Posted by Every week in Los Angeles there are tons of great things to do (even before the weekend gets started) that we think you ought to have on your radar. With that in mind, we put together a list every Monday morning to keep you in the know about what’s happening in the city you love (or maybe just like).
This week includes the LA County Holiday Celebration, winter solstice at Descanso Gardens, Venice Canals Holiday Lights Tours, CHILL at the Queen Mary, and plenty of other ways to get in the holiday spirit.
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Hope you find the rundown useful and, as always, enjoy your week!
[RELATED: The Best Way to Find Discount Events in Los Angeles]
[REMINDER: In some cases We Like L.A. does receive revenue when visitors click on ticket links and make purchases, however we maintain complete editorial control over the events we suggest. Basically, it only makes it on to the website if we think it is cool!]
Monday December 21st, 2015
1. Venice Canals Holiday Walking Tour: Historic Film Clips & Light Displays
The Venice Canals light up with festive lights, annually just in time for Christmas. Come out and explore the spectacle through a walking tour provided by Vintage Venice Reel to Real Tours. Your guide Jonathan Kaplan will provide a unique insight into the history of Venice while guiding you to some of the neighborhoods’ most treasured spots and hidden gems. Happening all week (even Christmas) for more information and discount tickets visit our friends at Goldstar.
2. Horns A Plenty Christmas
The folks at Grand Performances are hosting a trio of one-hour holiday concerts at California Plaza off Grand Ave. The last one is on Monday and involves a mass horn choir with both Christmas and Hannukah songs.
3. CHILL at the Queen Mary
The Queen Mary will once again be overtaken by a deep freeze for the fourth annual CHILL! Experience the Ice Kingdom, glacier glide ice tubing, ice skating and plenty of holiday entertainment. P.S. The Ice Kingdom will be introducing the New Holiday Ice Bar for adults! Runs now until January 10. For more information and discounted tickets seven days a week, visit our friends at Goldstar.
4. Star Wars: The Force Awakens At El Capitan
Hollywood’s legendary El Capitan Theatre presents a special engagement of Lucasfilm “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” December 18, 2015 through February 7, 2016. Before the movie, El Capitan guests will be treated to an all-new Laser Lightsaber Curtain Show and can explore El Capitan’s exclusive display of costumes and props from the movie.
5. SPiN Standard Open Ping-Pong Tournament
From 8:00pm to midnight Spin Standard inside of The Standard in Downtown Los Angeles will host a open ping pong tournament. For just $10 you get unlimited table time and an entry into the singles tournament.
6. Month-Long Public Art Exhibition Takes Over Billboards Across Los Angeles
The Billboard Creative will place 33 contemporary artists’ works on billboards across Los Angeles displayed at major intersections throughout the city. The first billboard display will go up on December 1 with plans to have all the rest installed by December 7. The works will be up for one month only.
7. Stout Floats At HACHÉ LA
Sip on the Spiced Chocolate Chip ‘N’ Fig Bear Republic Stout Float, HACHÉ LA’s signature mixture of Bear Republic Black Stout is poured over creamy spiced chocolate chip and fig frozen custard. YUM!
8. Free Meditation Classes At The Springs DTLA
Urban wellness oasis The Springs is offering free meditation class, Monday through Fridays at 1:00pm! Grab one of their fresh pressed juices after, it’s pretty much the best in town.
9. Holiday Ice Rink In Pershing Square
From November 12 – January 18 Angelenos can skate in the heart of DTLA at Pershing Square. Each skate-session costs $9, and it’s $4 for skate rental.
10. Celebrate National Hamburger Day!
Check out our Best Burgers list and celebrate with some of our favorite burgers today!
Tuesday December 22nd, 2015
11. Winter Solstice At Descanso Gardens
Honor the Winter Solstice at Descanso Gardens in La Canada Flintridge. Spend a day basking in nature’s beauty by exploring the gorgeous 160-acre outdoor wonderland, featuring the Camellia Forest, the new Ancient Forest, floral displays in the International Rosarium, natural growth in the world-famous Japanese garden and Oak Woodland, and history in the center’s Boddy House. For more information and discount tickets visit our friends at Goldstar.
