Posted by 
Looking to get into the spirit of the season this weekend? We’ve got a few ideas that fit the vibe.
Coming up this December 6-8 in Los Angeles, you’ll find a Krampus art show at Copro Gallery, the Christmas Tree Lane lighting ceremony in Altadena, Frogtown Holiday Hop, the PST ART Weekend in DTLA, the Downtown Burbank Winter Arts Festival, the Venice Sign Lighting celebration, the El Segundo Christmas Parade, A Snowy Wonderland in Inglewood and more.
advertisements
Make Metro Part of Your Weekend
PST ART Weekend: Downtown LA HUB -> PST ART: Art & Science Collide wraps of their series of 2024 neighborhood takeovers by coming to Downtown Los Angeles this weekend. The slate of events includes multiple activations and workshops at DTLA institutions like The Broad, MOCA, and Cal State L.A., but the main event is a Street Fest slated for this Saturday night centered around 919 S. Broadway. Here you’ll find special food vendors curated by MAMA’s Night Market, workshops from outdoor community USAL Project, and DJ-spun tunes programmed by NTS Radio. The street fest runs from 6 to 10 p.m. and is free to attend.
Go Metro: Take the A, B, D, and E lines to 7th Street Metro Station OR Take Lines 10/48/66 to 9th / Broadway.
Things To Do This Weekend
M = Less than .5 miles from an L.A. Metro Station, FA = Free Admission, TP = Top Pick
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Truly LA’s Winter Wonderland -> This holiday season, Truly LA in the Arts District invites you to step into their festive Winter Wonderland. Open now through January 20, 2025, the space is adorned with holiday décor and features a menu of seasonal cocktails like the Minty Mudslide and Trulixirs. Guests can also enjoy festive bites, including mini baked brie, apple pie, and Christmas Pozole. Admission is free. Truly LA’s Winter Wonderland is open Thursday through Sunday. More info here.
104th Annual Christmas Tree Lane Lighting Ceremony and Winter Festival – FA TP > Every year, Altadena’s one-mile stretch of Deodar Cedars gets decked out in holiday lights, and to mark the beginning of the 2024 transformation, there will be family-friendly festival on Saturday at the Altadena Library featuring food, drink, and arts and crafts vendors. The festival runs from 3 to 9 p.m., and the tree lighting takes place at 6 p.m. More info here.
The Inaugural Krampus Show at Copro Gallery – M FA > This Saturday at Bergamot Station’s Copro Gallery, “The Inaugural Krampus Show” curated by art director Monte Beauchamp opens with a celebration featuring live music from the Cat Museum, a collective which plays live psychedelic soundtracks to films of cats.. The exhibition features over 60 artists, and will remain on view through December 28. Opening night is free to attend, and runs 6 to 10 p.m. More info here.
advertisements
Hollywood Park’s Second Annual Winter Fest – FA > This Saturday sees the return of Winter Fest, Hollywood Park’s holiday celebration. The free event is open for all ages and features photos with Black Santa, a celebrity pickleball tournament hosted by Baron Davis, activities from future Hollywood Park tenants and local businesses, food trucks, music from DJs, live performances, and more. Free to attend. Additionally, Hollywood Park’s monthly Farmers Market by FarmHabit will run from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. More info here.
Venice Sign Lighting and Holiday Block Party – M FA > On Saturday the Venice Sign is getting the holiday treatment, and to celebrate the occasion a portion of Windward Avenue will be closed down for a street festival, staged entertainment, and family friendly activities. More info here.
Yuletide Cinemaland – M > Street Food Cinema’s annual lineup of festive favorites is back this Saturday at Heritage Square Museum with holiday inspired cocktails, a Yuletide Market, live piano sing-along, guided Victorian home tours and more, all paired with outdoor movie screenings 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.
Holiday Makers Market – FA > This Saturday head over to Silver Lake for a for a holiday market featuring a medley of vendors and businesses. Get your holiday pet portraits taken, sip on Glögg (mulled wine) from Vinovore and there’s even a dog adoption. Runs noon to 5 p.m. More info here.
