Posted by Los Angeles provides no limit of things to do, some awesome and some not so awesome. Since time is precious in this fast paced city we curate a list of things to do in Los Angeles for every weekend that’ll help you decide how you want to spend your limited supply of attention (not to mention dollars!).
This weekend, from Friday, December 14 to Sunday, December 16, features Cocoa Concert at Union Station, Love Actually Live, Tikim Filipino Food Fun Run, Festival of Carols, Bergamot Station Open House, Christmas at the Bradbury Building and MUCH more.
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Remember you can always go to our L.A. events calendar page to get an updated rundown of what’s happening around the city.
Hope you find the rundown useful and, as always, enjoy your weekend!
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Friday December 14th, 2018
1. The folks behind the Museum of Failure presents The Disgusting Food Museum (Dec. 9, 2018 through Feb. 17, 2019.) Some of the ‘delicacies’ include maggot infested cheese, bull testicles, and sheep eyeballs. If you’re brave enough, visitors will also get to smell and taste some of the creations at the end of the exhibit over at a tasting bar. Check for discounted tickets before making your purchase. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)
2. Grand Park’s Winter Glow is a free immersive art experience covering 12 acres of Grand Park in Downtown Los Angeles. The art, projection and light displays will illuminate paths and play off of the park’s most iconic elements, including the Arthur J. Will Memorial Fountain. The holiday-inspired event will run nightly from December 1 to 25. FREE
3. L.A. reggae band The Lions will perform at the third Cocoa Concert at Union Station this Friday. This free, family-friendly holiday concert will be set in a winter wonderland that includes a holiday light display, a cocoa bar with Elftenders, complementary cotton candy, Santa selfies, gingerbread house making, and more. FREE
4. For The Record presents the world premiere production of Love Actually Live at The Wallis. The musical will bring one of the most beloved holiday movies to life through an all-star cast and 15-piece orchestra. Playing December 4-31. Check for discounted tickets before making your purchase. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)
5. Since 1969 Bob Baker’s Marionette Theater’s adaptation of the Nutcracker has been warming hearts and delighting kids and adults during the holidays. The show includes over 100 handmade puppets at the Pasadena Playhouse. Running now until Dec. 30 Thursdays through Sundays.
6. NoMad Los Angeles gets in the holiday spirit with a Holiday Spectacular cocktail pop up every Thursday through Saturday evening from 5-11 p.m. in the Coffee Bar. Guests will enjoy “Naughty” and “Nice” cocktails from the NoMad team as well as guest bartenders from some of the best bars around town.
7. Winterfest at Santa Anita Park kicks off the holiday season in style. This family-friendly event includes a visit from Santa Claus, horse drawn carriage rides a Santa’s Village and petting zoo, carolers, seasonal foods, 80+ vendors and much more. Winterfest continues Thursdays through Sunday from November 23 through December 23. Check for discounted tickets before making your purchase. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)
8. California Market Center’s Holiday Showroom Sample Sale is happening this Friday. Showrooms will open to the public for one day and offer clearance and sample items at a big discount.
9. Step into a world of limitless creativity and unlock new realms of photography inside Canon PORTALS, coming to Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica (Nov. 29 – Dec 16). The ongoing series of events features photo-walks, workshops, and on-site camera experts. FREE
10. The Pacific Opera Project presents “La bohème,” or “The Hipsters” throughout the month of December. Set to current times the show follows the story of several Los Angelenos during a cold SoCal winter as they tackle the city’s housing crises, love, jealousy and more. Happening on select days this month at Highland Park Ebell Club. Check for discounted tickets before making your purchase. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)
11. There’s a Junk Food clothing sample sale happening Dec. 13-15 in Culver City with loads of fun t-shirts, sweatshirts, sweatpants and more on sale.
12. Street Food Cinema and Heritage Square Museum team up for Yuletide Cinemaland. Enjoy a festive outdoor movie screening experience in a Victorian town square surrounded by Christmas carolers, food trucks, hot chocolate, mulled wine and craft beer. This week they’ll be screening of Love Actually. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)
13. Shop Just One Eye’s winter warehouse sale starting Dec. 10 through Dec. 24. The boutique carries edgy luxury brands with collections from ready-to-wear, shoes and accessories up to 80% off during the sale.
14. Enjoy a special performance of The Nutcracker (Dec. 1 – 24.) by the American Contemporary Ballet on the 18th floor of California Plaza in downtown. After the show, guests are invited by The Fairy for a celebration with live music, champagne, and more.
