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Another week, another festive rundown of ways to light up your social calendar in the city of angels.
This December 9-13 in Los Angeles, you’ll find Holidays on the Hill in Universal City, Wrong Answers Only at Dynasty Typewriter, Lights on Display in Sherman Oaks, Jingle & Jams in Inglewood, Luminaria Nights in Claremont, Cocoa & Carols at Runway Playa Vista, Rockin Around The Christmas Tree at the Original Farmers Market, 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
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. This week, the series continues with Emilia Pérez (Monday) you can check out Blitz (Tuesday), Maria (Wednesday), and Good One (Thursday). Screenings continue on select dates through December 19. General admission is $20. All screenings begin at 7:30 p.m. More info here.
Holidays on the Hill – M > Celebrate the season with Holidays on the Hill at the Hilton Hotel in Universal City, featuring an ice skating rink with stunning views of the Hollywood Hills. Kids can enjoy a Santa’s Workshop and face painting, while adults sip festive cocktails from the Jingle Bell Tavern pop-up bar. Theme nights include “Wicked Wednesdays,” where the rink glows green and music from Wicked sets the mood. Holidays on the Hill runs daily, with skating priced at $25 per person with additional activities costing extra. 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.
Miracle: A Christmas-Themed Pop-Up Bar -> The global Christmas-themed pop-up bar Miracle returns to Los Angeles this year, expanding to three locations: Neighbors in Playa Vista, The Ordinarie in Long Beach, and Denae’s Diner in Downtown L.A. Expect festive, seasonal craft cocktails served in a setting that embraces over-the-top holiday decor. Guests can also purchase collectible Miracle mugs and glassware, including favorites like the SanTaRex and Krampus mugs. The pop-up runs daily through January 5, 2025, with reservations now open. More info here.
Krampus’ Cove Bar Pop-Up – M > Continuing this Tuesday to Sunday, 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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Christmas Shucks -> Learn to shuck oysters like a pro at The Lonely Oyster’s annual Christmas Shucks series, led by Executive Chef Dom Crisp. Continuing this Tuesday and Thursday, these dinner events 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.
Wrong Answers Only at Dynasty Typewriter – M > Join the comedy game show Wrong Answers Only at Dynasty Typewriter on Wednesday for a hilarious and educational night! Hosted by Chris Duffy, the show pairs scientists with comedians to explore new topics with plenty of laughs. This week’s featured scientist, Dr. Kandis Leslie Gilliard-AbdulAziz, an Environmental and Chemical Engineer, will discuss her work turning trash into treasure. Comedians Lauren Lapkus and Karen Chee round out the panel for a night of comedy and curiosity. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased via SquadUp.
Lights on Display – FA TP > One of the most elaborate home lighting displays of the holiday season is back in Sherman Oaks. Resident Mike Ziemkowski has a brand new edition of Lights on Display for 2024, and per usual you’ll find an elaborate mix of computer controlled lighting, DMX controlled intelligent light, and a bevy of animatronic characters synched to a pre-programmed playlist of holiday tunes. The experience is free to check out, and will run Wednesday to Sunday from 6 to 9 p.m. (weather permitting) through New Year’s Day. 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.
The Comedy Patio – M FA > Free standup comedy comes to Grand Central Market this Wednesday in the form of The Comedy Patio, a showcase taking place at Maple Block. Jeff Buck hosts a lineup featuring Todd Glass, Brittany Schmitt, Guy Branum, Asif Ali, and Jonathon Hollis. Free to attend, but donations happily accepted. Show starts at 7 p.m. 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.
Jingle & Jams 2024 – M > This Thursday, Grammy-winner Lalah Hathaway has curated a Christmas pop-up concert blending soulful live music and festive fun, all at the Miracle Theater in Inglewood. Think “The North Pole Meets South LA.” Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets are $45. More info here.
Santa’s Secret -> Voss Events presents Santa’s Secret, an adults-only Christmas experience at the Beverly Center. Visitors will journey through immersive and sassy holiday installations to end at Santa’s best-kept secret: a vintage speakeasy featuring a five-piece band and holiday-themed libations. Each night guests are treated to variety show all hosted by Drag Queen superstar Asia O’Hara. Santa’s Secrets runs Thursday through Sunday this week. Tickets start at $58 on select nights. 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.
