From winter wonderlands to new dining destinations and a whisky celebration, here are the top LA weekend events for November 16-19.
Edited by Christina Xenos.
EVENTS
Bai Holiday Ice Rink Pershing Square
Opens Nov. 16. Skate among the skyscrapers at this ice skating rink, presented by Bai, which materializes every holiday season at Pershing Square. See website for hours, prices and skate-session schedule. 532 S. Olive St., downtown. holidayicerinkdowntownla.com
The Americana at Brand’s Christmas Spectacular
Nov. 16. Enjoy a festive evening under the stars at this magnificent tree lighting celebration. Emmy-Award winning choreographer and dancer Derek Hough kicks off the evening with a reading of Twas the Night Before Christmas, while dancers transform the words into a modern mash-up of ballet, tap and hip-hop. Plus, expect falling snow and a fireworks display as the 100-foot tall Christmas tree is set aglow … and of course, a jolly old man in a red suit is rumored to make an appearance. 7:30 p.m. Free. 889 American Way, Glendale. americanaatbrand.com
The Whisky Extravaganza
Nov. 16. Whether you’re a novice or connoisseur, explore a wide range of premium and unique whiskies from around the world through educational tasting sessions, masterclasses led by industry experts and hand-curated culinary pairings. Masterclasses 6:30-7:30 p.m., General Admission 7:30-10:30 p.m. Tickets start at $135. Millennium Biltmore Hotel, 506 S. Grand Ave., downtown. Tickets
BOLD (Beverly Hills Open Later Days) Holidays
Nov. 16-Dec. 23. Travelers and locals alike are invited to enjoy the best of Beverly Hills this holiday season. Over the course of six weeks, shops will extend their hours on Friday and Saturday evenings to complement an array of festive activities including Santa Claus at The Paley Center, live DJ sets and a stunning geometric, iridescent light installation. Billboard Music Award winner Robin Thicke and a firework works display will launch the month long event on November 16. See website for full lineup. lovebeverlyhills.com
Snow Day L.A.
Nov. 17-Dec. 16. The L.A. winter wonderland experience offers multiple lanes for tubing, falling snow, decorated trees and ice skating. Also enjoy a giant snow globe photo booth, food and drinks and a VIP penguin lounge. The Old Lodge, 2002 Stadium Way, L.A. snowdayla.com
L.A. Zoo Lights
Nov. 17-Jan. 7. This L.A. holiday tradition returns for its fourth year to set the zoo aglow with thousands of LED lights, a disco ball forest and much more. Breathtaking new features for 2017 include a musical holiday tree experience, a reimagined water show, a glittering North Pole perfect for Santa photos, a Northern Lights experience featuring animal constellations that come to life and a Wild Wonderland finale spotlighting endangered and vulnerable species. Special programming includes Preview Week, VIP Experiences, Holiday Happy Hours and Family New Year’s Eve. See website for full schedule and pricing. 5333 Zoo Dr., L.A. lazoo.org
12th Annual Great Los Angeles Walk
Nov. 18. Dispelling the myth that no one walks in L.A., now is your chance to walk from DTLA to the Pacific Ocean. The annual tradition starts in Little Tokyo at the Japanese American National Museum before traversing through Historic Filipinotown, Rampart Village, Koreatown, the Original Tommy’s location, Fairfax/La Brea, the Beverly Center, West Hollywood and onward to the ocean. Starts at 9 a.m. Free. greatlawalk.com
Burbank Winter Wine Walk
Nov. 18. Kick off your holiday in style at this 2nd annual event in downtown Burbank. Wine and local businesses will canvas two blocks to provide wine, craft beer and food samplings, in addition to a family-friendly street fair. Winter Wine Walk: 4-7 p.m., 21+, ticket required. Street Fair: Noon-8 p.m., all ages, free. Downtown Burbank on San Fernando Boulevard. burbankwinterwinewalk.com
