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We’re heading into a Friday the 13th weekend here in SoCal, but the vibe is anything but spooky.
On the calendar for this December 13-15 in Los Angeles, you’ll find Luminaria Nights at the California Botanic Garden, Discovery Cube LA’s Holiday Village, the Echo Park Community Parade, a Kwanza Celebration at California African American Museum, a Hanukkah Festival at the Skirball Cultural Center, the Marina Del Rey Holiday Boat Parade, the Valley Cultural Foundation’s 4th Annual Holiday Arts & Music Festival, and more.
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Make Metro Part of Your Weekend
Holiday Block Party in the Arts District – M FA > Makeshift Muse, in partnership with Angel City Brewery and Truly LA, is brings their brand of curated vendors to the Arts District for a block party holiday event on Sunday, featuring food, music, and goods for purchase. Both Rose and Traction avenues will be closed and 50+ local brands will dot the streets ready for you to explore unique gifts. There will be festive bites and seasonal beverages at both Truly LA and Angel City Brewery. Free to attend. Runs noon to 6 p.m. More info here.
Go Metro: Take the A or E Line to Little Tokyo Station.
Things To Do This Weekend
M = Less than .5 miles from an L.A. Metro Station, FA = Free Admission, TP = Top Pick
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.
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Holiday Sing-Along at The Walt Disney Concert Hall – M > Hundreds of revelers will join together at the Disney Concert Hall this Saturday for the annual Holiday Sing-Along. Musical accompaniment for the selection of songs will include jazz combo, a choir, and the pipe organ, all conducted by John Sutton. There are two concerts scheduled, one for 11:30 a.m. and one for 2:30 p.m. More info here.
The 69th Compton Christmas Parade – FA > The 69th Compton Christmas Parade returns on Saturday and runs along Compton Blvd and Bullis St, with a 2024 theme of “Holly Jolly Hub City”. Runs 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. More info here.
CAAM Kwanzaa Kuumba Celebration 2024 – M FA > On Saturday California African American Museum hosts a Kwanzaa celebration focused on the sixth principal of Kwanzaa, Kuumba—or creativity. The programming includes a Self-Care yoga session with instructor Constance Hartwell followed by interactive family storytime, and zine making AbleARTS. Runs 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. More info here.
Valley Cultural Foundation’s 4th Annual Holiday Arts & Music Festival – FA > This Saturday enjoy some holiday fun including free photos with Santa, snow play, small business shopping, food trucks and crafts for kids, all presented at the Valley Cultural Foundation’s annual holiday fest at Warner Park. Free to attend. More info here.
The Echo Park Community Parade – FA > Echo Park’s 54th annual Community Parade returns this Saturday for a festive morning along Sunset Blvd. The route runs from Vin Scully to Park Ave, with the official start time set for 11 a.m. Be aware that portions of Sunset Blvd and some adjoining intersections will be closed down from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. to accommodate the parade, so even if you don’t plan to attend, keep that in mind if you’re in the area. More info here.
Marina Del Rey Holiday Boat Parade – FA TP > The Marina del Rey Holiday Boat Parade returns for the 62nd edition this Saturday, offering musical entertainment, food trucks, and a pre-parade lights display. The public can enjoy from viewing spots at Burton Chace Park and Fisherman’s Village. The event runs from 4 to 8 p.m., with the boat parade beginning at 6 p.m. More info here.
PetCon -> This Saturday the Wallis Annenberg PetSpace welcomes PetCon, a day focused on all the special animals in our lives. Put on by The Dog Agency, the convention features pet expert panels, fun activities (including agility courses and pet tattoos) plus meet + greets with celebrity pet guests. Oh, and of course there will be plenty of adoptable pups on hand too! GA tickets start at $35. More info here.
Discovery Cube LA’s Holiday Village -> Starting this Saturday kids can step into a winter wonderland at Discovery Cube LA’s Holiday Village. Explore gingerbread houses, enjoy festive décor, and get into seasonal crafts and activities. Tickets are $20 for adults and $17 for children ages 3–14. Running now through January 5, 2025. More info here.
Yuletide Cinemaland – M > Street Food Cinema’s annual lineup of festive favorites is back this Saturday and Sunday at Heritage Square Museum with double features, holiday inspired cocktails, a Yuletide Market, live piano sing-along, guided Victorian home tours and more. Tickets cost $40.60 for adults and $23.64 for kids 6-11 years-old with parking passes starting at $28.93. Yuletide Cinemaland runs December 7-23. More info here.
Creative Communal Holiday Market at Runway Playa Vista – FA > Creative Communal brings it’s brand of holiday market to Runway Playa Vista on Saturday offering 30+ vendors offering jewelry, leather goods, men’s apparel, fine art, home goods, and more. Runs 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on both dates. Free to attend. More info here.
Bob Baker’s Nutcracker -> Continuing on Saturday and Sunday, 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.
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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.
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.
Hanukkah Festival at the Skirball Cultural Center -> The Skirball’s annual Hanukkah Festival takes place on Sunday. The multigenerational celebration features live music, kid friendly activities, tasty traditional treats, and access to exhibition galleries. The Skirball Storytellers will also bring the Hanukkah story to life with a theatrical performance featuring music and puppetry. Then, as sundown approaches, there will be a community candle lighting ceremony. GA tickets start at $20. More info here.
Snow Day at Common Space Brewery – FA > Common Space Brewery in Hawthorne transforms into a snowy wonderland on Sunday with 20 tons of fresh snow for one special morning. Families can enjoy arts and crafts, story time, games, and a kids’ holiday market. It’s all free to attend. Runs 9:30 a.m. to noon. 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.
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.
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.
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.
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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.
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.
Dining & Drinking
(picks by Christina Champlin)
Panxa Cocina 10-Year Anniversary White Party -> Celebrate Panxa Cocina’s 10-year anniversary with a month of specials and entertainment, starting with the 10-Year Anniversary White Party on Saturday from 5–10 pm. Enjoy all-night happy hour specials alongside signature dishes like Stacked Enchiladas, Charred Queso Oaxaca, Chimayo Posolé, and Fry Bread Tacos, plus the return of the Road Runner Special ($10) featuring a Modelo, a shot, and a taco. The evening will feature music by DJ Dokkodo, games with prizes, and the chance to get flash tattoos. More info here.
Sushi and Sake Night at Steep -> Chinatown’s Steep is closing out the year with a special collaboration on Sunday, December 15, featuring Chef Ai Honda Kennedy. Pre-order an eight-piece sushi set and bottles of sake now through Steep’s website. The evening will also offer Steep’s signature tea cocktail program and comforting Japanese small bites, including Snow Crab Chawanmushi and Sabazushi. More info here.
Guelaguetza’s Mole Donut Collaboration -> The latest Breaking Bread collaboration from Holey Grail Donuts features Bricia Lopez of the James Beard Award-winning restaurant Guelaguetza. Available now through the end of the month, the Mole Grail Donut combines Holey Grail’s signature taro donut fried to order glazed in Oaxacan chocolate made with pasilla chile and peanuts, topped with sesame walnut brittle. As part of Breaking Bread’s mission, 20% of Mole Grail sales will be donated to Regarding HER, a nonprofit supporting women leaders in the food and beverage industry. To celebrate, a launch party will be held at Holey Grail’s Long Beach location (4803 2nd St) on Sunday, December 15, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., with a meet-and-greet with Bricia. Bring or purchase her bestselling cookbook, Oaxaca: Home Cooking from the Heart of Mexico, to have it signed while enjoying a Mole Grail Donut. More info here.
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