Category: activities

We are halfway through the holiday season but right on time for some festive fun! Check out our round-up of the weekend’s top holiday and local events happening near you!

LOS ANGELES 

Vienna in Hollywood

When: Until January 31, 2022

Where: The Academy Museum | Miracle Mile

What: The Academy Museum invites you to take part in this six-week USC symposium and screening series. The exhibit dives into the impact of Jewish, Austrian-born film artists and professionals and the ways in which they shaped Hollywood.

CHVRCHES Live in Concert

When: December 17, 2021

Where: The Hollywood Palladium.

What: Don’t miss CHVRCHES with special guest Donna Missal live in concert at the Hollywood Palladium! Experience the “hurricane of kinetic pop energy” in a truly brilliant show and snag your tickets today!

Cinespia Presents Bridget Jones Diary

When: December 17, 2021

Where: Palace Theater | Los Angeles

What: The ultimate cult classic rom-com of the early 2000’s heads to the big screen in a beautiful 1911 movie palace. Join Cinespia for a holiday party with DJs, a themed photo booth, and bars!

WESTSIDE AND BEACH COMMUNITIES

And to All a Good Night

When: December 17, 2021

Where: Santa Monica Playhouse | Santa Monica

What: Bring the entire family along for the final showing of this delightful holiday play. This brand-new multi-media Holiday Musical for theatre lovers of all ages invites you to partake in the joy of the season. See ‘And to All a Good Night’ this Friday for a fun family evening!

Long Beach Ballet: The Nutcracker Preview Performance

When: December 17-19, 2021

Where: Terrace Theater | Long Beach

What: Enjoy this timeless classic brought to life on stage at the Terrace Theatre. The Long Beach Ballet’s performance of The Nutcracker will surely dazzle you in this enchanting performance.

Skating by the Sea

When: December 4-December 31, 2021

Where: Rancho Palos Verdes/Rolling Hills Estates

What: This takes skating and sites to new heights. The rink at the RPV Civic Center offers you the chance to skate around atop a bluff overlooking the ocean at this Rancho Palos Verdes rink. Stop by on the weekend and plan for themed nights throughout the month. 

SAN FERNANDO VALLEY
Movies on the Roof

When: December 3-18, 2021 

Where: Sherman Oaks

What: More holiday film series? Yes, please. Enjoy a series of holiday screenings alfresco at Westfield Fashion Malls’’ holiday film event. Every Friday and Saturday of December, you can catch flicks as Bad Santa and Batman Returns, with ticket sales going towards a good cause.

Gelson’s Toy Drive For Children’s Hospital Los Angeles

When: December 1-19,2021

Where: Encino, Sherman Oaks, and Tarzana Gelson’s Locations

What: Give back this holiday season by participating in the annual Gelson’s Community toy drive. Drop off a toy at one of the Gelson’s locations listed and bring a smile to a child’s face this December! 

Holiday Pop-up Market

When: Dec 18, 2021

Where: Tujunga Village | Studio City

What: For those still in need of a holiday gift, you are in luck! Get everyone on your list checked off at Tujunga Village’s Indoor and Outdoor Holiday pop-up mart. Support over 20+ small businesses while finding a unique gift for that special someone. 

CONEJO VALLEY

Ventura Harbor Holiday Parade of Lights

When: December 17, 2021

Where: 1583 Spinnaker Drive, Ventura

What: For the 45th year in a row, the Ventura Harbor Holiday Parade of Lights returns to celebrate the season! Enjoy this two-day event, which will include a carnival, seaside shopping, and dining followed by the lighted boat parade at 6:30 pm!

Holiday Movie Marathon 

When: December 18, 2021

Where: High Street Arts Center | Moorpark

What: Are you ready for a Holiday Movie Marathon?! The City of Moorpark and the High Streets Arts Center are bringing you a slew of delightful holiday films and fun activities this Saturday, plus it’s FREE!

Holly Jolly Half Marathon, 5K, and 10K

When: December 19, 2021

Where: Pleasant Valley Fields | Camarillo

What: Get into the spirit with a Holly Jolly run! Take part in the 10th annual Holly Jolly Half Marathon this Sunday. The 5k and 10k will take place at the Pleasant Valley Fields Park at the Village At The Park Sports Complex.

Deciding where to spend New Year’s Eve can be a chore. It’s often regarded as one of the biggest nights of the year and most people want to welcome in the new year in style. Whether you’re looking for a romantic hotspot to enjoy with your significant other, a place to celebrate with your family, or somewhere for fun with friends, these recommendations of where to dine for New Year’s Eve in Southern California are sure to give you inspiration.