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12. Knott’s Berry Farm’s “Knott’s Merry Farm”
Christmas is in full effect at Knott’s Berry Farm! Charlie Brown and friends are the theme this year. Watch Snoopy dance on ice in the “Merry Christmas, Snoopy!” show and Chuck celebrates the holiday with the Peanuts gang in the live show “Christmas Time Is Here, Charlie Brown.” Our friends at Goldstar is offering discount ticket packages all throughout the month!
13. Puck & Play Menu At Nest At WP24 + L.A. Kings Home Game
Every day the Kings play a home game fans can dine on the “Puck & Play” menu ($40) a special three-course menu, offered at Nest at WP24 inside The Ritz-Carlton. Selections of dim such as Chili “Dan Dan” Dumplings and Pork Belly Bao Buns, are followed by Crispy General Tso’s Chicken and Thai Curry Noodles. Guests also leave with their choice of sweet treats like carmel corn packaged to go for the game. Check out Goldstar for more information and discount tickets to Kings games for the remainder of the year and 2016.
14. Poolside Cinema Screens Love Actually
The winter edition of Mr.C’s poolside cinema has arrived. Spend an evening beneath Mr.C’s poolside tent enjoying dinner, cocktails, popcorn and of course a classic film. Tuesday’s event will features Love Actually. Doors open at 6:00pm, movie starts promptly at 7:00pm. Email [email protected] to reserve your spot today.
15. Poutine Night At The Federal Bar In NOHO
Every Tuesday night NOHO hot spot The Federal turns into a “Poutinerie.” Enjoy a variety of poutines or create your own! Start with a base: French fries, sweet potato fries, or tater tots then select from a variety of toppings like cheese curds, pepper jack, gravy, buffalo sauce- the combination are endless. Starts at 6:00pm folks.
16. White Christmas Sing-Along
Join the Walt Disney Concert Hall for a screening AND sing along of the beloved 1954 film White Christmas. Don’t know all the words? Lyrics will be embedded right on the screen!
17. Holiday Lights Walking Tour
Downtown LA Walking Tours will lead a 6:30 p.m. trek through the illuminated bliss of DTLA’s Christmas and Hanukkah lights. The walking tour lasts two hours and meets at Los Angeles’ Union Station. Tickets for adults are $15, while children 13 and under are free.
18. Taco & Trivia Tuesday’s At Angel City Brewery
Every Tuesday celebrate all things “T” with tacos and trivia at DTLA’s open air brewery Angel City. Taqueria el Severo will be serving up grilled tacos outside, while Brainstormer host’s trivia inside. Trivia starts at 7:00pm sharp.
19. LACMA Tuesday Matinee Film Series Screens White Christmas
LACMA will screen the holiday classic White Christmas. This ongoing Tuesday Matinee film series cost $2 for members and $4 for non members.
20. Gourmet Food Truck Night
Every Tuesday night the California Heritage Museum holds a Gourmet Truck Night at the museum showcasing a select of gourmet truck eateries. All happening from 5:30pm to 9:30pm.
21. The Rink In Downtown Burbank
Downtown Burbank’s most festive holiday tradition returns for outdoor ice skating and festive events. The Rink in Downtown Burbank will run from December 10, 2015 through January 3, 2016.
Wednesday December 23rd, 2015
22. Escape Room LA: The Theatre
If you were trapped inside an old haunted theater and the only way to escape is to create a magic spell will you succeed? In this escape-room experience, guests are led through the stage door and into a theater haunted by a ghost. Gasp! The door suddenly locks behind you, and the game begins. Uncover clues and puzzles that will lead you to create a magical spell and release the ghost before time runs out. If you fail you will be trapped in the theater forever. Game? For more information and discount tickets check out Goldstar.
23. Take A Bite Of The Roast Beast Burger Special At Hopdoddy
This glorious burger, featuring a Akaushi Local Texas Kobe Beef Patty smothered in steak sauce, is topped off with all of the classic Christmas dinner staples—the green beans, the fancy dinner roll, and, of course, the smoky sweet yam casserole! The Roast Beast Burger Special ($11) is available now until December 27 at both locations of Hopdoddy.
