By entering your email address, you accept our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and agree to receive emails from Time Out about news, events, offers and promotions from partners. We've got plenty of things to do outside this winter in Los Angeles to keep you busy. An email you'll love! Ice skating isn't necessarily associated with winter in Los Angeles, but it's a great way to make it feel like Christmas. There are still a few outdoor rinks that remain frozen until January, so if you want to glide around a DTLA plaza or on top of a cliff, now is the time to put on your skates.
Plus, the views are unbeatable!The best part of the rainy season (other than not being on fire) has to be the clear skies left by the rains. Just be sure to consider the colder temperatures and the fleeting daylight before you set out on a hike. To warm up your cold-intolerant bones, why not try a steaming bowl of ramen or udon, miso or pho? Little Tokyo and Sawtelle are great places to visit for some delicious soup. And don't forget that Los Angeles is an amazing place; put just about any plant in the ground and it will grow pretty much any time of the year. The winter months are also a great opportunity to catch up on some exhibitions without the crowds of summer.
And don't forget that our winter colors are a deep, grassy green and a range of floral pastels, instead of brown and white. Even on the coldest days, you can hit a hiking trail and reach the top, only to realize that you're in for a disaster as the walk back isn't over yet. But these hikes come with built-in natural cooling. Coffee is also a must in winter (and at any time). To help you find the perfect cup, we've toured some of the best coffee shops in town.
From surfing in summer to skiing in winter, SoCal has it all. If you're looking for an exciting sport, why not try skiing at Big Bear? For lovers of active romance, you might even consider skiing at night on the charming snow-covered slopes. Just make sure to keep an eye on the weather conditions before booking your weekend getaway. Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are also great outdoor activities for winter. The best way to dress for these activities is to put on several layers.
Using layers is the most effective way to stay warm and dry; the layer closest to your skin should allow moisture absorption while the top layer should be wind and water resistant. Many markets such as the Farmer's Market at Bank of America Plaza in downtown Los Angeles and the East Los Angeles Farmers Market operate year-round so you can stock up on healthy ingredients. Actually ice skating isn't synonymous with winter in Los Angeles instead we classify it as “ways to make it look like Christmas”.