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Arts & Entertainment

Best things to do in Los Angeles and Southern California: December 30 to January 2

Laura Hertzfeld
Laura Hertzfeld
Published Dec 30, 2024 5:15 AM
A marching band in red uniforms has the Pasadena Tournament of Roses logo displayed on the tubas.
A marching band participates in the 131st Rose Parade in 2020.
(
Robyn Beck
/
AFP via Getty Images
)

One year ago, Congress defunded public media. Now that we're 100% community funded, please become a sustaining member or increase your existing membership today.

I can’t believe it’s the last newsletter of the year. Where did 2024 go?

One of the best pieces of advice that I was given last year at this time was to think not about what wasn’t accomplished, but instead what was. For me, 2024 was a year of travel, of cultural experiences both at home and away, of time with family and friends, and of writing, creativity, and introspection. I hope we all can look back on the year with space for our accomplishments — big and small.

Happy New Year, and welcome to 2025!

For more to explore, visit LAist.com, where you can check out food editor Gab Chabrán’s best bites of the year, take a post-holiday walk on one of our favorite routes, and make sure you’re up to date on all the new laws taking effect in California in 2025.

And Dec. 31 is the last day to make a tax-free donation to LAist for 2024, so please renew your membership!

Events

  • A turtle rides a motorcycle in this Rose Parade float.
    Wed, Jan 1

    Tournament of Roses festivities

    • Multiple Locations

    Enjoy the 2025 Rose Parade and more!
  • John Taylor and Simon Le Bon of Duran Duran perform on stage, leaning in toward one another to use the same microphone.
    Fri, Jan 3

    Duran Duran

    • Yaamava’ Theater
      777 San Manuel Blvd., Highland

    Simon Le Bon and company are making their way back to Southern California after two end-of-year shows in Las Vegas.

  • A digital collage of Black Americans in colors associated with Kwanzaa — black, red and green — set in a gold frame.
    Mon, Dec 30

    Kwanzaa Celebration

    • Expo Arts Center
      4321 Atlantic Ave., Long Beach

    Long Beach’s African American Cultural Center hosts a big Kwanzaa event, celebrating “Nia,” or purpose.
  • A digital poster promoting Gloria Molina Grand Park's New Year's Eve event counting down to 2025 on Dec. 31, 2024.
    Tue, Dec 31

    Grand Park Countdown to 2025

    • Gloria Molina Grand Park
      200 N. Grand Ave., Downtown L.A.

    A 3D light show, an all-female DJ lineup and more.
  • A large bee-themed Rose Parade float sits parked as people come up to view it.
    Thu, Jan 2

    Floatfest

    • SMRFA Float Barn
      Sierra Madre and Washington Blvds., Pasadena

    Missing the parade? Head to Pasadena the next day to check out the floral and animated masterpieces.
  • A photograph of an artistic sculpture titled by Xin Liu titled "The Mothership" (detail), 2023. Silicone, bronze, aluminum, customized cooling system. A cast of what appears to be lips and a chin is disembodied in white fuzz on a gray-blue background. It is surrounded by 4 silvery round divets in a square pattern around the cast.
    Sun, Jan 5

    'Breath(e): Toward Climate and Social Justice'

    • Hammer Museum
      10899 Wilshire Blvd., Westwood

    It’s your last chance to catch the timely and moving Breath(e) exhibit at the Hammer.
  • A black and white image of Jeff Tweedy in a hat, glasses and button-down shirt leaning up against a truck with Mississippi plates.
    Mon, Dec 30

    Jeff Tweedy

    • Largo at the Coronet
      366 N. La Cienega Blvd., Beverly Grove

    Jeff Tweedy is at the Largo for some intimate pre-New Year’s shows.
  • A person does a yoga pose on a large outdoor grassy area.
    Wed, Jan 1

    New Year’s Day Yoga

    • Light on Lotus
      12513 Venice Blvd., Mar Vista
    • Virtual/Online

    Start the new year off with a yoga practice.
  • The exterior of the West Hollywood Public Library is decorate with black and white portraits and the words "Publish the equal rights amendment. Make the call!"
    Tue, Dec 31

    'Equal Means Equal' photo installation

    • West Hollywood Public Library
      625 North San Vicente Blvd. , West Hollywood
    • Virtual/Online

    Equal Means Equal, a huge photo installation by photographer Sonja Nuttal, has been on display in West Hollywood since the fall.

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Outdoor Pick

Viewing Pick

Dine & Drink Deals

  • A table is set for two, with two dishes of food and a bottle of white wine.
    Tue, Dec 31

    Tomat New Year's Eve Menu

    • Tomat
      6261 W. 87th St., Westchester

    Westchester newcomer Tomat is hosting a 7-course meal.
  • Metal tongs lift a whole branzino fish that's been cooking on over an open flame.
    Sun, Jan 5

    Zaytinya

    • The Shay
      8801 Washington Blvd., Culver City

    D.C.'s Zaytinya has opened here in L.A., where Mediterranean flavors can be found.

January 1, 2025 through January 31, 2025

Dry January

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A photograph of a hammered coppered mug sits on a marble surface, holding an icy drink. A wheel of sliced lime perched on the rim. Another cup sits nearby, along with a bowl of limes. There are additional slices of limes at the ready, and, in the background, a bottle of vodka and a can of a sparkling ginger and lime soda.
This Moscow Mule "dupe" uses a ginger fizzy soda and vodka for a fast-and-easy cocktail. Skip the alcohol and drizzle in a ginger syrup for a tasty mocktail.
(
Anna Lisa
)

Lastly, if you’re kicking off the year sans booze, check out our Dry January guide for some mocktail tipples.

One year ago, Congress voted to defund public media, eliminating a critical $1.7 million from our budget every year going forward. But they couldn’t silence us, and we’re not going anywhere. LAist is now 100% community funded and that means we’re taking our future into our own hands and turning to you to keep local reporting strong.

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Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief

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