Take part in the Christmas tradition of Las Posadas. Laugh along with Ron Funches. Catch La Santa Cecilia in concert. Visit Shogun Santa. Don those ugly sweaters for a pair of SoCal pub crawls.
With COVID-19 variants still out there, it's best to check ahead of time for event updates and vaccine/testing requirements.
La Santa Cecilia
The Novo
800 W. Olympic Blvd., downtown L.A.
With powerhouse vocalist La Marisoul, the L.A.-based outfit performs its blend of rock, Latin music, jazz and klezmer. Also on the bill: Los Abandoned and Cumbia Fever. This is an all-ages show.
COST: $24.50; MORE INFO
Holiday Lights
Heritage Hill Historical Park
25151 Serrano Rd., Lake Forest
This family-friendly experience allows guests to immerse themselves in twinkling lights as they walk along the grounds. Take pictures at holiday-themed photo opportunities along the route. Pets are welcome if they are on leashes no longer than six feet.
COST: FREE; MORE INFO
Black Pumas
YouTube Theater
1011 Stadium Dr., Inglewood
The Austin duo (songwriter Eric Burton and producer Adrian Quesada) brings its psychedelic soul to the SoFi Stadium-adjacent theater. They’re currently on tour in support of their self-titled debut album.
COST: Tickets start at $25; MORE INFO
Queer Art Show and Open Mic Poetry Night
Couplet Coffee
Echo Park
The soon-to-launch community roaster hosts a night of art and poetry. The new art series is meant to be a safe, sober space for attendees. It features live music, DJ sets and art by queer artists, along with Couplet espresso drinks and snacks from local sponsors. Location will be sent upon RSVP.
COST: $15; MORE INFO
Season's Screamings
Pasadena Convention Center
300 E. Green St., Pasadena
The producers of Midsummer Scream’s Halloween convention return with a holiday horror convention, showcasing more than 200 vendors and artisans. The spooky Hall of Yuletide Spirits features mini-haunts, attractions, live entertainment, panels and presentations. The event kicks off Friday night with Poltergeists and Paramours Christmas Spooktacular, a diabolical variety and fashion show. Each day will also feature a Krampus Procession, coordinated by Krampus L.A.
COST: $30 - $35 for single-day admission; MORE INFO
Spike Lee Signing Event
The Academy Museum Store
6067 Wilshire Blvd., Mid-Wilshire
The director signs copies of his new book, SPIKE, which features rare photographs and commentary on his films, from She’s Gotta Have It (1986) to Da 5 Bloods (2020). Tickets to the event include a copy of the book.
COST: Tickets $75; MORE INFO
Las Posadas
Olvera Street, downtown L.A.
This nine-night religious festival re-enacts the journey that Joseph and Mary made from Nazareth to Bethlehem in search of a safe place for the birth of their son, Jesus. Taking place nightly, the candlelight procession starts at Avila Adobe, the oldest residence in L.A., with carolers stopping at various locations to ask for room at the inn. Afterward, there's entertainment, a piñata, free champurrado (Mexican hot cocoa) and pan dulce (sweet bread).
COST: FREE admission; MORE INFO
Ron Funches & Friends
Dynasty Typewriter
2511 Wilshire Blvd., Westlake
The stand-up comedian, actor and writer brings a few funny friends to celebrate A Very Funchie Christmas Show. 18+.
COST: $20 - $25; MORE INFO
Stevie Wonder: House Full of Toys
Microsoft Theater
777 Chick Hearn Ct., downtown L.A.
The music legend returns to the stage for his 23rd benefit concert, which supports children, people with disabilities and families in need. Concertgoers are asked to bring an unwrapped toy to donate. This marks Wonder’s first holiday concert since 2018.
