179. Summer Live Music at Malibu Wines

Wine + live music = romantic date idea, even a first date idea!
Starting Memorial Weekend, the Summer Live Music is back at the Malibu Wines tasting room! The winery, Malibu Family Wines provides live music for free starting May 28th until October 24th by night (Fri-Sat 7-9 PM) or day (Sat-Sun 1-3 PM). This is definitely something worth checking out at least once in the next 5 months, especially when the weather is perfect for an outdoorsy activity. The property is family-friendly during the day, so the kids and adults can enjoy the mid-day concerts (1-3 PM) on Saturdays and Sundays. After 6 PM, it's adults only for the evening concerts (7-9 PM) on Fridays and Saturdays.

Drink, drink and be merry!
Originally uploaded by 365 Cheap Dates

My friend took us here last summer since it's her favorite spot and then we were pleasantly surprised (as you can tell by my photo here) by a live band coming onto stage. There is one requirement for admission: a purchase of at least one bottle of wine by each group. That is unless you catch the wine tastings before it ends at 6 PM, however sharing a bottle is more cost-effective. Invite your friends to share a bottle (or two or three) and make it a group date! Bottles range $14-27, so that could be as cheap as $3.50pp on a double date! As for parking, it's free along Mulholland Highway, but carpool and come early as these events get packed. Bring a picnic and a blanket, otherwise some food is available for purchase there and tables are reserved for minimum purchases.

While you're up in Malibu, make it a full day of fun by combining it with one of these other things to do:

• Cheap Date Idea #96: The Getty Villa offers free museum admission but reservations are required.
• Cheap Date Idea #38: Lake Shrine is a beautiful spot for a day date plus it's FREE.
• Cheap Date Idea #10: Point Dume State Beach is a nice beach with lots of activities, including rock climbing.

Whatever you decide to do, have fun!


Approximate cost of creative date idea = $14-27 per bottle.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = Priceless.
Kiss & Tell Date Idea by Miss W., @stephschneider & Derek @malibufmlywines

167. Grunion Party, Venice - 4/30

You have to do this at least once!
This is like Cheap Date Idea #127, so I'll keep this short and sweet! The Venice Oceanarium is hosting a Grunion Party TONIGHT, April 30th, at 11 PM, in Venice. It is late, but that's when the silvery fish come out to lay their eggs on our beaches. For details and directions, click HERE. You can do this on your own, but this is a fun group activity, especially for families.

Grunion Run
Originally uploaded by Jessierocks

The grunion are expected to be spawning 10:55 PM - 12:55 AM tonight. You can try catching them but have to throw them back in since it's closed season right now (see schedule online). To best watch and document the work of nature, bring a flash light and a camera. Make sure to bundle up but prepared to roll up your pants and wear flip flops.

Since the Grunion Party doesn't start until 11 PM, go "next door" to Santa Monica for their monthly event, Last Fridays on Main Street (see Cheap Date Idea #140). If you miss this party or Venice is too far, check out Cheap Date Idea #127 for other organized grunion runs in San Pedro.

Approximate cost of creative date idea = Free.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = Priceless
Kiss & Tell Date Idea by @KatelynMichele

138. Irvine Park Railroad Easter Eggstravaganza

Train rides, paddle boats and tandem bikes, oh my!
Both kids and adults can jump on the train at the Irvine Park Railroad every day of the week starting at 10 AM until 5 PM on weekends and 4 PM on weekdays. Train tickets are normally $4 per person, but click HERE to print a buy-one-get-one (BOGO) coupon. Bring a date and enjoy the 12-minute train ride through the Irvine Regional Park. Other fun things to do here year round are:

Irvine Park Railroad Easter Eggstravaganza
Originally uploaded by Irvine Park Railroad

• Paddle boats for $12/hour
• Tandem bikes for $15/hour
• Horse rentals for $40/hour
• Orange County Zoo for $2 per person
• Free walking/hiking (7 trails, 1-4 miles each, see wild flowers too)

For this season, you can also enjoy the Easter Eggstravaganza, open daily until April 3rd because it's closed on Easter Sunday. Admission is free but the family-friendly activities are $4 each, which include an Easter egg hunt (kids only), moon bounce, hay ride, cookie decorating (and eating), and carnival games. Bring a camera to take a silly photo at the free picture stands.

Parking is $3 on weekdays and $5 on weekends. Click HERE for  and more info. Check the website for other fun activities throughout the year.

