New York City has Rockefeller Center. In Southern California, L.A. natives lay claim to Pershing Square in downtown Los Angeles – which, according to the Department of Parks and Recreation, is also known as the “Rockefeller Center of the West.”

This is, of course, during the brisk winter months, when Pershing Square ­ a block of land situated at the cross section of Olive and Fifth Streets in the heart of downtown – plays home to Southern California's largest outdoor ice skating rink. Because this city is also home to Hollywood, though, L.A. takes the art of simple ice skating up a notch with “Glide-In Movies.”

The series, put on by the Department of Parks and Recreation, involves projecting a film every Wednesday night (through January 10) under the stars at Pershing Square. Skaters can watch and listen to the film while they sashay around the rink. The movie is free with the price of admission ($6 per person, plus $2 skate rental), and is open to the public.

Upcoming screenings include Beauty and the Beast's Enchanted Christmas (Dec. 13); It's A Wonderful Life (Dec. 20); E.T. (Dec. 27); Nanny McPhee (Jan. 3); and Dr. Seuss' The Cat in the Hat . As you can tell, all films are heartwarming and family friendly.

For more information, visit www.laparks.org.