24. LA Kings Holiday Ice At L.A. LIVE
Enjoy outdoor ice skating at L.A. LIVE! The annual LA Kings Holiday Ice brings outdoor ice skating to L.A. LIVE’s Microsoft Square. The rink will run through December 31, 2015.
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25. Christmas Specials At Bruxie In Santa Monica
Swing by the newly opened Bruxie in Santa Monica for a little taste of Christmas..inside a waffle. Order the Christmas Bruxie, a savory waffle sandwich stuffed with slow roasted pulled pork, sausage and veggie stuffing, apple-cranberry relish, gravy and chives. Top off your meal with a festive shake crafted with authentic Wisconsin frozen custard, flavors include a minty Candy Cane Shake and creamy Eggnog Shake for the holidays.
Thursday December 24th, 2015
26. LA County Holiday Celebration
A huge, FREE pre-Christmas celebration and concert at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion featuring more than 20 choirs, music ensembles and dance troupes from all over the city.
27. MatzoBall The Ultimate Jewish Singles Mixer At The Room Hollywood
Interested in going to the nations largest Jewish mixer? This Christmas Eve, The Room Hollywood will host MatzoBall, a massive Jewish singles event. With almost three decades of experience, Matzoball sets the stage for the ultimate singles party, this time at The Room in Hollywood. USA Today dubbed Matzoball as “The Nation’s No. 1 Holiday Party!” it might be worth checking out.
28. Lights on Display in Sherman Oaks
Sherman Oaks resident Mike Ziemkowski takes his Christmas decorating a bit more seriously than you, and that’s perfectly fine by us. From computer controlled lighting to DMX controlled intelligent light to animatronic characters synched to an epic preprogrammed playlist of holiday tunes and a Snowman DJ called DJ Jingles this free display is something you have to see live. Runs now until January 1.
29. Holiday Specials At Mr.C Beverly Hills
Paying homage to the Italian “Feast of the Seven Fishes” celebration, the Mr. C Christmas Eve menu (four-courses, $89 per person) features a variety of seafood dishes such as a Trio of Marinated Halibut, Shrimp, and Tuna Tartar and Wild Branzino over flat pea pods with cherry tomatoes and caper sauce. On Christmas Day (four-courses, $89 per person), menu highlights include rich, winter-inspired offerings such as Veal Tortellini in Consommé and Panettone with Mascarpone Cream and Chocolate Fondant.
30. Christmas Eve Dinner At Osawa
For an interactive experience this Christmas Eve, head to Osawa in Pasadena for some Shabu Shabu. Cook Prime Rib Eye, King Salmon, Tonkatsu Silver Pork and Wagyu Beef from Saga with family and loved ones. Order the Black Sesame Panna Cotta for dessert, it’s presented in wrapped little jars tied with a raffia bow- festive!
31. Christmas Eve At Nick + Stef’s Steakhouse
Executive Chef Andreas Roller offers an elegant interpretation of traditional holiday fare at the recently reopened Nick + Stef’s. Menu highlights include a Crab Waldorf; Oven-Roasted Christmas Duck and Ghana Milk Chocolate Mousse with cinnamon brûlée, caramelized hazelnuts, praline sponge cake. Cost is $60 for 3 courses and $19 for children 10 years and under; á la carte dining will also be available.
32. Christmas Eve Dinner At The Raymond 1886
Enjoy Christmas Eve with a delectable three-course dinner ($90.00) at The Raymond 1886 in Pasadena. The dinner comes with Dickens-style Christmas Carolersa serenading guest as they dine. Executive Chef Tim Guiltinan will cook up a festive feast, that includes: Christmas Corn Soup with Shitake bacon and Pasilla chili; Organic Roasted Chicken; Soy Marinated Prime Hanger Steak; Sticky Toffee Cake and a strawberry roulade cake with chocolate mousse and candy cane ice cream.
