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Best things to do in Los Angeles and Southern California: December 30 to January 2
A marching band participates in the 131st Rose Parade in 2020.
(
Robyn Beck
/
AFP via Getty Images
)
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.
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And Dec. 31 is the last day to make a tax-free donation to LAist for 2024, so please renew your membership!
Events
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Fri, Jan 3
Duran Duran
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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.
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Yaamava’ Theater
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Mon, Dec 30
Kwanzaa Celebration
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Expo Arts Center
4321 Atlantic Ave., Long Beach
Long Beach’s African American Cultural Center hosts a big Kwanzaa event, celebrating “Nia,” or purpose.
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Expo Arts Center
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Tue, Dec 31Grand Park Countdown to 2025
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Gloria Molina Grand Park
200 N. Grand Ave., Downtown L.A.
A 3D light show, an all-female DJ lineup and more.
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Gloria Molina Grand Park
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Thu, Jan 2
Floatfest
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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.
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SMRFA Float Barn
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Sun, Jan 5'Breath(e): Toward Climate and Social Justice'
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Hammer Museum
10899 Wilshire Blvd., Westwood
It’s your last chance to catch the timely and moving Breath(e) exhibit at the Hammer.
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Hammer Museum
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Mon, Dec 30
Jeff Tweedy
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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.
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Largo at the Coronet
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Wed, Jan 1
New Year’s Day Yoga
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Light on Lotus
12513 Venice Blvd., Mar Vista -
Virtual/Online
Start the new year off with a yoga practice.
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Light on Lotus
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Tue, Dec 31'Equal Means Equal' photo installation
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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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West Hollywood Public Library
Outdoor Pick
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Wed, Jan 1
California State Parks Guided Tours
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Multiple Locations
Kick off 2025 out in the fresh air of California’s beautiful state parks.
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Multiple Locations
Viewing Pick
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Tue, Dec 31
'When Harry Met Sally' screening
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Alamo Drafthouse DTLA
700 W. 7th St., Downtown L.A.
Is there a better New Year’s movie? No way.
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Alamo Drafthouse DTLA
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Dine & Drink Deals
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Tue, Dec 31
Tomat New Year's Eve Menu
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Tomat
6261 W. 87th St., Westchester
Westchester newcomer Tomat is hosting a 7-course meal.
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Tomat
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Sun, Jan 5
Zaytinya
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The Shay
8801 Washington Blvd., Culver City
D.C.'s Zaytinya has opened here in L.A., where Mediterranean flavors can be found.
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The Shay
January 1, 2025 through January 31, 2025
Dry January
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.
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Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
