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Today is the feast. Today is family and friends and (maybe) football. Now as for the rest this Thanksgiving weekend… hopefully we’ve got a few ideas that’ll get you moving.
On deck for this November 29 to December 1 in Los Angeles, you’ll find the annual Hollywood Christmas Parade, the conclusion of the 2024 LA Auto Show, Bob Baker’s Nutcracker, Yuletide Cinemaland at Heritage Square, Deck the Hall at Walt Disney Concert Hall, Manilla Sound at Benny Boy, and more. Whatever you decide on, hope you enjoy the long weekend!
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Make Metro Part of Your Weekend
Hollywood Christmas Parade -> One of the city’s largest (and most festive!) annual events is back on the Sunday after Thanksgiving. This year’s Hollywood Christmas Parade will feature a U-shaped parade route running east on Hollywood Blvd, to Vine St, south on Vine St to Sunset Blvd, and west on Sunset Blvd. back to Orange Drive. It all kicks off at 6 p.m. More info here.
Go Metro: Take the B Line to Hollywood / Highland OR Hollywood / Vine station.
Things To Do This Weekend
M = Less than .5 miles from an L.A. Metro Station, FA = Free Admission, TP = Top Pick
The Grinch Who Stole Christmas at Ovation – M FA > This Friday, Ovation Hollywood’s monthly outdoor movie night takes a holiday turn with a screening of How The Grinch Stole Christmas. As usual, the screening takes place under the arch in the center courtyard, and if you arrive early you can snag free popcorn and discounted treats from the TCL Chinese Theatre concessions stand. Film starts at 7 p.m. Free to attend. More info here.
LA Christmas Market -> Starting this Friday, ROW DTLA will host a European-inspired Christmas Market featuring holiday decor, baked treats, festive activities, and seasonal music. Free to attend, visitors can browse dozens of open-air booths offering seasonal delights like soft pretzels and hot chocolate, as well as handcrafted items from local artisans. After the opening weekend, the market will continue every Wednesday through Sunday throughout November and December. Tickets start at $20 for weekday admission, or $27 for weekends. More info here.
Friday Night Flirt – FA > This Friday, Cuties hosts a social night for the QTBIPOC polyamorous and non-monogamous community at Bar Franca in Downtown Los Angeles. Happening from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. the event is free to attend with registration and 21+. More info here.
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Holiday Road – > Starting this Friday, Holiday Road returns to King Gillette Ranch in Calabasas for its fourth year, bringing a 1-mile walking trail of immersive scenes and holiday-themed activities for all to enjoy. The experience continues on select dates through December 28. Tickets range from $24.99-$34.99. Get more info here.
Enchanted: Forest of Light -> Descanso Gardens’ annual light spectacle is back this November with a range of wondrous, illuminated installations spread throughout the grounds, from 3-D geometric sculptures in the Rose Garden to a glowing meadow grass installation among the oaks. Adult tickets cost $22-$45 for non-members. More info here.
Yuletide Cinemaland – M > Street Food Cinema’s Yuletide Cinemaland is back with a three-week season of holiday films screened on select nights at Heritage Square Museum, all starting on November 30. The lineup opens with a screening of Elf this Saturday evening, then continues over the coming weeks with classics such as A Christmas Story and Home Alone, all screened under the stars and paired with ugly sweater contests, pajama nights, and guided tours of the Victorian mansions onsite at Heritage Square. Adult tIckets start at $34.00 (parking not included). Get more info here.
Astra Lumina: An Enchanted Night Walk Amongst The Stars -> The South Coast Botanic Garden’s multi-sensory celestial pathway experience continues this Thursday to Sunday. Guests can “walk amongst the stars” thanks to brilliant lights, cosmic visions, and astral song, all set within the garden grounds. Adult tickets start at $39 and there’s an additional fee for parking. Runs on select dates through January 31. More info here.
Los Angeles Auto Show – M > The nation’s top auto show takes wraps up a ten-day run at Los Angeles Convention Center this Friday to Sunday. Per usual, you’ll find a who’s who of automotive exhibitors, plus vehicle test drives, activations, and family-friendly entertainment. Single day tickets start at $22.80 for adults. More info here.
Bob Baker’s Nutcracker -> Beginning this Saturday, The Bob Baker Marionette Theatre recreates their 1969 performance of the beloved holiday ballet The Nutcracker at the Sierra Madre Playhouse for the 2024 holiday season. The show features large-scale marionettes and intricate sets, with performances running on select dates from November 30, 2024, through January 5, 2025. Tickets are $25. More info here.