Los Angeles Dining on New Year’s Eve

Redbird

Location: Downtown Los Angeles

Located in Downtown Los Angeles (DTLA) Redbird is a popular restaurant all year round. The setting inside a former cathedral adds plenty of ambiance. Redbird also has a choice of indoor and outdoor seating. For New Year’s Eve, they are offering a fixed-price three-course meal with optional wine pairings. Starter options include oysters and beef tartare, while delicious mains include a rack of lamb, beef tenderloin, and lobster.

The Little Door

Location: West Hollywood

Step into The Little Door, on West Hollywood’s West 3rd Street, for cool Mediterranean vibes to see in the new year. Step through the rustic doors to dine underneath the stars in the romantic courtyard. Savor delicious dishes from the prixe fixe menu specially designed to bring good fortune for the year ahead. It’s among the most romantic places to dine for New Year’s Eve in LA.

(abeautifullife) Jamaican Kitchen

Location: Little Tokyo

A real gem in LA’s Little Tokyo, (abeautifullife) Jamaican Kitchen offers up plenty of Caribbean characters at any time of the year. For New Year, the restaurant has a special four-course menu, filled with a Jamaican flair, along with live music and plenty of fun.

Westside and Beach Communities Dining on New Year’s Eve

Entertainer Yacht

Location: Marina Del Rey

Who says your New Year dinner needs to take place on dry land? Board the Entertainer Yacht at Marina Del Rey for a fun-filled evening bobbing on the waves. Cruise along the coast as you look forward to the coming year. Book VIP tickets for a four-course dinner menu, plus several hours of open bars, entertainment, dancing, party favors, and a truly superb countdown experience.

Hotel Casa del Mar

Location: Santa Monica

The stylish Hotel Casa del Mar in Santa Monica is a terrific place to dance and dine for New Year’s Eve. Indulge in a delectable three-course meal before enjoying the lively pre-midnight celebrations. Various ticketing options are available, including VIP packages, but basic tickets include three premium drinks in addition to access to the paid bar. Have fun while waiting for the balloon drop at the stroke of 12.

Culina

Location: Beverly Hills

A stylish choice for dinner at New Year, Culina is located in the upmarket Four Seasons Hotel in Beverly Hills. From 6pm until 11pm you can enjoy a fantastic four-course meal put together by chef Giovanni Spataro. The fixed menu has a choice of tempting Italian dishes, with traditional recipes blended with modern twists.

San Fernando Valley Dining on New Years Eve

Olympia Banquet Hall

Location: Van Nuys

Offering a night of glitz and glam to ring in the new year, Olympia Banquet Hall is located in the Van Nuys neighborhood of the San Fernando Valley. Tickets include a gourmet dinner, with a mouth-watering selection of 25 different appetizers and nine hot dishes, drinks all night, including champagne, wine, spirits, and soft drinks, and exciting live entertainment.

Burbank Marriott

Location: Burbank

While the Burbank Marriot is offering Silver Pass tickets to its fabulous New Year Gala, why would you miss out on a delicious dinner? Book a Gold Pass ticket to enjoy a high-class buffet meal, accompanied by live swing music, before the energetic countdown party. The dinner menu includes veggie-friendly and gluten-free options. Likewise, the exciting party boasts live music, a DJ, and a Champagne toast with a balloon drop at midnight.

Valley Inn Restaurant and Bar

Location: Sherman Oaks

If you’re looking somewhere to wave farewell to the old year over a tasty meal, Valley Inn Restaurant and Bar is a great choice in Sherman Oaks. A local landmark for more than six decades, you can sink your teeth into hearty American cuisine, accompanied by expertly mixed and poured drinks.

Conejo Valley Dining on New Year’s Eve

Pasta | Bar

Location: Encino

Award-winning Pasta | Bar, located in Encino, combines all the fresh flavors of California with the time-tested traditions of Italian cooking. For New Year, the restaurant is serving a special menu, with dishes made using premier ingredients and an exciting blend of tastes. Likewise, you’ll receive a welcome drink on arrival and can buy more drinks throughout the evening. How about a bottle of fine Italian wine to welcome the new year ahead?

Crowne Plaza Ventura Beach

Location: Ventura Beach

Have a ball with the Dinner and Party package this December 31st at Crowne Plaza Ventura Beach. Doors open at 8pm to start your evening with a delicious dinner, and you can also make full use of the open bar. After dining, dance the night away on the 12th floor, soaking up the splendid ocean vistas.

Moonshadows Malibu

Location: Malibu

Turn this New Year’s Eve into a night to remember at Moonshadows in Malibu. Likewise, our evening will include a toast to the coming year and world-class cuisine starting at $100/person. The evening will also include music and a countdown celebration at midnight with DJ Mick Cole.

