Category: food

The holidays are here, and so is our weekend round-up of fun local events. From yuletide screenings to hitting the ice, we have you covered on merry holiday cheer. Read on below!

Los Angeles Weekend Events | Holidays 2022 Edition

L.A. County Holiday Celebration

When: December 24

Where: Dorothy Chandler Pavilion | DTLA

What: Gather your loved ones and make your way to DTLA for the biggest holiday show of the year. Enjoy more than 20 choirs, music ensembles, and dance troupes from all over the city. The free three-hour show celebrates L.A.’s multicultural observation of the holidays with everything from an all-women soul ensemble to Hawaiian music to Indian dance.

Yuletide Cinemaland

When: December 23 

Where: Heritage Square | San Pedro

What: The holidays are not complete without a fair share of timeless holiday film classics. Street Food Cinema invites you to Heritage Square for Yuletide Cinemaland. Enjoy Victorian home tours, piano sing-alongs, strolls through a light tunnel, and sips on hot chocolate, mulled wine, and craft beer. Likewise, you can catch screenings of flicks (showing twice each night, typically at 6 and 8 pm) like Elf, Home Alone, A Christmas Story, The Muppet Christmas Carol, and more.

Holiday Ice Rink Pershing Square

When: Until January 8, 2023 

Where: Pershing Square | DTLA

What: If you are in search of a winter wonderland, then make your way to DTLA’s Pershing Square. The downtown park has been transformed into a holiday wonder with a skating rink amongst the city’s skyscrapers. Skate rentals are included in admission, though lockers and skating aids cost a few dollars extra.

Westside & Beach Communities Weekend Events | Holidays 2022 Edition

Long Beach Nutcracker

When: December 23

Where: Long Beach

What: Venture to Long Beach for a stunning performance of The Nutcracker. The holiday classic production will feature a live full orchestra, a flying sleigh, and pyrotechnics.

Astra Lumina

When: Until January 15, 2023

Where: Rancho Palos Verdes

What: Stroll through a garden illuminated by celestial-inspired lights during this year-end event at South Coast Botanic Garden. Astra Lumina will set up about an hour-long nighttime trail through the Palos Verdes garden, with eight starry installations along the way.

Ice at Santa Monica

When: Until January 16

Where: Santa Monica

What: Hit the ice in Santa Monica! The 8,000-square-foot outdoor rink runs daily on the corner of Fifth Street and Arizona Avenue. All-day admission ($20) includes skate rentals, and you can book private parties and cabanas if you’re looking for something a bit more premium.

San Fernando Valley Weekend Events | Holidays 2022 Edition

Christmas at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter

When: Until January 1 

Where: Universal Studios | Universal City

What: Add some sorcery and magic to your holidays! The Wizarding World of Harry Potter invites all muggles, witches, and wizards to Universal Studios Hollywood for a proper Potter-themed celebration. Catch the evening showing of “The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts” (Nov 25–Jan 1) and pick up some tasty holiday treats that you can only find in Hogsmeade.

Holidays Made Here

When: Until January 1

Where: Warner Bros. Studio | Burbank

What: Calling all Gilmore Girls fans! Warner Bros. Studio Tour switches things up from its regular tour for something a bit more festive. The Holidays Made Here tour decks out the Stars Hollow section in festive decor, among other cheerful additions. 

Christmas Night Skate

When: December 25 

Where: Moonlight Rollerway | Glendale

What: If you prefer to ditch the ice but keep the skates, you’ll love Christmas Night Skate at Moonlight Rollerway. The Saturday skate night goes for full festive fun at the Glendale skating rink. 

 

Conejo Valley Weekend Events | Holidays 2022 Edition

Wild Lights and Jungle Nights at America’s Teaching Zoo 

When December 23 and December 26-30

Where: Moorpark College

What: America’s Teaching Zoo shines bright this holiday season during the holiday light event – WILD LIGHTS & JUNGLE NIGHTS. Take a self-guided 45-minute stroll throughout the zoo, which will be filled with dynamic lights, immersive interactive experiences, photo ops, and seasonal magic. 

