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 in L.A. (December 1-3) includes a celebration of Cuba via The Music Center, the L.A. Auto Show, the Lights on Display in Sherman Oaks, a holiday boat parade at the L.A. Harbor, a Swedish Christmas fair, and much more!
Enjoy!
Friday December 1, 2017
1. Cuba: Antes, Ahora / Cuba: Then, Now, a celebration of Cuban music and dance, comes to The Music Center in Downtown L.A. from November 30 to December 3 as part of Pacific Standard Time: LA/LA. The events include a special Cuba-inspired edition of Sleepless, the Music Center’s signature late-night party.
2. The L.A. Auto Show is back for another round of test drives, new car showcases and ‘The Garage” aftermarket hall from December 1-10. Don’t miss Toyota’s “Camry Thrill Ride” experience where guests get to drive with a professional stunt driver through a course complete with evasive maneuvers, donuts, ramp jumps and more, happening at the L.A. Auto Show December 1-3.
3. It’s hard not to make fun of the holidays, laugh about the “most wonderful time of the year” when the Groundlings troupe returns with their beloved Groundlings Holiday Show. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)
4. The 2017 Pomona Harvest Festival returns to Fairplex Expo 4 on December 1-3 with a selection of incredible handmade and embellished art and crafts from hundreds of artisans.
5. See the merriest Christmas light show in the city at City Blessing Church in Walnut during Lights on Miracle Hill: 12 Days of Christmas every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from December 1-24.
6. The Griffith Observatory hosts a monthly forum where some of the most amazing phenomena in the known universe are explained and discussed. It’s called All Space Considered and it takes place on the first Friday of every month. FREE
7. There’s a free holiday party at Greenbar Distillery to celebrate the good things that happened this year and at the same time forget all the bad stuff with a craft cocktail and some joyful entertainment. FREE
8. Head to Figat7th in DTLA to check out Monumental Words an art installation on view November 20, 2017 through February 17, 2018. This Friday you can party with the glowing display of massive word sculptures during a Silent Disco party. FREE
9. Enchanted: Forest of Light is in full swing at Descanso Gardens offering guests a colorful one-mile path walk through 10 distinct light displays at unique points within the garden including the Oak Grove and the Japanese Garden. The event runs until January 6, 2018. Check for discount tickets while supplies. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)
10. 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 spun by the beloved DJ Jingles. The show runs every night until January 1, 2018. FREE
11. Something Rotten!, a hilarious new musical comedy tells the story of brothers playwrights overshadowed by the great Will Shakespeare. Follow them as they try to steal the spotlight and end up unexpectedly end up writing the world’s very first musical. The show runs November 21 through December 30. Check for discount tickets while supplies last. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)
12. Take a Downtown Los Angeles foodie walking tour and savor what the bustling neighborhood has to offer. The tour is three hours long, participants will stop at six popular spots to eat and the tour guide will take folks through the history of DTLA. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)
13. The Heart of Robin Hood offers a fresh take on the most infamous of outlaws from writer David Farr (The Night Manager). Playing at The Wallis from November 29 through December 17.
14. The Uptown Village Market happening at Expo Arts Center in Bixby Knolls Long Beach will have local artist selling their goods for the holidays. In addition complimentary refreshments and live entertainment will be on hand.
15. Metro Art presents “L.A. Documentaries at Union Station,” a celebration of the city of Angels through true stories on film. Closing the series is “This is the life” this Friday in the Historic Ticketing Hall. FREE
16. California Market Center, in the heart of Downtown Los Angeles’ Garment District, opens to the public for a big sample sale this Friday (just in time for holiday shopping!)
17. The Red Lion Tavern in Silver Lake is hosting a Krampusnacht celebration this Friday night starting at 8 p.m. If you bring a toy for Toys for Tots or a donation for Miry’s List you’ll get a discount on drink specials throughout the night. Krampus costumes strongly encouraged! FREE
18. “Sanrio Village” at Tanaka Farms is a special seasonal holiday program in Irvine where guests enjoy a festive wagon tour of the 30-acre farm and photo opportunities and with Sanrio characters and Santa himself. Guests can also explore the Holiday Market Stand, offering arts, crafts, and holiday activities for families and children. Happening from November 24 through each weekend until December 17, 2017.
19. Since its the first Friday of the month check out all the cool events happening around town including block parties and art walks for First Fridays.
20. Free admission at: Norton Simon Museum (5 to 8 p.m.), Pasadena Museum of California Art (noon to 5 p.m.) and Long Beach Museum of Art. FREE
Saturday, December 2nd, 2017
21. Five holiday-themed concerts will be performed by the LA Master Chorale at Walt Disney Concert Hall between December 2 and 18. Expect Handel, Bach and more.
