Has someone ideas what to do on Christmas Day in Los Angeles (besides visiting Disneyland)? We understand that almost everything is closed on Dec. 25th. We are a group of adults.

Check out the movie listings. Sometimes the studios will release films only in the LA market that they want to get in under the wire for Oscar consideration; we've seen movies in the Christmas-New Year week that weren't released in the rest of the country until well after the first of the year.

go out for Chinese food! Generally the Chinese restaurants are some of the few open, and in LA Chinatown, they are very good!!

If the weather is with you, this is the BEST day to take a drive in L.A. -- freeways actually work, and it's lovely.

Alternatives: Mid-day bike rides along the beach (or anywhere, actually); a walk down Hollywood Boulevard (not so frentic); a hike in Runyon Park, with drinks after at Yamashiro; a trip over to Griffith Park to see the evening light show(get there early so you won't be stuck in a huge line). A movie in Westwood Village is also a nice way to pass the day, or a picnic on the UCLA campus.

Hi - We were in Venice Beach on Christmas Day a few years ago. It was very laid back, pleasant weather. People were out and about and there were many rollerskaters/bladers who had gathered just off the beach, skating to disco music on Christmas Day! Only in LA, I guess. It was a lively atmosphere, but mellow at the same time, as people just hung out on the grass watching and having a good time. We had lunch at one of the diners/cafes. There were a few open, nothing fancy but nice to hang out in. My husband has also gone hiking in the national forest, just north of the city (can't remember the name). If you want to go further afield, we've also driven to Palm Springs from LA. Highly recommend the tram ride. Scenery is beautiful. It takes you from sea level and desert floor to a mountain top covered with pine trees and snow, where we were able to go snow tubing. Lastly, Joshua Tree is not too far from LA.

Check your map: If it's a nice day, drive through Malibu along the coast (pick up Highway 1 in Santa Monica as you come off the end of the 10 or at the bottom of California, or - if you're in the valley, take Topanga Canyon south then hang a right at the ocean front).

If Neptune's Net is open (on your right quite a ways out of the last of Malibu, about 20 miles or so from SM), stop in for seafood. Quaint melting pot of Malibu celebs, beach bums, and folks like yourselves.

Keep going through Oxnard and Ventura to Santa Barbara. Great ocean frontage ride for a big stretch.

Another great drive: Through Simi valley and Moorpark up over (23) the mountains to the 126 and Santa Paula, north (150) into Ojai then back through Ventura and Oxnard to L.A.

There won't be much traffic, most folks stay home.

WK

Thank you all. You have given us many good tips.