Approximate cost of creative date idea = $4 Train ticket w/BOGO coupon + $3-5 Parking.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = $13 Total.
Kiss & Tell Date Idea by @DealsDiva and @AAASoCalNews

127. Grunion Run 2010

This is something worth doing at least once...
The grunion are back to spawn on our California beaches again, like they do every March - August (closed season is April and May). These silvery fish are up for grabs in 2-hour windows around 11 PM - 1 AM on designated days. If you have never done this before, it's worth checking out at least once. When I was a teenager, we went and caught them for dinner in San Diego. It's not my cup of tea, but I can say that I've been there, done that.

Originally uploaded by
Birch Aquarium at Scripps

For a learning experience, come out earlier at 8 PM at the (almost) semi-monthly events at the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium on: 3/17, 3/31, 4/30, 5/15, 5/28, 6/14, 6/28, 7/13, and 7/27. Click HERE for the schedule and more info, including some videos showing the laying and hatching of the eggs. CMA does charge $5 per person or you can hit one of the beaches on your own for free, but Cabrillo Beach is supposed to be a good spot.

Watching this spectacular act of nature is free, but technically anyone over 16 years needs a fishing license if you "fish" with bare hands and take your catch home. Since it's still nippy out, make sure to bundle up and bring a flashlight and a camera. Waterproof shoes or boots would be good too. For more aqua adventures, check out the free tide pool tours (click HERE) or go on Cheap Date Idea #6. If San Pedro is too far from you, the grunion are running up and down the coast, so check it out a beach near you.

UPDATE 03/30/10: RSVP is not required, but you can on Cabrillo Aquarium's Facebook page for tomorrow's event 3/31 8-11 PM, click HERE.

Approximate cost of creative date idea = $5 pp at CMA but FREE otherwise.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = Priceless.

124. Anza-Borrego Wild Flowers

The flowers are here, the flowers are here!
Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is a nice day trip, less than 3 hours away from LA/OC. The blooming season for the wild flowers is short, so make sure to go before the end of March (UPDATE: blooming expected til at least April 12th). Take advantage of the great weather and go on a hike too. When we go on our "cheap date", I want to go on the Borrego Palm Canyon Trail, which leads to a waterfall and the 3rd largest palm oasis in California. If you want to stay longer, camping is available. Click HERE for directions and more info.

anza borrego wild flowers
Originally uploaded by mandar_mulherkar

Since the park is open from dawn til dusk, leave early in the morning to beat LA traffic and enjoy the flowers all day. The visitor center is open 9 AM - 5 PM every day through the end of March. As with all outdoors activities, bring plenty of bottled water, a hat, sunscreen, sunblock and a camera. For a day trip, pack a picnic or pick up something to eat on the way, because there's not much available at the desert.

If you miss Anza-Borrego in March or simply adore flowers, check out the Flower Fields in Carlsbad (see Cheap Date Idea #117), which is open through May. For more ideas on spring trips, check out Sunset Magazine's list online.

UPDATE 03/22/10: Not only is admission FREE, parking is FREE too! I just went to Anza-Borrego last weekend on Saturday 3/20. The wild flowers should be blooming for at least 2 more weeks. It took exactly 3 hours with no traffic when we left at 9 AM from Huntington Beach. I found out that this is the only State Park where you can camp anywhere you want without a permit or reservation (but if you want running water, this is not for you). This is a really cheap date idea! Although the visitor center may close at 5 PM, you should stay past 7 PM in order to enjoy the sunset with a 360-degree panoramic view at Fonts Point. Parking was a bear at noon, but just drop off a friend to pick up a flower map while you do a loop around the parking lot. If you've got a 4WD vehicle, take it so that you drive into hard-to-reach areas, thus avoiding the crowds. I'll post my photos from our trip soon.


UPDATE 03/29/10:  Click HERE to check out my photo slideshow from our trip to Anza-Borrego. The wild flowers are expected to bloom until April 12th, so go before it's too late!

