Rodeo Realty's Sherman Oaks Agent Kevin Tidwell shows appreciation to Los Angeles Fire Department

Throughout the month of December, thousands of firefighters have been battling a series of wildfires across Southern California.

The Los Angeles Fire Department, along with several other crews from different areas deployed to assist, have been confronted with several brush fires in the past two weeks.

To show love and support to the local heroes, Rodeo Realty’s Sherman Oaks agent, Kevin Tidwell, decided to organize a food drop—an idea he said was inspired by his son.

“My son was concerned for the firefighters because they recently finished fighting the La Tuna Canyon fire and he heard they were suffering from exhaustion,” said Kevin. “He was interested in helping them, so I suggested we organize a food drop at the local fire house.”

Kevin began reaching out to his neighbors in Studio City and nearby areas to see if they wanted to help.

“The show of community support was incredible,” said Kevin. “I received texts, calls, and private messages from members of the community who wanted to contribute home cooked dishes, deserts, and miscellaneous things the firefighters needed.”

On Sunday, December 10, Kevin, along with others from the community, dropped off the food at the local fire station.

“The look on the firefighters faces was priceless when we finished bringing in the food from the cars,” said Kevin. “Food covered every available surface in their kitchen. We did not just provide them with dinner; we provided them with a feast!”

Kevin said the firefighters were thankful for the community support.

“I was humbled and grateful that my son got the opportunity to see how members of the community could come together and do something nice for the firefighters who are on call 24/7,” said Kevin. “I feel so lucky to live in this community full of kind people who are willing to go out of their way to support the firefighters.”

 

Candytopia Coming to L.A. in December

If you’ve dreamed of the Candy Land game come to life, or visiting the candy-festooned gingerbread house from “Hansel and Gretel” (minus the cannibalistic wicked witch), then you’re in luck: Candytopia has hit Los Angeles! The exact date for the grand opening has not been announced just yet, but Candytopia promises to update everyone December 18.

The latest pop-up experience merging Instagramability with sugar consumption, Candytopia — in the vein of The Museum of Ice Cream or Happy Place —  promises immersion in a candy-coated wonderland.

Various rooms and installations replete with candy-inspired creations like marshmallow tsunamis and flying unicorn pigs will provide a bounty of selfie opportunities, while luscious edible surprises will be available for consumption.

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Tap into your sweet tooth at LA Hangar Studios in Boyle Heights, which will play host to Candytopia until March 15.

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Tickets are currently on sale but with most experience rooms, they are projected to sell out quickly so we recommend grabbing your tickets ASAP. General admission is $30, or $23 for kiddos 3 to 12, while children 3 and under are free. Samples of sweetness, include in the ticket price, will be dispensed throughout the journey.

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Candytopia was created by Jackie Sorkin, best known for TLC’s show Candy Queen. Her over-the-top sweet creations have garnered a coveted client list that includes Oprah and Katy Perry.

Story courtesy of We Like LA.

Taco Bell Launches Its First-Ever Beer

In its ongoing effort to think outside the bun, Taco Bell has gone far beyond crunchy or soft. The company whose slogan was once “Ding Dong! Tacos!” has officially launched its first Taco Bell Cantina in Southern California. The new Cantinas take Taco Bell to the next level by slinging beer alongside your Doritos Locos.

In celebration of the new Cantina in Newport Beach, Taco Bell has collaborated with the Huntington Beach-based Four Sons Brewing to make the first-ever Taco Bell beer.

How To Show Out-Of-Towners The Real Los Angeles

You’ve got college friends/parents/strangers-you-met-on-the-sidewalk coming to visit LA, huh? Well, it’s your duty to show them a great time; but even more than that, show them what LA is really about. You’re their tour guide, so why take them to the predictable places they’d go without you? Instead, we whipped up this handy guide to help you really dig into the heart of our fair city, while skipping out on the touristy, obvious choices.

Rodeo Realty's 2017 Holiday Party

Another year, another successful holiday party!

Rodeo Realty hosted its holiday party on Saturday, December 9 at the Sheraton Universal Hotel in Universal City.

Agents from all offices enjoyed a night filled with great music, food and drinks!

To view all photos from the event, view them on our Facebook page HERE.

For those who used the hashtag: RodeoRealtyHoliday2017, you can view photos HERE.

