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Last weekend before Christmas. Winter solstice on deck. So what are you plans?
This December 20-22 in Los Angeles, you’ll find free admission at USC Pacific Asia Museum, the Chinatown After Dark Holiday Market, a Queer Mercado at the East L.A. Civic Center, Holiday Humbug Comedy Workshop at The Actor’s Gang Theater, Holidays in Harmony at L.A. High Memorial Park, “A Very Caribbean Christmas” at Smorgasburg, and more. Check out the full rundown in our list below!
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Make Metro Part of Your Weekend
Free Admission at UPAM – M FA > USC Pacific Asia Museum has a special holiday treat beginning this Saturday: Free admission! From December 21 to January 4, UPAM will offer gratis entry, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m Wednesday to Sunday. Keep in mind the museum will be closed on Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day. Get more info here.
Go Metro: Take the A Line to Memorial Park Station.
Things To Do This Weekend
M = Less than .5 miles from an L.A. Metro Station, FA = Free Admission, TP = Top Pick
Trademark Brewing Holiday Movie Night – M FA > Long Beach’s Trademark Brewing continues their Holiday Movie Night series with a screening of Jingle All The Way this Friday. If you can’t make it this week, they’ll also be screening Die Hard (definitely a Christmas movie) to close out the series on December 27. Movie night starts at 7 p.m. More info here.
The Last Bookstore Studio City – FA > The Last Bookstore, Downtown L.A.’s iconic multi-story book haven, just opened a new outpost in Studio City this past Saturday. Located on Lankershim Blvd just a block south of the 134 freeway, the space features 10,000 square feet (about half the DTLA size) of interconnected rooms stocked with troves of books and styled with decor consigned from Designers View. Definitely a must stop-in for all the bibliophiles out there.
LRG BREW Art Show at Smog City – FA > This Friday to Sunday, Los Ruano Gallery is hosting a benefit art show at the Smog City Brewery and Taproom (1901 Del Amo Boulevard in Torrance) featuring over 15 artists and 75+ original artworks, with selected limited edition prints also for sale. Catch the art nightly from 5 p.m. to close all weekend long. Free to attend. More info here.
Groundlings Roasting on an Open Fire -> This Friday and Saturday evenings, catch the final performances of the 2024 Groundlings Holiday Show, with Jordan Black directing an all-new batch of sketches inspired by the yuletide season. Two shows each night, 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Tickets start at $32. More info here.
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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.
Discovery Cube LA’s Holiday Village -> Now operating daily at Discovery Cube LA, the Holiday Village offers a wintry assortment of kid-friendly experiences including gingerbread houses, twinkling lights, festive décor, and 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.
Home Alone in Concert – M > Screenings of Home Alone come to the Walt Disney Concert Hall this Friday and Saturday as the LA Phil’s Deck the Hall Concert series continues with four live-to-picture concerts featuring the Christmas classic, all backed by David Newman conducting The Hollywood Bowl Orchestra. Concerts are at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. each day. Get more info here.
Chinatown After Dark Holiday Market – M FA TP > Chinatown’s Far East Plaza comes alive this Saturday with a night of vendors curated by Filled Market, including RIF LA, Golden Age Thrift, Rikki’s Wikkie’s, Lot Lizards, and Tried + True. There will be a book and toy drive by Homeboy as well as donation proceeds going to Bigay Puso, plus a burger collab by Amboy and SoSuperSam. Runs 4 to 9 p.m. Free to attend. More info here.
The Queer Mercado – M FA > The Queer Mercado brings queer product and food vendors to the East L.A. Civic Center every third Saturday of the month. In addition to shopping the market will also feature drag performances, DJ, and other live entertainment. Runs 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. More info here.
Holiday Humbug Comedy Workshop – M > On Saturday night, The Actors Gang Theater in Culver City will host an improvised, pay-what-you-can comedy performance and workshop session leading into a post-show DJ set. Sketches will include takes on A Christmas Carol, The Nutcracker, and Krampus. Drinks are at 8 p.m., show starts at 9 p.m., and the DJ begins at 10 p.m. 18+ only. It’s $10 to reserve at ticket, and a $1 minimum at the door. More info here.
Holidays in Harmony – FA > This Sunday at L.A. High Memorial Park, catch a family-friendly afternoon of live entertainment and all-ages activations as part of Holidays in Harmony: Community Winter Festival. The line includes musical performances, snow slides and a rock climbing wall, holiday arts and craft, local food trucks, and a vendor market to shop one-of-a-kind gifts. Free to attend. Runs 1 to 5 p.m. More info here.
Bob Baker’s Nutcracker -> Continuing this Thursday to 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.
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.
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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.
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 > 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 Thursday to Sunday. Adult tickets cost $22-$45 for non-members. 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 Thursday 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.
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Dining & Drinking
(picks by Christina Champlin)
La Sorted’s Chinatown x Phillipe’s Pizza Collab -> La Sorted has teamed up with French Dip legend Philippe’s to deliver a must-try creation. After debuting at the Family Style Food Fest, this limited-time pizza now hits the public menu through the end of the year. The pie takes La Sorted’s signature Sicilian dough and loads it with mozzarella, provolone, parmesan, Philippe’s famous roast beef, and mustard—all served with a side of au jus for dipping. Find the French Dip Sicilian exclusively at La Sorted’s Chinatown location. Grab a slice for $8 or a whole pie for $48. More info here.
Crossroads Kitchen New Late Night Happy Hour -> Chef Tal Ronnen’s Crossroads Kitchen delivers plant-based late-night bites with a daily happy hour at the bar. Dive into indulgent eats like the Crispy Chicken Caesar Sandwich, Buffalo Mushrooms with blue cheese, Spaghetti & Meatballs, and a Mini Brownie Sundae loaded with hot fudge, coconut whip, and brandied cherries—all priced between $5 and $20. Pair your meal with classic cocktails like a Margarita or Bourbon Lemonade for just $10. More info here.
“A Very Caribbean Christmas” at Smorgasburg -> This Sunday, Smorgasburg wraps up the year with a festive Caribbean feast, hosted by Bridgetown Roti! This special market brings together a curated lineup of pop-up vendors, dishing out authentic island flavors. Dig into jerk chicken, jerk pork, patties, doubles, roti, oxtails, and sip on refreshing sorrel and sea moss drinks. Vendors like Backyard Jerk, Branch Patty, OnPointttt, A Beautiful Life Jamaican, The Royal Womb, and Bridgetown Roti serve up their best for the season. More info here.
Scoop Upgrade at Salt & Straw -> To celebrate the shortest day of the year, Salt & Straw will be offering a bonus scoop of ice cream to customers who order a single scoop on Saturday December 21 at all locations. More info here.
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