Approximate cost of creative date idea = FREE Admission + FREE Parking.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = Priceless.
Kiss & Tell Date Idea by @snellsrv & @AAASoCalNews

117. Carlsbad Flower Fields are open again!

Who wants a dozen flowers when you can enjoy a whole FIELD?
As of yesterday, the famous Carlsbad Flower Fields are officially back in season. This work of nature is worth the 1-2 hour drive to the northern part of San Diego, perfect for a day trip or day date idea. The 50+ acres are available for the public's enjoyment every day of the week 9 AM - 6 PM through Mother's Day (Sunday, May 9th). According to the FAQ section, the best time to go is mid-March to mid-April, but blooming is dependent on the weather conditions, as you know. Although this is an outdoor event, no pets and no smoking are allowed on the grounds. Tip: Check the 10-day weather forecast online before making the trek.

tourist tractor at the carlsbad flower fields
Originally uploaded by rlonas

Various events are scheduled for the next 2 months, which are included with the cost of admission (AKA FREE). Check the website for details, but here are some highlights:

• 4/10 Bluegrass Day with live music
• 4/10-4/11 & 4/17-18 Arts & Crafts
• 4/18 FREE Canon Macro Photography Workshop

Tickets are available online for $10 with no service fee. However, AAA members can save $1 at the door. Parking is always free. For a short thrill, the wagon ride through the fields is another $5 per person (see photo on right). But I personally enjoy strolling along the rows and rows of flowers and think it's good for your body and soul (hmm, sounds like a milk commercial).

Dr. Chris & Dr. Kris Engagement
Originally uploaded by NixieMichelle

By the way, last year there were 2-for-1 coupons available at the local libraries in Carlsbad (Georgina Cole Library Branch and Dove Library). I'm in the process of finding out if new coupons are available for 2010. This would make it a really cheap date idea! If you absolutely love flowers that much, the season pass is worth the $20, where the break even point is only 2 visits.

A camera is a must here. The last time I went was before I had a digital camera (about a decade ago), but it's definitely worth going to visit again! Maybe next month at one of the special events... This place not only is picturesque in itself, but also serves as a perfect backdrop for a Kodak Moment with your sweetheart (see second shot on right). Enjoy!

UPDATE 05/03/10: Click HERE to print a BOGO coupon (2-for-1), so now it's a really cheap date! Remember that the last day is Sunday on Mother's Day.

Approximate cost of creative date idea = $10 per person.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = $20 Total.

83. 1/2 Off Lift Tickets at Snow Valley

Are you addicted to skiing or snow boarding?
Then head to Snow Valley every day for 1/2 off! Why go solo though? Drag a date and call it a 2-for-1 deal if you need a reason for a date... Just an idea! This is an even better deal than going once per week on Tuesdays at Mountain High (see Cheap Date Idea #81),

Not bad for a Dummy
Originally uploaded
by ski_snow_valley

Buy your tickets online with the discount code RUN1. Or be spontaneous, and simply bring 1 printed coupon (click HERE to print). The coupons are good the whole season through March with a few black out dates AND good for 6 people, so it can be a "group date" if you want to triple the fun. This skiing resort is about 30 minutes before Big Bear, so it's a bit of a drive from LA and OC, but at least the coupon is good anytime, even on the weekends. If you are addicted, I assume you've got the equipment and this is a pretty cheap date idea for you!

UPDATE 02/18/10: Click HERE to download the new coupon with ZERO black out days! Say thank you to @Snow_Patrol!


UPDATE 03/24/10: Snow Valley is still open for 2-for-1 skiing and snow boarding! Lift tickets only $27 per person and only $22 midweek!

Approximate cost of creative date idea = $27 Per Person.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = $108 Total.
Kiss & Tell Date Idea by @Snow_Patrol

81. Mountain High Skiing 2-for-Tuesdays

What are you doing after the holiday?
Grab your sweetheart and go skiing and snow boarding at Mountain High tomorrow! If not tomorrow, this buy-one-get-one free (BOGO) deal is good every Tuesday through the end of March. However, you do need to buy your 2-for-1 lift tickets in advance online and bring the voucher with you. The lift ticket is good for 8 hours of fun in the snow. Bring your own equipment or rent some on-site for $30-35 per person depending if you're skiing or snow boarding.

Snow Sunset
Originally uploaded by ms4jah

Mountain High is a quick 90-minute ride from LA and OC, so it's a nice day trip compared to Big Bear. If you can't get away during the day, run over there after for for some weeknight skiing. You can buy "The Quad" Night Tickets for $79 (4 tickets break down to $19/ticket). These tickets are fully-transferable, so you can share it with a date or split it with friends on a double date. You can buy it at your local sports specialty shop (click HERE for more info).

If you're new to this sport like me, then take advantage of the "3-Peat for Success" Beginners Package. For $129, you can get 3 days of lessons, including rental equipment and lift tickets (4 total lift tickets), which is an awesome deal. That breaks down to $43 per day for everything! This deal is available only for first-timers at Big 5 Sport Goods stores, so buy it before you head to the snow.

