As 2022 comes to an end, the holidays are an excuse to spend time with friends and family. Sipping hot chocolate, watching mellow sunsets, and enjoying the chilly weather are great ways to end the year. Instead of staying cooped up at home for the holidays, here are some highly-rated places for anyone who wants to get into the holiday spirit.

Like watching the cute holiday decorations? The Griffith Park Train Ride is a great place to start. With train rides around the festively decorated one-mile track in Griffith Park, it would spark one’s spirit just in time for the holidays. It is currently $7 per person, and the rides are there for a limited time only, up to January 6, 2023. Friends and family are included, for a great frugal price. The ride is approximately 10 minutes long and it goes underground to a brightly lit tunnel filled with Christmas decorations and music. You can check out the website here.

Not into train rides? Here is the next stop: Newport Beach. For those who like to feel the cool breeze and would like to spend the end of the year near the beach, the Newport Beach Boat Parade happens every year and is a great way to tour the coast of Newport, California. The price to watch is only $36 for adults and $32 for juniors. Reservations can be made online here to get tickets and watch the Newport Boat Parade for only $20. This offer lasts up until December 31. 

What’s a Christmas go-do list without ice skating? One of the most magical places to feel the spirit is on the ice, especially in December. Along with friends and family, Ice at Santa Monica is one of the most inviting ice skating rinks in Los Angeles. With the ocean breeze in the air, and freezing ice at the tip of your skates, skaters will feel the holiday spirit all around. Want to feel like a New Yorker even if you don’t have the time or money? Pershing Square Park, Downtown Financial District is another great place to ice skate. With the sky clear and the frosty air around you, you’ll feel like a New Yorker in no time! 

Of course, the glorious Universal Studios and Disneyland parks are number one on the list when it comes to merry cheer for the holidays. With their Christmas trees up, and lights shimmering everywhere, there is no way one can ignore the magical feeling while staring at the falling snow. Experience seasonal decorations and shows in Hogsmeade at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. The area also includes the yearly light show at the Wizarding World Castle, and of course, Grinchmas! From the Christmas tree looking identical to the cartoon one from The Grinch, and the characters from Who-Ville, it would be enough to put someone in a Grinchy green mood just in time for the holidays. As for Disneyland, one of the biggest events will be A Christmas Fantasy Parade, Holiday Magic Fireworks, Christmas in Cars Land, and Viva Navidad, bringing holiday cheer no matter how old. 

Last but certainly not least, Knotts Berry Farm is a great place to spend the last days of 2022. With numerous events like Snoopy on Ice, and The Camp Snoopy Theatre, this year the amusement park debuts Best Wishes, Knott’s story gives a heartwarming tale of the Peanuts gang spreading the word of the true meaning of Christmas.

These are some top choices for this year’s best places to visit in California to lift spirits. Happy Holidays!