“A Christmas Carol” Hosted by Tim Conway on KVTA 1590

When: December 24-25

Where: On the Radio

What: For those staying in and bundled up this holiday weekend, you can opt for a retro way to celebrate. Tune into KTVA 1590 for the 3x award-winning 2003 revised radio theatre broadcast of “A Christmas Carol.” Hosted by Tim Conway, the late legendary master of mirth will guide you through a spirited, fast-paced, commercial-free 57min ghost story. The broadcast will air nationwide on KTVA 1590 and online via www.kvta.com.

Holiday Road

When: Until December 30 

Where: Santa Monica Mountains

What: Stroll across the grounds of King Gillette Ranch as the Santa Monica Mountains hideaway is illuminated during Holiday Road. Enjoy festive decor like a treetop canopy of icicle lights, a small Christmas village, and more! There are also food trucks and a holiday bar for bites and beverages.

Holiday fun is in full swing this weekend, and we’re ready for festive fun. From performances of The Nutcracker to holiday parades around town, we have you covered for local fun. Read on for all the happenings in your neighborhood this December 16 through December 18.

Los Angeles Weekend Events | December 16 – December 18 

American Ballet Theatre’s The Nutcracker

When: Until December 18

Where: DTLA

What: is there anything more timeless during the holiday season than catching a performance of The Nutcracker? See the American Ballet Theatre as they return to SoCal for their production of this Christmas classic. The show will feature larger-than-life scenery, a Christmas tree, and sets and costumes designed by Tony Award-winner Richard Hudson.

Holiday Ice Rink Pershing Square

When: Until January 8, 2023 

Where: Pershing Square | DTLA

What: If you are in search of a winter wonderland, then make your way to DTLA’s Pershing Square. The downtown park has been transformed into a holiday wonder with a skating rink amongst the city’s skyscrapers. Skate rentals are included in admission, though lockers and skating aids cost a few dollars extra.

Glass Onion: A Knives Out Experience

When: Until December 23 

Where: Melrose

What: Get in on the mystery that’s afoot in Knives Out second installment Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery. This escape room-like experience inspired by the new Rian Johnson film is full of fun and games. Try your hand at solving a series of challenges and put your detective skills to the task. The experience (held at 8175 Melrose Avenue) is free, but you’ll need to book a coveted reservation.

 

Westside and Beach Communities Weekend Events | December 16 – December 18

‘The Nutcracker’

When: December 26 

Where: Westwood 

What: If you don’t feel like heading downtown for a performance of ‘The Nutcracker’, the L.A. Ballet will be taking the stage in Westwood. See this beloved show as it tours from Glendale to Hollywood and now the Westside, backed by an orchestra.

Astra Lumina

When: Until January 15, 2023

Where: Rancho Palos Verdes

What: Stroll through a garden illuminated by celestial-inspired lights during this year-end event at South Coast Botanic Garden. Astra Lumina will set up about an hour-long nighttime trail through the Palos Verdes garden, with eight starry installations along the way.

Justin Roiland: Debut

When: Until January 21, 2023,

Where: Beverly Hills

What: Rick and Morty co-creator (and titular voice actor) Justin Roiland debuts his stellar work for all to see. View stunning acrylic-on-canvas paintings of his colorful, familiar characters during this UTA Artist Space exhibition.

 

San Fernando Valley Weekend Events | December 16 – December 18 

35th Annual Los Angeles Toy Run

When: December 17 

Where: Harley-Davidson® of Glendale

What: Roll up to Harley-Davidson of Glendale and ride out to the iconic Plaza De La Raza in Lincoln Heights for our 35th annual LA Toy Run.

Electric Dusk Drive-In Presents: Home Alone

When: December 18 

Where: 236 N Central Ave | Glendale, CA 91203

What: See the holiday cult classic ‘Home Alone’ this Sunday at LA’s longest-running Pop-Up Drive-In now in Glendale! Enjoy this festive outdoor movie inside or outside your car, along with delicious food and great times.

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 16 – December 18 

Holiday Road

When: Until December 30 

Where: Santa Monica Mountains

What: Stroll across the grounds of King Gillette Ranch as the Santa Monica Mountains hideaway is illuminated during Holiday Road. Enjoy festive decor like a treetop canopy of icicle lights, a small Christmas village, and more! There are also food trucks and a holiday bar for bites and beverages.

Ventura Harbor Holiday Parade of Lights

When: December 17 

Where: 1583 Spinnaker Drive, Ventura

What: Ventura Harbor celebrates the season with its 46th Annual Holiday Parade of Lights.

