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As we dive into the first full week of December, SoCal’s holiday season of events is moving into full swing.
In view for this December 2-6 in Los Angeles, you’ll find L.A. County’s official tree lighting ceremony, the MoMA Contenders at The Hammer, Grand Illuminations Opening Night in DTLA, the Krampus’ Cove Bar Pop-Up, a Sled-tacular celebration in Culver City, the Hot Chocolate Nutcracker, Free First Fridays at MOCA Geffen, and more.
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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
L.A. County Tree Lighting Ceremony at The Music Center – FA M TP > On Monday, L.A. County’s official holiday tree lightning event at The Music Center’s Jerry Moss Plaza is scheduled for the first Monday in December. The annual free celebration to of open to the public, offering live music, art-making, snow flurries and complimentary hot chocolate. Runs 5 to 7 p.m. While the tree lighting ceremony is free, guests are welcome to purchase tickets for Dinner with Santa, which includes a photo opportunity with the jolly man himself, cookie decorating, hot cocoa station, and more. Tickets for the dinner cost $49 a child and $74.67-$95 per adult. More info here.
Enchanted: Forest of Light -> Descanso Gardens’ annual light spectacle is 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. The experience continues on select dates through January 5, including this Monday to Sunday. Adult tickets cost $22-$45 for non-members. More info here.
Christmas Shucks -> Learn to shuck oysters like a pro at The Lonely Oyster’s annual Christmas Shucks series, led by Executive Chef Dom Crisp. Held on December 3, 5, 10, and 12, this intimate event takes place on the restaurant’s cozy heated back patio. Tickets are $99 and include a half-dozen oysters to shuck, a souvenir oyster shucker, and a custom oyster ornament—perfect for holiday celebrations. More info here.
The Benson Movie Interruption – M > What’s better than seeing a terrible/awesome movie with your friends and making fun of it while you watch it? How about live commentary from some of entertainment’s funniest movie lovers. This Tuesday at Dynasty Typewriter, Doug Benson hosts a “your choice” version of his Movie Interrupted series with special guests including Guy Branum and Michael Hitchcock. Attendees are invited to bring in a Blue Ray / DVD of their choice, and the audience will vote on what to watch before the show begins. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and the show starts at 7. Tickets are $20 in advance, or $25 the day-of. More info here.
MoMA Contenders -> The Museum of Modern Art’s renowned series of influential, innovative films is back at the The Hammer with a slate of 11 films for 2024, ranging from future cult classics to historically significant dramas. Beginning this week, you can check out The Brutalist (Tuesday), The Piano Lesson (Wednesday), and Memoir of a Snail (Thursday). Screenings continue on select dates through December 19. General admission is $20. All screenings begin at 7:30 p.m. More info here.
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City of San Gabriel Holiday Tree Lighting – FA > On Tuesday, the City of San Gabriel hosts a Holiday Tree Lighting featuring photos with Santa, mini train rides, and live entertainment. Taking place in the Mission District the festive event will also include a Taste of San Gabriel experience with samples from local restaurants and cafes. Free to attend. More info here.
Grand Illuminations Opening Night – FA M TP > DTLA Alliance’s Grand Illuminations is bringing a holiday light spectacle to Downtown Los Angeles hosted at The Yard at Cal Plaza. Here you’ll find special installations by LA-based artist group Liquid PXL including large-scale kinetic sculptures, ten radiant Electric Dandelions and a custom designed 25-food LED light tree. It’s all open to the public through January 8. The light sculptures debut this Wednesday during a Grand Holiday Celebration featuring a lightning ceremony, live music and refreshments from 5 to 8 p.m. All free to attend. More info here.
First Wednesdays at AoP -> Every first Wednesday evening of the month, the Aquarium of the Pacific hosts a guest lecture and cocktail reception at the Pacific Visions Theater. For December 6, Research Wildlife Biologist Dr. Karyn Rode stops by for a talk on polar bears and their habitat. Following the talk, guests can enjoy cocktails and conversations, music and crafts in aquarium’s Art Gallery. Admission is $5 advance online and $10 the day of the event at the door. Runs 7 to 9 p.m. More info here.
LA Christmas Market -> ROW DTLA is hosting an ongoing European-inspired Christmas Market featuring holiday decor, baked treats, festive activities, and seasonal music. 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 runs every Wednesday through Sunday throughout December. Tickets start at $20 for weekday admission, or $27 for weekends. More info here.
Long Beach Christmas Tree Lighting 2024 – M FA > This Wednesday, the 10th annual Christmas Tree Lighting in Long Beach returns Live music, photo ops with Santa, food trucks, and a 67-foot tall Christmas tree featuring more than 500,000 lights. Runs 5 to 8 p.m. More info here.