Bring delight to your December holiday weekend with fun local events. Check out our round-up of the best things to do this December 10 – 12! Read on below for a list of fun things to do!!

LOS ANGELES WEEKEND EVENTS

Home Alone in Concert

When: December 10-12, 2021

Where: Walt Disney Concert Hall, DTLA

What: The Holiday cult classic film ‘Home Alone’ heads to the Walt Disney Concert Hall, this weekend only. Enjoy this beloved family film accompanied by the LA Philharmonic as they bring John William’s score to life!

Parm Boyz pop-up at Ronan

When: December 12, 2021

Where: Ronan | Fairfax District

What: If you love the pizzas at Ronan, you won’t want to miss this weekend’s Parm Boyz pop-up. The one-day-only Italian food fete will be dishing out delicious meals courtesy of the Parm Boyz with a toy drive benefitting the Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles.

Unique LA Holiday Market 

When: December 11-12, 2021

Where: Downtown Arts District

What: If you haven’t begun your holiday shopping or you’ve already started, you’ll still want to check out the Unique LA Holiday Market. With clothes, accessories, and art pieces on display and available for purchase, you’re bound to find something for everyone on your list!

WESTSIDE & BEACH COMMUNITIES WEEKEND EVENTS

Marina Del Rey Boat Parade

When: Dec 11, 2021

Where: Marina del Rey

What: If you enjoy the holidays and boats, then you’ll have a blast at Saturday’s Marina del Rey Boat Parade. Viewers can snuggle close at Fisherman’s Village or Burton Chase Park to see over 70 boats glide by and decked out in holiday garb. Festivities for the evening will kick off at 5:55 with fireworks followed by the boat parade at 6pm.

Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles Holiday Spectacular

When: December 11-12, 2021

Where: Westwood

What: The GMCLA is not only a performing arts staple but a holiday tradition. Enjoy this annual holiday music extravaganza that raises awareness for LGBTQ+ issues while singing familiar tunes. From carols to Broadway hots and even a Mariah Carey song or two, you’ll love this spectacular show!

Tea with a Twist

When: December 11, 2021

Where: Loews Hotel Santa Monica

What: It’s tea time with a twist! Sip on tea-infused cocktails while enjoying a range of sweet and savory bites. Your afternoon tea will be accompanied by special musical performances from the young musicians of Elemental music. 

SAN FERNANDO VALLEY WEEKEND EVENTS

Tarzana Holiday Marketplace

When: December 12, 2021

Where: Tarzana Community & Cultural Center | Tarzana

What: Make your way over to Tarzana’s Holiday Marketplace for an outdoor family-friendly holiday mart. With plenty of festive trinkets available for purchase, food, and activities, and more, there will be plenty of cheer to go around. 

Home Alone Drive-In Movie

When: December 12, 2021

Where: Electric Dusk Drive-In | Glendale

What: If making your way to the Disney Concert Hall seems like a stretch, Electric Dusk Drive-In has you covered! The neighborhood drive-in may not have the PA Phil to accompany their showing of Home Alone, but they have all of the nostalgia. Enjoy this family-friendly flick at an old-fashioned drive-in for a weekend well spent.

A Faery Hunt Amazing Adventure

When: December 11, 2021

Where: Los Encinos State Historic Park | Encino

What: If you have little ones in search of adventure this weekend, look no further than ‘A Faery Hunt Amazing Adventure’! The interactive performances are perfect for young audiences, sparking wonder, creativity, and fun! 

CONEJO VALLEY WEEKEND EVENTS

Camarillo Christmas Parade

When: Dec 11, 2021

Where: Temple Avenue | Camarillo

What: The Camarillo Christmas Parade returns to highlight community all-stars. The event will include a Santa’s Village for all of your holiday shopping, food trucks, and of course music!

Ventura Winter Wine Walk & Holiday Street Fair

When: December 11, 2021

Where: Downtown Ventura, Ventura

What: Art, wine, food, and fun! That is what you’ll find at the Ventura Winter Wine Walk and Holiday Street Fair. The event will kick off in the afternoon with vendors and live entertainment which will be free and open to the public. At 4pm, you’ll be able to enjoy a showcase of world-class wineries at tasting sites in downtown Ventura.

Westlake Village Symphony Candlelight Concert

When: Dec 12, 2021

Where: 588 Camino Manzanas | Thousand Oaks

What: Enjoy a celebration of sound and the season with Westlake Village Symphony’s candlelit evening concert. The performance will include notable classics like Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite, Greensleeves from the Fantasia, and the famous violin virtuoso concerto Winter from the Four Seasons by Vivaldi.