The two-day fun-filled event includes a carnival, seaside shopping, and dining, followed by the lighted boat parade at 6:30 pm. Parking and admission are free. 

20th Annual Chanukah Celebration and Chocolate Gelt Menorah Lighting

When: December 18 

Where: Constitution Park | Camarillo

What: Chabad of Camarillo hosts its 20th Annual Chanukah Celebration this Sunday. Enjoy a chocolate gelt menorah, Juggler Obediah, free donuts and latkes, music, a Chanukah gelt for the kids, and a raffle!

With the holiday season finally here, there is one thing we can all look forward to enjoying. Holiday Light Displays! In SoCal, from botanical gardens to drive-throughs and residential streets, we take the crown on a truly lit holiday. Read on below for the best holiday light displays happening throughout LA and beyond!

Marina del Rey Boat Parade | December 10, 2022

If you have ever wondered what the festive spirit looks like on a boat, wonder no more. The annual Marina del Rey Boat parade returns this year for a cheery fete at sea. Bundle up and bring the entire family as you watch a range of boats, small and grande, showcase their best holiday decor. Just make sure you pencil in the date because MDR’s boat parade is for one night only!

South Coast Botanic Merry Bright | Until December 25, 2022

The illuminated wonder of South Coast Botanic Garden’s holiday display returns to light up your festive season. Walk through the Palos Verdes Peninsula garden, for a spirited showcase of light and sound

L.A. Zoo Lights | Until January 9, 2023

Journey on foot through the twinkly lights at the L.A. Zoo where wild resident-inspired displays await. The whimsical projections and mosaic-like multicolors of the giraffes, elephants, and more are sure to bring joy to all. Get into the holiday spirit as you pursue past a multitude of shimmering lights, twinkly tunnels, and Chinese lanterns galore.

Sleepy Hollow Christmas Lights Extravaganza

Yes, there is a Sleepy Hallow, and no, it has nothing to do with the Tim Burton classic film. The seaside neighborhood in Torrance invites you to cruise down Robert Road for a truly delightful holiday display. With home after home showcasing its very best holiday light displays, you’ll feel immersed in the festive atmosphere. Kicking off in early December, the display runs in the evening through New Year’s Day with walkable areas for those not keen on driving bumper to bumper.

Hikari: A Festival of Lights at Tanaka Farms | Until December 30, 2022

If you happen to be a fan of Tanaka Farms pumpkin patch, you’ll love their holiday set-up equally. The Irvine fields are open to vehicles for a joyful after-dark wagon ride and walk-through of their holiday light displays. Festive lanterns will guide you along the way where you’ll see holiday-themed scarecrows, tractors, and trees. Enjoy a wagon ride or make your way to the holiday market for fun that the entire family can enjoy!

Candy Cane Lane | Until December 24, 2022

Woodland Hills Candy Cane Lane has been celebrating the holiday season for over 60 years. The appropriately named Valley neighborhood offers a joyful holiday light display that’s bound to make for a merry evening. Make your way down the eight blocks centered around Lubao Avenue and Oxnard Street for just the right amount of holiday cheer.

Looking for fun things to do this Thanksgiving Weekend? We have you covered! Read on for our weekly round-up of activities happening locally from November 25 – November 27. 

Los Angeles Weekend Events | Thanksgiving Weekend

Los Angeles Auto Show

When: Until November 27

Where: Convention Center | South Park

What: Shift gears into the final weekend of the Los Angeles Auto Show. Car enthusiasts can test drive cool whips, meet and greet with celebrities and check out manufacturer exhibits. With the world and North American debuts from a slate of manufacturers, rev up for the machines of the future.

Blockbuster Pop-Up Bar

When: Until February 19, 2023

Where: Fairfax District 

What: It’s time for a throwback! Reminisce on the movie rentals days this Thanksgiving Weekend at a limited-time themed Blockbuster speakeasy. Each $45 ticket includes two cocktails (non-alcoholic options available), with a drinks menu that draws names and flavors from the turn of the millennium ( i.e., Gushers and Capri Sun). The pop-up bar will also begin weekend-only brunch on December 10.

