Excited for Our First Los Angeles Christmas Market: A European Holiday Experience in the Heart of DTLA
The holiday season is just around the corner, and we’re beyond excited to share something that’s been on our minds for weeks: our first ever Los Angeles Christmas Market! Having recently moved to LA, we’re definitely looking forward to experiencing what the city has to offer when it comes to holiday magic, and the LA Christmas Market has high expectations to meet. For one, Thomas lived in Germany for a while, so he knows a thing or two about what makes a true European Christmas market feel authentic. And we’re no strangers to holiday markets – we’ve been regulars at the Vancouver Christmas Market for years. So, you can bet we’re excited to check out this one in LA. Will it live up to the hype? We’re hopeful (and honestly, pretty sure it will)!
If you’re in LA or planning to visit during the holiday season, here’s everything you need to know about this festive winter wonderland happening in downtown LA. From cozy igloos to delicious treats, unique shopping, and even visits from Santa, this market is set to offer a little bit of everything. And the best part? It’s happening from November 29 to December 24, 2024 – so there’s plenty of time to soak in all the holiday cheer.
Event Overview: Your Go-To Spot for Holiday Cheer in LA
Set against the backdrop of ROW DTLA at 777 S Alameda St, Los Angeles, CA 90021, the Los Angeles Christmas Market is a true celebration of all things holiday magic. With its European-style booths, charming decorations, festive foods, and seasonal treats, the market will definitely help you get into the spirit of the season. And let’s be real – LA can use a bit of that cozy holiday magic, don’t you think?
This market has all the classic holiday market elements with a fun twist that makes it perfect for LA’s laid-back vibe. So whether you’re looking to do some early holiday shopping, catch up with friends, or just enjoy some mulled wine under twinkling lights, this is the place to be.
Market Dates & Hours – When You Can Visit
Mark your calendars because the market is opening up on November 29, 2024 and running all the way through Christmas Eve, December 24, 2024. Here’s a quick breakdown of when you can experience all the festivities:
- November 29 to December 15, 2024
- Wednesday to Friday: 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM
- Saturday & Sunday: 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM
- December 18 to December 23, 2024 (Special Extended Hours)
- Wednesday to Monday: 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM
- Christmas Eve (December 24, 2024)
- 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
So whether you’re popping by after work on a weekday or making a full-day weekend of it, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to check it out.
Ticket Information – Buy in Advance!
Here’s the deal with tickets: you can’t buy them at the door, so don’t even try! All tickets need to be purchased in advance through Eventbrite, so make sure to get them ahead of time.
- Early Bird Tickets: $15 per person (tickets available soon)
- Weekday Tickets: $20 per person (Monday – Thursday)
- Weekend Tickets: $27 per person (Friday – Sunday, plus all weekdays after December 13)
Children aged 2 and under get in for free – no ticket required. Also, keep in mind that the market does not allow re-entry, so plan accordingly if you’re heading out for dinner or a bit of shopping outside the market.
For tickets, head over to their Eventbrite page.
Parking – Easy Access with Free Options!
Getting to the market is easy with free parking for the first 2 hours at ROW DTLA! Here’s a breakdown of parking rates:
- Wednesday to Friday:
- 1st hour: Free
- 2nd hour: Free
- 3rd hour: $10
- Daily Max: $12
- Saturday & Sunday:
- 1st hour: Free
- 2nd hour: Free
- 3rd hour: $2.50
- 4th hour: $5
- 5th hour: $8
- 6th hour: $12
So if you’re planning to spend a few hours enjoying the market, you don’t have to worry about parking fees adding up too quickly. And honestly, parking can sometimes be a headache at events like this, so having two free hours is a total win.
Fun Activities – So Much to Do, So Little Time!
There’s so much going on at the LA Christmas Market that you’ll have a hard time choosing what to do first! Here are some of the highlights we’re excited about:
Cozy Up in Your Own Private Igloo
Ever dreamed of having your own cozy little winter retreat? Well, now you can! Book a private igloo, where you can escape the hustle and bustle of the market. These heated, crystal-clear domes are perfect for couples or small groups looking to enjoy the festive atmosphere in comfort. Each igloo is decked out with soft lighting and comfortable seating for up to eight people. It’s the perfect place for a date night or a small gathering. Tickets for these are coming soon, so keep an eye out!
Santa’s Special Visit
You can’t have a Christmas market without a visit to Santa! He’ll be making a special appearance at his North Pole-inspired hut, where he’ll greet guests, listen to Christmas wishes, and pose for photos. It’s a great way for the kids (and let’s be honest, adults too) to get into the holiday spirit. And it’s free with admission!
Letters to Santa
Have some Christmas wishes you want to send to the North Pole? At the Letter to Santa station, you can write down your wish list and send it off to Santa himself. It’s a sweet little touch to the market and a free activity that’s sure to make your kids smile (or maybe even you!).
The Great Holiday Hunt
Ready for an adventure? The Great Holiday Hunt is a fun, interactive scavenger hunt where you follow clues, collect stamps, and discover hidden surprises throughout the market. It’s a great way to explore the event and adds a bit of extra excitement. And yes, it’s free with admission.
Create Your Own Holiday Keepsake
Get your craft on at the ornament painting station! Whether you’re an artist or just want to make something special to take home, this is a fun way to create a lasting holiday memory. More details are coming soon, but we can’t wait to see what we can make.
Holiday Movie Magic
One of our favorite parts of any holiday event is watching classic Christmas movies. At the LA Christmas Market, you can enjoy an open-air cinema experience under the stars. Grab a blanket, cozy up, and enjoy a holiday film with the market’s festive lights twinkling around you. It’s going to be free with admission, so it’s definitely something we’ll be checking out.
Instagram-Worthy Photo Ops
Let’s be real – this market is full of photo ops. From the twinkling light tunnel to the vintage sleigh and the giant Christmas tree, there will be so many spots to snap some pictures. We’ll definitely be posing for a few photos ourselves and are already imagining how great our Instagram will look this season.
Shopping & Vendors – Unique Gifts and Delicious Treats
Of course, no Christmas market is complete without shopping! The LA Christmas Market will feature a great lineup of vendors, offering everything from unique gifts to delicious holiday treats. Here are a few vendors we’re excited to check out:
- Herald Marketplace: Handcrafted bath bombs, soaps, and candles – perfect for cozy winter nights.
- Green Farm Apiary: Unique honey varieties and honey caramels that make great stocking stuffers.
- The Chocolate Collective: Sweet treats to satisfy your chocolate cravings.
- Poffertjes: Mini Dutch pancakes that will have us coming back for more.
And as for food, we’re already dreaming about the cheese fondue, bratwurst, schnitzel, and of course, hot cocoa and eggnog. The food lineup is a major highlight, and we’ll definitely be indulging in some holiday snacks.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a magical holiday experience in LA, the Los Angeles Christmas Market should be at the top of your list. With so many fun activities, unique vendors, delicious treats, and plenty of holiday cheer, it’s shaping up to be an unforgettable event. We’re excited to share our experience after we visit on the first two days and will be sure to let you know how it measures up to our high expectations.
So grab your tickets, bundle up, and get ready to experience the holiday magic at the LA Christmas Market. We’ll see you there! 🎄✨
**All photos are from the Christmas Market LA page, more information is all listed here!
Much love,
Sidney and Thomas
