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 decided to curate a list of things to do in Los Angeles every week end that’ll help you decide how you want to spend your limited supply of attention (not to mention dollars!).
This weekend includes a public lightsaber battle in Pershing Square, a Holly Jolly Day in DTLA, a holiday sing-along at the Music Center, a free star party at The Observatory, and a Festival of Lights hike up Echo Mountain.
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So grab some friends or go at it alone, but most importantly have fun and enjoy yourself!
[RELATED: The Best Way to Find Discount Events in Los Angeles]
[REMINDER: In some cases We Like L.A. does receive revenue when visitors click on ticket links and make purchases, however we maintain complete editorial control over the events we suggest. Basically, it only makes it on to the website if we think it is cool!]
Friday December 18th, 2015
1. A Lightsaber Battle In Pershing Square
To celebrate the opening weekend of The Force Awakens a costumed group meet-up will take place in DTLA’s Pershing Square with hundreds (or perhaps thousands) of participants expected to show up at this FREE lightsaber battle. Don’t have a lightsaber? No problem the event is selling them for $10 BUT our friends at Goldstar is hooking it up with half priced lightsabers at the event while supplies last!
2. Holiday Sing-Along at the Music Center
Head over to The Music Center on Friday for a grand night of singing under the stars. Join a festive crowd for a massive sing along belting out holiday classics like Jingle Bells, O Christmas Tree and Silver Bells. No experience is necessary and lyric sheets will be provided during this joint performance accompanied by a live band. This event it totally free but you need to a ticket to join.
3. Guys and Dolls
Need to bring some swing into your life? Check out The Tony-winning musical Guys and Dolls via a production put on at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Beverly Hills. Grab some discount tickets for Friday’s show thanks to our friends at Goldstar.
4. Winter Fest OC
Starting this Friday a “wonderland of attractions and entertainment” will hit the OC Fair & Event center offering a host of winter themed and Christmas-inspired experiences over the course of a two and a half week run. Winter Fest promises a massive six lane ice slide, the Worlds Largest Ornament, magic shows, carnival rides, Holiday day themed foods and more.
5. Seinfeld: The Apartment
A replica of Jerry’s apartment from ‘Seinfeld’ is coming to L.A. just in time for Festivus. From December 16-20 from 10:00am – 7:00pm guests at the pop-up installation can crash through a door like Kramer, or gather around a Festivus pole to air grievances or even perform feats of strength. The pop-up is free and open to the public.
6. Music Center Holiday Sing-Along
Interested in being part of a massive public performance? Head over to The Music Center this Friday, for a grand night of signing under the stars, belting out holiday tunes with fellow Angelenos. No experience is necessary, admission is free but tickets are required so come early to reserve a spot.
7. CHILL at the Queen Mary
The Queen Mary will once again be overtaken by a deep freeze for the fourth annual CHILL! Experience the Ice Kingdom, glacier glide ice tubing, ice skating and plenty of holiday entertainment. P.S. The Ice Kingdom will be introducing the New Holiday Ice Bar for adults! For more information and discounted tickets seven days a week, visit our friends at Goldstar.
8. Free Museum Day At The Long Beach Museum Of Art
The Long Beach Museum of Art is free every Friday!
9. Odd Market
For one day only, the Odd Market is setting up shop at Bunker Hill’s Wells Fargo Center Plaza (333 S. Grand Ave.) from 10:00am – 4:00pm. Expect to shop unique vendors in jewelry, fashion, art, vintage home goods and gourmet food.
10. Holiday Movie Night At Third Street Promenade Screens Home Alone Free!
Free screening of Home Alone for Holiday Movie Night at the Third Street Promenade will also provide hot chocolate and kids crafts. Kid activities begin at 6:00pm and movie screens at 7:00pm.
11. Lunchtime Yoga Retreat
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Get your sun salutations on in the middle of Downtown in Grand Park! The free yoga class starts at 12:15pm and runs to 1:00pm.
12. Groundlings Holiday Show
The Groundlings Holiday Show is an evening of all-new sketches and some improvisation, known to poke fun at every possible holiday tradition. Count on the always original and hilarious Groundlings troupe to kick off your holiday season the right way. Spreading their holiday cheer this Friday and Saturday!
13. The Rink In Downtown Burbank
Downtown Burbank’s most festive holiday tradition returns for outdoor ice skating and festive events. The Rink in Downtown Burbank will run from December 10, 2015 through January 3, 2016.
14. Star Wars: The Force Awakens At El Capitan
Hollywood’s legendary El Capitan Theatre presents a special engagement of Lucasfilm “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” December 18, 2015 through February 7, 2016. Before the movie, El Capitan guests will be treated to an all-new Laser Lightsaber Curtain Show and can explore El Capitan’s exclusive display of costumes and props from the movie.
