The best things to do in Los Angeles on Christmas Day

Whether or not you celebrate Christmas, it’s a good idea to have an idea of what’s open on December 25, especially if you’re visiting another city and want to make the most of your time there. While many establishments are closed for the holiday, not all are shuttered—especially not in a bustling city like Los Angeles. Here are seven places you can visit on December 25 around the greater LA area:

CHILL at Queen Mary | Photo courtesy of @bionicbuzz

CHILL at Queen Mary

Steer yourself and your family aboard the Queen Mary in Long Beach to kick back and CHILL, whose Christmas day offerings are basically right from a Bingo card filled with ideas on “how to celebrate the holidays.” Their winter festivities (which happen all month long) include a brightly colored and illuminated “Alice in Wonderland” installment, the time honored tradition of ice tubing, a Candy Cane Bounce House, martini tasting and gingerbread-house decorating.

Pacific Park | Flickr CC: Ian D. Keating

Pacific Park

For a carnivalesque amusement park experience with a side of sand and surf, point your car towards Pacific Park at the Santa Monica Pier. They’ll be open for a full day of operations from 11am–11pm on December 25. Once there, you can ride a solar-powered Ferris wheel with an ocean view, board a sea dragon pirate ship, zoom the perimeter of the park via roller coaster, eat some ooey gooey carnival food and enjoy the salty ocean air.

Catalina Island | Photo courtesy @mc.frenchie

Catalina Island
Make a quick island getaway on Christmas Day by booking a reservation for the Catalina Express. The boat makes quick trips to and from Catalina Island and is your ticket to prime beach lounging (packing warm clothes) and relaxing. As the island is a regular tourist destination, some shops and restaurants will be open for you to enjoy in between your quiet time on the sand or your stroll around Two Harbors. If there are any specific places you’re hoping to visit on the island, double check their hours before you commit.

LA Zoo Lights | Flickr CC: Channone Arif

L.A. Zoo Lights
Wander through an animal-occupied winter wonderland at L.A. Zoo Lights. The annual glowing tradition will be available to enjoy Christmas evening. Strolling through the zoo with a warm beverage while gazing at hundreds of lights could be the ideal end to the holiday. And because we’re apparently all on the nice list, the L.A Zoo has a treat for us: Two baby reindeer are among the critters at the Reindeer Village.

If you’re longing to view lights without the animal accompaniment or admission fee, take a cruise to Candy Cane Lane in Woodland Hills or Thoroughbred Street in Rancho Cucamonga for elaborate residential displays.

ALSO: This holiday season, give yourself the gift of Orbitz Rewards!

Flickr CC: Jeff Turner

Vasquez Rocks
Get out of the city and enjoy some fresh air at Vasquez Rocks Natural Area Park. The striking location, open from sunrise to sunset, has played home to a number of film and television productions including shows like Star Trek and Westworld. You’ll feel like you’re on another planet.

Flickr CC: Ray_LAC

Pershing Square Holiday Ice Rink
You don’t need to receive a shiny new pair of ice skating shoes on Christmas morning to take a whirl around the holiday ice rink at Pershing Square. The attraction, situated amidst the skyscrapers of downtown L.A., will be frozen and ready to rent you skates for hockey or figure skating through 9:30pm on Christmas.

Flickr CC: The Delicious Life

Dining in the San Gabriel Valley
Looking for sustenance on December 25? Go forth to the San Gabriel Valley. You’ll find a bevy of open restaurants ready to serve you Chinese food. Seafood, Beijing duck, dumplings—whatever you choose, filling up won’t be a problem.