The Brief

Los Angeles Union Station's 8th Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony ushers in the holidays with help from special guests from the North Pole. Taking place on the station's South Patio, the family-friendly holiday event includes live musical performances from Mariachi Los Servidores (a mariachi ensemble made up of LAPD and civilian personnel) as well as the vintage touring act, The Beverly Belles. The night includes arts and crafts and a variety of activities for all ages.

Filmmaker and film historian Illeana Douglas is currently on tour for her second book, Connecticut in the Movies: From Dream Houses to Dark Suburbia. Born and raised in New England and Connecticut, Douglas takes readers through Connecticut's geography and celluloid history, adding her personal perspectives and behind-the-scenes stories.

Expect laughs, music, variety and surprises when comedian Fred Armisen brings his pals to the Largo stage. Will call and seat assignments begin at 6 p.m. and doors open for drinks at 7 p.m.

East L.A.'s own Los Lobos have created a legacy in music that resonates around the world. Mixing musical styles including rock and roll, Tex-Mex, zydeco, cumbia and boleros, the band has created more than two dozen albums. They play a hometown show to celebrate five decades of work with Tropa Magica opening. Tickets are scarce, but there is a waitlist for the show.

Take a one-mile nighttime stroll through the garden's foliage, which is illuminated with interactive installations. Popular returning favorites include an entire town of “stained glass” creations from contemporary sculptor Tom Fruin, sparkling geometric installations from HYBYCOZO, Flower Power on the Promenade, and lighting effects in the Ancient Forest. Tickets must be purchased in advance. The Forest of Light is open rain-or-shine.

One of the longest-running chess tournaments in the U.S. takes place this week in Garden Grove. Established in 1965, the tournament features chess players of all levels from all over the world, from novices to Grandmasters. Held annually over Thanksgiving weekend, the tourney is open to all players, adults and children. There will be concurrent tournaments: Scholastic Tournaments (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday), Blitz (Saturday) and Action Chess (Sunday). Side events include a master class with a chess grandmaster.

English singer-songwriter Ellie Goulding has a voice that's been heard at dance clubs and concert venues around the world. But Goulding is switching gears to channel her lifelong passion for orchestral music into three performances in New York, San Francisco and in L.A., where she makes her Walt Disney Concert Hall debut with the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra. She'll sing orchestral arrangements of some of her biggest hits and other favorites.

Prep for Turkey Day with a night of music and performances at The West Coast Feast. The lineup includes The Pharcyde, Talib Kweli, Evidence, Reverie, Casey Veggies and No Suits. Ages 18+.
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The multimedia concert celebration of Richard Curtis' beloved film returns to the Wallis, in time for the holidays — and the film's 20th anniversary. Actors, singers and a live orchestra perform soundtrack faves including “Christmas is All Around,” “Trouble With Love," and “Both Sides Now.” Rex Smith returns as Billy Mack, the character played so memorably by Bill Nighy.

If you missed the Netflix limited series Beef, here's a perfect chance to catch up. The darkly comic series follows the aftermath of a road rage incident between two strangers (Steven Yeun and Ali Wong). He's a bitter, failing contractor and she's a "self-made entrepreneur with a picturesque life." Their feud unravels their lives and relationships, as witnessed in Episode 101, “The Birds Don’t Sing, They Screech in Pain,” and Episode 110, “Figures of Light.” A Q&A with creator, showrunner, writer and director Lee Sung Jin, moderated by Jenelle Riley, follows the screening.

Hart House Holiday Giveback is an initiative of Kevin Hart's plant-based eateries to support the local community. To kick it off on Monday, Los Angeles Lakers forward Jarred Vanderbilt takes a shift at Hart House Hollywood, working the drive-through and taking orders starting at 5 p.m. Plus, 30% of the sales will be donated to both the Boys & Girls Club of the Foothills and the Jarred Vanderbilt Foundation. From Nov. 21 to Dec. 1, all Hart House locations (Westchester, Monrovia, Hollywood, University Park South) will host a toy drive on behalf of the Boys & Girls Club of the Foothills. Drop new, unwrapped toys or gift cards for kids in grades K-12 and receive a free side and free drink, with the purchase of any entree for one toy donation. For two toys, if you buy one meal, get a lesser-priced meal on the house.

Miracle, a Christmas-themed cocktail bar, pops up at Truss & Twine in Palm Springs. Cocktail creator Joann Spiegel crafts new holiday-themed cocktails such as The Krampus and Marshmallows & Unicorns as well as returning favorites, including Rudolph’s Replacement and the Christmapolitan (vodka, elderflower, dry vermouth, spiced cranberry sauce, lime, rosemary and absinthe mist). On Mondays, Truss & Twine also offers fresh oysters from Le Sel’s Oysters.

Agnes Restaurant and Cheesery recently launched Wine Wednesdays, a recurring midweek celebration that gives patrons a chance to explore Agnes’s all-natural wine list at 50% off (for bottles $50 or more only) alongside Agnes’ contemporary fare. Wines included in the promotion include Paul Bara Brut Rosé, Grand Cru; Ramey Cabernet Sauvignon; and Maison Pascal Clément Chardonnay. Reservations can be made on Resy and walk-ins are welcome.