Events
L.A. County Holiday Celebration
Dec. 24. While Santa is busy preparing his sleigh, you can unwind and celebrate Christmas Eve at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion. Bring your friends and family to enjoy Los Angeles’ grandest holiday show, featuring over 20 choirs, music ensembles and dance troupes from across the city. This festivity showcases LA’s multicultural holiday traditions, including performances by an all-women soul ensemble, Hawaiian music, and Indian dance. Free. Sunday, 3 p.m.–6 p.m. 135 N. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. musiccenter.org
Luna Luna Forgotten Fantasy
Now Open. For nearly four decades, Luna Luna, the world’s first art amusement park, remained hidden from the public. Now, with curation and restoration led by Drake, fans and art enthusiasts can once again view these unique works up close- featuring rides, games and attractions created by visionary artists such as Jean-Michel Basquiat, Keith Haring and David Hockney. Wednesday-Friday, starts at 12 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, starts at 10 a.m. 1601 E. 6th St., Los Angeles. lunaluna.com
Holiday Sneak-Easy
Dec. 23. Hosted by Peacock at Westfield Century City, this ski chalet-inspired holiday lounge offers a cozy escape to watch NFL games, including the exclusive streaming of the Los Angeles Chargers vs. Buffalo Bills at 5 p.m. The Sneak-Easy also provides complimentary gift-wrapping and holiday refreshments. Free for all attendees on a first-come, first-served basis. Saturday, 10 a.m.-9 p.m.10250 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles. westfield.com
The Dr. Seuss Experience
Now Open. Step into the enchanting world of Dr. Seuss and embark on a Seuss-tacular journey that includes The Grinch and the iconic Cat in the Hat. You can swing from The Lorax’s truffula trees, navigate the Stars Upon Thars Sneetches, explore a captivating mirror maze and wander through towering clovers- while keeping an ear out for a Who. Timed ticket purchase required. 395 Santa Monica Pl, Santa Monica. More Information
Holly Jolly Holiday Singalong Piano Bar
Until Dec. 28. Experience a winter wonderland filled with music and merriment at the Holly Jolly Piano Bar Singalong. Highlights include live piano music of both timeless Christmas classics and contemporary holiday hits, singalong sessions where you can join fellow carolers to sing your heart out and a cozy atmosphere with twinkling lights and festive Christmas decor. Ticket includes one themed cocktail. 1123 Vine St., Los Angeles. Get Tickets Now
Food + Drinks
Christmas Specials at Mi Piace
Dec. 24. Enjoy a festive Italian Christmas Eve feast as Executive Chef Gil Saulnier has prepared a signature menu with highlights like ravioli con salsiccia, grilled double lamb chops and spaghetti aragosta. Don’t forget to indulge in their decadent desserts, such as the Midnight Fantasy, tiramisu and New York cheesecake. Pair these dishes with award winning wines and handcrafted cocktails. Sunday 11 a.m.-11 p.m. 25 East Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. mipiace.com
Feliz Navidad at Qué Padre
Dec. 24. Chef Isaias Peña invites you to celebrate a joyful holiday at Qué Padre in Palisades Village. The special menu includes appetizers, tacos, burritos & bowls, quesadillas and churros. Add to the celebration with selections from the restaurant’s cocktail and margarita menu, featuring a premium tequila and mezcal list, as well as flights. Sunday, 1 p.m.-7 p.m. 15225 Palisades Village Lane, Pacific Palisades. quepadretacos.com
Kusaki Re-Opens
Now Open. Los Angeles’ first plant-based omakase bar and sushi restaurant now offers a reimagined menu influenced by Kaiseki, along with extended operating days. New offerings include maitake wontons, watermelon granita nigiri, seared bell pepper nigiri and spicy tuna rolls, alongside beloved classics like crispy garlic tuna sashimi and trumpet mushroom nigiri. For dessert, enjoy Chef Pearl’s house-made ice cream, featuring treats like miso brownie brittle and The Pearlita. Tuesday-Sunday, 5-10 p.m. 2535 South Barrington Ave., Los Angeles. kusakila.com
Spirits of the Season
Until Dec. 23. The historic Nocturne Theatre presents an immersive pop-up bar with five festively themed hideaways, including a captivating speakeasy cabaret area where you enjoy vintage cocktails infused with holiday charm. Plus enjoy a live performance by their holiday Jazz crooner. Hours vary. 324 N. Orange St., Glendale. Get Tickets Now
Arts + Culture
‘Home Alone’ in Concert
Dec. 22-23. A beloved holiday classic, this comedy favorite showcases the delightful score by renowned composer John Williams, performed live to the film under the baton of conductor David Newman. Macaulay Culkin takes the lead as Kevin McCallister, an 8-year-old accidentally left behind when his family embarks on a Christmas vacation. Kevin must cleverly defend his home against two comically inept thieves. Thursday-Friday, at 7 p.m. 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. laphil.com
Long Beach Nutcracker
Dec. 22-23. Long Beach Ballet’s rendition of The Nutcracker features a live full orchestra, a horse, a flying sleigh, and pyrotechnics. While the beloved story remains unchanged, this production goes the extra mile to captivate and thrill audiences year after year. Friday at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, 2 and 7:30 p.m. 300 E. Ocean Blvd., Los Angeles. longbeachnutcracker.com
Arturo Sandoval Swinging Holiday
Dec. 23. Add a jazzy twist to your festive season with multiple Grammy-winning artist, Arturo Sandoval, for energetic evening at Walt Disney Concert Hall. He will delight the audience with a program filled with beloved holiday classics, creating a jumping, jiving and jingling atmosphere. Saturday at 8 p.m. 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. laphil.com
A Christmas Carol with Charles Dickens
Until Dec. 23. Distinguishable from the show titled Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, this production offers a close-up view of the story. David Melville showcases his finely honed, classically trained skills bringing the famous writer to life as he narrates this timeless tale of Christmas redemption in the intimate setting of the Independent Shakespeare Company’s indoor theater. Saturday, at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. 3245 Casitas Ave., Los Angeles. iscla.org
Photo credit: Seared Tuna Nigiri courtesy of Kusaki and Beth Graham. A Christmas Carol courtesy Independent Shakespeare Company. Coconut Margarita & Tacos Courtesy of Que Padre. All other images are courtesy of the venues and businesses featured.