Metro Bike Share Community Ride in NoHo – M FA TP > Metro Bike Share is hosting their latest community bike ride this Saturday, starting at 11 a.m. at the North Hollywood Station. The 7-mile round trip ride will utilize the Chandler Bike Path, and also make multiple stops to explore and hang out including at Donut Hut and Illiad Bookshop. If you don’t have your own bike, remember that participants 16 years and older can reserve a Metro Bike at no cost to attend this event, but space is limited. More info here.
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Art Maker Space at ESMoA – FA > Every Saturday at the Experimentally Structured Museum Art in Lawndale offers an afternoon of art-making for those looking to flex their creative muscle. This week’s Art Maker Space will focus the art of Lino printing, allowing attendees to carve designs into foam sheets and transfer their creations into prints. All materials provided, all ages welcome. Free to attend. The program runs from 1 to 3 p.m. More info here.
Deck the Hall at Walt Disney Concert Hall – M > The LA Phil’s annual lineup of holiday concerts at Walt Disney Concert Hall kicks off this Sunday with a performance by Lesile Odom Jr. The Tony and Grammy Award-winning (Hamilton) and Oscar-nominated (One Night in Miami) performer brings a night of holiday hits to the stage. More info here.
Downey Christmas Parade – FA > The City of Downey welcomes the holiday season with their annual two-hour parade this Sunday. Expect floats, vintage cars, marching bands, dance groups, dignitaries, and more. The parade begins on Downey Avenue at Florence Avenue and heads south, finishing at the Civic Center. Runs 1 to 3 p.m. More info here.
The Front Yard Holiday Block Party 2024 -> On Sunday, The Front Yard restaurant inside The Garland Hotel hosts a holiday benefit to support Toys for Tots. The “block party” style affair features live music by FM Station Quartet, a pop-up holiday shop, and samples from over a dozen participating wineries, breweries, and distilleries. Tickets are $45 in advance. New, unwrapped gifts are welcome too! Starts at 2 p.m. More info here.
Manila Sound at Benny Boy – FA TP > This Sunday, Benny Boy Brewing in Lincoln Heights is hosting Manila Sound, a Filipino-American creative collective that creates events featuring music, food, and local vendors. Expect DJ sets highlighting Original Filipino Music plus food offerings from Full Send BBQ and Kilig LA. The event runs from 3 to 8 p.m. Free entry, but it’s 21+ only. More info here.
Dining & Drinking
(picks by Christina Champlin)
8 Nights at Birdie G’s -> This celebrated annual dinner series, hosted by James Beard-nominated chef Jeremy Fox, returns to Birdie G’s in Santa Monica this December for two weeks of one-of-a-kind menus (December 2-5 and 9-12). Each night brings a collaboration between award-winning guest chefs, resulting in an extraordinary family-style feast. The series kicks off on Monday, December 2 with Nancy Silverton (Mozza) and Shaina Loew-Banayan (Cafe Mutton, Hudson Valley). Future chefs making an appearance include Grant Achatz (Alinea, Chicago), Aisha Ibrahim (Canlis, Seattle), Kevin Tien (Moon Rabbit, Washington D.C.), and more. Tickets are $95 per person, and reservations are selling fast on Resy. More info here.
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Truly LA’s Winter Wonderland -> This holiday season, Truly LA in the Arts District invites you to step into their festive Winter Wonderland. Open now through January 20, 2025, the space is adorned with holiday décor and features a menu of seasonal cocktails like the Minty Mudslide and Trulixirs. Guests can also enjoy festive bites, including mini baked brie, apple pie, and Christmas Pozole. Admission is free. More info here.
Smorgasburg Holiday Market -> Get into the festive spirit every Sunday in December at Smorgasburg’s Holiday Market, where you can shop for unique gifts from small businesses and indulge in dishes from the market’s many food vendors. To kick off the festive season, the first 100 guests this Sunday will receive a $5 Smorg token to spend at any vendor. Plus, arrive early to enjoy exclusive vendor specials during the first hour and explore the world’s “biggest” condiment bar. The bar will feature sauces by Alta Pantry, Zindrew Chili, Roberto Sauce, Dad’s XO Sauce, Chile del Abuelo, El Maya Gourmet Foods, Regi’s Turo Turo, and Kill Sauce. More info here.
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