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15. Holiday Concerts in the Pasadena Playhouse District, takes place on Friday nights from November 30 through December 21. This week Kira & the Major 3 will perform in Pasadena Playhouse Courtyard. FREE
16. Head to the James Perse sample sale for some holiday shopping and a little something for yourself. Their Highland ave. store location will host menswear, womenswear, home, accessories and footwear at a steep discount. Happening Dec 14-16.
17. Step into a retro-inspired winter wonderland during Miracle at The Everly: Ever Bar happening at The Kimpton Everly Hotel. The Christmas-themed bar open now through December 31 features a candy cane “selfie station,” a 15-foot inflatable Santa Claus, and a dedicated Hanukkah Hut.
18. The annual LA Kings Holiday Ice happening at L.A. LIVE’s Microsoft Square is a daily outdoors holiday skating rink. Open November 10, 2018 through January 6, 2019.
19. New Mart Holiday Sample Sale opens their doors every Friday with a rotating number of showrooms selling their stock, past season collections, samples and more at a discounted price. Bring cash as some showrooms might only except one form of payment.
Saturday December 15th, 2018
20. Tikim Filipino Food Fun Run is a 5K with different Filipino tasting station at each mile and a grand food festival at the end of the run.
21. Unique Markets brings their holiday shopping experience to the Santa Monica Pier on December 15-16. Explore over 200 independent businesses, snag a free tote bag, participate in DIY workshops and plenty more during this weekend long gathering.
22. Head down to Walt Disney Concert Hall for Festival of Carols featuring a wide variety of classic holiday songs sung by the Los Angeles Master Chorale. Songs include both traditional and surprisingly contemporary arrangements for all to enjoy.
23. Bergamot Station will host their Holiday Open House featuring work, creations and products designed by the creative community and businesses in the complex. Live entertainment and festive food will also be available. Admission is free and open to the public. FREE
24. Cinespia will host a screening of The Nightmare Before Christmas this Satruday at The Palace Theatre. It’s the 25th anniversary of the movie and guests are encouraged to come dressed as their favorite character or in festive holiday garb.
25. Once every month Griffith Observatory hosts a free public star party allowing the public to view through telescopes to see the stars and beyond as well as discuss with knowledgeable amateur astronomers about our solar system. FREE
26. Ugly Sweater Christmas Party at Magnolia House will feature holiday drink specials, a photo booth, DJ sets, dancing and more.
27. Holiday Shop at the Block is going down at ROW DTLA December 15-16 with promotions, pop-ups and more. A percentage of the proceeds from the weekend sales will go to the LA Mission.
28. Rolling Loud music festival takes over Banc of California Stadium and Expo Park for two days of hip hop music from over 50 acts including Post Malone, Cardi B, Lil Wayne, Saweetie and Tyga.
29. Celebrate the holiday season during a Queen Mary Christmas (daily Nov. 23 – Jan. 6) The special occasion will see Christmas spirit lining the famous Long Beach vessel including an 80-foot Christmas tree, a variety of holiday activities, an outdoor staking rink, musical performances, a 4D showing of The Polar Express, and dinner shows on select dates. Check for discounted tickets before making your purchase. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)
30. Visit Dockweiler Youth Center for Beach Winter Wonderland, fun for the entire family this free event features bounce houses, winter activities, rides, and authentic snow at the beach. FREE
31. The Los Angeles Arboretum and Botanic Garden presents Moonlight Forest, where crafted lanterns line the garden grounds, some depicting animals, shimmering exotic flowers, and figures from Chinese legends. Happening Wednesdays through Sunday. Check for discounted tickets before making your purchase. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)
32. Hear pitch perfect holiday tunes belted out by The Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles during their annual Holiday Spectacular show happening at Alex Theatre in Glendale this Saturday and Sunday.
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33. The 35th Annual Parade of 1000 Lights Christmas Boat Parade returns to Shoreline Village in Long Beach this Saturday. FREE
34. Here and Now transforms it’s newly opened space into a holiday bar called Blitzen’s from November 28 through December 31. Get transported to the the North Pole and enjoy a snow machine, themed entertainment like Bad Santa and carolers, and seasonal food and drinks.
35. Sofitel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills will host a pet-friendly “PAW – lidays” event where your dog can get a photo with Santa while you enjoy cider, Yule log cake and other holiday treats. This years theme is Green and Luxury with Pure Dog Food, Saint Rue, French Paws and B&G Martin participating. All picture fees will be donated to Home Dog LA. Admission is free.