With the first weekend of December here, we have your pick of the best holiday and winter events around town. From L.A. to the Westside and SFV to Conejo Valley we have you covered with the best December events this weekend.

LOS ANGELES DECEMBER EVENTS

Yuletide Cinemaland

When: Dec 4-Dec 26, 2021

Where: Heritage Square | Montecito Heights

What: If you want old-fashioned vibes this holiday season, you’ll enjoy the outdoor screenings being offered at Heritage Square. Enjoy Victorian home tours, piano sing-alongs, and more while you sip hot cocoa and mulled wine. The month-long event will feature a range of screenings from Elf, to Home Alone, A Christmas Carol, and more.

Los Angeles Comic Con

When: Dec 3-Dec 5, 2021

Where: South Park

What: Comic book fans unite as it’s time for this year’s Los Angeles Comic-Con event. The local annual convention heads to DTLA for one amazing three-day expo. Don’t miss must-see panels and screenings with celeb appearances from the likes of Zachary Levi, Tom Welling, and more!

She & Him

When: Dec 3-Dec 4, 2021

Where: Downtown Historic Core

What: What better way to kick off your holiday season than with She & Him’s Zooey Deschanel and M. Ward. Listen to breezy pop renditions under a cool night sky and just the right amount of December-approved tunes.

WESTSIDE AND BEACH COMMUNITIES DECEMBER EVENTS

Ever Present

When: December 4, 2021

What: The Getty | West Los Angeles

Where: The Getty is bringing the experience of Fluxus scores to life this Saturday only. As you roam the grounds of the museum, you’ll find musicians, dancers, and artists interpreting the 1963 publication An Anthology of Chance Operations. As it is an avant-garde afternoon, be prepared for the unexpected. 

Angel City Chorale Holiday ConcerT

When: December 4-5, 2021

Where: Royce Hall | Westwood

What: We’ve gone full festive with our December events and there is no turning back. Break out your bestHoliday garb and head to Royce Hall for Christmas and Hanukkah classics. The 160-member Angel City Chorale will be singing a range of familiar festive tunes from classical to pop, world, contemporary, and gospel. 

Skating by the Sea

When: December 4-December 31, 2021

Where: Rancho Palos Verdes/Rolling Hills Estates

What: This takes skating and sites to new heights. The rink at the RPV Civic Center offers you the chance to skate around atop a bluff overlooking the ocean at this Rancho Palos Verdes rink. Stop by on the weekend and plan ahead for themed nights throughout the month.

SAN FERNANDO VALLEY DECEMBER EVENTS

Movies on the Roof

When: December 3-18, 2021

Where: Sherman Oaks

What: More holiday film series? Yes, please. Enjoy a series of holiday screenings alfresco at Westfield Fashion Malls’ holiday film event. Every Friday and Saturday of December you can catch flicks like Bad Santa and Batman Returns with ticket sales going towards a good cause.

Sensory Friendly Event

When: December 5, 2021

Where: Westfield Fashion Square | Sherman Oaks

What: Take part in this Saturday’s Sensory-Friendly Santa Experience. The entire community is invited to this sensory-friendly event in partnership with Autism Speaks.

Tujunga Village Holiday Street Faire

When: December 4, 2021

Where: Moorpark Street | Studio City

What: Holiday fun is heading to Tujunga this weekend. The community-hosted annual faire will feature a night of festivities that the entire family will enjoy! 

CONEJO VALLEY DECEMBER EVENTS

Malibu Foundation Holiday Fest & Market in Agoura

When: December 3, 2021

Where: Cornell School Road | Malibu

What: Find delight at the Malibu Foundations Holiday Fest and Market. Enjoy holiday lights, live music, and more at the German-inspired holiday fest. The market will also include snow, train rides, local vendors, and more!

Oxnard Christmas Parade

When: December 4, 2021

Where: 500 South C Street, Oxnard

What: Oxnard will be kicking off the holidays early with this weekend’s holiday parade. Come out and enjoy marching bands, local school groups, and special floats at the annual Christmas Parade!

Chanukah Family Festival at Janss Marketplace

When: December 5, 2021

Where: Janss Marketplace | Thousand Oaks

What: Celebrate the Festival of Lights at Janss Marketplace this Sunday! The Thousand Oaks shop is hosting its Chanukah Family Festival with a plethora of fun and food. Enjoy delicious bites like jelly doughnuts and hot latkes while you sip on cocoa and listen to the DJ spinning sounds.

