The last month [aka December] of the year is here and the countdown to 2024 is on. Make the most of this holiday season by exploring all the fun things to do locally. Check out our weekend event round-up for December 1 through December 3.
Los Angeles Weekend Events | December 1 – December 3
Festival of Carols
When: December 2
Where: DTLA
What: This holiday season, let the professionals handle the singing. Join the Los Angeles Master Chorale for a festive concert featuring your beloved holiday carols at the renowned Walt Disney Concert Hall. Sixty-two singers will deliver classics from various cultures, including timeless favorites like “Silent Night,” “Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” and “We Need a Little Christmas,” ensuring a spirited celebration. Adding to the magic, the Disney Hall’s pipe organ will play a part in the enchanting concert, and who knows, Santa might even make a surprise appearance.
Holiday Ice Rink Pershing Square
When: Until January 7
Where: Pershing Square
What: In Los Angeles, a city not usually associated with winter festivities, an enchanting transformation occurs when an ice skating rink is set up amidst the towering skyscrapers of Downtown. This urban winter wonderland invites you to glide across the ice at Pershing Square’s open-air holiday rink. Imagine soft snow underfoot as you skate, with the convenience of included skate rentals. Additional amenities like lockers and skating aids are available for a nominal fee, enhancing your festive experience.
L.A. Zoo Lights
When: November 17, 2023 – January 7, 2024
Where: L.A. Zoo
What: This holiday season, the L.A. Zoo will extend its hours into the evening on most nights through January, presenting a charming twist on its luminous holiday tradition. For its 2023 edition, L.A. Zoo Lights will feature new sculptures and introduce “Winter Wildlands,” an area inspired by animals that thrive in snowy environments.
Westside and Beach Communities Weekend Events | December 1 – December 3
For the Record: Love Actually Live
When: Until December 30
Where: Beverly Hills
What: Between late November and the conclusion of December, the cherished musical series, For the Record, brings forth a stage production inspired by the globally adored holiday film, Love Actually. Transforming the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Beverly Hills into a festive winter backdrop, the show employs a multimedia set, a live orchestra, and songs from the movie to reenact the intertwining love stories featured in the film.
The Dr. Seuss Experience
When: Until Janaury 31
Where: Santa Monica
What: Immerse yourself in the whimsical universe of Wockets and Truffula Trees at The Dr. Seuss Experience, an interactive adventure inspired by the beloved books of Dr. Seuss. This enchanting experience brings to life the vivid characters and landscapes from classics like The Cat in the Hat and The Lorax. Guests can explore a series of rooms, each offering unique interactions with characters and perfect photo opportunities. At the heart of this pop-up lies a mirror maze, inspired by The Sneetches, providing a captivating challenge. Catch this touring show at Santa Monica Place starting in November 2023 for a magical journey through the world of Dr. Seuss.
Miracle at Neighbors Playa Vista
When: Until December 31
Where: Playa Vista
What: This year, the festive and globally recognized Christmas cocktail bar pop-up is arriving at Neighbors in Playa Vista. Prepare to be dazzled by extravagant decorations and a special themed cocktail menu, served in unique novelty mugs with names like Rudolph’s Replacement and Jingle Balls Nog. These distinctive mugs are also available for purchase as a keepsake. You can find Neighbors at 12751 Millennium Drive, suite 140, ready to welcome you into a world of holiday cheer.
San Fernando Valley Weekend Events | December 1 – December 3
Santa Paws Photo Pop-Up at Topanga Village
When: November 26
Where: Topanga Village
What: Dress in your holiday best and join us for our Santa Paws Photo Pop-Up! You and your pup will snap some shots with the man in red and recieve a printed 4×6 copy before being treated to milk and cookies, a goodie bag and an exclusive event offer. In partnership with K9 Natural, Nulo, Open Farm, Primal, Smallbatch, Stella & Chewy’s, The Honest Kitchen, Topanga Village and ZIWI
Shaping Gravity: Abstract Art Beyond the Picture Plane
When: Until March 10
Where: Glendale
What: Experience the vibrant interpretations of abstraction by seven artists at this complimentary exhibit at the Forest Lawn Museum. Explore diverse artworks ranging from sculptures and paintings to augmented reality pieces and interactive video projections. Featured artists include Jen Stark, Molly Larkey, Shane Guffogg, Michelle Jane Lee, Christine Nguyen, Rema Ghuloum, and Sara Ippolito.
VALLEY RELICS MUSEUM EXPERIENCE
When: Every Saturday and Sunday
Where: 16781 Stagg Street Hangar C3 & C4 | Van Nuys
What: Visit the Valley’s beloved Museum of Pop Culture this weekend! The Valley Relics Museum invites you to join them for a day full of nostalgia and fun. Their one-of-a-kind museum.
Conejo Valley Weekend Events | December 1 – December 3
Oxnard Christmas Parade
When: December 2, 10am – 12pm
Where: 500 South C Street, Oxnard
What: Experience the festive delight of vibrant marching bands, equestrian units, local school groups, and lively floats at the yearly Oxnard Christmas Parade! The parade route spans from A & 9th Streets, heading west on 5th, then north on C Street, culminating at 2nd Street.
Holiday Road
When: November 24 – December 27
Where: Santa Monica Mountains
What: Wander through King Gillette Ranch as it transforms into a luminous wonderland during Holiday Road, where the Santa Monica Mountains provide a picturesque backdrop. This event, brought to you by the creators of Nights of the Jack, features a nearly mile-long walking trail adorned with holiday charm. Experience a mesmerizing display of festive decorations, including a canopy of icicle lights amidst the treetops, a quaint Christmas village, large standalone ornaments, and archways twinkling with lights. While you’re there, don’t miss the food trucks and a holiday-themed bar for an extra touch of seasonal delight.
Wild Lights and Ocean Nights at America’s Teaching Zoo
When: December 1 throug December 3
Where: 7075 Campus Rd, Moorpark
What: This holiday season, America’s Teaching Zoo transforms into a festive wonderland with its WILD LIGHTS & OCEAN NIGHTS event. Guests are invited to a 45-minute self-guided tour through the zoo, adorned with dynamic lights, interactive experiences, and photo opportunities. Highlights include the ‘Under the Sea’ experience at Rajah’s Retreat, the ‘Illuminated Jungle’ with a ‘Glow in the Dark Garden,’ and a grand 12-foot-tall Holiday Tree near Santa’s Workshop. Be sure to see Ira the Lion under the dazzling ‘Canopy of Lights,’ and don’t miss the chance to meet Santa on December 10th and 17th.