Seth & Dylan’s 24 Hour Hallmark Holiday Movie Craptacular! -> On Friday, Join Seth Kirschner and Dylan Dawson for their annual whirlwind tradition of writing an entire Hallmark-style holiday movie from scratch in just 24 hours! With no rehearsals, their talented comedian and actor friends perform a completely cold reading of the script live—hilarity guaranteed. Catch the one-night-only event at The Lyric Hyperion in Silver Lake. Tickets are $17.85. More info here.
Cocoa & Carols – FA > Runway Playa Vista’s Cocoa & Carols series continues this Friday, offering guests a chance to grab a complimentary cup of hot cocoa or mulled wine while they enjoy performances from acapella carolers. Available on a first-come, first-served basis inside of Free Market. Runs 6 to 8 p.m. More info here.
Ivy Station Holiday Market – M FA > This Friday, take a stroll and shop for gifts from 30+ local vendors at the Ivy Station Holiday Night Market in Culver City. Plus, you’ll find gourmet food trucks, pop-ups, craft beer from Los Angeles Ale Works, photos with Santa, DIY ornament-making, adoptable dogs from A Purposeful Rescue, and more. Runs 5 to 10 p.m. More info here.
Luminaria Nights -> Claremont’s California Botanic Garden is hosting their signature winter experience on back to back December weekends, including this Friday and Saturday night. Luminaria Nights adorns the garden grounds with peaceful luminaria and string light lined paths, all accentuated by live performers (at least three each night) plus art installations, food, sweet treats, and drinks available for purchase. Each evening runs from 6 to 9 p.m. Tickets are $20 for the general public. More info here.
Rockin Around The Christmas Tree – FA TP > The Original Farmers Market hosts a special Christmas celebration this Friday featuring live performances by The Holly Belles, Greenway Fairfax High School Dance Company, The MoonRays, Grand Arts High School Holiday Jazz Carolers and 90s/2000s cover band, y2k2k. Guests can also enjoy a holiday photo booth, complimentary hot chocolate, temporary tattoos and body art at Dylan’s Candy Bar, and a Salvation Army Gift Wrapping Station (donations encouraged!). It’s all free to attend. Runs 6 to 9 p.m. More info here.
Read The Room Tarot & Comedy Show – M > Read The Room is back at The The Crow this Friday night. At this recurring show, professional tarot reader Jovan Illa teams up with comedian Orion Levine to read and interpret the tarot cards of audience members. To get a chance for a reading, you can drop your name in The Crow’s Mystical Chalice. Just don’t be shocked if your predicted future makes you laugh! Tickets are $23.88. Show starts at 8 p.m. More info here.
Dining & Drinking
(picks by Christina Champlin)
Bridgetown Roti at Budonoki -> On Monday, Bridgetown Roti teams up with Budonoki for a special evening featuring Island Shrimp and Grits with corn grits, fried green tomato, and salt cod XO. Budonoki will have soft serve and boozy slushies on the menu, as well as sake bottles at 20% off for the night. This event is walk-ins only, so arrive early to grab a spot. More info here.
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Shinji’s Takeover at EDITION -> For one night only, on Tuesday, December 10, New York’s award-winning cocktail bar Shinji’s will take over the Lobby Bar at The West Hollywood EDITION in collaboration with Punch and Ketel One Vodka. From 7 to 10 p.m., guest bartender Rafael Alvarez will showcase inventive East Coast creations featuring housemade ingredients like beeswax vodka and chocolate cherry Campari. Menu highlights include the Handroll, crafted with Ketel One Vodka, shochu, nori, wasabi peels, freeze-dried ginger, bonito, and CO2, and the Honeypenny, a mix of Tanqueray, Ketel One Vodka, mead, beeswax, golden raisins, and flowers. Cocktails are priced at $24 each. More info here.
8 Nights at Birdie G’s -> The celebrated annual dinner series, hosted by James Beard-nominated chef Jeremy Fox, returns to Birdie G’s in Santa Monica for its final run this week. From December 9–12, enjoy one-of-a-kind menus created in collaboration with award-winning guest chefs, featuring talent from renowned restaurants like Yangban, Baroo, Chez Noir in Carmel, and Lula Café in Chicago. Tickets are $95 per person, and reservations are selling quickly on Resy. More info here.
All Night Happy Hour at Little Ripper -> Throughout December, Little Ripper, the Aussie wine bar in Glassell Park, is hosting an all-night happy hour every Thursday. Enjoy $12 glasses of wine and cocktails as well as board games. More info here.
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