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Even without snow, Los Angeles shines in December. From festive displays to scenic overlooks and iconic holiday pop-ups, the city becomes a playground for incredible winter photos. Whether you're shooting family portraits, holiday cards, content for social media, or just want to explore LA in its coziest season, here are the best photo-worthy spots to visit this month.
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The Grove – Holiday Decorations & Nightly Snowfall
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The Grove transforms into a classic holiday village with a massive Christmas tree, twinkling lights, and magical nightly snowfall. It's the perfect backdrop for festive portraits and nighttime photography.
Best For: Holiday cards, family photos, lifestyle shots
Tip: Go right after sunset (“blue hour”) for the best lighting.
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In December, Urban Lights feels extra magical with crisp winter skies and softer evening light. It’s still one of LA’s most iconic photo spots—especially for couples and nighttime portraits.
Best For: Engagement photos, portraits, IG content
Tip: Visit early morning or late evening for fewer crowds.
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The Music Center Holiday Tree – DTLA
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The annual holiday tree at The Music Center creates a glowing backdrop in the heart of Downtown LA. The surrounding plaza often has festive décor and lights, perfect for seasonal shots.
Best For: City-themed holiday photos
Tip: Bring a wide-angle lens for the full tree and skyline.
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Beverly Hills – Rodeo Drive Holiday Displays
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Rodeo Drive goes all out with luxury-themed lights, oversized ornaments, glowing arches, and elegant holiday installations. It’s one of the chicest December photo spots in LA.
Best For: Fashion photos, high-end holiday shots, night photography
Tip: Walk Canon Drive and Beverly Canon Gardens for extra-cute corners.
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Enchant LA – Santa Anita Park
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If you want an immersive winter wonderland, Enchant LA offers glowing tunnels, light sculptures, and their famous Christmas Light Maze—perfect for whimsical and magical photos.
Best For: Families, couples, creative content
Tip: The light maze photographs beautifully from above—look for higher vantage points.
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Venice Canals – Winter Reflections
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The Venice Canals feel peaceful and stunning in December. With decorated bridges and soft winter sunsets reflecting on the water, it’s a gorgeous spot for serene, cozy shots.
Best For: Couples, portraits, calm lifestyle content
Tip: Sunset is unbeatable here.
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Santa Monica Pier – Winter Sunsets
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December sunsets at the pier are some of the most vibrant of the year. Add the Ferris wheel lights and ocean views, and you get postcard-worthy photos every time.
Best For: Golden hour portraits, travel shots
Tip: Shoot from the beach facing the pier for the best angles.
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Griffith Park – Trails & Holiday Lights
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From scenic overlooks to the Holiday Light Festival Train Ride, Griffith Park offers both nature and festive charm in December. Perfect for variety in one location.
Best For: Outdoor portraits, scenic landscapes, cozy winter fits.
Tip: Try Griffith Observatory for skyline shots resembling “LA winter glow.”
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Walt Disney Concert Hall – Modern Holiday Backdrop
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With sleek architecture and soft December light bouncing off metallic surfaces, this spot gives a chic, modern, wintery look—especially around sunset.
Best For: Editorial shots, portraits, minimalist aesthetics
Tip: Visit on weekdays for the cleanest shots without crowds.
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Winter is the calmest, clearest time at Malibu beaches. Fewer crowds, softer lighting, and vibrant sunsets make for perfect December photos.
Best For: Portraits, couples’ shoots, content creators
Tip: El Matador Beach offers dramatic cliffs and rock formations.
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Practical Tips for December Photography in LA
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Plan for earlier golden hour - Sun sets earlier in December, so timing matters if you want that clean evening light.
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Bring layers - Even LA evenings can get cold, especially near the beach or in higher spots like Griffith Park.
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Go on weekdays when possible - You’ll get fewer crowds and cleaner backgrounds for your shots.
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Carry a small light or reflector - Holiday displays look better when you have a bit of fill light for faces and details.
December is one of the easiest times to shoot around LA—good light, cooler weather, and plenty of seasonal setups. Make the most of it and get the shots you want.
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Compass is a real estate broker licensed by the State of California operating under multiple entities. License Numbers 01991628, 01527235, 01527365. All material is intended for informational purposes only and is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. No statement is made as to the accuracy of any description or measurements (including square footage). This is not intended to solicit property already listed. No financial or legal advice provided. Equal Housing Opportunity. Photos may be virtually staged or digitally enhanced and may not reflect actual property conditions.
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