36. Tom Gun Live brings back their Top Gun spoof party to Union Night Club in Hollywood this Saturday Night. The performance includes karaoke sing-a-longs dance-offs, paper airplane battles, missiles ziplining through the crowd, and more. Check for discounted ticketed before making your purchase. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)
37. Sandra Tsing Loh’s Sugar Plum Fairy is a cheerful holiday story about a young girl who dreams of being the lead dancer in The Nutcracker. It unfolds in a hilarious Rocky Horror Picture Show type way but is also family friendly. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)
38. Descanso Gardens’ Enchanted: Forest of Light returns for another installment with a host of interactive displays and nighttime activities from November 18 through January 6, 2019 daily. This seasonal event runs daily. Check for discounted tickets before making your purchase. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)
39. 2018 Winter Wonderland Holiday Celebration at Baldwin Hills Crenshaw will feature a diverse lineup of live musical acts, sledding, food trucks, and a holiday toy giveaway benefitting children from South L.A. FREE
40. The Bai Holiday Ice Rink returns to Pershing Square from Nov. 15, 2018 to Jan. 21, 2019 daily featuring a 7200 square foot outdoor ice-skating experience. A wide variety of events will take place throughout the duration of the rink.
41. Rooftop Cinema Club returns with holiday themed screenings at their Los Angeles venues at LEVEL in Downtown LA and Hollywood location, NeueHouse. The spaces will turn into a Winter Wonderland with holiday decorations, snow and festive food. This weekend they will screen Elf, Home Alone, A Muppet Christmas Carrol and more.
42. Sherman Oaks resident Mike Ziemkowski’s elaborate Christmas themed animatronic characters will return once again with Lights on Display a dazzling light show with a playlist of holiday tunes. Free to the public, the 13-minute show runs nightly 6 to 10 p.m. from November 23 through January 1, 2018. FREE
43. Beautycon is offering a pop up experience titled Beautycon POP from Nov. 16 through Dec. 16 daily featuring immersive galleries, makeup brands, vendors, a salon and other beauty related activities.
Sunday December 16th, 2018
44. Christmas at the Bradbury Building is back for 2018 featuring KITKA, a women’s vocal ensemble that will take advantage of the acoustics of The Bradbury’s majestic five-story atrium to perform seasonal music from a wide variety of Eastern European and Eurasian traditions.
45. The Rink in Downtown Burbank returns for another year of outdoor ice skating for a good cause. Open now through January 6, 2019 the skate rink is just steps away from a plethora of shops and restaurants. This Sunday, Hollywood Curling will host a class from 9 a.m. to 9:50 a.m.
46. One of L.A.’s most magical holiday traditions, L.A. Zoo Lights returns November 16, 2018 through January 6, 2019 with thousands upon thousands of LED lights illuminating the zoo. This seasonal event runs daily. Check for discounted tickets before making your purchase. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)
47. There’s a Holiday Pet Pageant happening right in the heart of the Arts District Triangle this Sunday where pets will experience a photoshoot that will be entered into a contest where 12 winners will be selected for a 2019 calendar. There will be food trucks and live entertainment at this event.
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48. Hera Collective Holiday Marketplace returns for a shopping event highlighting talented female makers in LA. 10% of all ticket sales will be donated to ProjectQ.
49. LACMA will host an opening ceremony for The Jeweled Isle: Art from Sri Lanka, the first comprehensive survey of Sri Lankan art organized by a U.S. museum. Guests will witness an oil lamp lighting ceremony followed by traditional Sri Lankan dances and drumming by the Sri Lanka Foundation Performing Arts and Thath Jith Dance Company. FREE
50. Get into the winter spirit when ICE at Santa Monica returns with a 8,000 square foot ice skating rink. Running November 3, 2018 through January 21, 2019.
Food Pick for the Weekend
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bq0-lHqBBQT/
This week’s pick by Christina Champlin, Co-Founder of We Like L.A.
Arts District newcomer Simone launches brunch service this weekend. James Beard Award-winning chef Jessica Largey will offer a produce-driven menu that includes fried chicken served with radish slaw and poblano aioli, fermented mignonette paired with fresh oysters and passion fruit caramel focaccia bread pudding. If you’re a fan of Bloody Marys, bartender Kaiko Tulloch has dreamed up a collection of five internationally inspired takes on the popular brunch cocktail. Tulloch is Winner of the best Bloody Mary in the UK back in 2014, so whatever you end up choosing you’ll be in good hands. Like Largey’s menu, you’ll see lots of house-made ingredients on the cocktail list like wasbi oil-washed Absolute Elyx for the Little Tokyo Mary or a mushroom soy and seasonal pickles for their Classic Mary. Brunch is served every Saturday and Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Simone is located at 449 S Hewitt St. Los Angeles, CA 90013
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