Jackalope Indie Artisan Fair
Nov. 18-19. This free and family-friendly event returns for another year in the heart of Pasadena. Find over 200 artisans from the handmade community offering unique holiday gifts, birthday presents and a variety of wares. Try your hand at DIY crafting workshops or grab a bite from an on-site, local food truck. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. 275 S. Raymond Ave, Pasadena. jackalopeartfair.com
Enchanted: Forest of Light
Nov. 19-Jan. 7. This hotly anticipated, one-mile walk at Descanso Gardens will open earlier than ever before. Additions for 2017 include a brand new Aqueous display, plus new expansions and enhancements to the Flower Power and Ancient Forest displays. See the show before it opens to the public with a special Preview Party on November 18. See website for hours. Descanso Garden Members $23-$25; GA $28-$30; Under 2 free. descansogardens.org
STYLE + BEAUTY
Amplify Acupuncture
Opens Nov. 17. Clear your mind and unwind at Santa Monica’s newest wellness destination. Helmed by licensed acupuncturist and Master of Traditional Chinese Medicine Yunuen “June” Beristain, Amplify Acupuncture focuses on approachable holistic health practices for today’s busy Angeleno lifestyle. Relax in leather, zero gravity recliners as you choose from treatment options for stress reduction, joint pain relief, energy boosts and beyond. Walk-in appointments welcome. 9 a.m.-7 p.m. 2717 Main St., Santa Monica, 424.252.9333. amplifyacupuncture.com
The Honest Company x Nordstrom
Nov. 18. Shop the latest products from Jessica Alba’s The Honest Company at Nordstrom Century City. Exclusive merchandise, including a black quilted City Backpack, brand-new cleaning line and unique build-your-own gift station, will be on-hand. Arrive early to meet Jessica in person (time permitting), plus receive a black faux-leather clutch when you spend $35+. 3-4 p.m. Nordstrom at Westfield Century City, Kids’ Wear Level 3, 10250 Santa Monica Blvd., L.A., 424.204.1177.
Chanel Pop-Up Lounge at LAX
Through Dec. 31. Now open in the Tom Bradley International Terminal, travelers can dip into this luxurious, high-end pop-up—the first of its kind in North America. Guests can learn about the ingredients for Chanel’s newest feminine fragrance, GABRIELLE CHANEL, while also taking advantage of USB charging ports and relaxing on gold-colored couches. Free. LAX, Tom Bradley International Terminal.
Base Coat Nail Salon
Ongoing. The celebrity favorite nail salon opens its second L.A. outpost. Base Coat is known for its non-toxic approach to nail care, formulating its own eight-free vegan polishes and using products scented only with essential oils, free of petrochemicals, paragons and sulfates. The breezy destination offers a variety of manis and pedis, including nail art and a 10-free oxygenating gel manicure. 830 N. Fairfax Ave., L.A. 323.847.5110. basecoatnailsalon.com
FOOD + DRINK
Petite Taqueria and Ainoko Omakase Bar
Now Open. The newest concepts from the h.wood group (Bootsy Bellows, Blind Dragon, The Nice Guy) include modern Mexican restaurant Petit Taqueria and its stand alone omakase bar within, Ainoko. The Petit Taqueria menu features upscale takes on Mexican fare; everything from crispy tacos, burritos and fajitas to ceviche and a variety of salads. You can also opt for one of two seatings per night at the Ainoko Omakase Bar helmed by chef John Carlos Kuramoto. The Ainoko menu channels Japanese influences to deliver innovative takes on tacos and tostadas, building creations with ingredients like smoked bay scallops, foie gras, Australian wagyu and hamachi throughout the extensive tasting menu. 755 N. La Cienaga Blvd., West Hollywood. hwoodgroup.com
Halo Top Creamery Scoop Shop