Downtown Culver City 2024 Annual Holiday Tree Lighting Sled-tacular – M FA > This Wednesday, Downtown Culver City welcomes the holiday season with 50 tons of fresh snow (twice as much as last year), fun sledding activities (waiver required), live music, and a tree Lighting ceremony with the Culver City Mayor. Event starts at 5 p.m. Free to attend. More info here.
Krampus’ Cove Bar Pop-Up –> Starting this Thursday dive into the dark side of the holidays at Krampus’ Cove, an immersive cocktail pop-up taking over Coles’ French Dip in Downtown Los Angeles. From the creators of the Halloween-themed Black Lagoon, this 21+ experience is inspired by the sinister legend of Krampus, blending seasonal cocktails with an array of entertainment—think live music, themed nights, drag and burlesque shows, and interactive moments with escaped elves, Christmas creeps, and Krampus himself. Tickets start at $23.18 and include a welcome drink and a 1.5-hour experience. More info here.
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Holiday Road – > Holiday Road is now back at 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, including this Thursday to Sunday. Tickets range from $24.99-$34.99. Get more info here.
Hot Chocolate Nutcracker -> This Thursday to Sunday, Debbie Allen Dance Academy (DADA) presents its award-winning production of “Hot Chocolate Nutcracker” at Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center. The highly-anticipated performance follows a young girl, Kara as she steps into a land of wonder journeying to fantastical places such as Candy Cane Land, Egypt, the Indian Rainforest/Bollywood, Jazzland, Russia and the Land of the Kimono Dolls. Tickets start at $54.59. More info here.
Tree Lighting at Pasadena City Hall – M FA > Pasadena City Hall gets the holiday treatment this Friday with a special tree lighting ceremony hosted by the mayor of Pasadena. The celebration features local singers and dancers, crafts for kids provided by Armory Center for the Arts, light refreshments, and an appearance by Santa Claus. Runs to 5 to 7 p.m., with the lighting taking place at 6 p.m. More info here.
Free First Fridays at MOCA Geffen – M FA TP > This Friday evening, MOCA Geffen in Little Tokyo is offering a free chance to check out the work of Icelandic–Danish artist Olafur Eliasson, whose solo exhibition is currently on view at the museum as part of the PST ART: Art & Science Collide initiative. The exhibition includes a series of site-specific installations showcasing a “dazzling array of sensory experiences that harness the laws of geometric optics to address feelings and concepts of embodiment, perception, and participation.” The event also includes special in-gallery dance activations by QWENGA. Limited free reservations for Friday are available in timed slots between 5 to 8 p.m. Get more info here.
First Friday in Chinatown – M FA > L.A.’s Chinatown stays open late for an evening of exploring the unique small businesses, restaurants and contemporary art and culture spaces that make up the historic neighborhood. This month, First Friday is bigger than ever teaming up with dozens of businesses, music, extended hours at art galleries, a pop up market at Chung King Plaza and the new addition of the Damnoen Saduak Thai Market at Far East Plaza. 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 on select nights through January 5, including this Wednesday to Sunday. Adult tickets range from $29-$35, depending on the desired date to attend. More info here.
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Dining & Drinking
(picks by Christina Champlin)
Japanese-Inspired Holiday Afternoon Tea -> The Japanese American Cultural & Community Center in Little Tokyo is hosting an exquisite holiday afternoon tea experience led by Chef Laura Ochikubo (formerly of The French Laundry, Providence, Gusto Bread). Happening on December 7–8 and 14–15, the menu features delights like Japanese tea sandwiches, soba gingerbread taiyaki with apple compote, wagashi confections, kabocha squash scones, yuzu-pomegranate macarons, and more. Guests will enjoy their treats alongside Uji tea sourced directly from Kyoto, and a glass of sparkling sake. Tickets are $110 per person. More info here.
Camphor’s Steak Frites Pop-Up at Fairmont Century Plaza -> Michelin-starred Camphor from DTLA’s Arts District is bringing its famed Steak Frites night to the Westside for a limited-time pop-up at Lumière Brasserie, The Fairmont Century . Usually hosted once a month, this fan-favorite event will run for two exclusive weekends: December 5–7 and December 12–14, with lunch and dinner seatings available. For $65, guests can savor a prix-fixe menu featuring perfectly cooked steak, golden frites, a crisp salad, and freshly baked baguette with butter. Signature desserts and craft cocktails can be added for an elevated experience. Reservations are highly recommended via Resy. More info here.
Genghis Cohen’s Annual Hanukkah Ice Cream -> Beloved NYC-inspired Chinese food spot Genghis Cohen in the Fairfax District is teaming up with McConnell’s Fine Ice Cream for a special Hanukkah treat: Baby Got Mac(aroon). Launching Friday, December 6, this limited-edition flavor blends toasted coconut macaroon cookies into coconut cream ice cream, accented with shards of bittersweet Guittard® chocolate. Available by the scoop and pint, you can enjoy it at Genghis Cohen, McConnell’s scoop shops across California, or order online for nationwide delivery.
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