops for the family. Stop to grab a bite from the on-site food trucks or warm up with a cup of hot cocoa. Don’t forget to take the kids over to meet Santa in his workshop for a complimentary photograph. Finding gifts for everyone on your list will be a breeze at the Downey Landing Holiday Market. Downey Landing Holiday Market
Address: 7000 Carpenter Ave, Downey, CA 90241
Tour the Queen Mary Christmas
Few attractions get more decked out for the holidays than the majestic Queen Mary in Long Beach. Nicknamed “The Most Wonderful Ship Afloat,” the 1930s British cruise liner undergoes a dazzling transformation each November and December. Touring the Queen Mary is a can’t-miss group activity for the holidays, with decor in every nook and cranny. From the observation deck to the first-class lounge, groups can explore the entire ship dressed in festive decor. Make sure to catch one of the Queen Mary’s holiday shows, like Dickens Carolers or Scrooge’s Adventure. Tickets to holiday attractions at the Queen Mary start at $29 for adults and $15 for kids.
The Queen Mary Christmas Address: 1126 Queens Hwy, Long Beach, CA 90802 Phone: (877) 342-0738
Rent With Charter Buses Downey California To Hit Every Attraction
Make the most of your holidays in Downey by relying on Charter Buses Downey California for transportation. Our charter buses and professional team will shuttle your group safely and comfortably to every festive attraction on your Downey itinerary. Call us today at 213-354-7131 to receive a free quote on your holiday charter bus rental in Downey, California.