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Los Angeles provides no limit of things to do, some awesome and some not so awesome. Since time is precious in this fast paced city we curate a list of things to do in Los Angeles for every weekend that’ll help you decide how you want to spend your limited supply of attention (not to mention dollars!).
This weekend in L.A. from Friday, December 20 to Sunday, December 22 features Crimson Cabaret, a Holiday Sing-Along with the L.A. Phil, The 16th Annual Winter Holiday Festival, PJs and Movie Night at Blitzen’s, Chanukah at The Original Farmers Market and MUCH more.
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Remember you can always go to our L.A. events calendar page to get an updated rundown of what’s happening around the city.
Hope you find the rundown useful and, as always, enjoy your weekend!
Keep in mind that while we retain complete editorial control of our content, for some of the ticketing options provided we utilize affiliate links and receive a commission if you purchase through our links.
Friday December 20th, 2019
1. A new immersive experience transports guests to 1960s Berlin for a night of intrigue and espionage. Step into Crimson Cabaret nightclub and sip on era-inspired craft cocktails, listen to live original music, and take part in a world full of secrets where no one can be trusted and secret agents might approach you with a mission to complete. Crimson Cabaret runs this Thursday through Sunday, and continues on select dates through December.
2. Street Food Cinema and Heritage Square Museum team up for Yuletide Cinemaland. Enjoy a festive outdoor movie screening experience in a Victorian town square surrounded by Christmas carolers, food trucks, a Holiday Light Tunnel, Scrooge’s Dance Hall and more. This week they’ll be screening Home Alone on Friday, Gremlins on Saturday and The Muppets Christmas Carol on Sunday. Check for discounted tickets before making your purchase. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)
3. The Paley Center for Media celebrates the holidays with family-friendly experience PaleyLand. Guests can enjoy daily screenings of classic holiday TV programs, a Candy Cane Forest , arts and crafts, dreidel games, and free hot cocoa. No reservations are required. Open Wednesdays through Sundays till January 5, 2020. FREE
4. The El Capitan Theatre is the prime spot to see Star Wars: Rise of Skywalker, audiences will be treated to exclusive experiences that include the Evolution of the Stormtrooper™ costume exhibit plus costumes from the new movie. Before each movie, ticketed guests can also snap a photo with First Order Stormtrooper™ at a meet-and-greet and enjoy an all-new laser and light show. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)
5. Union Stations Cocoa Concerts continues with the tropical Latin sounds of QUITAPENAS. Guests will also enjoy a free cocoa bar, Santa selfies, a “Candy Cane Lane,” photo-ops, holiday-themed arts & crafts and more. FREE
6. The Eli and Edythe Broad Stage in Santa Monica welcomes National Geographic Live on December 19-20 with award-winning filmmaker and photographer Andy Mann as he looks back at his over 100 days (each year) at sea, documenting cutting-edge marine science and telling the story of rapid changing on our planet.
7. One of L.A.’s most magical holiday traditions, L.A. Zoo Lights returns November 15, 2019 through January 5, 2020 with thousands upon thousands of LED lights illuminating the zoo. Check for discounted tickets before making your purchase. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)
8. Score up to 80% off on mens and women’s apparel and accessories by WILDFOX during their two day epic sample sale.
9. It’s Freaky Fridays over at New Beverly Cinema, this week they’ll screen John Carpenter’s 1982 film The Thing in 35mm.
10. Get up close and personal with sharks at the Aquarium of the Pacific during Shark Lagoon Nights. Guests will have the opportunity to touch bamboo sharks and view large sharks in an after hours setting. FREE
11. Descanso Gardens’ Enchanted Forest of Light returns for another installment with a host of interactive displays and nighttime activities from November 17 through January 5, 2020.
12. Dive into the holiday season with a Queen Mary Christmas! The special event will see Christmas spirit lining the famous Long Beach vessel until January 1, 2020. Activities include a 26 feet tall Christmas tree, variety of holiday activities, an outdoor skating rink, live entertainment and much more. Occurring Thursdays through Sundays.
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13. 260LA will host a Reformation sample sale from December 17-22 in their Beverly Hills location.
14. CAGES is a brand new pop-rock musical from duo Woolf and the Wondershow that pushes the boundaries of what can be done on stage using elements of performance, projection, and sound. Shows run through Dec. 21.
15. The Scenario Studio is offering a free pop-up photo experience on Rodeo Drive daily through December 22. FREE
16. Corey Helford Gallery’s sixth annual Art Collector Starter Kit group show highlights affordable 12” x 12” works from 100 top New Contemporary artists, giving new art collectors and enthusiasts a chance to buy an original piece from artists. The show will be on view through January 18, 2020.
17. Zombie Joe’s Underground Theatre Group presents an all new holiday-horror-theatre attraction titled Dark Dark Ride Ride Holiday Nightmare. It’s a “wild ride through winter wonderHELL” that takes place Wednesdays through Saturdays from December 4-21.
