Events
Merry Melrose
Dec. 7. The Melrose Trading Post gets a festive upgrade as more than 260 local artists, makers and vintage vendors bring holiday-ready goods to its weekly market. Each Sunday features live music, family-friendly activities and seasonal extras—like the Rock ’n’ Roll Santa photo booth, artist-led gift-making workshops and performances from the Grand Arts Jazz Carolers and Little Women Ballet. On December 28, visitors can even adopt a pup on-site. Regular admission is $8, but guests receive free entry on December 7 and 14 with a new, unwrapped toy for the Mágico Toy Drive; members of IATSE, SAG-AFTRA and Actors’ Equity enjoy complimentary admission all month long. Starts this Sunday at 10 a.m. 7850 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles. melrosetradingpost.org
Cultural Treasures Market
Dec. 6. The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County hosts its first-ever Cultural Treasures Market in partnership with LA Commons, celebrating the artistry, traditions and small businesses of South Los Angeles and Altadena. Held in the free-to-the-public NHM Commons, the event brings together holiday gifts from local vendors including Sika’s/Queen Midas Gold, Mother Sun Records, The Plant Chica and Soul Food Candle Co., along with neighborhood bites from South LA Cafe, All Chill Ice Cream and others. Live music, food and an all-ages art activity round out the experience, marking both the final Partners in Commons event of 2025 and the culmination of LA Commons’ 25th anniversary. Saturday,noon-5 p.m. 900 Exposition Blvd., Los Angeles. nhm.org
A Mile of Holiday Magic Returns to Calabasas
Now Open. The season lights up at King Gillette Ranch in Calabasas, where a mile-long immersive trail returns with dazzling displays, festive music and new state-of-the-art projection mapping that elevates the experience into a full winter spectacular. More than 100,000 guests stroll through scenes like the North Pole, Elf Village, Gingerbread Lane and Christmas Tree Forests, passing through brilliant light tunnels and oversized holiday installations perfect for photos. Santa and Mrs. Claus appear live on select dates, while visitors can enjoy holiday bars, LA-favorite food trucks, a winter market, face painting and a souvenir shop—making this one of SoCal’s most anticipated traditions of the season. Hours vary. 26800 Mulholland Highway, Calabasas. holidayroadusa.com
Holiday Cheer on the Pier
Dec. 4. Santa Monica Pier brings back Holiday Cheer on the Pier for three festive Thursdays—December 4, 11 and 18—with free, family-friendly programming that turns the historic Merry Go-Round and surrounding plazas into a seaside holiday village. Guests can write Letters to Santa and make ornaments with Paint:Lab, join Books & Cookies for musical storytime and catch whimsical Bob Baker Marionette Theater performances, all alongside hot cocoa, churros and seasonal treats. Thursday at 3:30 p.m. 200 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica. santamonicapier.org
An EILEEN FISHER Opening Celebration
Dec. 6. Visit the new EILEEN FISHER store in Santa Monica during the Holiday Walk and Marketplace on Montana Avenue. Browse the latest collection, find gifts for someone special, or enjoy a complimentary smoothie while celebrating the season. The brand’s pieces are designed to move with you, crafted from premium materials such as organic cotton and naturally dyed silk for effortless style year after year. Saturday, 12–8 p.m. 1522 Montana Ave., Santa Monica. 424.500.4879. Find Your Store
Food + Drinks
Hermon’s, A New American Neighborhood Chophouse
Now Open. The newest concept from Last Word Hospitality arrives in the historic neighborhood of Hermon, bringing New American bar &g grill influence to a reimagined former church banquet hall, now outfitted with an 89-seat dining room and a welcoming U-shaped bar. Highlights include scallop crudo with sundried tomato and tarragon, tuna carpaccio with king trumpet duxelles and Korean chili oil and steak tartare with salsa macha and goji berries. Plus, they have a zero-proof lineup such as a bright celery spritz with fennel and a refreshing coconut fizz made in-house. Wednesday-Sunday, from 5-10 p.m. 5800 Monterey Road, Los Angeles. hermonsla.com
Super Peach by Momofuku
Now Open. Westfield Century City’s recently opened Momofuku’s Super Peach, showcasing a bright green-and-orange dining room and a playful menu from David Chang that reimagines American favorites through an L.A. lens. The all-day lineup includes Korean fried chicken wings, citrus-soy soft tofu, glazed pork belly, shrimp, chicken and steak skewers, plus kimbap options like bluefin tuna and Australian wagyu. This menu is rounded out with desserts such as burnt cheesecake and salted caramel pudding. Signature cocktails include the Duke’s Style Martini, Red Miso Michelada and more. Monday–Thursday: 11 a.m.–10 p.m. Friday–Saturday: 11 a.m–11 p.m. Sunday: 11 a.m.–9:30 p.m. 10250 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles. momofuku.com
Japanese Curry Takes Over L.A.