LA Zoo Lights

When: Until January 22, 2023 

Where: Griffith Park

What: Head to the L.A. Zoo for Thanksgiving Weekend, as it lights up the night all the way through January. Inspired by the zoo’s wild residents, the light display is pure joy for the whole family!

Westside and Beach Communities Weekend Events | Thanksgiving Weekend

Babies! at the Aquarium of the Pacific

When: Until April 30, 2023 

Where: Long Beach

What: Miniature sea jellies and tiny aquatic cuteness are what you’ll find at the Aquarium of the Pacific’s new “Babies!” exhibition. The small gallery features baby animals as well as the stories behind them and how the institution cares for them. Make sure to head over to the sea otter habitat, too, to coo and the pups.

Joan Didion: What She Means

When: Until Jan 22, 2022

Where: Hammer Museum

What: This November, see more than 200 works of art to sketch a portrait of the late literary icon Joan Didion. The Hammer Museum exhibition represents periods of her life in places like the Central Valley in the postwar period or New York circa 1960. Featured artists include Felix Gonzalez-Torres, Noah Purifoy, Ed Ruscha, Betye Saar, and more than 50 others.

Seaside Cinema Holidays 

When: November 25 – November 26 

Where: Loews Santa Monica Beach

What: Enjoy holiday classics for Thanksgiving Weekend, like ‘A Christmas Story’ and ‘Muppet Christmas Carol’ for this weekend’s Seaside Cinema. Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel hosts its fourth annual holiday program…beachside. Seaside Cinema Holidays features timeless classics, seasonal culinary treats, and more for hotel guests.

 

San Fernando Valley Weekend Events | Thanksgiving Weekend

Burbank Community YMCA Turkey Trot

When: November 24 

Where: Burbank

What: Get moving for a good cause this Thanksgiving Weekend. Wake up early (yes, on a holiday) for Burbank YMCA’s (321 E Magnolia Blvd) Turkey Trot, a 5K/10K run/walk.

805 Night Market | Woodland Hills

When: November 26 

Where: 21555 West Oxnard Street | Woodland Hills

What: Enjoy authentic multicultural street foods and many enticing beverages and desserts to please your palette. The Thanksgiving Weekend event features 28 curated, unique food vendors just for you to enjoy.

Bob Baker Marionette Theater: 60 Years of Joy & Wonder

When: Until March 19 

Where: Glendale 

What: The museum atop Forest Lawn’s Glendale cemetery is celebrating 60 years of the beloved Bob Baker Marionette Theater with a display of about 100 historical pieces, including puppets, concept art, archival photos, and an animatronic band.

 

Conejo Valley Weekend Events | Thanksgiving Weekend

Wild Lights and Jungle Nights at America’s Teaching Zoo 

When November 23, 25, 26 and December 2-4, 11, 16-23, 26-30

Where: Moorpark College

What: America’s Teaching Zoo shines bright this holiday season during the holiday light event – WILD LIGHTS & JUNGLE NIGHTS. Take a self-guided 45-minute stroll throughout the zoo, which will be filled with dynamic lights, immersive interactive experiences, photo ops, and seasonal magic. 

Thanksgiving Day 5K in Simi Valley

When: November 24, 8am – 10am

Where:  1765 Royal Ave, Simi Valley

What: Thanksgiving Day 5K takes place at Rancho Simi Community Park, 1765 Royal Avenue, Simi Valley, on Thursday, November 24, 2022. Run along the Arroyo bike path, lined with beautiful trees for shade through the center of Simi Valley and along Arroyo Creek. Aid stations every 1.5 miles. The race starts at 8 am. This event is rain or shine.

72nd Annual Santa Paula Christmas Parade

When: November 26 | 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm

Where: Santa Paula

What: The 72nd Annual Santa Paula Christmas Parade returns Saturday, November 26, 2022, at 6:30 pm. The family-friendly parade will feature marching bands, toy soldiers, floats, automobiles, equestrians, and community groups, and Santa Claus will be part of the festivities. The 72nd running of the Santa Paula Holiday Parade will be headlined by Deaf Santa Claus, who is traveling directly from the North Pole to participate in the holiday festivities. This year’s parade theme is “A Celebration for All.” 

 

The weekend has arrived, and there is plenty of fun to be had. From holiday craft fairs to fun film screenings and more, we have you covered this November 18 through November 20. 