15. CRAFTED At The Port Of Los Angeles
CRAFTED is a marketplace for local artists to sell their handmade goods. This weekend the market will host a special holiday party, expect a live DJ, Willmore Wine Bar pouring spirits, a DIY felted ornament station and a holiday cards screen printing station. Parking and gift wrapping will be free!
16. Blue Ribbon Sushi Los Angeles “Feast Of The Seven Seas”
Blue Ribbon Sushi Bar & Grill inside The Grove is hosting a week-long “Feast Of The Seven Seas” promotion running now through the 24th. The feast will feature a limited edition platter inspired by the Feast Of The Seven Fishes. Priced at $27 the dish features seven types of seafood complemented by unique accoutrements and garnishes.
17. Cavatina Announced Jonathan Kim As Executive Chef, Ushers In New Menu
Cavatina, located inside the legendary Sunset Marquis, announced a new Executive Chef today. Jonathan Kim will be working alongside James Beard Award Winning Chef/Restauranteur Michael Schlow. Expect a combination of Korean and American flavors to be on Cavatina’s new menu. We had a chance to preview dishes and highlights include the Pork Belly Risotto, Scallop Crudo and Hamachi. All were excellent reflections on the current food landscape of Los Angeles.
18. Sample Sales
- House of Harlow 1960 is having a sample sale at the WBC Showroom in Downtown LA. Happening for one day only (9:00am – 2:00pm.) Location:127 E. 9th Street Suite 1101 Los Angeles, CA 90015 United States
- A.L.C. is having a sample sale! Happening Thursday (12:00pm – 5:00pm) and Friday (10:00am – 3:00pm) expect 30-70% off WHOLESALE prices during the label’s annual sample sale. Location: 818 S Broadway Los Angeles, CA 90014
- The Cooper Building is hosting a Aussie Sample Sale. Happening Thursday (2:00pm – 6:00pm) and Friday (9:00am – 4:00pm) in suite 315, score cult favorite Aussie labels like Cameo Collective, Finders, Keepsake the Label, and the Fifth starting at just $10. Location: The Cooper Building 860 S Los Angeles St Los Angeles, CA 90014
- Kitson stores are closing and going out with a massive blowout sale. Happening through the end of January, score up to 60% off storewide during the LA retailer’s closing sales at all of its locations.
- Visit the California Market Center for amazing shopping deals during their Holiday Sample Sale event. Score incredible gifts in hundreds of showrooms carrying apparel for men, women, children as well as gift & home items all way below-retail prices.
Saturday December 19th, 2015
19. Holly Jolly Day
Ice skate in the heart of L.A. Live, meet characters from the upcoming movie Kung Fu Panda 3, indulge in a sweets station featuring gourmet lollipops, cupcakes and a hot chocolate laboratory. Last but not least visit a life-size gingerbread house comprised of 1,300 lbs. of the spiced cookie dough and furnished entirely out of sweet confections. Sounds like your thing? For more information check out our post on Holly Jolly Day.
20. FREE Public Star Party At The Observatory
See the Sun, Moon, Planets and constellations magnified for your pleasure with the powerful telescopes at the Griffith Observatory. Their popular (and free) monthly Public Star Party happens from 2:00 pm to 9:45 pm this Saturday outside on the lawn of the Observatory.
21. Cinespia Presents A Gremlins Screening At DTLA’s Palace Theatre
Cinespia is hosting a special screening of 80’s cult classic “Gremlins.” The show will have DJs spinning records, holiday cocktails, and a free photo booth. Tickets start at $20.
22. Artists & Fleas
Brooklyn-born craft market Artists & Fleas takes place every third weekend of the month along Mateo St (between 6th and 7th St) in DTLA from 11:00am – 5:00pm. The market features locally made art, fashion, vintage wares, vinyl, edibles and beyond. Feeling hungry after a full day of shopping? No need to worry there’s a “feed lot” that features five LA-based food trucks; admission is free.
23. Saturday Sale: California Market Center
Brace yourself a really big SALE is coming your way! The Saturday Sale at the California Market Center is open to the public with slashed prices of 50 to 80% off tons of contemporary brands.
24. Getty Holiday Lights
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Every Saturday during Holiday Lights at the Getty you can catch a sunset at magic hour, take a stroll through the Central Garden of twinkling tress and stay warm with some complimentary mulled cider.
25. Winter Wonderland At The Malibu Country Mart
The Malibu Country Mart will host their annual Winter Wonderland celebration throughout the month of December. The Mart will be beautifully decorated with festive holiday décor and visitors can enjoy weekly events with holiday-themed activities like strolling Victorian carolers, kid-friendly holiday crafts, cookie decorating, and visits from Santa Claus with real live reindeer!
