Los Angeles

Weekend roundup

December 25-31

Events

Gloria Molina Grand Park’s NYELA

Dec. 31. The Community Block energizes the night with interactive art, live performances and family-friendly programming that spotlight Los Angeles’ creative spirit, from puppetry and brass bands to visual art and Afro-Brazilian rhythms. As midnight nears, City Hall anchors NYELA’s countdown to 2026 with a large-scale projection by A3 Visual themed The Power of One. The lineup features headliner Ruby Ibarra alongside performances by BARDO, Ceci Bastida, Gingee, Shaun Ross, DJ Wayne Williams, CLAX10 and Ashley Younniä. Next Wednesday at 8 p.m.-1 a.m. 200 N. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. grandparkla.org

Holiday Magic Comes to The Saban with Master of Magic

Dec. 27. Fresh off a successful Las Vegas run, a whimsical, all-ages spectacle arrives in Los Angeles as award-winning illusionist Xavier Mortimer brings Master of Magic to The Saban Theatre for two performances. Featuring more than 14 visually inventive acts, the show unfolds with a dreamlike rhythm—blending poetic illusion, physical comedy and cinematic storytelling inspired by Mary Poppins and Charlie Chaplin—offering a family-friendly holiday outing that reimagines modern magic. Saturday at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. 8440 Wilshire Blvd, Beverly Hills. Get Tickets Now


Winter Wonderland Immersive Igloo Experience

Now-Jan. 15. A winter wonderland rises above Downtown Los Angeles as Winter Hour takes over Golden Hour, the rooftop bar atop Level 8 at the Moxy Downtown Los Angeles. The seasonal transformation by Houston Hospitality layers the skyline setting with cozy fire pits, private igloos, icicle lights, faux snow and sweeping DTLA views, creating an immersive holiday escape in the sky. Tickets include a welcome drink—choose a seasonal cocktail or a ski shot—while gourmet s’mores stations add to the festive feel. Guests are encouraged to lean into après-ski or “Santa Baby” attire, with options to upgrade to a reserved fire pit or intimate igloo for a more exclusive night under the stars. Hours vary. 1254 S. Figueroa Street, 8th floor, Los Angeles. Get Tickets Now

Black & White Masquerade Ball Returns to The West Hollywood EDITION

Dec. 31. New Year’s Eve gets a high-glamour revival as Giorgio’s Discotheque™ returns to The West Hollywood EDITION for a Black & White Masquerade Ball presented with Bryan Rabin. The night begins with a curated dinner at Ardor, complete with a custom welcome drink and optional caviar and champagne service. Festivities continue at Sunset at EDITION with Studio 54 legend DJ Nicky Siano joined by Heidi Lawden, culminating in an elevated six-course dinner experience, live DJ sets and a midnight countdown to ring in the new year. Next Wednesday, dinner seating from 9-11 p.m.; Event from 9 p.m.-2 a.m. 9040 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood. editionhotels.com


Food + Drinks

Marelle Santa Monica Hosts Christmas Eve Dinner and Christmas Day Brunch

Dec. 24-25. With the holidays approaching, a festive two-day celebration unfolds in Santa Monica with Christmas Eve dinner and Christmas Day brunch offerings designed for relaxed coastal dining. The Christmas eve experience centers on elevated seasonal fare, beginning with fresh oysters and a sparkling mignonette, followed by starters such as spinach and artichoke dip. Main selections include herb-crusted rack of lamb or seared scallops, before closing with tiramisu on a gingersnap crust. For Christmas day, enjoy a classic beachside brunch, offering a festive, laid-back way to gather with family and friends. Wednesday, 5-11 p.m. Thursday, 7 a.m.-4 p.m. 1740 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica. marelle.com

Frosty’s Christmas Bar

Dec. 26-30. Already lighting up Hollywood Boulevard, this annual Christmas pop-up delivers a 21+ immersive night of holiday cheer filled with twinkling lights, falling snowflakes and over-the-top festive décor. Giant ornaments, themed nights, live entertainment and craft cocktails set the tone, including seasonal pours like egg my noggins and polar punch. Entry requires a $19 ticket, which grants access to the experience but does not include a drink. Friday-Tuesday at 6 p.m. Locations vary. frostyschristmas.bar

