Five fun things to do in LA over winter break

A+giant+pair+of+high+heels+stands+in+the+center+of+one+of+the+rooms+at+Happy+Place.+Happy+Place+is+located+in+Downtown.

Photo credit: Chloe Sommer

A giant pair of high heels stands in the center of one of the rooms at Happy Place. Happy Place is located in Downtown.

Whether you’re traveling abroad or staying local in Los Angeles, winter break is a time of relaxation and fun. Due to Archer Forward construction, Archer students have three weeks off this year as opposed to the normal two.

If you are in need of some local activities to engage in, we’ve got you covered. Try out one of the five ideas below in Los Angeles for December and January.

Happy Place

When you visit LA’s latest Instagram-inspired space, be prepared for lots of selfie opportunities. Founded earlier this year, Happy Place, in Downtown’s Art District, is a pop-up filled with different rooms. Each offers a unique experience.

Some are filled with flower installations, while others have a giant pot of plastic gold coins that visitors can jump into  — this is a great Boomerang opportunity. Happy Place is something you don’t want to miss.

Happy Place is located at 1242 Palmetto St. and is open daily from 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. However, please note that it is closed on Tuesday.

Eataly L.A.

Located in the newly renovated Westfield Century City mall, this collection of Italian eateries, bakeries and merchants is one of the most exciting things that has happened to L.A. in a long time. Prior to Eataly’s Los Angeles opening, the brand has opened spaces in New York and Chicago.

There are countless types of pasta, pizza and other Italian foods available. Eataly even offers cooking and baking classes.

It is located at 10250 Santa Monica Blvd. and is open from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily.

Psych: The Movie

If you love a wicked-smart comedy, then “Psych: The Movie is perfect for you. Based off of the long-running TV series, this TV movie brings back most of the original cast. “Psych” tells the story of Shawn Spencer, a psychic detective, and his partner and best friend, Burton Guster, who solve mysteries together alongside the Santa Barbara Police Department.

If you haven’t seen the TV show, you are seriously missing out, and you need to binge-watch. That’s another thing to do over the three weeks we have off from school.

Originally, the movie aired on USA Network the week of Dec. 3, but there will likely be re-runs throughout the holiday season, and the two-hour special is also available on iTunes.

The Butcher, The Baker, & The Cappuccino Maker Cafe 

I personally would want to visit this restaurant just because of its cute name alone. The Butcher, The Baker, & The Cappuccino Maker Cafe offers farm-to-table ingredients that change according to the season. The menu is wide-ranging and includes everything from squid ink risotto to a vegan grain bowl to avocado toast.

The restaurant’s interior is filled with cheery, bright colors, including some comfortable yellow couches. It also boasts a large outdoor patio.

You can find this up and coming restaurant in West Hollywood at 8553 Sunset Blvd. The business is open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.

Yayoi Kusama’s Infinity Mirrors

Check out famed artist Yayoi Kusama’s exhibition at The Broad Museum in Downtown L.A. for some major visual inspiration. Continuing her talent for constructing avant-garde works, Kusama created six different kaleidoscopic environments that incorporate light and reflection. One of the rooms features Kusama’s distinct giant yellow pumpkins, all of which are covered in polka dots.

The exhibit only runs until Jan. 1, so be sure to get there quickly. The immersive infinity rooms are incomparable and an unforgettable experience.

The Broad is closed on Mondays and is located at 221 S. Grand Ave.

Los Angeles offers many cultural experiences, so make sure to take advantage of them this winter break.