Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Cultural Insights into Los Angeles
  • Eating Out
  • Tipping
  • Don’t Discuss Politics
  • Don’t Touch the Americans!
  • Sports
  • Americans are Loud!
  • Los Angeles is Very Active
  • Patriotism
  • Acceptance
• Holidays and Important Dates
  • New Year’s Day (January 1)
  • Martin Luther King’s Birthday (January 20)
  • Valentine’s Day (February 14)
  • St. Patrick’s Day (March 17)
  • Caesar Chavez Day (March 31)
  • Easter (Depends)
  • Cinco de Mayo (May 5)
  • Memorial Day (May 27)
  • Juneteenth (June 19)
  • Independence Day (July 4)
  • Labor Day (September 2)
  • Halloween (October 31)
  • Veterans Day (November 11)
  • Thanksgiving Day (Last Thursday of November)
  • Christmas Eve (December 24)
  • Christmas Day (December 25)
  • New Year’s Eve (December 31)
• Conclusion
• Los Angeles Blogs

Introduction

I often hear that the United States is devoid of culture, but I think that is far from the truth. The countless communities that call Los Angeles home make it a unique place, one very distinct from other places in the United States. Among that, there ar important dates that can transform Los Angeles into somthing different. This blog post will cover some Los Angeles cultural insights and important dates.

Cultural Insights into Los Angeles

Culture is prevalent in every part of the world and defines countries, ethnic groups, and cities. Whether you are walking through Downtown Los Angeles, soaking in the sun at Venice Beach, or enjoying the adrenaline at Six Flags: Magic Mountain, there is an underlying thread of L.A. culture. This section is only meant to inform travelers and give a glimpse into L.A. life and culture.

Eating Out

Restaurants are a very common way of life in Los Angeles for both its citizens and travelers. The etiquette and way you approach restaurants are different in Los Angeles than in other places. Firstly, I’d say only about half of eateries in L.A. take reservations, but normally the more fancy and expensive ones do, so call or check online before you show up. When you arrive at your desired place, you will wait to be seated. Normally there will be a sign, but if not, stand at the entrance to be seated or be put on the waitlist.

One thing I noticed that is different in the U.S. is that the waiter/waitress will ask many times throughout your meal how things are going. The United States is home to some of the best customer service in the world, so they will periodically check in to make sure you don’t need refills and to see if your food came out well. It is also worth noting that if you order a fountain drink (soda, iced tea, lemonade, etc.) they do come with free refills.

The water is always free, but be sure to ask for no ice if you do not want ice. Ice will come with the water by default so say something if you do not want ice-cold water.

You may have heard that the portion sizes in the United States are bigger and that is true. Do not be surprised if you don’t finish your meal because it is a lot of food. Most places will provide “doggy bags,” which is a bag or container to put away extra food so you can take home. Just ask for a doggy bag or container if you don’t think you will finish your food. When you are done eating, you can wait for the waiter/waitress to return and ask for a check or call them over politely. Please do not whistle, clap, or shout. They are humans, not your pets.

It is common practice in the United States that if you pay with a credit or debit card, the waiter/waitress will take your card with them to pay. I know it is a little strange, but in most scenarios, they take your card for payment. In the U.S. dinner does not last for more than two hours and if you take too long in a restaurant, the waiter/waitress may “check in” more frequently to give you the hint it is time to leave.

Tipping

This is my least favorite thing about Los Angeles. In my opinion, tipping culture is rampant and unfortunately, it doesn’t look like it’s leaving anytime soon. The average amount to tip in restaurants is 15–20 percent on top of your bill. It is not legally required but a cultural expectation. So what and who do you tip? Well, everyone, it seems! The most common places to tip are restaurants, hair salons, anything to do with cosmetics, and ride-share apps like Uber and Lyft. In other scenarios, a tip will be asked, but it’s not expected, like fast-food restaurants (if you pay in person), cafés like Starbucks and Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, and some tours.

Most times if you do not leave a tip, they won’t say anything, but in uncommon circumstances, they may question why you didn’t leave a tip. Some restaurants will automatically include a tip on your bill and that will be listed as “gratuity.” Double-check or inquire if gratuity has been added so you don’t double-tip. As you can see, tipping is heavily intertwined in not only L.A. but also U.S. culture. This is the biggest shock that gets international travelers when they visit Los Angeles.

Don’t Discuss Politics

I feel like this tip is applicable in almost every country, but politics should not be discussed as a tourist. Politics can land you in a heated argument or on the receiving end of a speech you don’t want to hear. If you get asked about political parties or presidential candidates, I suggest you play dumb or don’t answer the question. Generally speaking, most people in Los Angeles are liberals, but that does not encompass everyone and should not be taken as “everyone in Los Angeles is a Democrat”. Both parties exist here and best to steer clear of these conversations.