Saturday December 21st, 2019
18. The Holiday Sing-Along with the L.A. Phil returns with a collection of classical and modern holiday tunes, all paired with vocals by the Angeles Chorale, and a live jazz combo. Happening this Saturday and Sunday.
19. The 16th Annual Winter Holiday Festival taking place at the EXPO Center will include free ice skating, food, live entertainment, a snow village, pictures with Santa, and much more. FREE
20. The Los Angeles Arboretum and Botanic Garden presents Moonlight Forest, where crafted lanterns line the garden grounds, some depicting animals, shimmering exotic flowers, and figures from Chinese legends. Happening Wednesdays through Sunday from November 9 through January 12, 2020. Check for discounted tickets before making your purchase. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)
21. Marina Lights Movie Night will screen Elf for free at Burton Chace Park. Before the show, carolers will perform holiday classics and guest can check out a photo booth, sip on hot cocoa and more. The screening takes place at 6 p.m.
22. Take a break from the holiday themed events and dance like a maniac during Get Lucky — An Indie Dance Party happening at The Satellite in Silver Lake. DJ’s will be spinning the best in Indie, Electro, Dance Punk and more. Music includes Daft Punk, LCD Soundsystem, Crystal Castles, Cut Copy, Empire of the Sun, The Faint and the list goes on. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)
23. This Saturday is Snow Day! at Common Space Brewery. Expect ten tons of snow, ice cold beer, some shopping and live music. All ages are welcomed and the event is free with an optional donation that will benefit Mychal’s Learning Place. 100% of donations go to the learning center.
24. Hear pitch perfect holiday tunes belted out by The Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles during their annual Holiday Spectacular show happening at Alex Theatre in Glendale this Saturday and Sunday.
25. Visit Dockweiler Youth Center for Beach Winter Wonderland, fun for the entire family this free event features bounce houses, winter activities, rides, and authentic snow at the beach. FREE
26. The Bai Holiday Ice Rink returns to Pershing Square from Nov. 14, 2019 to Jan. 2, 2020 featuring a 7200 square foot outdoor ice-skating experience. A wide variety of events will take place throughout the duration of the rink.
27. The Magical Chinese Lantern Festival returns to Fairplex starting Nov. 21 with a new theme for 2019-2020: Blooming Seasons. This year’s festival offers lantern displays as large as 30-feet high and 85-feet wide, highlighted by a 100-yard-long breathtaking Ceramic Chinese Dragon. Check for discounted tickets before making your purchase. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)
28. Skyspace Nights returns with DJ Diallo Riddle spinning tunes with access to all three floors of the space. Your first drink is free with admission!
29. Artists & Fleas takes over Grand Central Market for a holiday pop-up on Saturday and Sunday. Spend the day buying up unique gifts and exploring delicious eats at the historic food hall.
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30. NoMad Los Angeles gets in the holiday spirit with a Holiday Spectacular cocktail pop up every weekend from 5-11 p.m. in the Coffee Bar. Guests will enjoy “Naughty” and “Nice” cocktails from the NoMad team.
31. The team behind LA’s award-winning series For The Record has a new production coming to The Wallis’ Bram Goldsmith Theater. Richard Curtis’s Love Actually will be transformed into a one-of-a-kind multimedia screen and stage event starting November 27. The film and live music blend together as the story unfolds throughout the London setting. Performances continue through December 29. Check for discounted tickets before making your purchase. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)
32. Malibu Country Mart celebrates the holiday season with a Winter Wonderland this Saturday that includes complimentary photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, live carolers, festive arts & crafts and real reindeer! All activities are free to experience.
33. WISHLIST, Gabba Gallery’s annual holiday show runs November 16 through December. Now in its seventh year, the event is a great way for folks getting into art collecting. Prices start at $50 and nothing is over $1000. Artworks are a mixed bag of local and international artists. Gallery hours are Wednesday through Saturday, from noon to 3 p.m. or by appointment.
34. Norton Simon Museum hosts a Drop-in Drawing every Saturday. Guests can pick up a drawing board, paper and pencil at the Information Desk and enjoy drawing in the galleries and Sculpture Garden.
35. Enjoy a special performance of The Nutcracker (November 29 to December 24) by the American Contemporary Ballet at Metropolis Los Angeles. Occurring Thursdays through Sundays.
Sunday December 22nd, 2019
36. Warm up your singing voices because there’s a White Christmas Sing-Along with the LA Phil this Sunday. Sing along to the special remastered movie with lyrics on the screen so you won’t miss a beat. Check for discounted tickets before making your purchase. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)
37. Here and Now transforms it’s space into a holiday bar called Blitzen’s from December 3-31. Get transported to the the North Pole and enjoy 15 festival cocktails, a seasonal food menu with offerings like Christmas poutine, themed entertainment and more. Here and Now is spreading the holiday spirit with a screening of Christmas Vacation, as well as plenty of seasonal cocktails and bites. This Sunday wear your PJ’s and onesies for an evening pajama party and screening of Christmas Vacation.