You may also download a photo from Dropbox.

We hope everyone had a blast!

Weekend Events: December 15 – 17

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 everyweekend 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 15-17) includes Saber Battle L.A., a Holiday Sing-Along at Walt Disney Concert Hall, a CHILL Adventure Park at the Queen Mary, a Porto’s Potato Ball Pop-Up, a Christmas Concert at The Bradbury and MUCH more.

Enjoy!

Friday December 15, 2017

1. Saber Battle L.A. is a massive showdown at Pershing Square in DTLA. Hundreds of participants will come out to ‘battle’ one another using toy lightsabers. The event itself is free to attend but lightsabers are available to purchase online for delivery or to pickup on site. Be sure to check for discounts on lightsaber packages while supplies last. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

2. Candytopia is the latest pop-up experience taking over L.A. featuring various candy-inspired rooms and installations like a marshmallow tsunamis and other edible surprises. Taking place at the LA Hangar Studios in Boyle Heights, Candytopia will run until March 15, 2018.

3. For one day only, Jon and Vinny’s will host a secret backyard party to welcome Milk Bar to L.A. Guests can get their hands on Milk Bars epic cookies, cake truffles, crack pie™ and more from 3-9 p.m. or until the treats run out. It’s a party so expect crafts, games, Milk Bar souvenirs and other surprises. The first 50 guests will receive a Milk Bar tote bag.

4. 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 ShowDISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

5. The Rink in Downtown Burbank returns with a festive ice-skating event from December 14 through January 7. Check for discount tickets while supplies last. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

6. Star Wars: The Last Jedi will screen at the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood starting this Friday. Experience an intergalactic Laser Lightsaber Show before the movie and check out real costumes from the film up close. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

7. The Battleship IOWA will host a Holiday Movie Screening of “Frozen” on the fantail of their historic ship. Seating is first come first served. FREE

8. Rockwell: Table & Stage present the unauthorized musical parody of John Hughes classic Home Alone. Happening Thursday through the weekend. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

9. California Market Center, in the heart of Downtown Los Angeles’ Garment District, opens to the pubic for a big sample sale this Friday (just in time for holiday shopping!).

10. Rooftop Cinema Club Ultimate Holiday Movie Series will host a month-long schedule of Christmas inspired movie screenings from December 1-23. The series continues this weekend with screenings of A Christmas Story, Elf, Edward Scissorhands and more

11. Get ready for another season of ice-skating in Downtown Los Angeles when the Bai Holiday Ice Rink returns to Pershing Square from November 16 through January 15, 2018. Check for discounted tickets before making your purchase. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar) 

12. A Taste of the Holidays Christmas Market taking place at Crafted at The Port of Los Angeles December 15-17 is a festive european-style shopping event with live music, dancing, DIY holiday crafts, a Christmas tree lot, Brouwerij West’s Holiday Brew and photos with Santa.

13. National Geographic Live returns to the Broad Stage in Santa Monica with Cristina Mittermeier, marine biologist/photographer on December 14-15. Check for discount tickets while supplies last. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

14. 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)

15. The Artisanal LA x Bunker Hill Holiday Pop-Up returns to the Bank of America Plaza in DTLA from 10 a.m to 4 p.m. with 20+ makers of handcrafted goods and treats plus a live DJ and a festive photo booth. Admission is free to the public.

16. 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)

17. See the twinkling lights taking over our city during the Holiday Lights tour of Downtown Los Angeles. The tour is two hours long and starts at Union Station in the evening and ends at Pershing Square. Happening throughout the weekend.

18. 260LA will host a ​J Brand​ Sample Sale at their Beverly Hills ​location from ​December 13-17. Score premium denim items for men and women at steep discounted prices of up to 70% off.

19. The Sorting Room winter session is in full swing with eclectic performances spread over two weeks (through December 21). Each show includes special happy hour drink deals beforehand, with featured talent ranging from poets to composers, jazz singers, Tony Award winners and cabaret singers. This weekend features Clint Holmes on Friday and Love Actually Live on Saturday.

20. 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.

Saturday, December 16th, 2017

21. Get into the holiday season with a Holiday Sing-Along at the Walt Disney Concert Hall. There will be hot cocoa, coffee and pictures with Santa for an extra dose of cheer.