Opens Nov. 15. Halo Top has been amassing throngs of obsessed ice cream eaters ever since it launched its low-calorie, low-sugar, high protein pints. At their new scoop shop at Westfield Topanga, you can work your way through their roster of scoopable favorites and new soft served options that come in flavors like Birthday Cake, Peanut Butter Cup and Pistachio. Enjoy them in cups or a variety of cones—including their new Halo Top ruffle cone—and crowned with a variety of toppings. The outpost will also debut a selection of vegan ice cream sandwiches and Halo Top tacos made with waffle cone shells. Line up for free ice cream during their grand opening event on Nov. 15 from 10 a.m.-close. Westfield Topanga, 6600 Topanga Canyon Blvd., L.A. halotopscoopshop.com
Little Ruby
Now Open. The beloved Aussie cafe brings its beachy brand of all-day comfort fare to Santa Monica. Dine on a variety of breakfast dishes, salads, pastas and burgers. Favorites include the Crispy Rice Bowl, a confetti of cucumber, radish, tomato, red onion, herbs, haloumi, fried egg and lime; the Rag Bowl with grandma Ruby’s pepper-zucchini bolognese; and the Bronte Burger with its secret sweet chili sauce. You can also enjoy the beach vibes over Australian and domestic beers, wine and spritz-style cocktails. Open daily 8 a.m.-11 p.m. 109 Santa Monica Blvd., Santa Monica. littleruby.com
Les Coulisses
Now Open. Dine on modern French fare inside the landmark Belasco Theater. The newly remodeled and reconcepted space features ground floor dining with a second floor bar and private mezzanine dining space. Chef Frances Li offers a produce-driven menu that features dishes like roasted apple and endive salad, roasted mushrooms with butternut squash, Moroccan spiced chicken tagine and oxtail agnolotti. 1050 S Hill St., downtown, 213.763.7813. lescoulissesla.com
Croft Alley x The Rosy
Through Dec. 31. Steps away from the Hollywood Walk of Fame, The Hollywood Roosevelt continues to reinvent itself with the debut of a new Vietnamese-inspired pop-up. Menu highlights include a Cauliflower Grilled Cheese (cauliflower, béchamel, fontina) and a fresh Risotto Bowl (coconut brown rice, red cabbage slaw, egg crepe, bok choy, toasted shallots). 10 a.m.-6 p.m. 7000 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 323.856.1970. croftalley.com
ARTS + CULTURE
‘Tattoo’ at The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County (NHMLA)
Opens Nov. 19. New traveling exhibition at NHMLA explores more than 5,000 years of tattoo history and culture. Different from its iteration at other museums, this exhibit will feature content dedicated to the vibrant tattoo scene in L.A., highlight the dynamic work of female tattooists and also have a working tattoo parlor on-site with live demonstrations and designated times for tattoo appointments. $12 adults, seniors and students; $6 children 6-12; Free for Museum members and children age 2 and under. nhm.org
Aeschylus’ ‘The Suppliant Women’
Nov. 17-19. The Getty Villa Theater Lab kicks off its season with one of the earliest known refugee stories from ancient Greece. Presented by Rogue Machine Theatre and directed by Michael Arabian. F 3 p.m.; Sa 3 p.m., 7:30 p.m.; Su 3 p.m. $7. Getty Villa, 17985 Pacific Coast Hwy., Pacific Palisades, 310.440.7300. getty.edu
‘Bright Star’
Through Nov. 19. The Broadway musical written and composed by Steve Martin and Edie Brickell follows a literary editor who finds a connection with a young soldier coming home from World War II—awakening her longing for the child she once lost. Ahmanson Theatre, 135 N. Grand Ave., downtown, 213.628.2772. centertheatregroup.org
L.A. Zoo Lights photo by Jamie Pham. Enchanted: Forest of Light photo by Jake Fabricius. The Honest Company photo by Hannah Hillier. Base Coat Nail Salon photo by Christina Xenos. Little Ruby photo by Jacob Layman. ‘Tattoo ‘photo by Jake Verzosa. Aeschylus’ ‘The Suppliant Women’ photo by Massimo Sestini. Bright Star photo by Nick Stokes.
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