From a new dining destination in the Arts District to the final days of spectacular light shows, here are the top LA weekend events for January 4-7.
Edited by Christina Wiese.
EVENTS
Innovative Dining Group: dineL.A. Winter Restaurant Week Preview
Jan. 5-11. In celebration of IDG’s 20th Anniversary, enjoy exclusive early access to the dineL.A. menus from restaurant powerhouses Sushi Roku, BOA Steakhouse, Katana and ROKU. See website for all Los Angeles locations. innovativedining.com
Kombucha Home-Brewing and Flavoring Class
Jan. 6. Add a new skill set to your repertoire by learning how to make a fresh batch of kombucha from scratch. During the two-hour class, attendees will also have the opportunity to taste Kombucha Hunter’s new brews Goji Hibiscus, Citra Hops Pineapple and Fennel Fig. Jar, scoby, starter liquid, ingredients to flavor your kombucha and more are included in the class. 2-4 p.m. $35. As We Dwell, 1131 E. 5th St., downtown. kombuchahunter.com
Old Pasadena Historic Walking Tour
Jan. 6. On the heels of the annual Rose Parade, grab your walking shoes and dive into the history of downtown Pasadena’s revitalization. Trained docents will lead attendees through the historic neighborhood while revealing hidden and unusual architectural details, old alleyways and historic signs. 9-11 a.m. $15-$18. Pasadena Heritage, 651 S. Saint John Ave, Pasadena. pasadenaheritage.org
The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa Festival of Lights
Through Jan. 6. See more than 5 million holiday lights, the world’s largest manmade mistletoe, horse-drawn carriage rides and a 30-ft multicolor pixelated tree showcasing a four-minute light show with music. 3649 Mission Inn Ave., Riverside, 951.784.0300. missioninn.com
New Year’s Race
Jan. 7. Welcome a new calendar year with a fitness win in downtown Los Angeles. Participants can choose from a 5K or 10K race, both culminating in an after-party featuring a beer garden, music and art exhibitions in Grand Park. 3-10 p.m.; 5K starts at 5 p.m.; 10K starts at 6:30 p.m. See website for course map and registration information. newyearsrace.com
CHILL at the Queen Mary
Through Jan. 7. The Queen Mary’s all-new Chill experience features the U.S.’ first-ever Ice Adventure Park and a tribute to cultural traditions from around the world, with a global sampling of food, music and live entertainment. The 38,000-square-foot Ice Adventure Park offers ice skating, an ice track, Amsterdam Bumper Boats, a zip line, ice shuffleboard, a two-story ice-tubing slide and more. Check website for hours. $19.99-$44.99. 1126 Queens Hwy., Long Beach, 877.342.0752. queenmary.com
Christmas in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Through Jan. 7. This holiday season, the wizarding village of Hogsmeade transforms with festive decor, lights, garlands and wreaths. Stroll the streets while you try bites and Butterbeer from the Three Broomsticks, take in a showing by the Frog Choir and see the all-new holiday spectacle with dazzling lights against the majestic backdrop of the Hogwarts castle. See website for schedule and pricing. Universal Studios, 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City. universalstudioshollywood.com
Enchanted: Forest of Light
Through Jan. 7. This local favorite returns for another year at Descanso Gardens. Additions for this year include a brand new Aqueous display, plus new enhancements to the Flower Power and Ancient Forest light displays. See website for hours. Descanso Garden Members $23-$25; GA $28-$30; Under 2 free. 1418 Descanso Dr., La Cañada Flintridge. descansogardens.org
FOOD + DRINK
INKO NITO
Now Open. The newest casual Japanese restaurant to land in the Arts District has a special offer for diners: 50 percent off all food until January 7. The easy-going and welcoming destination, helmed by chef Hamish Brown, serves up a contemporary robatayaki (fireside-cooking) menu alongside salads, Nigaki (new style sushi) and hot dishes. A full wine, beer, sake selection and six signature cocktails on tap round out the dining experience. Su-Th 5-10:30 p.m., F-Sa 5-11:30 p.m. 225-227 S. Garey St., downtown. inkonitorestaurant.us
STYLE + BEAUTY
Awards Show Spa Treatments at The Ritz-Carlton
Through Mar. 1. Indulge in A-list, over-the-top luxury treatments even if you’re not walking the red carpet this awards season. Guests can choose from three different offerings: Hollywood Glamour Manicure and Pedicure, the Red Carpet Ready Experience (includes Champagne and Shimmer body treatment, radiance facial and more) and the Elegant Entourage Package (includes own personalized aroma, makeover, blow out and more). $150-$980. The Ritz-Carlton Spa, 900 W. Olympic Blvd., downtown. ritzcarlton.com
Aussie Collective by G’Day USA Pop-Up
Jan. 5-31. Get a first look at quintessential Aussie brands at this month-long pop-up at the newly renovated Westfield Century City. Featured brands include Gorman, Kirrikin, Swisse, Teamm8, Kip + Co, Incy, MJ Bale, Pared Eyewear, Vie Active and Elyptol. Pop-Up hours reflect the mall’s hour (see website). 10250 Santa Monica Blvd., L.A., 310.277.3898. westfield.com
ARTS + CULTURE
Winter @ The Wallis
Jan. 6-Mar. 22. Grab a front-row seat to world-class dance, music and theater at this third annual winter series. The 2018 program features 18 events and kicks off with premier violinist Sarah Chang and pianist Julio Elizalde. Additional highlights include The Wallis debut of the L.A.-based dance company Lula Washington Dance Theatre, a weekend celebrating the great jazz legend Arturo Sandoval, the return of the innovative United Kingdom-based theater company Kneehigh with The Flying Lovers of Vitebsk and more. $20-$125. Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, 9390 N. Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills, 310.746.4000. thewallis.org
Psychedelic Walk-In Installation
Jan 6.-Feb. 3. Enter a floor-to-ceiling psychedelic textile cave like no other by artist Laurie Shapiro. The immersive experience, created over the course of 1,000 hours, features mesmerizing details and mixed media paintings. Throughout the exhibition’s showcase, Radiant Space will host dance, music, yoga, lectures and more inside the installation. Radiant Space, 1444 N. Sierra Bonita Ave., L.A. radiantspace.com
‘Spamilton: An American Parody’
Through Jan. 7. Didn’t score tickets to Hamilton? This play, touted by the New York Post as the “next best thing to seeing Hamilton,” is a hilarious parody of the musical from the comedic force behind the long-running hit Forbidden Broadway. See website for showtimes and ticket prices. Kirk Douglas Theatre, 9820 Washington Blvd., Culver City, 213.628.2772. centertheatregroup.org
CHILL at the Queen Mary photo courtesy of the Queen Mary. Christmas in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter photo courtesy of Universal Studios Hollywood. Enchanted: Forest of Light photo by Jake Fabricius. Sarah Chang photo courtesy of Colin Bell under license to EMI Classics. ‘Spamilton: An American Parody’ photo by Carol Rosegg .
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