22. The Museum of Failure is coming to Los Angeles starting this Saturday at A+D Architecture and Design Museum in the Arts District. Exhibits will include some of recent history’s biggest commercial flops, including Donald Trump’s board game, the Harley-Davidson Perfume, the Apple Newton, the Betamax, Google Glass, and more.
23. The Unique LA Holiday Shop & Market at California Market Center includes 350 designers, plus sips and snacks, DIY workshops, photo booths and FREE gift wrapping stations. Takes place December 2-3.
24. The Devan Shah Tea Festival (formerly known as the Los Angeles International Tea Festival) comes to Pasadena Convention Center December 2-3 for one of the nation’s largest tea events, uniting tea enthusiasts and experts for tea-talk and tastings. Be sure to check for discount tickets before you purchase. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)
25. The 23rd Annual Holiday Lamplight Celebration at Heritage Square is this Saturday and Sunday. Get transported to the Victorian Age during this traditional lamp lighting celebration and tour in Montecito Heights’ Heritage Square. Tours begin at 4 p.m. each day.
26. Union Station Holiday Festival is a one-day pop-up artisan marketplace featuring goods from L.A.’s most sought-after artists and artisans. FREE
27. This Saturday NewFilmmakers Los Angeles (NFMLA) present their annual DocuSlate, an entire day dedicated to documentary film screenings. The screenings will take place at the South Park Center on Hill St. starting at 10:30 a.m. and will go until the after-party kicks off at 11 p.m. A $25 all-access pass gets you admission to all screenings plus an open bar.
28. The 55th annual Los Angeles Harbor Holiday Afloat comes to the Los Angeles Harbor for a celebration of the holiday season on the water. FREE
29. This Saturday at noon is the First Annual Hoppy Howlidays Party, a benefit for the Linda Blair Worldheart Foundation at the Yorkshire Square Brewery in Torrance. The Worldheart Foundation focuses on the rescue and welfare of shelter animals, especially commonly overlooked bully breeds. Saturday’s events include a “Snuggle Drive” (if guests bring a new or gently used towel, blanket or dog bed, they’ll receive a discount on pints), an Opportunity Drawing with prizes plus games and beer and adorable dogs on hand.
30. The Holidayfest on South Lake Ave in Pasadena is this Saturday at noon featuring live music, horse and carriage rides, kid’s craft, giveaways, a scavenger hunt and more! FREE
31. The Belmont Shore Annual Christmas Parade returns on with 100 floats and a special Grand Marshal, five-time Olympic Medalist Tony Azevedo! Parade starts at 6 p.m. FREE
32. Feastown at Eastown, a new, bimonthly popup night marketplace featuring food vendors and live music, debuted in Hollywood October and now returns for two Saturdays in November with a Thanksgiving-theme. There is no cover to attend. Part of the proceeds from food purchases will go to help locals in need.
33. There is an opening reception for “TOYBOX” this Saturday, December 2 from 7 to 11 p.m. in Gallery 1 at Corey Helford Gallery. The exhibition contains 36 new oil paintings, as well as sculptures and installations from pop-surrealist Ron English. On view through December 30. FREE
Sunday, December 3rd, 2017
34. The Mosaic Art & Craft Fair in Alhambra pops up in the 626 with a day of unique shopping, kids’ art workshops, face painting and the man himself – Santa Claus! Free and open to the public. FREE
35. The SWEA Los Angeles Annual Swedish Christmas Fair come to Torrance’s Ken Miller Recreation Center this Sunday. The event features tons of Swedish food, Swedish shopping, folk dancing, a Santa Lucia pageant and a live choir.
36. This Sunday is the 73rd Annual NELA Christmas Parade. The parade route goes from Ave. 60 to Sycamore Grove Park. Starts at 1 p.m. FREE
37. The L.A. Choral Lab begins its fourth season with CHRISTMAS LIGHTS, a concert of holiday choral music. There will be two performances this Sunday, at 3 and 7 p.m.
38. Visit Downtown San Pedro on Sunday for the 37th Annual Spirit of San Pedro Holiday Parade a celebration of the local community and the holidays. FREE
39. SHOP FOR HER is a one-day pop-up event featuring socially conscious, female founded brands focused on empowering women. Taking place at PLATFORM in Culver City at 11 a.m.
40. Free admission at: Craft and Folk Art Museum (pay what you can) and Museum of Latin American Art. FREE
Schedule by We Like LA.