Chinatown Holiday Market – FA > Chinatown’s Mandarin Plaza comes alive this Saturday afternoon with their annual holiday market. Expect 20+ vendors offering food, tea, tea cocktails, arts, crafts, and more. Runs 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free to attend. 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 two Saturdays in December, 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.
Frogtown Holiday Hop – FA > Hop over to Frogtown this Saturday to celebrate the holiday season with a family-friendly activation featuring shops and eateries along the L.A. River. There will be a dozen venues presenting art exhibits, free or low-cost art activities, holiday shopping, giveaways, discounts, a treasure hunt, DJ’s and live music. Event runs noon to 5 p.m. Free to attend. More info here.
VinylFest – FA > This Saturday, the Original Farmers Market hosts their first-ever VinylFest in celebration of the Market’s 90th Anniversary. Local favorites Amoeba Music and House of Records will be on hand selling vinyl, plus enjoy an all-day lineup of DJ sets featuring DJ Lady C (dublab), Geoff Hanson (When the Needle Hits The Groove), Mitchum Yacoub, and Jeremy Sole (KCRW). Event runs 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Free to attend. More info here.
The Annual Ebell Holiday Ball – An Enchanted Soirée -> The Ebell of Los Angeles, a nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring women and building community through arts, culture and education, is celebrating 130 years of storied history this Saturday an Enchanted Soirée, featuring cocktails, a 3-course dinner, music and dancing. Tickets are $135. More info here.
Holiday Movie Night at Ivy Station – M FA -> This Saturday Culver City’s Ivy Station will host a Holiday Movie Night screening of How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000). Bring a blanket and snag a spot on the lawn, snap a festive photo at their selfie station and enjoy complimentary popcorn courtesy of Motion Flix. Free to attend. More info here.
Downtown Burbank Winter Arts Festival – FA M TP -> Indie artisan market Jackalope has curated a special winter lineup of vendors for the Downtown Burbank Winter Arts Festival this December. Happening Saturday and Sunday, the event covers a stretch of San Fernando Blvd from Magnolia to Angeleno with over 170 vendors offering hand-crafted artisan goods, visual art, photography, jewelry, paper goods, housewares, and more. Runs 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. 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.
advertisements
South Lake Holidayfest – FA > The annual Holidayfest on South Lake Ave in Pasadena offers a day of family activities, shopping deals, live bands, holiday music, and free Santa Photos at Santa’s Village. There will be special offerings/deals from over two dozen adjacent businesses, plus a raffle with tons of great prizes. Event runs noon to 6 p.m. this Saturday. More info here.
Sunday Studio at MOCA Geffen – M FA > The Museum of Contemporary Art’s quarterly art party features food, music, and local vendors, plus guests can stop in for special activities including a creative session with optical devices and play inspired by Olafur Eliasson: OPEN, plus a hands-on pickling workshop introducing folks to basic concepts in fermentation, led by L.A.-based fermented food instructor Jess Wang. Admission is free this Sunday, but you have to RSVP in advance. Runs 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. More info here.
CicLAvia – The Valley – FA > On Sunday, the 2024 finale of CicLAvia pops up in the San Fernando Valley, stretching a 5-mile across Sherman Way from Shoup Ave to Lindly Ave. The car-free route will feature multiple activity hubs and plenty of local gems to explore along the way as you walk, skate, or ride at your heart’s content. Runs 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. More info here.
Miracle on Main Street 2024 – FA > This Sunday Miracle on Main Street returns to Santa Monica with an evening of kids activities, carolers, an appearance by Santa, a performance by the Santa Monica High School Choir, and a tree lighting on the California Heritage Museum lawn. It’s all free to attend. Runs from 3:30 to 7:30 p.m. More info here.
