10 Fun and Cozy Holiday Date Night Ideas in Los Angeles

 
A couple shares a romantic moment at the base of a golden sea cliff as gentle waves wash around them, the late-afternoon sun illuminating the rocks at a Malibu beach. Holiday Date Night Ideas.
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Los Angeles is one of the most romantic cities for the Holidays! No, we don’t get much snow here, but that doesn’t put a damper on our festivities.

Whether you want a glamorous night out, a laid-back coastal evening, or a quiet night in, here are 10 cozy Holiday Date Night Ideas in Los Angeles to make this season unforgettable for you and your loved one!

 
 

Classic Holiday Date Night Ideas in Los Angeles

1. Go Ice Skating Together

  • Ice at Santa Monica - An LA holiday classic! Every year they open up this super fun outdoor ice skating rink, presented by Disney+ and Hulu. It’s fun for both couples and families to enjoy.

2. See the City’s Best Holiday Lights

  • Descanso Gardens’ Enchanted Forest of Light - This is something me and my family go to every year. It’s amazing and spectacular. Imagine walking through forests of lights with your loved one while sipping hot chocolate. They have hot food and deserts available as well!

  • LA Zoo Lights - A playful date night option filled with glowing animals, cheerful music, and fun photo ops.

  • Beverly Hills & Rodeo Drive - For something a little more glamorous, take a nighttime stroll through Beverly Hills, where palm trees shimmer in gold lights and the streets sparkle like a holiday movie set.

3. Wine Tasting in Malibu

  • Cielo Farms - Nestled in the Malibu hills, Cielo Farms is one of my favorite local wineries. With twinkling bistro lights, cozy fire pits, and rolling vineyard views, it’s the perfect place to unwind with a glass of wine. They often host special events, live music, and seasonal tastings.

4. Sunset Beach Walks

  • El Matador State Beach - One of Malibu’s most stunning beaches, known for its dramatic rock formations and glowing sunsets. Stroll along the cliffs or sit by the water as the sky turns pink and gold.

  • Point Dume - For a more private spot, take a sunset walk along the bluff trails at Point Dume. You’ll get panoramic views of the coastline and maybe even spot whales migrating past!

Want more ideas for Beaches in Malibu?

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5. Visit the Queen Mary

  • Holly Days at the Queen Mary - Located in Long Beach, this historic ocean liner transforms into a floating winter wonderland every holiday season. You can attend their 58th Anniversary Gala, enjoy a live dinner show, or cozy up for one of their festive movie nights.

6. Watch a Movie Outdoors

  • Rooftop Cinema Club - This has to be the COOLEST find I came across while curating this list. Imagine viewing your favorite holiday movie on a rooftop in Downtown LA. They even have specific “fireside films” where you can view your movie while snuggled up by a cozy fire, under a blanket, drinking hot chocolate.

  • Paramount Drive-in Theatres - One of the last remaining drive-ins in Los Angeles, Paramount still captures that nostalgic charm. Pack some blankets, snacks, and enjoy a double feature under the stars.

Creative Holiday Date Night Ideas for Adventurous Couples

7. Go on a Romantic Weekend Getaway

  • Big Bear - 2 hours from Los Angles. Escape to snow-covered cabins, twinkling pine trees, and nights spent by the fireplace. Go skiing by day and sip cocoa under the stars by night.

  • Joshua Tree - 2 hours from Los Angeles. For adventurous couples, there’s nothing like stargazing in the desert. Rent a cozy A-frame cabin, light a fire pit, and enjoy peace and quiet beneath an endless sky.

  • Solvang - 3 hours from Los Angles. Visit this charming Danish-inspired town for twinkling streets, wine tasting, and a full European-style Christmas vibe right here in California.

8. Explore a Holiday Market

  • Grand Central Market Holiday Nights - Sip cocktails, enjoy live music, and taste local bites while surrounded by festive décor. The atmosphere is electric and perfect for a date that mixes great food with city holiday energy.

  • Smorgasburg LA Holiday Edition - This open-air market turns into a holiday wonderland filled with handmade gifts, artisan vendors, and delicious treats. Wander from booth to booth and discover something new together.

At-Home Holiday Date Night Ideas

9. Bake and Decorate Cookies Together

  • Turn your kitchen into your own holiday bake shop. Make sugar cookies, gingerbread men, or peppermint brownies while your favorite playlist plays in the background. It’s fun, creative, and fills the house with that cozy holiday aroma.

10. Cozy up for a Holiday Movie Marathon

  • Sometimes the best date night is the simplest one. Dim the lights, light a few candles, and queue up The Holiday, Love Actually, and Elf. Add fuzzy blankets, cocoa, and popcorn, the perfect recipe for a relaxed, romantic evening in.

 

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About Megan W Photography

Megan is a Fine Art Maternity, Couples, and Family photographer who was born, raised, and is still living in Malibu, CA. She is here to capture you and your loved ones in images that you will want to cherish, and pass down to future generations.

Not only is she a photographer, but she is a mother, wife, daughter, and sister.

Maternity, family, and couples hold a special place in her heart because she knows how quickly time flies by. Megan W Photography wants to help you preserve those sweet little smiles, those tender, affectionate moments, and the love you share with each other.

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Hi! I’m Megan

I’m a boutique, Malibu, CA based photographer who specializes in Maternity, Couples, and families. I serve Los Angeles and Ventura County, as well as all of California. I value tangible, heirloom art pieces versus digital and I focus on quality over quantity.

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