26. Holiday Ice Rink In Pershing Square
From November 12 – January 18 Angelenos can skate in the heart of DTLA at Pershing Square. Each skate-session costs $9, and it’s $4 for skate rental.
27. Knott’s Berry Farm’s “Knott’s Merry Farm”
Christmas is in full effect at Knott’s Berry Farm! Charlie Brown and friends are the theme this year. Watch Snoopy dance on ice in the “Merry Christmas, Snoopy!” show and Chuck celebrates the holiday with the Peanuts gang in the live show “Christmas Time Is Here, Charlie Brown.” Our friends at Goldstar is offering discount ticket packages all throughout the month!
28. Del Frisco’s Santa Monica Introduces New Festive Cocktails
Del Frisco’s Grille Santa Monica is offering four new festive cocktails to help locals get in the spirit. Drinks include: White Chocolate Candy Cane Martini, Chocolate Eggnog Martini, Pumpkin Spiced Latte-ini and a Apple Cinnamon Mule.
Sunday December 20th, 2015
29. The Nutcracker
Come see The American Ballet Theatre perform a holiday favorite, The Nutcracker at Segerstrom Center for the Arts. Larger-than-life scenery, gorgeous costumes and more than 100 dancers from American Ballet’s professional and student companies will put on this grand performance of The Nutcracker for a limited time only. For more information and discounted tickets visit Goldstar.
30. Discount Tickets to the Retro Holiday Show
Creating Arts Company’s Retro Holiday Show is a one-hour interactive theatrical mini-musical featuring classic Christmas characters from pop-culture’s past. Great for an afternoon outing with the kids. Grab discount tickets to Sunday’s show via our friends at Goldstar.
31. Month-Long Public Art Exhibition Takes Over Billboards Across Los Angeles
The Billboard Creative will place 33 contemporary artists’ works on billboards across Los Angeles displayed at major intersections throughout the city. The first billboard display will go up on December 1 with plans to have all the rest installed by December 7. The works will be up for one month only.
32. Lights on Display in Sherman Oaks
Sherman Oaks resident Mike Ziemkowski takes his Christmas decorating a bit more seriously than you, and that’s perfectly fine by us. From computer controlled lighting to DMX controlled intelligent light to animatronic characters synched to an epic preprogrammed playlist of holiday tunes and a Snowman DJ called DJ Jingles this free display is something you have to see live. Runs now until January 1.
33. Pay What You Can Day At Craft And Folk Art Museum
Every Sunday it’s pay what you can day at the Craft and Folk Art Museum.
34. LA Kings Holiday Ice At L.A. LIVE
Enjoy outdoor ice skating at L.A. LIVE! The annual LA Kings Holiday Ice brings outdoor ice skating to L.A. LIVE’s Microsoft Square. The rink will run through December 31, 2015.
35. Free Day At Museum of Latin American Art
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The Museum of Latin American Art has free admission every Sunday!
36. Gallery iam8bit Annual Unique Ornament Sale
The super fun ornament sale returns to gallery iam8bit. Artists from around the world have crafted hundreds of original ornaments all starting at an affordable $10. Happening now through December.
37. Echo Mountain ‘Festival of Lights Hike’
Friends of Echo Mountain Facebook page are organizing a massive night-time group hike. They’re calling it the ‘Festival of Lights Hike.’ All hikers are encouraged to bring as many flashlights or LEDs as they can carry, and the group will make their way up to the top of Echo Mountain as a trail of light!
38. Osso Launches Brunch Menu
Osso in DTLA just launched a weekend brunch menu served from 11:00am – 2.30pm. Highlights include the fried chicken biscuit and a savory poached egg dish called al’amatriciana served with a side of crusty bread. The charred cinnamon and honey Horchata made in-house is the perfect accompaniment but if you want to make it a boozy brunch, order the Muddy Maria a tamarind based bloody mary. Brunch is now being served Saturdays and Sundays.
39. Bar Mattachine Presents Sunday Brunch
Local gay craft cocktail bar, Bar Mattachine, is launching The Windup Sunday Brunch featuring two signature sandwiches from Guest Chef Maxwell, boozy brunch cocktails, drink specials and a live DJ every Sunday. From 11:00am – 4:00 pm guest can dine on breakfast sando’s like Savor Her Slutty Sister, a roasted pork belly sandwich topped with plenty of veggies and a fried egg or the Vegan Virgin sandy with seared tofu, marinated mushrooms and tomatoes with avocado wrapped in butter lettuce. $20 bottomless mimosas will also be served at brunch.
40. Bruxie Now Open In Santa Monica!
Bruxie has landed on the Westside,the gourmet waffle sandwich shop will introduce their highly anticipated light, airy and crispy waffle creations, including classic savory and sweet sandwiches, signature salads, breakfast favorites, sweet waffle treats, real Wisconsin frozen custards and more to hungry folks in Santa Monica.
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