For those born in January, February, and March, go skiing or snow boarding for FREE on your birthday! You can either go to Mountain High again or go somewhere else like Big Bear Mountain (check Cheap Date Idea #74 for more info). Just remember to bring a photo ID on your actual birthday.

Approximate cost of creative date idea = Free + $55 Day Pass + $30-35pp Equipment Rental..
Actual value of the cheap date idea = $110 Lift Tickets + $60 Rental.
Kiss & Tell Idea by @OCdeals

62. The Christmas Carol - Free & Live

Don't be a scrooge, go support your local theatre group!
Although Christmas has passed again, The Christmas Carol is a Dicken's classic that has been watched over and over. So why not watch it for FREE? Go watch a live performance next weekend at Warner Grand Theatre in San Pedro.

DISNEY'S A CHRISTMAS CAROL
Originally uploaded by
Galeria de fotos Aumanack ano 5

Admission is regularly $20 per person, but Goldstar.com is offering free admission + $5 service fee (limit 2) for either Sat. Jan 2nd at 8 PM or Sun. Jan 3rd at 2:30 PM. This play is a family-friendly event, but the $5 tickets for 18 and under are available directly through the venue, not on Goldstar (comes out to the same price as adults anyway). Get your tickets online before the free tickets sell out, otherwise it will be $10 admission + $3.50 service fee (a 50% discount, not free, but still cheap).

Approximate cost of creative date idea = FREE Admission + $5 Service Fee per person.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = $40 Total.

58. Holiday Celebration at LA Music Center - 12/24

Live music AND dance for FREE on Christmas Eve in Downtown LA.
Tomorrow, Dec 24th, marks the 50th Annual LA County Holiday Celebration, which is supposedly LA's biggest holiday show. The best part is the fact that it's free! Even the underground parking at the LA Music Center is free that day. Come enjoy 6 hours of live entertainment starting at 3 PM inside the Dorothy Chandler Pavillion of the LA Music Center in Downtown LA.

Music Center Tree
Originally uploaded by savemejebus

This Emmy-nominated event features multi-cultural music and dance by 40 different groups from US and other countries, including Japan and Africa. By the way, the best time for photo ops is before sunset for the Walt Disney Concert Hall and after sunset for the water feature (see photo on right). Make sure to bundle up for this outdoor event!

If you are already booked on Xmas Eve, watch the festivities from the comfort of your own home in real-time by one of the many options:
a) on television on channel KCET-TV
b) on the internet kcet.org
c) on the radio KPFK 90.7 FM.

Approximate cost of creative date idea = Free.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = Priceless.
Kiss & Tell Idea by LA Bargains (@LA Bargains)

51. Winter Craft Weekend at the Beach

Ok, that's not a real shark in the photo!
But there are live sharks inside the 3,500 gallon tank at the Roundhouse Aquarium at the end of Manhattan Beach Pier. The aquarium is open all year round, but why not go during Winter Craft Weekend!

Jaws spotted in Manhattan Beach
Originally uploaded by smhyla

This will be a family-friendly event with many activities for kids, but aren't you a kid at heart? Surround yourself here with holiday spirit (and sharks and eels). Don't worry, they won't touch you, but you can touch them... Nothing bites in the "touch tank", at least not as far as I know.

The event is Dec 19-20th at 10 AM til sunset. The City of Manhattan Beach shows their holiday spirit every year by making metered parking free for 3 hours. Get there in the afternoon for the event, then enjoy the sunset by taking a romantic stroll along shoreline or on The Strand (paved path for runners and bikers). Heck, bring your bikes while you're at it! It's an easy 2-mile bike ride south to the twin pier in Hermosa Beach. See Cheap Date Idea #6 for more info about this aquarium. For ideas on other things to do in the area, search this site by city or keyword, i.e. beach (use the search toolbar on the left or the new dropdown menu above). For more shark action, don't miss out on Cheap Date Idea #15.

Approximate cost of creative date idea = Free.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = Priceless.
Click here for map

List: Christmas Boat Parades 2009

Did Santa's reindeers take the day off? Row, row, row your kayak gently down the chimney...
Nah, it's a Kodak Moment captured at last year's Venice Canals boat parade.

venicecanalboatparade13
Originally uploaded
by indexfinger90230

Grab your date and go admire decked out boats for the holidays for FREE! Find a boat parade near you... Click for more info.

