Are Your Bells Not Jingling Yet?
Get Into the Spirit with These Holiday Activities in Woodland Hills

We’re not going to deny that the holidays are a stressful time for many, what with the hordes of family in town, the financial burden of present-buying and sheer lack of time to accomplish everything. Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanza or any other December-time festivity tour-de-force, the holidays are definitely not the way we remember them from childhood, when all we had to do was sit and open a smattering of presents that magically appeared under the tree or menorah.

Indeed, as responsible adults, we can all get a bit frazzled this time of year, and if you have been looking for some ideas to get your bells jingling with holiday spirit – while relieving some of the aforementioned stress that accompanies this season – we have some exciting suggestions. So get comfy in front of that roaring fire, grab that cup of hot cocoa and check out Woodland Hills Magazine’s holiday activities guide!

Take in the Lights

If it’s dazzling Christmastime lights that awaken your inner holiday spirit, look no further than Candy Cane Lane. This magical display of gorgeous decorations can be seen on homes lining Lubao Avenue and Oxnard Street in Woodland Hills, the extent to which these homeowners go to dress up their houses being insanely beautiful. Candy Cane Lane has become something of a tradition amongst area locals who walk or roll deep in their minivans each year to catch the spectacle, perfect for those nights when soaking in all the beauty of the holidays is on the agenda. Don’t miss this one!

Procure a Tree

Of course, no holiday-centric activities would be complete without getting a tree, and when it’s that time, head on over to Bobby the Snowman Christmas Trees & Pumpkin Patch. A military family owned and operated business run by Bobby Grammatico, this Woodland Hills institution offers the best custom flocking in town, and if you can think it up, Bobby and his team can make it. A 20-percent discount to all military and first responders beckons those who risk their lives for all our safety on a regular basis. Bobby the Snowman is open from Monday to Thursday from 9 am to 9 pm, Friday and Saturday from 9 am to 10 pm and Sunday from 9 am to 9 pm. The patch is located at 20401 Ventura Boulevard.

Tina’s Christmas Tree Lot in Old Town Calabasas has opened for the season, and this is quite the find – looking for that perfect eight to nine-foot tree that’s also affordable? You’ll find it at Tina’s. Searching for out-of-the-ordinary trees so you’re the most unique on your block? Tina’s offers six types of Christmas trees, ranging from the Noble Fir and Douglas Fir to the Grand Fir, Fraser Fir, Nordmann Fir and Silvertip, its fresh-cut trees not only long-lasting but available with custom flocking and flame-retardant materials. You can even stock up on wreaths and garlands. Tina’s Christmas Tree Lot is located at 23611 Calabasas Road in Calabasas.

Go Ice Skating

Woodland Hills Ice at Westfield Promenade is proud to be part of many families’ holiday traditions as it kicks off its seventh season, continuing to make winter memories for skaters of all ages. The venue has become popular for birthday parties, skating school lessons, hockey lessons, group events, family nights and private ice sessions, and is open Monday through Thursday from 12 pm to 10 pm, Friday and Saturday from 11 am to 11 pm and Sunday from 11 am to 9 pm. Woodland Hills Ice is located at 6100 Topanga Canyon Boulevard at Erwin Street.

Participate in Holiday Lighting Ceremonies

The Christmas Tree Lighting at Sherman Oaks Galleria has been a Sherman Oaks/Woodland Hills favorite activity for years. Enjoy hot cocoa, coffee and cookies with Santa and receive a take-home photo as a keepsake on Thursday, December 8 at 7 pm. The evening includes entertainment, crafts, photo opps and, of course, the lighting of the spectacular 40-foot Christmas tree. Sherman Oaks Galleria is situated at 15301 Ventura Boulevard in Sherman Oaks.

The Menorah Lighting at Sherman Oaks Galleria, hosted by the Chabad of Sherman Oaks, is an annual event that’s great for the whole family – enjoy treats, crafts and entertainment as the community celebrates the first night of Hanukkah. Festivities begin at 6 pm at the fountain by Cheesecake Factory. Sherman Oaks Galleria is located at 15301 Ventura Boulevard.

As you can plainly see, there’s no shortage of activities to get involved in this holiday season in Woodland Hills. No matter what you celebrate, how you celebrate or who you invite to join you in celebrating, there’s something for everyone in this little slice of Southern California.