Los Angeles

Weekend roundup

December 24-27

Events

Wild Lights

Now through Jan. 9 | L.A. Zoo Lights returns for the 2021-22 season with more glowing animals and an unforgettable nighttime journey that includes the world’s largest illuminated pop-up storybook, a magical disco ball forest, giant glittering snowflakes, and a twinkling tunnel filled with dynamic swirls of color. L.A. Zoo Lights is a not-to-be-missed holiday light experience and has glowed brighter each year since its debut in 2014. This year’s event features more light animals than ever before, spectacular new additions – both hand-crafted and high-tech – and returning favorites. 6 p.m.- 10 p.m. (Closed Christmas Day) 5333 Zoo Drive, LA. Wild Lights Info

Dodgers Holiday Festival

Through Dec 23 | Ice skating at Dodger Stadium? You bet. The Los Angeles Dodgers are hosting a Holiday Festival in the beautiful, newly-renovated Centerfield Plaza, the warning track, and both bullpens complete with nightly entertainment, an ice-skating rink, scenic and light displays, holiday-themed food and beverage, and an opportunity to take photos with Santa! Weekdays 5-10 p.m., Sat and Sun 3-10 p.m. 1000 Vin Scully Ave., LA. Tickets and Info

Make Holiday Memories at Universal Studios

Thru Jan 9 | Enjoy Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter where you can see Hogsmeade transformed with enchanting spirit, festive décor and holiday-themed food, beverages and entertainment. And experience The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle, a holiday spectacle of dazzling lights and music. Spread the cheer and join in on the fun of Who-tacular festivities with The Grinch, Max and Who-ville with the return of Grinchmas. End your day at Universal CityWalk, where you can enjoy our spectacular Christmas tree, sumptuous outdoor dining, and fun holiday shopping. Hours vary. Universal Studios Hollywood 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City. Holidays at USH

Food + Drink

Christmas Dinner at the Draycott

Dec 25 | The Draycot, Pacific Palisades’ California-inspired Brasserie, offers a $100 per person holiday meal all day on Christmas Eve and until 4 p.m. on Christmas Day with a fairly wide selection of dishes like seared goose breast, pork chop, and lobster ravioli, plus choice of Christmas pudding or panna cotta for dessert. 15255 Palisades Village Lane, Pacific Palisades 90272. https://www.thedraycott.com/

Holiday Dinner at the Front Yard

Dec 25 | Gather with the ones you love for an elevated Christmas dinner from Chef Larry Greenwood served over four-courses. The savory prix fixe menu runs Saturday from noon until 8:00 PM. Appetizers include blue crab salad, smoked trout dip and baby squash ravioli, Choose from Turkey, prime rib and Salmon entrees. Kid’s menu also offered. 4222 Vineland Ave., North Hollywood.  Front Yard

Arts + Culture

Fall in Love, Actually…

Thru Dec. 31 | LOVE ACTUALLY LIVE, the multimedia concert celebration of the beloved holiday film is back by popular demand, as a not-to-be-missed Los Angeles tradition. Iconic scenes displayed on screens that travel throughout the set share the stage with an all-star cast of singers and live orchestra as they reimagine the film’s hit soundtrack including “Christmas is All Around,” “Trouble With Love,” and “Both Sides Now.”  Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts 9390 N. Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills. Tickets

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Christmas Eve at the Improv

Dec 24 | Holidays got you down? Lighten up and enjoy the season with a hilarious Christmas Eve show at the Hollywood Improv Main Room. Featuring celebrated comedians Lizzy Cooperman, Gary Cannon, Ben Gleib, Mark Curry and Nika King. 9:30 PM. 8162 Melrose Ave., Hollywood. Improv Hollywood

LABT’s The Nutcracker

Dec 23-26 | The Nutcracker is the city’s holiday tradition perfect for celebrating the season. Set to Tchaikovsky’s iconic score, Los Angeles Ballet stays true to the traditions of the holiday story at The Dolby Theatre with some surprises! This production is set in 1912 Los Angeles. Throughout the five scenes in two acts, you will find hints and tastes of Southern California – a Spanish style home, calla lilies, bougainvillea, the snowy forests of the Sierras, Venice archways, a moonlit Pacific Ocean and more. December 23rd, 24th and 26th. 6801 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood  Tickets

Photo credits: All images are courtesy of the businesses and venues.

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