Intro
The most magical time of year is upon us, as is the hustle and bustle of school holiday performances, gift-wrapping, and winter break. There’s plenty of time left to get a fresh, holiday pine and stop by one of Los Angeles’s outdoor ice rinks. Read on for our favorite tree shopping destinations and the best places to strap on some skates this season!
Christmas Tree Lots
If you haven’t yet taken home your perfect Christmas tree, search no further!
Whether you’re hoping for the least expensive option, the closest tree lot, or a walk through a winter wonderland, we have the best spots to pick out a tree that fits the bill.
Home Depot
14603 S Ocean Gate Ave, Hawthorne, CA 90250
(310) 644-9600 Call for current tree lot hours.
For trees on a budget, home depot is almost always the cheapest place to pick up a tree. The trees are often still wrapped and are leaning against each other rather than displayed in stands. If you don’t mind the extra work of pulling them out yourself to find a good one (or leaving it up to chance and picking the first tree you find!), Home Depot tree lots are a reasonable option.
International Garden and Floral Design Center
Open daily from 9 am – 8 pm
155 CA-1, El Segundo, CA 90245
(310) 615-0353
From several varieties of Christmas trees, wreaths, to garlands, floral centerpieces, and holiday decor, the International Garden Center has it covered! To add to the festivities, hot apple cider and hot cocoa are available for shoppers.
Deep Roots Garden Center and Florist
Garden center open daily from 9 am – 5 pm.
207 N Sepulveda Blvd, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
(310) 376-0567
Voted Easy Reader’s “best of the beach” 2018, Deep Roots is a large garden store with a full selection of plants and Christmas trees of all sizes. If you’re looking for a particular kind of tree, custom floral arrangement, or a handmade wreath, you’ll love Deep Roots.
El Segundo Scout House Christmas Trees
Open Monday-Friday 1:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Saturday & Sunday 9:00 am to 9:00 pm
325 East Grand Avenue, El Segundo, CA 90245
Corner of East Grand Avenue & Eucalyptus Drive
Looking for an ultra-fresh tree delivered to your house for free? The Boy Scouts of El Segundo have a local lot with trees delivered from the grower weekly. A free stand and water bucket are attached to each tree, and home delivery is free within El Segundo, Manhattan Beach, and Westchester. Fresh wreaths are available too!
Delancey Street Christmas Trees
Open Mon-Thursday from 8 am – 9 pm, 8 am – 10 pm on Fri-Sat, and 9 am – 9 pm on Sunday
813 N Sepulveda Blvd, Manhattan Beach
(323) 662-4888
Delancey Street Christmas Trees is a large tree vendor selling in several states. Several lots are available in the Los Angeles area including one in Manhattan. They sell everything from indoor tree lights, decorated wreaths, living potted pines, tree removal bags and water bowls for trees…plus mistletoe!
Shawn’s Christmas Trees
Open from 9 am – 9 pm
3443 S Sepulveda Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90034
(310) 313-1050
A popular destination for pumpkins in October, Shawn’s also sells 6 varieties of Christmas trees! The lot has a new location on Sepulveda in addition to their original location in Culver City. The staff at Shawn’s have years of experience helping families find their ideal tree so if you’re not sure which kind to buy, just ask!
Prefer to cut your own?
If you’re willing to drive, you can! There are a few Christmas tree farms within driving distance of El Segundo including Mountain Pines in San Juan Capistrano, Christmas Conifers in Bloomington, Christmas Ranch Tree Farms in Thousand Oaks, and Richfield Pines in Yorba Linda. While local tree lots are hard to beat for convenience, nothing says Christmastime like a trip to a real farm!
Ice Rinks
For such a sunny area, the Los Angeles region hosts an impressive number of outdoor ice rinks each winter. Most seasonal rinks are decorated for the season, some with full sized Christmas trees and colorful light displays.
You can expect all rinks to be more crowded on weekends and evenings, especially approaching winter break, so it’s best to go on a week day for the most relaxing experience. Helmets are recommended for young and inexperienced skaters. Knee pads can also pad against potential falls, keeping your family’s skating experience fun and safe. If you have your own skates, bring them!
LA Kings Holiday Ice
L.A. Kings annual ice rinks have expanded their locations! The annual rink returns to L.A. Live and has opened up at the Pike in Long Beach. Both locations include a glittering Christmas tree in the middle of a sizable outdoor rink! Tasty food and drinks are available nearby both locations. Rinks are open through January 6th. Tickets start at $15/person.
Pershing Square Ice Skating
The Bai Holiday Ice Rink in Pershing Square is in the heart of Los Angeles. The rink is surrounded by restaurants, art, and the LA city skyline. Special events include “Wicked” skate sessions to the musical’s original soundtrack and a “silent skate” party, headphones included. This outdoor rink runs longer than most through January 21st. Tickets are $9 per person plus $5 skate rental.
Christmas at the Queen Mary
Each year, the Queen Mary transforms into a winter wonderland. Departing from their annual “Chill” experience, the Queen Mary Christmas 2018 experience includes old-fashioned Christmas magic; thousands of twinkling lights, carolers, shows, Santa, and an outdoor skating rink on deck. Event is open through January 6th with adult admission starting at $22 per person.
ICE at Santa Monica
Close to the Santa Monica Pier and plenty of shopping and food is ICE in downtown Santa Monica (1324 5th St). The full-service 8,000-square-foot outdoor rink offers private and group lessons for newbies, plus an onsite concession stand with hot cocoa and snacks. Price of admission is $15, skate rental included. You can even rent a private cabana!
Late Skate at the Toyota Center
Sometimes, the best choice is right around the corner. El Segundo’s Toyota Center has daily open skate times and holiday time there is particularly festive! For the most cheerful experience, attend one of the evening skate sessions on Friday and Saturday. Sessions usually run from 7:30 pm until 10. Expect the rink to be swirling with colorful lights and upbeat music! Check the public skate schedule for updated times.