A Snowy Wonderland in Inglewood – FA > Crenshaw Imperial Plaza hosts a Sunday afternoon of snow sledding and snow play with a real snowman, kids crafts, raffle prizes and photos with Santa. Free to attend! Runs noon to 3 p.m. More info here.
Mid City Mercado’s Posada Holiday Drive – M > The Mid City Mercado is back at it in West Adams this Sunday with an afternoon benefit pop-up to collect toys for Border Kindness and raise donations for Covenant House California. The event features DJ-spun tunes curated by DJ Lupe plus a special art exhibition and workshops. Runs 4 to 8 p.m. More info here.
El Segundo Holiday Parade – FA TP > The 60th Annual El Segundo Holiday Parade returns on Sunday with the theme “Candy Cane Lane on Main”. Expect magical displays of festive cheer from local schools and organizations, to marching bands, vintage cars, businesses and floats. Stop by the after party held at El Segundo Brewing Company where they’ll be offering “poked beer” a centuries old German tradition, where a hot metal rod is plunged into a glass of beer, in this case, ESBC’s Christmas Break Ale resulting in a s’mores like caramelization. The parade runs 1 to 3 p.m. More info here.
Smorgasburg Holiday Market -> Get into the festive spirit every Sunday in December at Smorgasburg’s Holiday Market, where you can shop for unique gifts from small businesses and indulge in dishes from the market’s many food vendors. Enjoy exclusive vendor specials just for the holidays and explore the world’s “biggest” condiment bar. 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.
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.
advertisements
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.
Astra Lumina: An Enchanted Night Walk Amongst The Stars -> The South Coast Botanic Garden’s multi-sensory celestial pathway experience continues this Thursday to Sunday. Guests can “walk amongst the stars” thanks to brilliant lights, cosmic visions, and astral song, all set within the garden grounds. Adult tickets start at $39 and there’s an additional fee for parking. Runs on select dates through January 31. 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.
Dining & Drinking
(picks by Christina Champlin)
Afternoon Tea at Dahlia Downtown Los Angeles -> On Saturday, December 7, Chef Suzanne Goin and restaurateur Caroline Styne will host an exclusive afternoon tea at Dahlia, located in Downtown L.A.’s Proper Hotel. The event celebrates the release of award-winning food writer Ben Mims’ new book, Crumbs: Cookies and Sweets from Around the World. This ticketed experience, priced at $75 per person, includes baked goods inspired by recipes from Crumbs, crafted by Goin and pastry chef Irene Widjaya. Guests will also enjoy savory bites and a selection of teas from TeaLeaves. Reservations can be made through OpenTable. More info here.
Mix Plate Pop-Up at All Day Baby -> Before All Day Baby closes its doors on December 15, pop-up Mix Plate will host a farewell party on Friday, December 6, featuring an evening of Hawaiian-inspired eats. Behind the bar, Jorge Figueroa and Chicas on the Rocks will be serving tropical cocktails to match the island vibes. The event runs from 6–10 p.m., with seating available for walk-ins only. More info here.
A Yucatán Feast with Zapote Bar x Mírate -> Mírate’s Culinary Director Ronnie Muñoz teams up with Zapote Bar’s Executive Chef Edgar Chavez from Playa Del Carmen for a one-night-only taco tasting featuring Heritage Breed Pork. This exclusive, ticketed event takes place on Sunday, December 8 and offers a multi-course menu of tacos, including Filipino Longaniza, Chef Dirk’s World-Famous Baby Back Ribs, Roasted Keken Cochinita Pibil, and Lechon Confitado, followed by Asiento Flan for dessert. Tickets are $62.40 per person, with an optional $40 cocktail pairing showcasing festive creations by Bar Directors Joshua Monaghan (Zapote) and Maxwell Reis (Mírate). Seating is limited, reservations can be made via Resy. More info here.
Want to get the best things to do in L.A. sent straight to your inbox? Join over 60,000 Angelenos who subscribe to our twice weekly email newsletter!
By subscribing, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy and consent to receive emails from We Like L.A. about news, events, offers, and partner promotions.
advertisements
