Best Things to Do This Weekend and New Year’s Week: Dec. 28 - Jan. 4

Welcome to the last Best Things to Do column of 2023! By this time next week, we’ll be back to our routines, totally refreshed, and ready to take 2024 by storm. Right? Well, one can hope.

We’re bringing you all the best New Year’s Eve parties and day-after plans to set you on the right track – or at the very least have fun trying. Whether your vibe is a DJ night or a fancy dinner, a quiet yoga practice or fireworks by the beach, we enter the new year lucky to live in a place that really does have it all.

And if you’d rather stay in on New Year’s, LAist is a no-judgment zone. This week is also full of Kwanzaa celebrations, Rose Bowl festivities, inspiring talks, and of course, tamales.

Visit LAist for more happenings, the 411 on how to spot those majestic orcas that have been popping up along the coast, a review of the new art amusement park Luna Luna, and tips on how to keep those New Year’s resolutions.

EVENTS

Thu, Dec 28

Holocaust Survivor Talk
- Holocaust Museum LA
  100 The Grove Dr., Miracle Mile
Artist and Holocaust survivor Gabriella Karin joins the Holocaust Museum in L.A. to share her story.
Fri, Dec 29

Pearl & the Oysters
- Echoplex
  1822 Sunset Blvd., Echo Park
This all-ages show from Pretty but Wicked and KCRW brings Paris-to-L.A. transplants Juliette Pearl Davis and Joachim Pollack to the Echoplex.
Sat, Dec 30

Kwanzaa Celebration
- Ovation Hollywood
  6801 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood
Ovation Hollywood hosts their second annual outdoor Kwanzaa event, with dance performances, crafts, and even a drumming demo.
Thu, Jan 4

Sorry for Your Loss
- Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre
  5919 Franklin Ave., Hollywood
Late Show with Stephen Colbert writer Michael Cruz Kayne brings his personal experience with grief to the Upright Citizens Brigade

ROSE PARADE AND ROSE BOWL

In addition to the big game and the parade itself, there are many ways to experience the annual Tournament of Roses in Pasadena over New Year’s weekend. Here are a few of our picks:

Decorating Places
- Rosemont Pavilion
  700 Seco St., Pasadena
Check out the floats before their big debut by coming out to watch the decorators put on their final flowery touches.
Sun, Dec 31

Lululemon Run With the Roses 5K
- Lululemon Pasadena Store
  101 W. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena
Skip the countdown and lace up your sneakers at midnight for a quick 5K through the Rose Bowl parade route.
Bandfest
- Pasadena City College
  1570 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena
Hear marching bands from around the area perform ahead of the big day as they strut their stuff at Pasadena City College.

FIREWORKS

Sun, Dec 31

New Year’s Eve Fireworks
- Fisherman’s Village
  13755 Fiji Way, Marina del Rey
- Downtown Long Beach Waterfront
  E. Shoreline Dr. & The Promenade, Long Beach
Stay up until the clock strikes 12, and venture to Marina del Rey or Long Beach to see the sky light up.

NEW YEAR’S EVE ENTERTAINMENT

There are a million things to do in L.A. on New Year’s Eve, but trying to stay in DTLA when your friend invites you to Venice or getting up the oomph to go to Highland Park if you live in Mid-City is tough on the biggest party night of the year. So here are a few picks – east, west, and in-between. The convincing of who’s going to travel or meet in the middle is on you, but make sure to plan your transport and imbibing accordingly!

Sun, Dec 31

Anthony Valadez DJ Set
- Townhouse Venice
  52 Windward Ave, Venice
Kick off 2024 with KCRW DJ Anthony Valdez at the original Venice speakeasy.
Sun, Dec 31

Patton Oswalt
- Hollywood Improv
  8162 Melrose Ave., Beverly Grove
Emmy-winning comedian Patton Oswalt is doing two shows on New Year’s Eve on the Hollywood Improv main stage.
Sun, Dec 31

Prohibition Party
- Union Station
  800 N. Alameda St., Downtown L.A.
Put on your best flapper dress for the Prohibition Party at the aptly art deco Union Station building in DTLA.
Sun, Dec 31

New Year’s Eve Sound Bath
- Philosophical Research Society
  3910 Los Feliz Blvd., Los Feliz
Seven quartz “singing bowls” will soothe your mind and get you ready to face all the things that 2024 has to offer.

OUTDOOR PICK

Mon, Jan 1

First Day Hike
- Malibu Creek State Park
  1925 Las Virgenes Rd., Calabasas
This Jan. 1 hike in Malibu will take visitors on a three-mile trek to the rock pool and visitor’s center.

VIEWING PICK

Sat, Dec 30

His Girl Friday
- New Beverly Cinema
  7165 Beverly Blvd., Fairfax
Bring the whole family to see the classic Cary Grant/Rosalind Russell film His Girl Friday at the New Beverly on Saturday afternoon.

DINE AND DRINK DEALS

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

Sat, Dec 30

Olmeca
- Golden Poppy Market
  1209 Cypress Ave., Cypress Park
Pick up some very special tamales this holiday season from Chef Yunia Funes Mata at the Olmeca pop-up at the Golden Poppy Market on Saturdays.
Sat, Dec 30

Craft Beer and Cider Festival

Watch horses at the historic Santa Anita racetrack while enjoying beers and ciders from craft producers.
Sun, Dec 31

New Year’s Eve Menu
- Here’s Looking at You
  3901 W. 6th St., Koreatown
If you’re going to go all out on New Year’s, might we suggest doing it at Here’s Looking at You?