• 23. Naples Xmas Boat Parade - 12/19 (canals)
• 24. Newport Beach Boat Parade - 12/16-12/20 (longest event)
• 46. Redondo Beach King Harbor Christmas Boat Parade - 12/12
• 47. Venice Canals Holiday Boat Parade - 12/13 (canals)
• 48. Marina Del Rey Xmas Boat Parade & Fireworks - 12/12 (only parade with fireworks)

Other options around Los Angeles and Orange County include:

• Long Beach Parade of 1000 Lights at Shoreline Village - 12/12
• Santa Barbara Parade of Lights at Stears Wharf - 12/13
• Dana Point Boat of Parade of Lights in San Juan Capistrano - 12/11, 12/12, 12/18, 12/19
• 
  
• Click HERE for more free and cheap stuff to do this month of December. Also, the LA Times online is a good resource for other holiday celebrations. As for specific events around Orange County, check out this other website (click HERE).

48. Marina Del Rey Xmas Boat Parade & Fireworks - 12/12

Wow, a holiday boat parade AND fireworks?? This definitely is "Christmas in Paradise"!
That's the festive theme for Marina Del Rey's 47th Annual Holiday Boat Parade tomorrow, Saturday, December 12th.

Christmas Boat Parade 003
Originally uploaded by Dan Wuh

Make sure to get there before the fireworks show at 5:55 PM, then the parade goes 6-8 PM. Needless to say, there are several boat parades in LA and OC this month, but this might be the only one that is double the fun (including a fireworks display). The only other local fireworks that I know about for the holidays is on Sunday in Manhattan Beach (see Cheap Date Idea #21).

I must admit that this event's website is the most informative out of all! On the website, not only is there a list of the 10 FREE parking lots (no street parking available that day), but also photos of last year's Winners (see photo on right for the "Best Overall" Category) and also recommendations for the best viewing spots. Live music will be playing in Burton Chase Park. Or grab a bite to eat at Fisherman's Village. Enjoy!

Approximate cost of creative date idea = FREE.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = Priceless.
Click here for map.

47. Venice Canals Holiday Boat Parade - 12/13

Here's another FREE romantic date idea for the holidays!
For the 28th Annual Holiday Boat Parade, decorated kayaks, row boats, canoes and whatever floats will be floating through the Venice Canals along Dell Avenue this Sunday, December 13th, 4-8 PM.

IMG_2287
Originally uploaded by photoNiki

This boat parade starts earlier than most, which is perfect timing for enjoying the sunset! By the way, this is similar to the event at the Naples Canals in Long Beach next weekend (see Cheap Date Idea #23). Except the Venice Canals are supposed to emulate the famous canals of Venice, Italy. Ok, it's not Europe but at least you and your date can enjoy a romantic stroll here without the cost of 2 plane tickets!

I've personally...

46. Redondo Beach Xmas Boat Parade - 12/12

Here's yet another free thing to do this weekend!
On Saturday, December 12th from 5:30-7:00 PM, decked out boats (and dinghys as shown in the photo here) will be parading between King Harbor Marina and the Redondo Beach Pier (see route map online).

Santa's... dinghy?
Originally uploaded by snehls

This will be the 18th Annual King Harbor Christmas Parade in Redondo Beach. Come an hour or two early to take a romantic stroll along the one mile of waterfront during sunset. But make sure to stake your spot at one of the many restaurants, the Redondo Beach Yacht Club, the breakwalls or anywhere along the piers. Parking is available in the pier parking structure, Redondo Beach Marina and street parking (meters are free during this time of year). The weather bunny is predicting a 70% of light rain in the 50 degrees range, so bundle up (but I'm crossing my fingers that the weather bunny will be wrong again).

While you are having so much festive fun, why not...

42. Irvine Skate Spectrum (11/1-1/18)

If any of the 4 ice skating options are too much of a trek (Santa Monica, Redondo Beach, LA Live and Pershing Square), then Irvine will be the ice skating spot in Orange County.

Irvine Spectrum Ice rink
Originally uploaded by MOGua

An outdoor tented ice skating rink is set up next to the 108-foot ferris wheel. From Nov 1 to Jan 18th, the Skate Spectrum is open every day in one hour intervals til 9 PM on weekdays and 11:15 PM on weekends with 15 min breaks for re-icing, but check the schedule online for exceptions.. Skating admission is $11 per person and the skate rental is $4.50, while helmets are free. Parking is free and plentiful at the Irvine Spectrum.
After your ice skating escapade, explore the rest of the Irvine Spectrum, a great place for people-watching. One of my fave spots there is...

