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Arts & Entertainment

Best Things to Do This Weekend and Christmas Week: Dec. 22 - 27

Laura Hertzfeld
Laura Hertzfeld
Published Dec 21, 2023 5:00 AM
The company of the Laguna Playhouse & Lythgoe Family Productions Holiday Panto “A CINDERELLA CHRISTMAS" poses for a selfie on stage in villager costumes. Behind them is the backdrop of a village town.
The company of the Laguna Playhouse & Lythgoe Family Productions Holiday Panto “A CINDERELLA CHRISTMAS,” directed by Bonnie Lythgoe and now playing at the Laguna Playhouse in Laguna Beach.
(
Jason Niedle
/
Tethos
)

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It’s California Christmas time — the traffic is light, the weather is mild, and there are tons of events to keep you and your visiting friends and relatives busy. So if you’re staying in town for the holidays, take advantage and check out the treasure trove of fun events happening across L.A. this week.

It’s your last chance to see some homegrown art at the Hammer and there’s plenty of holiday-themed music, theater, movies, and more all around the area, from Laguna to Long Beach, Santa Monica to San Pedro.

EVENTS

  • Men and women face the camera with their hands raised in the middle of a Broadway Rave party.
    Fri, Dec 22

    Broadway Rave

    • The Teragram Ballroom
      1234 W. 7th St., Downtown L.A.

    Take your comprehensive knowledge of all the words to Hamilton to the dance floor!
  • Seven children dressed in matching red-checkered and blue costumes perform on stage in a production of 'The Nutcracker.' Behind them is a life-size gingerbread house and a blue background meant to look like water.
    Tue, Dec 26

    L.A. Ballet’s The Nutcracker

    • Dolby Theatre
      6801 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood

    It’s not Christmas without The Nutcracker, so catch the Los Angeles Ballet’s version.
  • A black and white still from the movie 'It's a Wonderful Life'
    Sat, Dec 23

    It’s a Wonderful Life

    • Warner Grand Theater
      478 W 6th St., San Pedro

    Come enjoy the Frank Capra classic as it was meant to be seen.
  • Two women wearing red bows and holding guitars perform on stage under blue lights.
    Sun, Dec 24

    LA County Holiday Celebration

    • Dorothy Chandler Pavilion
      135 N. Grand Ave., Downtown L.A.

    A must-do on Christmas Eve is the L.A. County holiday celebration at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion.
  • An animated still from the film 'The Polar Express,' featuring Tom Hanks' character as he speaks into an intercom. He's wearing a blue uniform and a hat that reads "Polar Express Conductor."
    Sun, Dec 24

    Polar Express in 3D

    • Academy Museum of Motion Pictures
      6067 Wilshire Blvd., Mid-Wilshire

    The holiday classic starring Tom Hanks is a great way for the family to see a movie at the new Academy Museum theater.
  • Two people stand before a long table of food being given away during a charitable event. The person in the foreground is wearing a pink hat and surgical mask. On the opposite side of the table, volunteers are prepping and handing out food, let by a woman dressed in red.
    Mon, Dec 25

    Volunteer with Lost Angels

    • Rose Ave Parking Lot
      219 E. Rose Ave., Venice

    Help out those less fortunate during the holidays.
  • A photo of wooden outdoor furniture including a couch, table, and two chairs, surrounded by green plants. There's a glass dome above the furniture to protect from the weather and sunlight streaming in from overhead.
    Wed, Dec 27

    Peace Awareness Tea Ceremony

    • Peace Awareness Labyrinth and Gardens
      3500 West Adams Blvd., West Adams

    Recover from the hectic holidays with a walk through the labyrinth and a class on tea.

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LAST CHANCE

Sunday, October 1 through Sunday, December 31
Made in L.A. 2023: Acts of Living
Hammer Museum
10899 Wilshire Blvd, Westwood
COST: FREE, MORE INFO

A painting of a woman in a blue shirt seated at a table with long black hair, seated next to a man with his back turned away.
View works at the Made in L.A. biennial, which opens this weekend, including Joey Terrill's 'Painted by Her Brother, 1983.'
(
Photo: Timothy Doyon
/
Courtesy of the artist and Ortuzar Projects, New York
)

The much-lauded Made in L.A.: Acts of Living show at the Hammer Museum in Westwood closes Sunday, 12/31. Make sure to get there to see the incredible breadth of work from underrepresented artists from across Los Angeles before it’s gone.

OUTDOOR PICK

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VIEWING PICK

DINE AND DRINK DEALS

News from the food world — and a few dining and drink deals to explore — over the holidays across SoCal.

  • A cooked branzino lies on a white plate, next to a sprig of rosemary. Above it, a manicured hand is squeezing lemon juice onto the fish.
    Sun, Dec 31

    Vicini

    • Vicini
      10645 West Pico Blvd., West L.A.

    Do your best Carmy impression at the Feast of the Seven Fishes dinner at Vicini.
  • A yellow cocktail in a coupe glass is posed on a table outdoors, with pink flowers from a bush that's spreading over top a wall visible in the background.
    Sun, Dec 24

    Christmas Cocktail Class

    • Mandrake
      2692 La Cienega Blvd., Culver City

    Unleash your hidden mixologist.

Newly Open

  • A plastic, Jellyman tea house-branded cup is display in a potted plant. The cup is leaning against the leaves and on top of wood chips, with sunlight streaming in from the background.
    Sun, Dec 31

    Jellyman

    • Jellyman
      4019 W Sunset Blvd., Silverlake

    The out-there space from actor and rapper Donald Glover is as much an art show as it is a tea house.

Sponsored message

Closing In 2023

Angry Egret
970 N Broadway STE 114, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Etta, Culver City 
8801 Washington Blvd, Culver City, CA 90232
COST: Varies

A torta mojada with avocado, red sauce, and pickled onions on top is set on a blue plate.
(
@angryegretdinette
/
Instagram
)

The end of the year is also bringing an end to several favorite L.A. spots. Make a special trip to James Beard award nominee Angry Egret and the L.A. outpost of Chicago hotspot Etta in Culver City before they’re gone for good.
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