LA Team Holiday Outings 2026: A Guide for Small Businesses

For a small team, the holiday party is not just a perk. It may be the one night of the year when the people who keep your business running get to slow down and be thanked. In Los Angeles, you don't have to book a hotel ballroom to make that happen. The region's light shows, ice rinks and parades can do much of the work, often for less than a private dinner. Here are some 2026 options worth a look, plus a few planning and tax points every owner should know.

Light shows that welcome groups

L.A. Zoo Lights (Griffith Park). The Los Angeles Zoo's holiday event runs select evenings from Nov. 20 through Jan. 10. This year's all-new displays follow a nature theme of plants, pollinators and Ice Age giants. The zoo says most guests spend 60 to 90 minutes on the route. There is an artificial ice rink, which needs a separate ticket, and beer, wine and spiked cocoa for guests 21 and older. It is closed on several dates, including Thanksgiving, Nov. 30, Dec. 1, Dec. 7, Dec. 14-16, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year's Eve. The zoo also markets team holiday gatherings with event spaces and catering, so ask about group options if you want more than general admission.

Enchanted: Forest of Light (La Cañada Flintridge). Descanso Gardens is marking 10 years of its light walk, running Nov. 22 through Jan. 9. New this year are a laser light show with a "snowfall" finale and giant koi lanterns celebrating the 60th anniversary of its Japanese garden. General admission for nonmembers starts at $29 for adults, with prices that vary by date. The gardens also host private events and corporate parties. A holiday market featuring local craftspeople runs Dec. 2-6, which may suit a team that likes to shop.

Skating downtown

LA Kings Holiday Ice Festival at L.A. LIVE. If your team is downtown or near the Metro, the Holiday Ice Festival runs Nov. 27 through Jan. 3. It centers on an outdoor rink and L.A. LIVE's 62-foot tree, lit with more than 124,000 LEDs. A new 21,000-square-foot Holiday Village, modeled on European holiday markets, has more than 20 vendors. Through Dec. 18, skating opens at 5 p.m. and the village runs until 10 p.m. Starting Dec. 19, both open at 3 p.m. The village closes for the season after Dec. 30.

Free events that cost nothing but time

Not every outing needs a ticket. The 94th Hollywood Christmas Parade rolls down Hollywood Boulevard on Sunday, Nov. 29. Curbside viewing is free, and grandstand seats are sold separately. On the Westside, the Marina del Rey Holiday Boat Parade sails on Saturday, Dec. 12, with the theme "Hollywood Under the Stars." These work best as optional, family-friendly meetups rather than required events, since many employees treat weekends as their own.

Planning tips for small teams

Pick a weeknight. Weekend dates at popular events tend to fill first. A Tuesday or Wednesday is often easier to book and attend. Check closure dates first.

Ask about groups early. Zoo Lights and Descanso both promote private and corporate events. If you want reserved space, catering or a set entry time, contact them in early November, not mid-December.

Think about the commute. LA traffic can wreck a good evening. Pick a spot most of your team can reach easily, ideally near a Metro stop.

Make it inclusive. Not everyone drinks, and not everyone celebrates the same holidays. A light walk, a skate session or a market visit feels festive without centering on alcohol or any single tradition. Offer a choice of dates if you can, and cover the cost in full so attending is never a financial question.

Keep it optional. An outing should feel like a reward, not a work shift. If the event is truly voluntary and after hours, say so clearly. If you require attendance, check with your payroll provider about whether the time should be paid.

What owners should know about taxes

Many owners assume all business meals and entertainment are limited or off-limits. Holiday parties for staff are a notable exception. The IRS's Publication 15-B for 2026 says food and beverage costs for employee recreation, such as holiday parties or annual picnics, remain 100% deductible. That applies when the event is mainly for the benefit of employees, not for officers, owners with a 10% or larger stake, or other highly compensated employees. The same guide says occasional parties or picnics for employees and their guests can generally be excluded from employees' wages as de minimis benefits.

There are limits. A party that mostly benefits the owners, or one that is really a client entertainment event, is treated differently. Gift cards and cash bonuses are taxable wages no matter how small. Keep receipts, a guest list and a note on the event's purpose, and talk with your tax professional before you budget.

The bottom line

The best holiday outings for small teams are simple: easy to reach, easy to enjoy and clearly paid for by the business. Dates and prices can change, so confirm details on each official site before you send the invitation.