Best things to do this week in Los Angeles and Southern California: December 2 - 5

My family was in town this past week, so pre-Thanksgiving we headed up to the Getty to see the Lumen exhibit, part of the PST Art events happening at museums around L.A. all fall. The show features astronomical instruments and illuminated manuscripts hundreds of years old and asks you to think about the role of light across all aspects of art and science. It was with that in mind that we strolled across the museum’s plaza to see the spectacular view from the sculpture garden (my favorite spot at the Getty) that’s unrivaled on a sunny, crisp fall day, with those same rays from the manuscripts beaming down on us in real life.

I hope you also got the chance to explore a slightly quieter city over the holiday. As we all head back to work and school, and try to squeeze in one more thing before the inevitable “let’s circle back after the holidays” notes, this week has plenty in store to help shake off the slowness of the long weekend. Get your energy up with one of the incredible bands coming to town, including Social Distortion at House of Blues in Anaheim or Better Than Ezra or TV on the Radio, both at the El Rey. Or, try your hand at coffee roasting with a special class at O Coffee in Glendale.

For more to explore, visit LAist.com, where I’ve put together a list of the season’s best theater picks. There are some real local gems you won’t want to miss. Plus, we have picks for where to see the best holiday lights in the area, where to eat the most comforting soups from hot pot to chowder, and of course, where to pre-order your Christmas tamales before they sell out.

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