Make the most of your Thanksgiving Weekend whether you are with family or friends. From music to museum exhibits, holiday fun, and everything in between, we have you covered. Read on for a list of fun that all can enjoy!!

LOS ANGELES THANKSGIVING WEEKEND

‘House of Gucci’ Exhibition

When: Until December 4th, 2021

Where: FIDM | South Park

What: If you’ve been counting down the days until The House of Gucci hits theaters, get ready to immerse yourself in the film’s best fashion. Check out the ‘House of Gucci’ Exhibition at FIDM for a photography and costume exhibition dedicated to the Ridley Scott flick. From Lady Gaga’s après-ski look to Adam Driver’s turtleneck sweater, you’ll find a mix of designer Janty Yates’s costumes.

Dodgers Holiday Festival

When: November 26-December 31, 2021

Where: Echo Park

What: Tis the season for some festive fun on center field. Enjoy your Thanksgiving weekend kicking off the holidays at Dodger Stadium. From seasonal decor to food, merch, and an ice skating rink, there is plenty of fun to be had at the home of our boys in blue.

For the Record: Love Actually Live

When: November 27-December 31, 2021

Where: Wallis Annenberg Center for Performing Arts | Beverly Hills

What: This Thanksgiving weekend For the Record kicks off their month-long performance of Love Actually Live. The cult-favorite musical series will be performing shops topping numbers based on the beloved holiday movie. 

WESTSIDE AND BEACH COMMUNITIES THANKSGIVING WEEKEND

Shop Smal Business Saturday

When: November 27, 2021

Where: Runway Playa Vista

What: Support small businesses this Thanksgiving weekend! On Saturday head to Runway at Play Vista for a family-friendly fun-filled day of goods from local makers, tasty grub, live music, and more!

Beach Yoga on Santa Monica Beach

When: November 27-28,2021

Where: Lifeguard Tower 26 | Santa Monica

What: Find your inner zen amongst the sand and waves. This Thanksgiving weekend you can take part in one of two hosted beach yoga sessions. Feel refreshed, grounded, and ready to take on Cyber Monday with ease.

Seaside Cinema Holidays

When: November 26-28, 2021

Where: Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel | Santa Monica

What: Catch Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, Polar Express, or Elf this weekend for a seaside cinema treat. Tis the season for FREE holiday movies…beachside. Seaside Cinema Holidays features timeless classics, seasonal culinary treats, and more.

SAN FERNANDO VALLEY THANKSGIVING WEEKEND

Golden Friday 5K Fun Run

When: November 26, 2021

Where: Glendale

What: Supporting dogs with your dog and you get a free beer! Need we say more? This Friday make your way to Golden Road’s Atwater Village brewery for a dog-friendly 5K in support of Wags and Walks. Your registration includes beer (of course) and a t-shirt. 

Hope Of Valley Rescue’s Drumstick Dash LA – Thanksgiving 2021

When: November 25, 2021

Where: NoHo Arts District | North Hollywood

What: The Annual Drumstick Dash returns to NoHo for its 6th year! Take part in this year’s event and help provide over 200,000 hot meals for the unsheltered. Run or walk in this marathon for a cause with the option to participate in their 5K or 10K.

Jim Caruso’s Cast Party…with Billy Stritch!

When: November 28-29, 2021

Where: Feinstein’s at Vitello’s | Studio City

What: Taking to the stage at Feinstein’s for two nights only, Jim Caruso’s Cast Party returns to the West Coast. The “extreme open mic” will mark the 14th Southern California appearance for the beloved Manhattan mainstay, hosted by Caruso and musical director Billy Stritch.

CONEJO VALLEY THANKSGIVING WEEKEND

Santa Claus to Parachute into Janss Marketplace 

When: November 26, 2021

Where: Janss Marketplace | Thousand Oaks

What: Santa Claus is coming to town via parachute landing at Janss Marketplace this Thanksgiving weekend. Thousand Oaks free holiday celebration will feature fun for the entire family, from live music to storytime and more!

Chanukah Celebration in Newbury Park

When: November 28, 2021

Where: 350 Via Las Brisas, Newbury Park

What: Celebrate the Festival of Lights at Chabad of Newbury Park’s annual Chanukah Celebration. The family-friendly event will feature live musical performances, exciting circus acts, latkes and donuts, crafts, and the great Gelt drop. Admission is free and all are welcome to attend!

“Wild Lights & Disco Nights” 

When: November 28, 2021

Where: America’s Teaching Zoo | Moorpark College

What: Head to America’s Teaching Zoo this holiday season for the first-ever holiday light event. Wild Lights & Disco Nights invite you into a sparkling disco ball forest for a truly groovy evening.