Until Dec. 31. Japanese curry takes center stage this month as the All Japan Curry Manufacturers Association launches its citywide “Let Japanese Curry Melt Your Heart” campaign, bringing nine Los Angeles restaurants into the mix with limited-time, curry-driven creations. Fans can find traditional plates from tonkatsu standout Kagura alongside inventive riffs from RYLA, Little Fatty, Fatty Mart, French Touch, Lenzini’s Pizza and even ceviche favorite The Hummingbird—each debuting an original dish inspired by the rich, warming flavors of Japanese curry. For more information about the event visit curry.or.jp
Festive Holiday Cocktails at Bar Next Door
Now Open. West Hollywood’s Bar Next Door has transformed its Sunset Strip space into a festive hideaway with seasonal décor and a new holiday cocktail menu from Bar Director Brynn Smith. The lineup includes cozy, photogenic crowd-pleasers like a spice-rich BND mulled wine (Italian red, citrus, ginger and Rémy VSOP), a grown-up butterbeer topped with Angostura whipped cream, a winter fruit sake spritz (with pear brandy and cranberry–hibiscus tea) and a spiced apple sherry flip finished with a cinnamon apple chip. Monday-Thursday, 6 p.m.-late. Friday and Saturday, 5 p.m.-late. 9159 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood. barnextdoor.com
Arts + Culture
A Nutcracker like no other!
Starts Dec. 11. Celebrating its 10th spectacular season at Segerstrom Center for the Arts, ABT’s The Nutcracker has wowed both audiences and critics alike. The LA Times raves “A Christmas miracle!” and the OC Register calls it “Jaw-droppingly gorgeous, a visual feast!” Experience the joy and wonder of this critically acclaimed production! Dec 11 – 21 only, at Segerstrom Center for the Arts. 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.556.2787. scfta.org
Home Alone in Concert
Dec. 5-7. Celebrate the 35th anniversary of a holiday classic as Home Alone returns to the stage with John Williams’ beloved score performed live to picture, conducted by David Newman. The film follows 8-year-old Kevin McCallister, played by Macaulay Culkin, as he defends his home from two hapless burglars after being accidentally left behind for Christmas. Equal parts hilarious and heartwarming, this live-to-film experience offers festive, family-friendly holiday fun. Friday-Sunday, 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. showtimes. 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. laphil.com
MINISO Debuts Global “Zootopia 2” Collection and Immersive Pop-Up Tour
Now Open. Launching its global “Zootopia 2” collection, MINISO expands its successful collaborations with Disney and celebrating the film’s theatrical release. As part of the partnership, the brand is rolling out its “Fun Fur Every You!” immersive pop-up tour, bringing the world of Zootopia to life with character artwork, themed environments and interactive photo moments. Fans can pose with Judy Hopps, Nick Wild and other favorites while exploring pop-up recreations of the Zootopia Police Department, city street signs and more. For more information for locations and times visit miniso.com
Sparkle DTLA
Dec. 7. Downtown’s The Bloc brings back Sparkle DTLA, inviting visitors to step inside a towering Christmas tree made of lights as the shopping center transforms into a glowing holiday hub. The installation shifts through 18 million color combinations and comes to life each night with synchronized music displays on the hour. Festivities begin with live performances, photos with Santa and the Grinch, plus additional seasonal surprises, making it an easy stop for holiday lights. Starts this Saturday at 5 p.m. 700 S. Flower Street, Los Angeles. theblocla.com
Photo credit: Santa Clause and Mrs. Clause courtesy of Santa Monica Pier Corporation. Dog with Santa hat courtesy of Alin Luna. Home Alone courtesy of LA Phil and Twentieth Century Fox. All images are courtesy of the venues and businesses featured.