Los Angeles Weekend Events | November 18 – November 20 

Renegade Craft Fair

When: November 19 – November 20, 2022

Where: Chinatown

What: Don’t miss the craft fair of all craft fairs! Renegade is a locally-focused marketplace that brings together hundreds of contemporary indie craft artists. Check out DIY fun like classes and demos, free photo booths, and tons of tasty food trucks.

LA Zoo Lights

When: Until January 22, 2023 

Where: Griffith Park

What: Head to the L.A. Zoo as it lights up the night all the way through January. Inspired by the zoo’s wild residents, the light display is pure joy for the whole family!

Elton John

When: November 17 – November 20 

Where: Echo Park

What: Bid your goodbyes to live shows from Sir Elton John as the Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour makes its last LA stop. The iconic performer takes his bow on touring life while taking the audience on a massive visual journey spanning his entire 50-year career. 

 

Westside and Beach Communities Weekend Events | November 18 – November 20

Designer Con

When: November 18 – November 20 

Where: Anaheim

What: Calling all toy geeks, illustrators, and underground-art lovers, you won’t want to miss the annual DesignerCon. Bringing together more than 700 vendors and artists, the weekend fest will showcase toys, art, design, and collectibles at the Anaheim Convention Center. 

Fabric of a Nation: American Quilt Stories

When: Until March 12, 2023

Where: Westside

What: See how American quilters have knitted together stories since the 1600s at the Skirball’s celebration of quilt makers. The exhibit will be on display until March and features over 40 artists.

Melrose Rooftop Theater

When: On-going

Where: E.P. & L.P. | West Hollywood

What: It’s a weekend of iconic cinema at Melrose Rooftop Theatre! Slide on through on Friday for Risky Business, head to detention on Saturday with The Breakfast Club, or prep your best bend and snap for Sunday’s screening of Legally Blonde.

 

San Fernando Valley Weekend Events | November 18 – November 20

805 Night Market | Woodland Hills

When: November 19 – November 20 

Where: 21555 West Oxnard Street | Woodland Hills

What: Enjoy authentic multicultural street foods and many enticing beverages and desserts to please your palette. The weekend event features 28 curated, unique food vendors just for you to enjoy.

Bob Baker Marionette Theater: 60 Years of Joy & Wonder

When: Until March 19 

Where: Glendale 

What: The museum atop Forest Lawn’s Glendale cemetery is celebrating 60 years of the beloved Bob Baker Marionette Theater with a display of about 100 historical pieces, including puppets, concept art, archival photos, and an animatronic band.

Electric Dusk Drive-In Presents: Double Feature Night

When: November 19 

Where: Glendale

What: Action-packed and family-friendly, there is a film for everyone at this weekend’s Electric Dusk Drive-In Double Feature. See the Oscar-winning feature CoCo and this summer’s blockbuster smash hit Top Gun: Maverick for this weekends November approved features! Electric Dusk Drive-In is LA’s longest-running pop-up drive-in and invites you to Glendale to enjoy film, food, and fun!

 

Conejo Valley Weekend Events | November 18 – November 20 

Annual Holiday Tree Lighting

When: November 18

Where: The Promenade at Westlake | Westlake Village

What: Join the Promenade at Westlake for their annual Tree Lighting ceremony and community celebration. Enjoy a whimsical holiday show featuring a variety of musical entertainment, the arrival of Santa, and a fireworks finale. Pre-show festivities include strolling entertainment, kids’ activities, and a curated Holiday Market featuring a variety of treats from your favorite restaurants and retailers.

Holiday Vendor Faire at Cat + Raven Collective 

When: November 19

Where: Thousand Oaks

What: It’s a holiday vendor fair, and you’re invited! Enjoy this Saturday’s Holiday Vendor Faire as it brings together local vendors and artists peddling their wares and goods. Light refreshments will also be offered.

Walk 3to9 5th Annual Walk for Breast Cancer Research 

When: November 20 

Where: Memorial Field, Thousand Oaks

What: On November 20th, Walk 3to9 is asking walkers, crewmembers, survivors, and sponsors from around the country to join in person OR virtually. Walk, run, hike, or bike to help end breast cancer! As a participant, you’ll receive a Walk 3to9 bundle, which includes a limited-edition bandana, swag bag, custom walker bib, and social media toolkit to help you share your experience with the Walk 3to9 online community.