Don’t Touch the Americans!

Most of the United States is not a touching culture. If you are in a situation where you are introducing yourself, just extend your hand and shake the other person, whether they are male or female. They do not hug (on first interactions) or kiss. If you overly touch an American, they will get uncomfortable and make it visually or verbally known.

This also applies to lines or queues. When you are waiting in line, either for an ATM or a line at Universal Studios Hollywood, keep a distance. I get it, other places stand person to person, but not in L.A. No one will cut in line (if that’s what you are afraid of), and it’s safer for both parties. These customs extend to other places, such as seats at a bar or urinals in the men’s restroom.

Sports

Sports are very embedded in American culture. People will wear their favorite teams on their clothing, have team flags, decorate their cars in team gear, and even get related tattoos. Traditionally, people tend to support the nearest major league team to their birthplace. So on your trip to Los Angeles, you will see a lot of different team pride. L.A. has two baseball teams, two basketball teams, two American football teams, one hockey team, and one soccer (Football) team (which will be listed below in order from most to least popular). Don’t be surprised if a game is going on, and you go to a bar, there is loud cheering or upset screaming (depending on who’s winning). Sports are a fabric of American life and the abundant amount of teams in Los Angeles, means you will see many representations.

American Football

? Los Angeles Chargers

? Los Angeles Rams

Baseball

? Los Angeles Dodgers

? Los Angeles Angels

Basketball

? Los Angeles Clippers

? Los Angeles Lakers

Hockey

? Los Angeles Kings

Soccer / Football

? Los Angeles Galaxy

Americans are Loud!

I feel as if this is true, especially in Los Angeles. Everywhere you go, whether it be a restaurant, the L.A. Metro, or waiting in line at one of the amusement parks, Americans speak very loud. I know other cultures are very quiet when they are telling a story, gossiping, etc. but you will know whether someone is from the United States or not depending on their volume. I guess we never learned the difference between our indoor and outdoor voices.

Los Angeles is Very Active

Los Angeles is a very active city and many people work to stay in shape. I guess this breaks the obese American stereotype. Hiking, running, biking, kayaking, and going to the gym are heavily embedded in Los Angeles. In fact, Los Angeles is ranked as one of the top ten healthiest cities in the United States. Alongside the gyms, there are organic markets, healthy eating establishments, and so much more spread out around the city. Although the city is foodie heaven, there is not a lack of spots to make sure you stick to your New Year’s resolution.

Patriotism

The United States is very patriotic. You will see the U.S. flag everywhere throughout your visit to the U.S. and Los Angeles. Construction zones, schools, factories, government buildings, shopping centers, and some museums will have a flag pole with the U.S. flag flowing in the sky. If you ever attend a sporting event at one of the many stadiums in Los Angeles, you will always see everyone stand while they play the national anthem (The Star Spangled Banner). Many Americans will also have clothing or tattoos displaying not only their country but also their state. This is a societal norm in the U.S. and is almost expected. Patriotism is very prevalent in American culture which may be a shock when you visit the U.S. in general.

Acceptance

Los Angeles is one of the most open-minded and accepting cities on Earth. There is pride for almost anything, and bigotry is widely disliked. You will see people of all shapes, sizes, colors, and beliefs happily co-existing in this southern California metropolis. The city works as a mixed pot of open personalities and individuals. If you see something you don’t like or don’t agree with, please just keep it to yourself, and go on enjoying your trip.

Holidays and Important Dates

Holidays and other important dates are important when you travel. Sometimes they can make or break a trip, as you may want to visit Los Angeles during Halloween or avoid Los Angeles during Christmas because of how expensive it can get. The most important and federally recognized holidays will be italicized. What differentiates these important holidays from other dates? Well, these holidays see many businesses closed, including government buildings and banks (keep in mind ATMs still work). I will briefly describe the holidays as well as organize them chronologically. Here are the most important holidays and important dates in Los Angeles.

New Year’s Day (January 1)

New Year’s Day is celebrated in most cities worldwide, and Los Angeles is no exception. It celebrates the first day of a brand-new year. In L.A. and most of the United States, many government buildings, museums, and banks (ATMs still function) will be closed. Alongside those, some retailers and grocery stores may be closed, but most, alongside theme parks, will have reduced hours, so double-check before you go. There is usually nothing special being done in Los Angeles on this day since I feel most people are recovering from partying the night prior.

Martin Luther King’s Birthday (January 20)

Martin Luther King’s Birthday is a federal holiday in the United States. It celebrates the birth year of Martin Luther King Jr. who was integral in the Civil Rights Movement that would later desegregate the United States. Government buildings will be closed like the post office and banks (ATMs will still function), alongside any schools that are in session. There is usually nothing special being done in Los Angeles on this day.

Valentine’s Day (February 14)

Ah, the day of love. Valentine’s Day celebrates all the happy couples and sees it celebrated more than normal in Los Angeles. All stores, restaurants, schools, museums, etc. remain open. This day is normally celebrated by couples and is the worst day to go out to dinner in Los Angeles. Waits can be over three hours long for a table, and the night is best avoided since many couples use this day for a romantic night out. Some bars may also have some happy hours or discounts, but this day mostly impacts restaurants.

St. Patrick’s Day (March 17)

St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated in the U.S. differently than Ireland. In the U.S., many people use this day to dress in green and party. In Los Angeles, many bars and clubs may have deals going on to try and drive in business as many Americans tend to party on this day. This day is not observed as a holiday so hours and buildings are unaffected.

Caesar Chavez Day (March 31)

Caesar Chavez Day is a public holiday that celebrates Caesar Chavez. Caesar Chavez was a civil rights leader who fought for the rights of legal migrant workers in California. This day is celebrated more in California than in other parts of the country and sees some government buildings closed as well as schools. Many places around Los Angeles will have Chicano celebrities honoring and celebrating Caesar Chavez.

Easter (Depends)

Easter is very important in Christianity and the date aligns after or on the spring equinox (It’s confusing, I recommend you google it). It memorizes the resurrection of Jesus Christ and is celebrated throughout the United States and many Latin American countries. In the United States, many people will attend church and hide Easter eggs throughout their yards and houses for children to find. In Los Angeles, there may be community Easter egg hunts for children under a certain age to participate in and some retailers and grocery stores may have reduced hours.

Cinco de Mayo (May 5)

Cinco de Mayo is a holiday that comes from Mexico. It celebrates the Mexican victory over the French in 1862. Just like St. Patrick’s Day, this day is celebrated much more in the United States than in its country of origin, Mexico. In Los Angeles, many bars and clubs may have deals going on to try and drive in business, as many Americans tend to party on this day. Some Mexican restaurants may also have some deals and discounts on their tacos and tequila shots as well. This day is not observed as a holiday, so hours and buildings are unaffected.

Memorial Day (May 27)

Memorial Day is a federal holiday, and it is aimed to celebrate all the U.S. soldiers who have died for their country. Since it is a federal holiday, all banks (ATMs will still function), government buildings, schools, and some independent businesses will be closed. All other stores and facilities should remain open. There may be some community events or celebrations on some museum campuses, but other than that it should remain fairly quiet.

Juneteenth (June 19)

Juneteenth is newer federal holiday commerating the end of slavery in the United States. Although the day has been recognized for years it officially became a federal holiday in 2021. Since it is a federal holiday, all banks (ATMs will still function), government buildings, schools, and some independent businesses will be closed. All other stores and facilities should remain open.

Independence Day (July 4)

Independence Day (colloquially referred to as “July Fourth or Fourth of July”) celebrities the day the United States became an independent country in 1776. Since the United States is very patriotic, most places will be closed except fast-food restaurants, retail and department stores, and some restaurants. Later on in the evening, many places around Los Angeles have fun celebrations commemorating this holiday. The Hollywood Bowl, Venice Beach, and Marina del Rey put on some amazing fireworks displays later on in the evening, but make sure you book your tickets (if needed) because they sell out. 

For my out-of-towners (outside of California) and international tourists, please remember that most fireworks are illegal in California. You can be fined up to $1,500.00 / €1,403.21 for your first offense. Some of the ones sold in California are legal because they are close to the ground and do not pose as big a threat as the larger ones do. If you want to set up large fireworks by yourself, you will need to drive east into Arizona, as they are legal there (keep in mind they are also illegal in Nevada). They are only legal for 27 days out of the year and are pretty expensive, so if you want to do that you can. Also, if you transport fireworks from Arizona to California, you can be prosecuted by federal law, do not do it.

Labor Day (September 2)

This is yet another federal holiday aimed to commemorate the workers in the U.S. and their historical impact.  Since it is a federal holiday, all banks (ATMs will still function), government buildings, schools, and some independent businesses will be closed. All other stores and facilities should remain open. There may be some community events or celebrations, but other than that it should remain fairly quiet.

Halloween (October 31)

Halloween is not a federal holiday, but in Los Angeles, it is done up big. The entire month of October has a Halloween atmosphere. In the United States, it is very common for children to dress up in costumes and go around asking for candy. As a tourist, I don’t think you will see it all too much since it is mostly in residential areas, but it’s a cool thing to note. Many places around the city will put up spooky decor and offer unique fall flavors.

Places like Griffith Park having unique attractions like the Haunted Hayride, during October month. Alongside Griffith Park, both theme parks in the areas transform their parks to give you some scares. Six Flags: Magic Mountain becomes Six Flags: Freight Fest and Universal Studios Hollywood becomes Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights (It is worth noting that Knott’s Berry Farm and Disneyland also transform their park, but they will be discussed in a different blog post since they are not in Los Angeles). These theme parks offer spooky treats, scary mazes, and alters to some of their attractions. Halloween is my favorite time to visit Universal Studios Hollywood, I mean, where else can you have Leatherface or Micheal Myers chase you?

Veterans Day (November 11)

Veterans Day commemorates all the U.S. veterans and their sacrifices for their country. It is also another federal holiday aimed to commemorate the workers in the U.S. and their historical impact.  Since it is a federal holiday, all banks (ATMs will still function), government buildings, schools, and some independent businesses will be closed. All other stores and facilities should remain open. Also, if you are a U.S. veteran, many museums in Los Angeles offer free admission to veterans on this day. There may be some community events or celebrations, but other than that it should remain fairly quiet.

Thanksgiving Day (Last Thursday of November)

Now we reach Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving is vital to both American culture and cuisine. The holiday, which falls on the last Thursday of November, is most commonly celebrated by gathering at the table and eating a very large feast. This holiday is very important, so it’s common for many areas in the country to be closed on this day. All banks (ATMs will still function), government buildings, schools (which normally have the whole week off), museums, and some independent businesses will be closed. Anything else open will have reduced hours. If you have the opportunity to join in on American Thanksgiving, it is a wonderful experience I’m sure both you and your stomach will enjoy. This is a very busy time to be in L.A.

Christmas Eve (December 24)

Christmas Eve is not recognized as a federal holiday, but it is a very important day. Nothing will be closed, but many locations may have reduced hours. Christmas Eve is the busiest shopping day of the year in the United States. If you need to get anything from food to toiletries, I do not recommend shopping on this day. On this day, some places may have some winter celebrations and festive areas ready to begin the main event the next day.

Christmas Day (December 25)

This is the most popular holiday in the U.S. Christmas is the day so many people look forward to. Everything around the city from trees to buildings is decorated in festive decor. All banks (ATMs will still function), government buildings, schools (which normally have up to a month off), museums, and most independent businesses will be closed. The only places open on Christmas are fast-food restaurants, and they also have reduced hours. Both theme parks in the area transform their parks to give you some holiday cheer. Six Flags: Magic Mountain has a separate section called “Holiday at the Park” which is an area with fake snow and sometimes Santa Claus! 

Universal Studios Hollywood has two sections that celebrate the holidays in unique ways. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is themed by the popular film series. It also has Grinchmas which is a little section that is themed after “How the Grinch Stole Christmas”. Although both parks are themed very nicely, I think they are better to visit during Halloween. (It is worth noting that Knott’s Berry Farm and Disneyland also transform their park, but they will be discussed in a different blog post since they are not in Los Angeles). This is the most expensive time to visit Los Angeles but the most beautiful.

New Year’s Eve (December 31)

New Year’s Eve acts very much like Christmas Eve. Nothing will be closed, but many locations may have reduced hours. Also, schools have already ended for winter break. New Year’s Eve is the party time in Los Angeles. There are places to see the fireworks that bring in the new year. Marina del Rey, Santa Monica, and Long Beach are among the most popular places to see the fireworks that erupt this first minute of the new year. Universal Studios Hollywood also has a New Year’s celebration in the park. If you are in Los Angeles during New Year’s Eve, be prepared for higher prices, more crowds, and colder nights.

There are many more religious holidays and important dates celebrated in Los Angeles including Passover, Hanukkah, etc. That list would be too long, so I’ve compiled a list I felt you would like to know the most and some that impact Los Angeles the most.

Conclusion

This blog post was just a broad guide to explain Los Angeles culture and important dates. Have you been to Los Angeles during a major holiday? If you have any questions, suggestions, or comments, feel free to post them below. Also, please check out blog posts related to Los Angeles below, or go back to the Los Angeles page to learn more about traveling to Los Angeles.