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6 things to do this holiday weekend in SoCal
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The 110-foot Christmas tree at the Grove at Farmer's Market, seen on Dec. 20, 2011, is one of the tallest Christmas trees in the city of Los Angeles.
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Bask in the twinkling lights and gingerbread smells at these festive holiday events this weekend. Our list includes a life-size gingerbread pop-up bar, Santa sightings in El Segundo and a Christmas Eve party for Jewish singles.
Candy Cane Lane
WHEN: Thursday, Dec. 21 - Saturday, Dec. 23, 6 p.m. - 11 p.m.
WHERE: 1200 block of East Acacia, El Segundo MAP
COST: Free
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This block has become a local attraction and holiday tradition for SoCal families. Parking is a little tough, but it's worth it. The street is closed to cars, so you can stroll down Candy Cane Lane and see decked out front yard displays. Santa makes an appearance every night at the end of the block. Kids can talk to Santa and get pictures with him until 9 p.m.
Giant Gingerbread Pop-Up Bar
WHEN: Through the holidays, 4 p.m.
WHERE: JW Marriott Los Angeles, DTLA MAP
COST: Free
There's a life-size gingerbread house in the lobby of the JW Marriott hotel at L.A. Live, and it also does double duty as a sweet pop-up bar. Between 4 p.m. and 5 p.m. each day, the Gingerbread Bar serves complimentary samples of a special Moscow mule with gingerbread liqueur. Step inside, take in the smells and maybe grab a drink while you're at it.
Chill Ice Adventure Park
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WHEN: Wednesday, Dec. 13 - Sunday, Jan. 7, 4:30 p.m. - 11 p.m.
WHERE: The Queen Mary, Long Beach MAP
COST: $19 for kids, $29 for adults Get tickets
No need to spend the holiday premiums to visit Disneyland or Universal Studios. There's a mini winter festival in Long Beach that meets the requirements for festive amusement: rides, live entertainment and food vendors. The ticket includes access to ice skating, ice tubing and the world's largest rocking horse. Other attractions include a zipline and slippery Amsterdam Bumper Boats.
MatzoBall
WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 24, 9 p.m. - 2 a.m.
WHERE: Roosevelt Hotel, Hollywood MAP
COST: $30 Get tickets
What better night to party than on Christmas Eve? Jewish singles from the ages of 21 to 49 are invited to take over The Spare Room at the Roosevelt Hotel. It's one of several MatzoBall parties happening in cities across the nation.
Groundlings Holiday Show
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WHEN: Friday, Dec. 22 and Saturday, Dec. 23, 8p.m. and 10 p.m.
WHERE: Groundlings Theatre, Melrose MAP
COST: $20 - $25 Get tickets
The Groundlings Theatre troupe, which helped launch the careers of some SNL greats, puts on an annual holiday show. It's a mix of sketches and improv and of course, holiday spirit.
58th Annual L.A. County Holiday Celebration
WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 24, 3 p.m. - 6 p.m.
WHERE: Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, DTLA MAP
COST: Free
L.A.-based performance groups put on this multicultural celebration for free every year. Don't miss the handbell ensemble, the Korean drumming dance, the West African drum and dance company and an excerpt of The Nutcracker. If you can't make it downtown, the whole show will be broadcast on PBS SoCal.
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How are you spending your weekend? Let us know on Twitter @inkwaves and @LeoHasACat.
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