33. Patina Restaurant
Under the leadership of Master Chef and Patina Restaurant Group Founder Joachim Splichal, Executive Chef Paul Lee showcases his renowned contemporary French cuisine with international influences with an array of holiday menus in true Patina finesse and style. Menu highlights include Foie Gras; S.N.R. Beef Tenderloin; Millbrook Farm Venison; Sticky Toffee Pudding with candied chestnuts, and fior di latte. Cost is $85 for 3 courses, $100 for 4 courses, and $150 for 8 courses.
34. Christmas Eve Dinner At Chaya Downtown
Join Chaya Downtown on Christmas Eve, as they offer a twist on the Feast of the Seven Fishes tradition. A 5-course menu by Chef Joji featuring unique seafood from the Kaisen seafood bar will set you back just $65 and includes a uni & king crab toast starter, followed by an eight-grain scallop risotto, a savory Branzino acqua pazza entrée, and concludes with a holiday dessert favorite, a Buche de Noel. For those looking to begin the celebration a little earlier, Chaya DT will be open for lunch and offering half-off wine bottles all day.
35. Kendall’s Brasserie and Bar
Festive and affordable French fare in the heart of downtown LA, Kendall’s features classic and contemporary regional favorites selected by Chef Jean Pierre Bosc. Menu highlights include Kabocha Squash Bisque with apple chestnut sorrel; Escargot Croquettes with wild mushroom risotto; Prime Rib with market vegetable, potato gratin, and bordelaise horseradish cream; and Mini Croquembouche with eggnog mousseline, griottes cherries, and cherry sauce. Cost is $55 for 3 courses, $65 for 4 courses and $19 for children 10 years and under.
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36. Café Pinot
Executive Chef Megan Logan celebrates the season with a delightful spread of California French cuisine at this Downtown LA garden oasis. Café Pinot menu highlights include: Roasted Candy Cane Beets; Potato Gnocchi with caramelized brussel sprouts, bacon, and parmesan cheese; Crispy Duck Breast with parsnip puree, braised red cabbage, and brûlée figs; and Ghana Milk Chocolate Mousse with cinnamon brûlée, caramelized hazelnuts, and praline sponge cake. Cost is $67 for 3 courses, $79 for 4 courses and $19 for children 10 years and under.
Friday December 25th, 2015
37. Christmas Celebration At The Proud Bird
Aviation theme restaurant (with a clear view of the LAX runway) The Proud Bird is hosting a Christmas Champagne Buffet from 9:00am – 6:00pm. Buffet items will include a carving station with holiday-appropriate meats like prime rib, lamb, and ham, as well as classic Christmas sides and desserts with breakfast served until 3:00pm.
38. Winter Fest OC
A “wonderland of attractions and entertainment” will hit the OC Fair & Event center offering a host of winter themed and Christmas-inspired experiences over the course of a two and a half week run. Winter Fest promises a massive six lane ice slide, the Worlds Largest Ornament, magic shows, carnival rides, Holiday day themed foods and more.
39. Christmas Dinner At Estérel
Chef Victor Bororda at Estérel has created a special menu for Christmas ($60 per person) expect items like sweet baby gem salad served alongside a choice of protein, a prime rib carving station, herb roasted salmon and Mary’s chicken. Guests will have the option of choosing sides such as sweet potato gratin, Boudin blanc stuffing and grilled asparagus and cremini mushrooms.
40. Christmas Dinner At Tanzy
Tanzy in Westwood will be offering a special three-course prix-fixe menu for Christmas. In the giving spirit guest will go home with a gift from the chef. The meal cost $48 a person and $20 for children under 12 years old. Menu items will include winter squash soup with puff pastry dome, herb-crusted prime rib and more. Make sure to select the dark chocolate Buche De Noel for dessert!
41. Dudley Market Take-Away
For the ones who wish to stay in this holiday season and opt for a no fuss Christmas, Dudley Market’s pre-made meals are a wonderful choice. The dinners start at $200 and will be available for pick-up in the days leading up to Christmas. Highlights include: two day brined heritage turkey, a kale, persimmon, foie grais salad and chicken stuffing with dried summer apricot, sage and brown butter.
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Have an upcoming event you’d like suggest for listing? Drop us a line at [email protected].
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