22. There’s a Porto’s Potato Ball Pop-Up happening at Annenberg Space for Photography in conjunction with Cuba Is, the Annenberg’s current photography exhibit. The balls will be sold in packs of six this Saturday and the current exhibit is free and open to the public.

23. CHILL Adventure Park returns to the Queen Mary in Long Beach from December 13 through January 7. Come experience ice bumper cars, ice skating, an Alpine Zip Line and more chill themed activities. Check for discounted tickets before making your purchase. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

24. Bergamot Station will host their Holiday Open House featuring work, creations and products designed by the creative community and businesses in the complex. Admission is free and open to the public.

25. The Brian Setzer Orchestra’s Christmas Rocks show will take over the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood for a Big Band take on Christmas classics. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

26. Saban Theatre will be transformed into a full on holiday party featuring carolers, DJ’s, a Christmas card photo photo booth, food trucks, holiday cocktails and a Drunk Santa followed by a screening of the Will Ferrell Christmas classic Elf. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

27. 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. Happening Saturday and Sunday. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

28. Visit Dockweiler Youth Center for Beach Winter Wonderland, fun for the entire family this free event features bounce houses, winter activities, rides, and authentic snow at the beach. FREE

29. The 9th Annual SANTA Monica Pub Crawl will take place at numerous locations of Santa Monica’s best bars and restaurants. Dress in Santa or holiday attire is strongly encouraged for this festive pub crawl.

30. Holly Jolly Day at the JW Marriott at L.A. LIVE will include access to the L.A. LIVE ice skating rink and several over the top culinary and dessert stations. Enjoy the customizable hot chocolate bar, towering chocolate fountain, eggnog panna cotta, yule logs a cookie decoration station and much more.

31. The Museum of Failure has landed in Los Angeles at A+D Architecture and Design Museum in the Arts District. Exhibits 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.

32. Holiday TrainFest and Toy Drive at the Los Angeles Union Station in Downtown L.A. is a free and family-friendly event featuring vintage rail cars decked out in festive attire, live music, refreshments and a toy drive for Toys for Tots. FREE

33. 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)

34. The Grand Chapiteau at Dodger Stadium will be home to Cirque du Soleil’s new big-top show LUZIA. Inspired by the rich culture Mexico, the dazzling acrobatic performance will be heightened by brassy Mexican and Latin American sounds. Happening all week. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

35. The 35th Annual Parade of 1000 Lights Christmas Boat Parade returns to Shoreline Village in Long Beach this Saturday.

36. Hear pitch perfect holiday tunes belted out by The Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles during their annual Holiday Spectacular show happening at Alex Theatre in Glendale this Satruday. DISCOUNTED(via Goldstar)

37. Happy Place brings a bright and immersive pop-up experience to the Arts District starting today. Capture perfect Instagram moments and enjoy sweet treats as you journey through one-of-a-kind installations designed to make you smile. Runs on select dates through January 7, 2018. Be sure to check for discounts before making your purchase. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

38. One of L.A.’s most magical holiday traditions, LA Zoo Lights returns November 17 through January 7 with thousands upon thousands of LED lights glowing up the zoo. Check for discounted ticketsbefore making your purchase. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

39. Do a little holiday shopping along the L.A. River during the Frogtown Flea Market. The two-day event (Saturday and Sunday) will feature food, drinks, music, art, plants, apothecary, zines, vintage finds, crafts, and more. A $5 donation is suggested.

40. 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 December with a holiday theme. There is no cover to attend. Part of the proceeds from food purchases will go to help locals in need.

41. The Holiday Light Festival Train Ride at Griffith Park is a festive one mile ride on the tracks with tens of thousands of lights to get you in the Holiday spirit. Running now through December 23 and then again from December 26 to December 30.

Sunday, December 17th, 2017

42. 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.

43. The popular Christmas Concert at The Bradbury will feature a 30-voice choir singing all the holiday favorites in one of the most beautiful interiors of all of Los Angeles.

44. Long Beach seafood concept Roe will host a week long culinary Feast of the Seven (Sustainable) Fishes from December 17-24. Prepared by Chef Arthur Gonzalez, the event will focus on one sustainably sourced seafood dish per night, served alongside a dish “Catch Card” detailing the fish species, catch location or fish origin, and the names of both the fisherman and the boat.

45. Sunday is the final Smorgasburg of the year before they go on a hiatus till January 14, 2018. It’s also the last day of their Holiday Market, so you’ll be able to shop and eat all in one place.

46. Get into the winter spirit when ICE at Santa Monica returns with a 8,000 square foot ice skating rink. Running November 1, 2017 through January 5, 2018.

47. 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

Schedule provided by We Like LA.

Economic update for the week ending December 9, 2017

U.S. Economy adds 228,000 new jobs in November – The Labor Department reported that 228,000 net new jobs were added in November. That beat analysts expectations of 195,000 new jobs. The unemployment rate held at 4.1%, a 17 year low. Average hourly wages rose just 2.5% from one year ago. Wage gains have been sluggish for several years. Experts had hoped that a tighter labor market would result in higher wages. The Fed has a 3% target on wage gains. Nothing in this report is expected to change their policy of slowly raising overnight rates, according to experts.

Stocks mostly higher – Stocks rose slightly this week as investors digested what a final tax reform bill would look like. It appears that the Senate and House are getting close to a final version. Wall Street is focused on the corporate tax rate. While last Friday a reduction from 35% to 20% seemed like a done deal, President Trump said Monday that he would settle for a 22% corporate rate. Stocks dropped because this took investors by surprise. He previously said he would not accept a corporate tax rate above 20% and that was an area in which the House and Senate bills were in agreement. By the end of the week it appeared that the corporate rate would end up at 20% and stocks rebounded. The November jobs report, which was released on Friday, also added to investor confidence as the economy added 228,000 new jobs. The analysts expectations were 195,000 new jobs. The Dow Jones Industrial Average ended the week at 24,326.16, up from 24,231.59 week. It’s up 23.1% year-to-date. The S&P 500 closed the week at 2,651.50, up from its close last week of 2,642.32. The S&P is up 18.4% year-to-dateThe NASDAQ closed the week at 6,840.08, down from its last week’s close of 6,847.59. It is up 27.1% year-to-date.

Bond yields end week almost the same as last Friday – The 10-year Treasury bond closed the week at 2.38%, unchanged from 2.37% last week. The 30-year treasury yield ended the week at 2.77%, unchanged from 2.76% last week.

Mortgage Rates slightly higher – The December 7, 2017 Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Survey reported that the 30-year fixed mortgage rate average was 3.94%, up from 3.90% last week. The 15-year fixed was 3.36%,  up  from 3.30% last week. The 5-year ARM was 3.35%, up from last week’s 3.32%.

Confirming and FHA loan limits increase –  The confirming loan limit will increase from $424,100 to $453,100. The conforming high balance will go from 636,150 to $679,650 in 2018. The FHA loan limit will also rise to $679,650. Both conforming and FHA limits increase for 2,3 and 4 unit dwellings.

Have a great weekend,

Syd

Rodeo Realty Agents Volunteer Time To Feed The Less Fortunate

This month, several Rodeo Realty agents have taken the time out to help those in need.

Throughout the month, agents have stopped by Ocean Park Community Center to lend a helping hand at one of their locations.

Agents helped the organization by working together and prepping, cooking, and feeding the less fortunate.

It is this time of the year when help is needed the most and we’re glad our agents stepped up to devote some time to those in need.

Thank you to all agents who volunteered their time!

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New app identifies the colors of whatever your phone camera points to

A new wave of intelligent vision apps may change how you see design, from recognizing fonts to rearranging virtual furniture. The latest addition to this digital arsenal is Swatches, a free iOS app that parses the data from your phone camera to create live color swatches. But the best part is its color-identification system.

Just like Shazam recognizes the name of a song, Swatches will reveal each hue’s color name in whatever system you want—Benjamin Moore paint number? Check. RGB value? Oui. Hex code? Hell yes. Pantone number so that you’re finally able to tell which Zara shirt is on-trend with the Color of the Year? You betcha.

Just open the app and aim your phone at whatever color you want recognized. A little color pointer will automatically appear as you move your phone, allowing you to capture the colors you want. These can also be grouped into palettes or shared on social media.

Of course, Swatches isn’t the first app to attempt to ID color in the wild, but its predecessors were often limited to a single color system and hampered by less sophisticated phone cameras.

Article courtesy of Curbed.

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13 Kid-Friendly Things to Do for the Holidays in Los Angeles

Parties and other obligations fill calendars quickly at this time of year, leaving little time for fun with the kids. But you can make this a meaningful holiday season for yourself and the ones you love by planning exciting, interesting things to do in Los Angeles as the year draws to a close.

Avoid the shopping madness with the little ones. Instead put on ice skates and glide together hand in hand, sing favorite holiday songs at the top of your lungs, catch oldie-but-goodie holiday TV cartoons while sipping hot cocoa, and make snow angels together.

Indeed there are plenty of unique ways to enjoy the holidays in L.A. We hope this list helps you make it more joyful by gazing at fireworks, watching a boatful of Christmas parades, oohing and aahing at holiday lights, and, most importantly, being together with the friends and family.

1. Holiday Concert at Disney Hall

A sing-along is always good ol’-fashioned fun. Take in a lively afternoon on December 16 with the LA Phil at the grand Walt Disney Concert Hall and belt out favorite holiday tunes including “Jingle Bells,” “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” “Silent Night” and many more. Sing along with a choir, jazz combo and the Hall’s huge pipe organ. Actress Melissa Peterman (of TV hit Reba) emcees the event. Guests are invited to a “pre-concert” event, featuring complimentary hot chocolate, coffee and photos with Santa. –> Jingle all the way to Walt Disney Concert Hall.

2. Holly Jolly Day at JW Marriott

Perfect for every kid (and kid at heart), the annual Holly Jolly ice skating and holiday treats event at the JW Marriott Los Angeles L.A. LIVE on December 16 offers merry fun. From ice skating on the L.A. LIVE rink to sugar rushes on sweets and treats with Santa, and sipping hot chocolate (boozy hot chocolate for the adults), Holly Jolly offers quality time for the entire family. Be sure to check out the hotel’s enormous 1,300 pound gingerbread bar made of cookie dough and sugar, where Santa will be greeting the kids. Reservations are required. –> Holly Jolly tickets here.

3. The Science of Gingerbread at Discovery Cube

It’s on at The Discovery Cube this holiday season! Bring the family in to explore, design and compete in the world of gingerbread from November 24 to December 31. The exhibit is tasty in so many ways — visitors will learn how science, math and engineering impact the kitchen (Good Eats fans will love this), specifically when baking gingerbread, the classic holiday dessert. Interactive exhibits include building a car out of holiday candy to race in a Gingerbread Derby. Interested in designing a gingerbread creation to compete in the Science of Gingerbread competition? Enter soon — the deadline is December 3. –> Get doughy for gingerbread.

4. L.A. Zoo Lights

Oh, what fun it is to visit the L.A. Zoo at night. It’s that most wonderful time of year when the zoo opens its doors nightly through January 7 for its brilliant holiday light displays. L.A. Zoo Lights is a festive night out for the entire family (and easy on the strollers), dazzling with 3D visuals, and a water show while many of the zoo’s residents are asleep. Visitors will get a chance to see real reindeer before they take off on their journey with Santa. –> Lions and bears and reindeer here.

5. 86th Annual Hollywood Christmas Parade

Kick off your holiday season Hollywood style by getting in the mood at the 86th Annual Hollywood Christmas Parade with a special appearance by Santa. On November 26 at 5 p.m., parade goers will line up along Hollywood Blvd. to wave and catch a glimpse of celebrities including Dr. Oz, this year’s Grand Marshall. Equestrians, high school marching bands, celebrities (last year featured Olivia Newton-John, Cyndi Lauper, Kenny G, the Beach Boys and Erik Estrada) and gigantic balloons of Garfield the Cat, a toy soldier, Gumby, a gingerbread man and Rilakkuma will figure among the highlights. –> Here comes Santa Claus, right down Hollywood Blvd.

6. Holiday Boat Parade in Marina del Rey

Marina del Rey will tend to everyone’s holiday spirit at the 55th Annual Holiday Boat Parade on December 9. First will be a fireworks show at 5:55 p.m. Immediately afterwards, the marina’s yachts and boats will make a festive splash by parading its sensational lights and holiday decorations. Over the years, parade themes have varied from Rock ‘n’ Roll Christmas to Adventures on the Sea to An Animated Holiday. Boaters circle the main channel of the harbor at least twice, giving spectators a fun show. Participants submit boat displays as part of a competition. For best viewing, grab a spot at Burton Chace Park. –> Boat parade ahead.

7. Hanukkah Festival at Skirball Cultural Center

Celebrate Hanukkah at Skirball Cultural Center on December 10. This year’s lively program, inspired by the Getty’s Pacific Standard Time: LA/LA initiative, gives festival goers an opportunity to delve into the traditions of Hanukkah via the Latin American communities of Los Angeles. So, what does this mean? Dancing to Latin Jewish Klezmer bands, creating a community art installation with Sandy Rodriguez, learning about Mexican chocolate and decorating chocolate gelt with private chef/educator Maite Gomez-Rejón, and listening to Mario Ibarra and Julia Garcia Combs, who will tell the story of Hanukkah in English and Spanish. –> Eight nights of light here.

8. ICE in Santa Monica

Ice skating just a few blocks from the beach is a thing. This year, the ICE at Santa Monica outdoor 8,000 square foot rink is the place for holiday vibing. Now through January 15, the arena is open to all levels of skaters. For a holiday gathering, ICE offers cabanas for $300/two-hour slots. If you or your little ones need a lesson or a brush-up on technique, lessons through Randy Gardner’s School of Skating are available. –> Must do.

9. The Nutcracker

Seeing The Nutcracker ballet is a very traditional way to celebrate the holidays. Luckily, the stunning Los Angeles Ballet company performs this beautiful production from December 9-31 at various venues around Los Angeles. Set to Tchaikovsky’s beloved music, The Nutcracker captivates all ages with life-size toy soldiers and dolls, a Mouse King and his soldiers, dancing snowflakes, and, of course, a princess (Clara) and a prince (the Nutcracker).

For sugar plum fairies, visit here.

10. Classic Holiday Cartoons & More at The Paley Center for Media

You might want to scratch the mall Santa this year — instead, plan a family outing to The Paley Center for Media. This year, the center is featuring It’s Holiday Time in PaleyLand, which includes a free visit with Santa Claus, daily screenings between 12 p.m. and 5 p.m. of classic holiday TV programs including Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas, A Charlie Brown Christmas, A Rugrats Kwanzaa, Frosty the Snowman, and more. Kids will also enjoy ornament-making and hot cocoa. –> Visit Paleyland.

11. Free Christmas Eve Concert at Dorothy Chandler Pavilion

Musical artists, choirs, bands and dance companies will come together to perform a free holiday spectacular show at the 58th Annual L.A. County Holiday Celebration. This Christmas eve tradition welcomes the public to a three-hour show at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion at The Music Center from 3 to 6 p.m. Th diverse line-up will include the Harmonic Bronze Handbell Ensemble, performing both Christmas and Hanukkah melodies, along with the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department Band, the MUSYCA Children’s Choir, the Jung Im Lee Korean Dance Company, Las Colibri, the City Ballet of Los Angeles, and many more. Seating is first-come, first-served, so get there early. Doors open at 2:30 p.m –> Free Christmas Eve show at The Music Center.

12. Snow Days at Kidspace Museum

Pull out the snow gear and head over to Kidspace Children’s Museum for the gift of a real winter wonderland. Kidspace offers a snowy playground where kids can explore the science of snow, build snowmen, create snow angels and throw snowballs — all in the name of wintry fun. Head into the museum for cookie decorating, winter-themed arts and crafts and live holiday performances. –> Bring hats and mittens here.

13. Marvel at Christmas Lights at Candy Cane Lane

A neighborhood beautifully lit for the holidays is hosted solely by the residents of one Woodland Hills neighborhood at Oxnard and Lubao streets. Candy Cane Lane is sure to give the entire family all the holiday feels. Beginning December 2, spectators will enjoy quite the show, either by foot or by car. Since 1952, this neighborhood’s been going all out by transforming into a holiday destination with decorations, lights, animated displays, snowy rooftops, and Santa and his reindeer. Put the kids in pajamas, fill a thermos with hot chocolate, and play Christmas music in your car while cruising up and down the local streets. –> Eight blocks of holiday lights.

Article by We Like LA.