41. Downtown on Ice at Pershing Square

Downtown on Ice at Pershing
Square, Downtown Los Angeles
Originally uploaded by alossix

Only $6 for 1-hour plus $2 for ice skate rental, this is THE best deal for ice skating in LA! Downtown on Ice is celebrating it's 12th season at Pershing Square. Even though the rink has been open since Nov 19th, the Free Winter Holiday Festival is next weekend, Dec 12-13th, 11 AM- 6 PM. The festival activities will include: Free Snow Zone for sledding and romping, Free live puppet shows, Free photo moments and more!

The fun does not stop there! Downtown On Ice is the only venue to provide a Free Winter Concert Series at the ice rink: at 8-10 PM on Wednesday through Friday nights, in the afternoons on the weekends, and also during lunchtime concerts on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Check the calendar online for updates.

The rink is open daily until...

40. More FREE Rides at Magic Mountain

six flags sunset
Originally uploaded by PortugePunk

Get 2 toys and call it a date!
Six Flags Magic Mountain is having their 25th Annual Toy Drive, where they are giving away FREE 1-day admission for same day use in exchange for a new unwrapped $15 toy. Also bring the receipt and leave the price tag on when you show up at the ticket counter. That's not bad at all since the 1-Day General Admission is regularly $55 per person.

Why don't you double the fun and make it a surprise? Go to the toy store, pick up 2 toys, hide them in your trunk, and then drag your date to the amusement park without telling him/her. Of course, make sure that he/she does enjoy thrill rides first of all. Magic Mountain makes for a good "day date" since the park is open 10:30 AM - 6:00 PM, especially with the current cool weather (too hot in that area during summertime, in my opinion). This is not quite the cheapest date idea yet, but...

39. Winterlit Celebration in Santa Monica - 12/5

20071223-0078-1
Originally uploaded by frentzel

If you haven't been to the Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica yet, you should go this Saturday, Dec 5th, for the Winterlit Celebration! Starting at 5 PM, Brian McKnight with radio station 94.7 The Wave will be hosting Santa Monica's tree lighting ceremony as well as providing FREE musical entertainment, including an acoustic set of favorite holiday songs.

Even if you have "been there, done that", Third Street Promenade is always a fun place to go for people-watching, something that won't cost you a dime. Well, parking is only free for...

37. LA Kings Holiday Ice Skating

Nokia Plaza at LA Live
Originally uploaded by Michael Zampelli

How often can you go ice skating in California?? Apparently, this year there are 4 options where you can take your date: Redondo Beach, Santa Monica, and now 2 more in Downtown LA (rink #4 is Cheap Date Idea #42). Today, Thursday, Dec 3rd, marks the grand opening for the LA Kings Holiday Ice, located on Nokia Plaza in LA Live, right across from the Staples Center (same location for Cheap Date Idea #30). Boasting a rink size of 70 feet by 50 feet, the capacity is rated for 200 skaters.

The opening ceremony commences at 6 PM, then the tree lighting is 25 minutes after. The rest of the evening includes various performances by singers/bands, Santa Claus, Coca-Cola ice-skating polar bear, the LA Kings mascot, figure skater, skating team, and more. This outdoor rink will be lit up by the 11 giant LED screens, the 75,000 lights that adorn the 50 ten-foot angels, and 150 surrounding trees with 265,400 snowfall LED lights. The best part of this event is that it's FREE and open to the public.

If you can't make it today, the rink will be open daily until 11 PM through New Year's Eve (Dec 3-31). The best time of the day to go is when Santa Claus is in town of course! You can skate with Santa every day at 6:45-7:45 PM, and an extra hour on weekends at 3-4 PM. General admission is a mere $10, which includes 1 hour of fun and skate rental. Get a $1 discount by showing a student ID or a Metro pass. Speaking of which, take the bus into Downtown if you can, otherwise parking is $5 for the first 2 hours and another $5 for each additional 1/2 hour.

Approximate cost of creative date idea = FREE + $20 skating + $5 parking.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = Priceless.
Click here for map

UPDATE 12/08/09: 2-for-1 "Locals" discount coupon for LA Live ice skating available through local paper (click here for more info)
UPDATE 01/01/10: This ice rink is open for one more day on New Year's Day!


UPDATE 12/02/10: Ice skating is back in season! The price is now $12 for unlimited skating. Other rinks usually limit the time to 1-2 hours, so it's not bad if you love to skate. Click HERE for the schedule and more info. Unless you are not fond of crowds, a good time to go is this Saturday, Dec 4th, for the Annual Holiday Tree Lighting Event. Enjoy this winter sport until New Year's Day!