COST: $44 - $95; MORE INFO
Do Something’s 2nd Annual Toy Giveaway
1756 Naud St., downtown L.A.
The nonprofit organization Do Something provides underserved Angelenos with free, high-quality toys during the holidays. This year, they have enough toys for 4,000 kids. The toys have been selected for children ages 3 months to 16-years old, with play and education in mind. The pick-up site features live music from DJ Tuff Ghost, inflatables and light displays. Each guest will also be able to select a book from the pop-up bookstore.
COST: FREE with RSVP; MORE INFO
Shoshana Bean: Sing Your Hallelujah
Immanuel Presbyterian Cathedral
3300 Wilshire Blvd., Koreatown
The singer, songwriter and actress brings a live holiday concert to L.A., along with some of her talented friends including Cheyenne Jackson, Jarrett Johnson, Kojo Littles, Stevie Mackey, Jason McGee & The Choir, David Simmons and tap dancer Sarah Reich.
COST: Tickets start at $49; MORE INFO
Shogun Santa
Japanese Village Plaza in front of Nijiya Market
335 E 2nd St., Little Tokyo
Visit and take photos with your favorite Shogun Santa this weekend. Please note that because of COVID-19 protocols, there will be a safety barrier in place and sitting on Santa’s lap will not be permitted.
COST: FREE, donations welcome; MORE INFO
Makers Market LA
Nossa
1966 Hillhurst Ave., Los Feliz
Organizers say it's their biggest market ever with more than 30 designers, creators and makers. It’s a perfect way to shop small for holiday gifts, plus the outdoor market is kid- and dog-friendly, and wheelchair accessible. Food and drink will be available for purchase.
COST: FREE entry; MORE INFO
The Holidays are a Drag Christmas Party!
Detroit Vessey’s
2028 East 7th St., downtown L.A.
The queer-centered cycling cafe holds a night of dinner, drag and dancing. Watch performances by Siri, Lorelei, Serena Infinity and DJ Johnny Gentleman (bring singles!) at 7:30 p.m. Then, stay for dancing at 8:30 p.m. All tables will be reserved for those who are dining. First-come, first-served.
COST: FREE with RSVP; MORE INFO
Los Angeles People’s Dispensary Grand Opening
1149 S. Los Angeles St., downtown L.A.
Unrivaled Brands’ latest licensed dispensary opens to the public with a celebration that features live art and customization by female muralist Mr B Baby, tacos and drinks from The Taco Cartel, snacks from D.R.E.A.M. Donut Truck, custom latte art from Coffee Dose, nail art by Planty of Nails, laser etching, screen printing, a gift wrap station and a terp bar.
COST: FREE admission with RSVP; MORE INFO
Pacific Chorale: Tis the Season!
The Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall
600 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa
Artistic Director Robert Isad leads the chorale’s 85 voices through a repertoire that includes favorite holiday carols and traditional tunes. There will be two shows.
COST: $29 to $150; MORE INFO
A Southern California Christmas
Musco Center for the Arts at Chapman University
415 North Glassell, Orange
The holiday concert features music and dance performances by the Orange Community Master Chorale, Southern California Brass Consortium, Anaheim Ballet, conductor Michael Short and the Musco Center family.
COST: Tickets start at $33; MORE INFO
1883
The modern western drama Yellowstone gets a prequel set in 1883, following the Dutton family across the Great Plains. The new streaming-only series, from Taylor Sheridan, is led by Sam Elliott, Tim McGraw and Faith Hill, while Billy Bob Thornton guests. 1883 streams on Paramount+ beginning on Dec. 19.
Bird Walking
The L.A. Audubon Society holds a bird walk on Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon at the Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area. Take a guided walk through the park, around an artificial lake and Coastal Sage Scrub habitats within Baldwin Hills. Keep an eye out for resident birds including Black Phoebe, Cassin's Kingbird, Red-tailed, Red-shoulder and Cooper's hawks. Enter the park off La Cienega Blvd. between Rodeo Rd. and Stocker St. Binoculars will be provided. There’s a $6 parking fee.
Check out the 411 on restaurant, bar and food happenings in SoCal this weekend:
