Best Things To Do in Los Angeles And SoCal This Weekend: Dec. 8 - 10

Watch Cirque-style acrobatics infused with holiday joy in a 90-minute spectacular from Cirque Factory. Families can enjoy acrobatic feats, dance, gymnastics, illusions, comedy and surprises. Take a complimentary photo with Santa, and kids get to write a letter to deliver to Santa with the help of Mrs. Claus during the show.

The San Francisco-based Day of the Devs travels to L.A. for the first time, showcasing indie video games. Their last in-person event brought together more than 80 inspiring indie games and developers to celebrate with thousands of fans, great music, treats and surprises.

Princess, the Prince Tribute band featuring Maya Rudolph and Gretchen Lieberum, plays a holiday show on Friday night. And they’re bringing surprise guests. This is an all-ages show.

A fireworks display is followed by a boat parade around the marina’s main channel with the theme “Beauty of Winter on the Water.” Watch the boats decorated with lights and decorations from Fisherman’s Village or Burton Chace Park in Marina Del Rey for some of the best views. A winter fest also pops up at the park starting at 10 a.m.

Shop for holiday gifts at the Black In The Valley Kwanzaa Marketplace from more than 50 Black-owned businesses in the Valley. Food trucks and live entertainment will be on-site, plus a free toy giveaway by Santa himself to all youth 18 and younger who attend. Be sure to watch a special Kwanzaa program performed by the Zawadi Scouts Troop 3246.

Browse more than a dozen artisans set up in Gasolina’s parking lot, offering jewelry and pottery to skincare and candles. Also find traditional Spanish holiday delights, including Marzipan and sugar-coated almonds, Natural Wine gift boxes and kid-friendly activities. Hot chocolate, wine, and cocktails will be available to sip on while you shop and listen to live jazz.

The Center opens the group exhibition, The Spirit of Play: Craft and Imagination, this Saturday with a reception from 3 to 5 p.m. The show marks the first exhibition of works in L.A. from artist Mark Murphy, who recreates a wide range of furniture styles in miniature, often building complete settings, such as a living room or dining room. Other participating artists are paper sculptor Roberto Benavidez, piñata artist Lorena Robletto, puppeteer, artist, and museum educator Schroeder Cherry, and artist, advocate and educator Calder Kamin.

Head to the outdoor venue in Topanga, where carolers, singing madrigals and other performers roam the grounds and Theatricum company members tell winter holiday stories from a variety of traditions. An artisan marketplace onsite offers holiday gifts and crafts, with festive foods and drinks available for purchase. After the Faire, stay for caroling with Theatricum company members and a special outdoor screening of The Muppet Christmas Carol (tickets required). All proceeds go to support Theatricum Botanicum’s extensive artistic and educational programming.

Join Clockshop in L.A. State Historic Park for the opening reception and panel discussion of Rodrigo Valenzuela’s commission, the underpinning, which serves as both a sculptural installation and a stage for public programming. The reception takes place from 2 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 9 in which the artist will be joined in conversation by architect and historian Manuel Shvartzberg Carrió to reveal Valenzuela’s processes. The artist’s work mimics the foundation of a home and is informed by the standardized government housing of the artist’s childhood in Chile and the site’s proximity to city-operated William Mead Homes, a public housing project.

Join in a festive family celebration as the Julianne and George Argyros Plaza turns into a winter wonderland. Watch live performances from local music acts and dance groups that celebrate holiday traditions from all around the world. The program includes Mariachi Los Santaneros, Belle3Musique with members of the O.C. Cello Choir, Chinese Dance Company of Southern California, American Ballet Theatre William J. Gillespie School, Reverb Tap Company and Gospel Voices of O.C. Youth Choir. The younger attendees can create their own seasonal crafts and experience snowfall on the Plaza.

A few spots remain for this 3+ mile hike and gentle yoga in nature. The activity begins with a hike through Baker Canyon, part of OCParks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space, which includes an elevation gain of approximately 500 feet. Please bring water, your own yoga mat, and a large beach towel. Closed-toe shoes, water, hats and sunscreen are recommended for the moderate hike.

Watch Wes Anderson’s new short film, “The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar,” which is based on a Roald Dahl story about a rich man who learns of a guru who can see without using his eyes. The rich man sets out to master the skill in order to cheat while gambling. Anderson’s film is paired with a few of his favorite shorts including, “Ready, Set, Zoom!” “Powers of Ten,” “Very Nice, Very Nice” and “Christo’s Valley Curtain.” A different program screens at each theater.

Attend this holiday celebration of Latin American flavors and culture, with a focus on tamales and other Latin-inspired dishes and drinks. The festival includes a homemade tamales contest, a Tequila Pavilion with more than a dozen tequila brands, live music and children’s activities.

The coffee shop hosts its third annual pierogi pop-up, starting at 5 p.m. on Saturday until 9 p.m. (or until they run out). Indulge in a variety of specialty pierogies and Polish treats. The pierogi — farmers' cheese & potato, sauerkraut & forest mushroom, green peppercorn beef — come with sour cream and caramelized onions.

Indulge in a six-course chef dinner with the best views of the Manhattan Beach fireworks on Sunday night. The menu, curated by Executive Chef Chris Park, includes a bluefin tuna cone, crab tostada, salmon rillette, Cortez halibut, garlic roasted pork belly, duck breast, wagyu striploin, gingerbread tiramisu and mont blanc. For those not interested in a seated dinner, the StrandBar is open from 6 p.m. to close with a live DJ and dancing.