Pet-Friendly Guide to the Best Free Holiday Photo Spots in Los Angeles

Hey there, festive dog parents! Your favorite LA pup and holiday photo expert is here to help you capture the magic of the season with your pup while exploring this city. Los Angeles goes all out for the holidays, with festive decor and larger-than-life Christmas trees, and I've found the best free and pet-friendly holiday photo spots for your holiday photo adventures. So, get your cameras ready, grab those holiday accessories, and follow my lead!

Ultimate Guide to Free Pet-friendly Holiday Photo Spots in Los Angeles

Union Station Square

Address : 800 N Alameda St, Los Angeles, CA 90012

FIGat7th

Address : 735 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90017

The Bloc

Address : 700 W 7th St, Los Angeles, CA 90017

Insider Tip: Meet Santa Paws, take photos with him and show him your pup deserves to be on the Nice List this year. Click here to reserve your spot. I will be there too so come and say hi!

Gloria Molina Grand Park

Address : 200 N Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Dorothy Chandler Pavilion

Address : 135 N Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012

ROW DTLA

Address : 777 S Alameda St, Los Angeles, CA 90021

Insider Tip: If you're not sure your pup made it on Santa's Nice List this year, make your way to Pretty Good Boy, one of my favorite pet shops, for a curated selection of single ingredient treats and holiday toys.

The Original Farmers Market

Address : 6333 W 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90036

Insider Tip: Make sure you drop by The Dog Bakery for some holiday treats. My personal favorites are the mutter butter bars, munchkins and carrot cake.

The Grove

Address : 189 The Grove Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90036

Insider Tip: The trolley is free and pet-friendly, so if you trust your pup not to jump off of a moving trolley, sit on the upper deck for a cool Christmas drive-thru experience.

The Americana at Brand

Address : 889 Americana Way, Glendale, CA 91210

Citadel Outlets

Address : 100 Citadel Dr, Commerce, CA 90040

Fun Fact: Did you know they have the biggest live tree in California every year? It's truly magical seeing it in person that I get so tempted to mark it.

Two Rodeo Drive

Address: 9480 Dayton Wy, Beverly Hills, CA 90210

Downtown Burbank

Address: 301 N San Fernando Blvd, Burbank, CA 91502 (start here and walk around)

Insider Tip: If you are looking for unique holiday presents, explore the Winter Arts Festival. From handmade items to delicious holiday goodies, Jackalope Fair is your one stop shop for Christmas shopping.

Content Tips for Capturing the Perfect Holiday Photos With Your Pet

1. Arrive Early: Arriving early not only gives you ideal lighting but also helps you avoid crowds, which is key for capturing those calm, distraction-free shots of your pup. Since most of the places I listed are outdoor shopping malls, arriving before 8:00 a.m. at these spots would be ideal.

   
   

2. Accessorize for Festive Flair: Dress your pup in a holiday sweater, scarf, or festive hat to add a fun, seasonal touch to your photos. It's incredible how a little accessory can make your photos extra festive!

   
   

3. Adjust for Scale: When positioning your pup next to a large tree or holiday display, place them closer to the camera. This way, they'll stand out and not get lost next to oversized decorations. This is especially helpful for smaller pups so you can easily spot our cute faces in the photos.

Union Station's South Patio

With these festive, pet-friendly, free holiday photo spots around Los Angeles, you and your pup can capture the magic of the season!

For more dog-friendly holiday activities, photo tips, and inspiration, follow me on Instagram @sweetlifeofcalvin and subscribe to my newsletter.

Let’s make this holiday season truly pawfect! 🎄🐾