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The holiday season in SoCal is beginning to take shape, and it’s reflected in a host of winter(-ish) to-dos popping up around the Southland this week.
For November 18-22 in Los Angeles, you’ll find Enchanted: Forest of Light at Descanso Gardens, the annual pier lighting celebration in Manhattan Beach, Pershing Square Holiday Ice, L.A. Zoo Lights, Locals’ Night at the Santa Monica Pier, the LA Auto Show, and more. Check all the suggestions in the rundown below.
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Things To Do This Week
M = Less than .5 miles from an L.A. Metro Station, FA = Free Admission, TP = Top Pick
Enchanted: Forest of Light -> After kicking off yesterday, Descanso Gardens’ annual light spectacle is officially back 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. Runs on select dates through January 5, including every day this week. More info here.
ArtCenter College of Design: Unwrapping the Future – FA > On Monday, November 18, ArtCenter College of Design will host Unwrapping the Future: Designing for a Sustainable Tomorrow, a special event focused on sustainable design. The evening includes a limited screening of the documentary Seaweed Stories, followed by a panel discussion on the creation and use of sustainable materials by designers. Free with RSVP More info here.
Astra Lumina: An Enchanted Night Walk Amongst The Stars -> The South Coast Botanic Garden has once again morphed into a multi-sensory celestial pathway for the holiday season. Experience a walk amongst the stars featuring brilliant lights, cosmic visions, and astral song. Runs on Select dates through January 31, including this Thursday to Sunday. Adult tickets start at $39 and there’s an additional fee for parking. More info here.
L.A. Zoo Lights -> The Los Angeles Zoo’s brightest annual tradition will transform the zoo grounds into a world of light and holiday magic. The after-hours event offers brightly lit displays and festive family-friendly experience every night throughout the entire holiday season. Adult tickets range from $29-$35, depending on the desired date to attend. More info here.
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Flux Screenings at The Hammer – FA > The Hammer’s Flux screening series showcases outstanding short films and music videos from around the world, all paired with a courtyard party and DJ’d music. The fall event takes place this Wednesday, beginning at 7:30 p.m. Free to attend. More info here.
35th Annual Manhattan Beach Pier Lighting – FA TP > On Wednesday, Manhattan Beach kicks off the holiday season with a night on the pier featuring live community performances, carolers, and holiday activities including photo ops with live reindeer. Event runs 6 to 9 p.m. More info here.
Luther Vandross Exhibit at The Grammy Museum – This Wednesday, The Grammy Museum debuts Luther Vandross: Artistry and Elegance, an exhibit celebrating the life and legacy of Luther Vandross, the eight-time GRAMMY® winner renowned as a songwriter, arranger, producer, performer, and one of music’s greatest vocalists. The exhibit provides an intimate look at Vandross’ creative journey, featuring his elaborate stage costumes, rare performance footage from his iconic tours, and an exclusive, never-before-heard studio recording. The exhibit runs until June 15, 2025. More info here.
Watson Lecture Series – FA > Cal Tech’s November installment of the Watson Lecture series will feature Katerina Chatziioannou, Assistant Professor of Physics, who will lead a discussion the violent collisions of black holes and neutron stars. Free to attend as always. Get more info here.
All Space Considered -> This Thursday, join the curatorial staff at the Griffith Observatory for their monthly discussion on the latest phenomena and news in the world of astronomy during this evening presentation at the Leonard Nimoy Event Horizon Theater (also live streamed on the website). Program runs from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Free to attend. More info here.
Music Trivia Night -> Permanent Records Roadhouse in Cypress Park hosts Music Trivia Nights every Thursday at 6:30 p.m., with a $5 entry fee per participant. The venue doubles as a performance space and bar, with a record shop located in the patio area out back. More info here.
Autry After Hours -> The Autry continues its series of Thursday night events this November with after-hours museum access and live talks, plus special activations for each night that range from poetry readings and workshops to fashion tours and book signings. This week, puppet designers from Rogue Artists Ensemble, creators of hyper-theatrical experiences, as they develop prototypes of new puppet concepts for their upcoming production of Cowboy Elektra, a fusion of LA history and Greek mythology. Admission is $18 for adults. Runs 6 to 9 p.m. .More info here.
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Locals’ Night at the Santa Monica Pier – M FA TP > Every third Thursday from September to May, Locals’ Night brings at the Santa Monica Pier offers a free evening of youth activities, a car show, local DJs and live music from local bands, and art exhibits. Activities run from 3:30 to 9 p.m. More info here.
Pershing Square Holiday Ice – M > Beginning Thursday, the 7,200 square foot rink at Pershing Square will again offer holiday skating in DTLA. The cost is $20 for adults, which includes skate rental. Open daily through January 12. More info here.
Los Angeles Auto Show – M > Starting this Friday, The nation’s top auto show returns to the Los Angeles Convention Center for a ten-day affair featuring a who’s who of automotive exhibitors, plus vehicle test drives, activations, and family-friendly entertainment. The 10-day event concludes on December 1. Single day tickets start at $22.80 for adults. More info here.
Science Fiction Against the Margins – FA > The UCLA Film & Television Archive screens Night Raiders (directed by Danis Goulet) at The Hammer’s Billy Wilder Theater this Friday as part of the Science Fiction Against the Margins series. Starts at 7:30 p.m. Free to attend. More info here.
Dining & Drinking
(picks by Christina Champlin)
Arcane Experience at Boba Bear Koreatown –> From November 18 through mid-February 2025, Boba Bear Koreatown partners with Riot Games for an Arcane Season 2 pop-up, transforming into Zaun’s iconic Last Drop Bar. Visitors can immerse themselves in custom decor, interactive stations like Vi’s Punching Game, Jinx’s photo booth, and enjoy Arcane-inspired drinks. There will be weekly and monthly events, including Shimmer cocktail classes and cosplay contests with exclusive prizes. Open to all ages, tickets are $10 and include a beverage. More info here.
Happy Hour at Union –> Chef Eugene Santiago’s Union, nestled inside Long Beach’s vibrant art sanctuary, Compound, offers a tempting happy hour every Wednesday and Friday from 4 to 6 p.m., and all day on Thursdays from 4 to 10 p.m. The menu includes flavorful bites like Shrimp Toast, Pancit Noodles, and Union’s Signature Burger with fries and a beer. Drink specials feature $9 glasses of wine and a $10 cocktail of the day. Plus, Wednesdays are “Wine Wednesday,” with 50% off bottles of wine. More info here.
Jinro Around The Table -> This Thursday, Steep in Chinatown is hosting Jinro Around The Table, a special dinner series in collaboration with Jinro. The evening will feature a five-course meal curated by Steep, accompanied by complimentary Jinro cocktails and unlimited bottles of Ilpoom Jinro, Jinro is Back, and various fruit-flavored Jinro Soju. Tickets are $60 per person. More info here.
BOGO Pizza at Michael’s on Naples -> Pizza fans should head to Michael’s on Naples in Long Beach on Mondays where guests receive a complimentary Margherita pizza with the purchase of any full-size pizza and beverage.
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