Baltaire New Year’s Eve Party Rings in 2026 in Brentwood

Dec. 31. New Year’s Eve unfolds in Brentwood with an elevated celebration centered on a four-course prix fixe dinner at Baltaire. The modern steakhouse menu highlights signature dishes such as lobster thermidor, filet mignon, truffle risotto and seasonal starters and desserts, complemented by a roaming caviar & champagne cart featuring Baltaire Label caviar and iconic champagne selections. A live DJ carries the evening from 7 p.m. through the midnight countdown, with limited reservations offered on a first-come, first-served basis across two seatings: 5–7:15 p.m. and 8–10:30 p.m. 11647 San Vicente Blvd., Los Angeles. Reserve Now

Midnight in Paris New Year’s Eve Party at The Peninsula Beverly Hills

Dec. 31. A Parisian fantasy sets the tone for New Year’s Eve at The Peninsula Beverly Hills as the hotel rings in 2026 with its Midnight in Paris celebration on December 31. The evening begins at Le Petite Belvedere, where the space transforms into a glamorous Parisian brasserie accompanied by a live French jazz trio and a three-course dinner. Festivities continue at Le Salon, with the Living Room becoming the dance floor to carry guests into the new year, while Le Bar serves martinis alongside refined french bites. The night culminates in the hotel lobby with a countdown to midnight and a festive balloon drop. Next Wednesday,


Arts + Culture


New Year’s Eve with The Roots at Walt Disney Concert Hall

Dec. 31. The countdown lands in Downtown Los Angeles with a high-energy sendoff as the Grammy-winning Philadelphia hip-hop group The Roots rings in 2026 with two shows at the Walt Disney Concert Hall. Known for their much-loved live performances—and as the house band for The Tonight Show—the group brings its full-band spectacle to the big stage. Arrive early for a complimentary glass of champagne and pre-show beats from DJ Novena Carmel in BP Hall, then take the party inside, drinks in hand, to dance your way out of 2025 and into the new year. Next Wednesday at 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. laphil.com

Last Call: Tinselcolor: Holiday Soundtracks Live

Until Dec. 30. Already playing for the season, a cinematic holiday soundtrack comes to life as live production company For the Record stages Tinselcolor: Holiday Soundtracks Live at CineVita—the world’s largest Spiegeltent. The immersive production features more than 25 beloved songs drawn from classic holiday films, with Joey McIntyre of New Kids on the Block hosting an evening of performances inspired by movies such as Home Alone, Elf, White Christmas and Love Actually. The show pairs festive nostalgia with themed cocktails and seasonal treats, making it a polished, music-driven way to celebrate the holidays. Showtimes vary. 1001 S. Stadium Drive, Inglewood. tinselcolor.com



Last Call: L.A. Ballet’s The Nutcracker

Dec. 28. Holiday nostalgia takes center stage this Christmas as Uncle Drosselmeyer, Clara and the Nutcracker return in a Los Angeles–set twist on the classic ballet. Presented by L.A. Ballet, the production travels across the city throughout the season, bringing sweeping pirouettes and Mouse King battles to UCLA and culminating in 12 performances at the Dolby Theatre, where the company performs with a live orchestra. Showtimes vary. Ovation Hollywood, 6801 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles. losangelesballet.org


Holiday Road Lights Up King Gillette Ranch

Until Dec. 27. Ending this weekend, Holiday Road transforms King Gillette Ranch into a glowing winter walk, with a nearly mile-long illuminated trail winding through the Santa Monica Mountains hideaway. Created by the same team behind Night of the Jack, the experience features thousands of lights, a festive Christmas village, oversized holiday displays and glowing archways throughout the grounds. Santa and Mrs. Claus make appearances along the route, while food trucks and a holiday bar keep spirits high. Tickets start at $29, with pricing varying by day and time. 26800 W. Mulholland Highway, Calabasas. holidayroadusa.com


Photo credit: Sunset at EDITION, photos courtesy of Giorgio’s Discotheque™. Winter Hour at Level 8 Houston Hospitality and Bucket Listers. The Peninsula courtesy of Peninsula Beverly Hills.The Nutcracker courtesy of LA Ballet and photos by Cheryl Mann Photography, Magic Trick courtesy of Courtesy of Xavier Mortimer. All images are courtesy of the venues and businesses featured.

Let's Stay In Touch

with weekly roundups

Sign up for FREE to receive our exclusive Weekend Roundup!

Get the best things to do in our favorite SoCal spots delivered to your inbox every week

Los Angeles

Orange County

San Diego