Los Angeles

Weekend roundup

December 26-31

Events

Lektrik LA: A Festival of Lights

Now Open. This colorful light show transforms Raging Waters into a dazzling festival of lights with over 100 intricate sculptures crafted by 150 artisans, using 120 tons of steel and 150,000 feet of silk. This immersive experience highlights California-inspired themes, from scenic beach scenes to lush jungles and underwater worlds. Explore over a million LED lights, enjoy live acrobatic performances, savor local flavors from food vendors and capture memories with unique photo backdrops and installations. Wednesday-Sunday, 5-10 p.m. 111 Raging Waters Drive, San Dimas. lektrik.com


A Rooftop Winter Wonderland

Now Open. Level 8 transforms into Winter Hour, a rooftop holiday escape where Miami-meets-Copacabana for a season of festive indulgence. Guests can sip on seasonal cocktails under a canopy of twinkling lights, gather around crackling fire pits with a cocktail pitcher and s’mores kit in hand, or retreat to private igloos designed for six, complete with upgraded drinks and cozy vibes. Offering panoramic city views and a warm atmosphere, Winter Hour invites you to immerse yourself in the magic of the season. Hours vary per schedule. S. Figueroa Street, Los Angeles. Get Tickets Now


Dog Walking Hours at South Coast Botanic Garden

Dec. 29. Bring your dog along for a stroll during special dog walking hours at the Garden, where leashed pets can explore 87 acres of natural beauty. While certain areas like the Dorothy and John Bohannon Rose Garden and the Koi Pond are off-limits, most of the grounds are open for you and your canine companion to enjoy. All dogs must remain on-leash throughout the visit, including in the parking lot. Sunday at 9 a.m. 26300 Crenshaw Blvd., Rancho Palos Verdes. southcoastbotanicgarden.org


No Cover New Years Y2K Edition

Dec. 31. Angel City Brewery is hosting a Y2K-themed New Year’s Eve celebration, bringing back the nostalgia of 1999. Guests can expect a DJ spinning hits from Britney Spears to Blink-182, retro photo ops and a “midnight meltdown” countdown. Throw on your best early 2000s outfit—velour tracksuits encouraged—and join the festivities at Angel City Brewery. The event runs next Tuesday at 4 p.m.-2 a.m. 216 Alameda Street, Los Angeles. Reserve Now


Food + Drinks

Arcane’s Last Drop Bar

Now Open. Koreatown’s Boba Bear transforms into Arcane’s Last Drop Bar to celebrate the second season of the Netflix series. The pop-up immerses guests in the steampunk-inspired world of Zaun with themed soju cocktails, non-alcoholic “Shimmers” in glowing glass tubes, games, photo ops, build-your-own cocktail classes and cosplay contests. Tickets, starting at $10, include a beverage (excluding Shimmers) and are open to all ages. Monday–Thursday, 2 p.m.–1 a.m.; Friday-Saturday, 2 p.m.–2 a.m.; Sunday, 2 p.m.–1 a.m. 414 S. Western Ave., Los Angeles. More Information


Special Holiday Menu at SHOR Bazaar

Through Dec. 29. Celebrate the season with a unique menu blending Desi flavors and Chinese-inspired dishes at SHOR Bazaar. Featured items include cauliflower 65 with tangy jaggery chutney, szechuan chicken fried rice, hakka noodles and chili garlic shrimp with rice. Seasonal mocktails like the roseberry mule and eggnot, crafted with oat milk, coconut cream and seedlip spice, add a festive touch to the experience. Monday-Thursday, 4-10 p.m. Friday, 4-11 p.m. Saturday, 2-11 p.m. Sunday, 2-10 p.m. 12155 E. Carson Street, Hawaiian Gardens. More Information


Celebration of Olio Nuovo Hanukkah Dinner Inspired by Amelia Saltsman

Dec. 29. A.O.C.’s west side hosts a Hanukkah dinner celebrating olio nuovo with fresh 2024 harvest oils like Olivaia’s OLA and McEvoy Ranch, paired with dishes from The Seasonal Jewish Kitchen by Amelia Saltsman, who will be in attendance. Priced at $85, the menu features locally sourced dishes, with optional wine pairings or seasonal cocktails. Reservations are recommended. Sunday at 5 p.m. 11648 San Vicente Blvd., Los Angeles. Reserve Now


NYE at Hotel Casa del Mar

Dec. 31. Ring in 2025 by the sea at Hotel Casa del Mar in Santa Monica, celebrating with oceanfront elegance and live music by local favorites, Cardinal Gold. Terrazza general admission tickets are $225 per person and include three premium drinks, passed appetizers, late-night bites, a champagne toast and a midnight balloon drop. For a full evening experience, dinner and party tickets are available for $750 per couple, featuring a chef-curated four-course meal, premium drinks, champagne toast, complimentary parking and access to the party. Tuesday, 8:30 p.m.-1:30 a.m. Must be 21 or older. 1910 Ocean Way, Santa Monica. Get Tickets Now


Arts + Culture

New Year’s Eve with D-Nice & Friends

Dec. 31. Ushering in 2025, the night will be electrified by legendary artist and DJ D-Nice, whose Club Quarantine united millions and became a cultural phenomenon. Following standout performances at the 94th Academy Awards, New Year’s Rockin’ Eve and renowned stages like Carnegie Hall and the Apollo Theater, he brings his signature energy and uplifting spirit to a celebration worthy of the new year. Next Tuesday at 10:30 p.m. 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. laphil.com

The Nutcracker

Through Dec. 28. Los Angeles Ballet’s The Nutcracker is a beloved holiday tradition, following Clara’s enchanting journey through battles, snowy landscapes and the Palace of the Dolls. Performances at the Dolby Theatre feature Tchaikovsky’s iconic score, performed live by the Los Angeles Ballet Orchestra, with shows extending beyond Christmas for an unforgettable celebration. Hours vary. 6801 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood. losangelesballet.org

Morrissey

Dec. 31. The iconic rockstar takes the stage at the Hollywood Palladium, bringing his signature charisma and sharp wit to a new tour. Fans can expect a mix of Smiths classics like “This Charming Man,” solo favorites such as “The Last of the Famous International Playboys,” and selections from his later works, delivered with his trademark showmanship and provocative style. Tuesday at 8:30 p.m. 6215 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles. Get Tickets Now


Bob Baker Marionette Theater’s ‘Holiday on Strings’

Through Jan. 12. The Bob Baker Marionette Theater brings back its cherished holiday tradition with Holiday on Strings at its Highland Park venue. This hour-long production takes audiences on a festive journey alongside the Wizard of Fantasy and Demetrius Nova Twinklestar III, exploring whimsical worlds like Santa’s workshop, a Dickensian village and a Hanukkah celebration. Hours vary. 4949 York Blvd., Los Angeles. bobbakermarionettetheater.com

Photo credit: DJ D-Nice courtesy of the L.A. Phil. Colorful Animal Lights courtesy of Letrick L.A. A.O.C courtesyy of  Staci Valentine. Dog on leash courtesy of Christian Testa. All other 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