38. Grand Park’s Winter Glow is a free night time art experience covering 12 acres of Grand Park in Downtown Los Angeles and the newly renovated Music Center Plaza. Whimsical artistic projections and light displays will illuminate paths and play off of the park’s most iconic elements. The holiday-inspired event will run nightly from Dec. 6 to 25. This Sunday to honor the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah, a menorah in Grand Park and also on The Music Center Plaza will be lit for the eight nights. FREE
39. Seedlip the world’s first distilled non-alcoholic spirit company will hold a Sustainable Cocktail Class led by Kim Stodel, Head Bartender of Providence. Guests will learn how to mix up their own non-alcoholic cocktails in a no-waste manner that can be applied again and again at home. Tickets to the class are $35 a person. The event takes place at the Seedlip General Store at Rolling Greens Downtown Los Angeles.
40. Head to The Original Farmers Market for a Chanukah celebration and enjoy candle making, arts & crafts with PJ Library, face painting, and live entertainment by Jason Mesches. A larger-than-life LEGO Menorah will also be built throughout the day. At 5 p.m. Rabbi Fischer of Miracle Mile Chabad will light the menorah. FREE
41. Smorgasburg LA closes out its last market of 2019 this Sunday. Enjoy a massive roster of indie food pop ups, merchandise vendors and more. Happening at ROW DTLA.
42. Stop into Hamburger Mary’s for their Legendary Bingo night this Sunday at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m.
43. The Christmas classic It’s a Wonderful Life will be screened at the Warner Grand Theatre in San Pedro. Check for discounted tickets before making your purchase. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)
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44. WP24 by Wolfgang Puck’s Sunday “Kitchen Brunch” invites the public to explore live culinary stations inspired by holiday season flavors. This Sunday the team will welcome Santa Claus to brunch!
45. The Holiday Light Festival Train Ride at Griffith Park is a festive one mile ride on the tracks with tens of thousands of lights to get you in the Holiday spirit. Running November 29 through December 30.
46. The annual LA Kings Holiday Ice happening at L.A. LIVE’s Microsoft Square is a daily outdoors holiday skating rink. Open November 30, 2019 through January 12, 2020.
47. Since 1969 Bob Baker’s Marionette Theater’s adaptation of the Nutcracker has been warming hearts and delighting kids and adults during the holidays. The show includes over 100 handmade puppets at the Pasadena Playhouse. Running now until December 29.
48. Get into the winter spirit when ICE at Santa Monica returns with a 8,000 square foot ice skating rink. Running November 1, 2019 through January 20, 2020.
49. Free admission day: Craft and Folk Art Museum (pay what you can) and Museum of Latin American Art
Food Pick for the Week
This week’s pick by Christina Champlin, Co-Founder of We Like L.A.
Dec. 22 kicks off the eight-day Hanukkah holiday and below are a few casual options to sip and dine on latkes, chicken liver, matzo ball soup and more.
- Mari Los Angeles will host Hanukkah dinners from December 22-30 with a special three-course prix-fixe menu prepared by Chef Brian Bellicourt in the Hanukkah tradition. The menu includes choices like Chicken Liver Toast, Matzo Ball Soup, Slow Roasted Brisket and Potato Crusted Salmon. Pastry Chef Gail’s signature, Sufganyot will be served for dessert. The Sufganyot is a round doughnut filled with jelly or custard eaten during Hanukkah. The prix-fixe menu cost $48 a person. A children’s menu is also available upon request. Dinner runs 5:30 to 9 p.m.
- Avalon Hotel Beverly Hills’ poolside restaurant, Viviane will roll out a Hanukkah menu from December 22-30 that includes a three course meal with options like Potato Latkes, Challah, Herb Roasted Chicken, Slow Roasted Brisket and more. The Hanukkah menu is offered from 3 to 9 p.m. for $55 per person.
- InterContinental Los Angeles Century City’s Eight Crazy Nights of Cocktails will have you buzzing for Hanukkah. Beverage manager Silvia Rho offers a Jewish twist on favorite festive libations, which change each day and are only available on the night noted. The cocktails include Lights of Kikori (night 1), Manischewitz Mojito (night 2), The Chosen One (night 3), Apricot & Dark Chocolate Gelt Martini (night 4), Sufaganiyah Jelly Donut Martini (night 5), He-Brewed (night 6), Vodkas & Latkes (night 7) and Star of Century City (night 8). The specialty cocktails will be served at both Mari Los Angeles and Copper Lounge from Dec. 22-30. Each cocktail cost $12.
- Preux & Proper Beverage Director Kassday Wiggins has been busy whipping up festive holiday cocktails all month long. Her Hanukkah inspired libation “I Dread-el the Holidays” is made with Bombay Sapphire, lemon, chai, blue spirulina algae, a fortune cookie, and edible gold.
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