Things To Do

45 Totally Fun Things To Do in L.A. This Week You Ought to Know About [12-28-15 to 1-1-16]

December 28, 2015 by Christina Champlin

Every week in Los Angeles there are tons of great things to do (even before the weekend gets started) that we think you ought to have on your radar. With that in mind, we put together a list every Monday morning to keep you in the know about what’s happening in the city you love (or maybe just like).

This week Los Angeles closes out 2015 with more New Year’s Eve events than you can count, including the mass public celebration in Grand Park and a fancy 20’s style shindig at Union Station.

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Hope you find the rundown useful and, as always, enjoy your week!

[RELATED: The Best Way to Find Discount Events in Los Angeles]

Grand Park New Year's Eve 2014

Image via Grand Park

[REMINDER: In some cases We Like L.A. does receive revenue when visitors click on ticket links and make purchases, however we maintain complete editorial control over the events we suggest. Basically, it only makes it on to the website if we think it is cool!]


Monday December 28th, 2015

1. Free Comedy at The Kibitz Room

Presented by the Steinberg Sisters (Ester and Jacklyn), the free monthly comedy show at the Kibitz Room on Fairfax aims to please those nostalgic for a bit of the flavor you might get at a comedy club in Manhattan’s lower east side. This Monday catch a lineup of Emily Heller, Guy Branum, Neel Nanda, Justin Martindale, Conner McSpadden, and Eli Olsberg, plus one very special drop-in.

2. CHILL at the Queen Mary

The Queen Mary will once again be overtaken by a deep freeze for the fourth annual CHILL!  Experience the Ice Kingdom, glacier glide ice tubing, ice skating and plenty of holiday entertainment. P.S. The Ice Kingdom will be introducing the New Holiday Ice Bar for adults!  Runs until January 10. For more information and discounted tickets seven days a week, visit our friends at Goldstar.

3. LACMA Free Day

The Los Angeles County Museum of Art is free for L.A. County residents with valid I.D. after 3:00pm on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays & Fridays.

4. Star Wars: The Force Awakens At El Capitan

Hollywood’s legendary El Capitan Theatre presents a special engagement of Lucasfilm “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” December 18, 2015 through February 7, 2016. Before the movie, El Capitan guests will be treated to an all-new Laser Lightsaber Curtain Show and can explore El Capitan’s exclusive display of costumes and props from the movie.

5. Knott’s Berry Farm’s “Knott’s Merry Farm”

Christmas is in full effect at Knott’s Berry Farm! Charlie Brown and friends are the theme this year. Watch Snoopy dance on ice in the “Merry Christmas, Snoopy!” show and Chuck celebrates the holiday with the Peanuts gang in the live show “Christmas Time Is Here, Charlie Brown.”  Our friends at Goldstar is offering discount ticket packages all throughout the month!

6. Doc Holiday Film Series

Arena Cinema in Hollywood will present the Doc Holiday Series beginning this Saturday and concluding on the 29th, featuring some of the best documentary films of this year. The screenings include: Heart of a Dog, Best of Enemies, The Look of Silence and Welcome to Leith.

7. LA Kings Holiday Ice At L.A. LIVE

Enjoy outdoor ice skating at L.A. LIVE! The annual LA Kings Holiday Ice brings outdoor ice skating to L.A. LIVE’s Microsoft Square. The rink will run through December 31, 2015.

8. SPiN Standard Open Ping-Pong Tournament

From 8:00pm to midnight Spin Standard inside of The Standard in Downtown Los Angeles will host a open ping pong tournament. For just $10 you get unlimited table time and an entry into the singles tournament.

9. Month-Long Public Art Exhibition Takes Over Billboards Across Los Angeles

The Billboard Creative will place 33 contemporary artists’ works on billboards across Los Angeles displayed at major intersections throughout the city. The first billboard display will go up on December 1 with plans to have all the rest installed by December 7. The works will be up for one month only.

10. Free Meditation Classes At The Springs DTLA

Urban wellness oasis The Springs is offering free meditation class, Monday through Fridays at 1:00pm! Grab one of their fresh pressed juices after, it’s pretty much the best in town.

Tuesday December 29th, 2015

11. LACMA Tuesday Matinee Film Series Screens Country Girl

LACMA will screen Country Girl. This ongoing Tuesday Matinee film series cost $2 for members and $4 for non members.

12. Gourmet Food Truck Night

Every Tuesday night the California Heritage Museum holds a Gourmet Truck Night at the museum showcasing a select of gourmet truck eateries.  All happening from 5:30pm to 9:30pm.

13. The Rink In Downtown Burbank

Downtown Burbank’s most festive holiday tradition returns for outdoor ice skating and festive events. The Rink in Downtown Burbank will run from December 10, 2015 through January 3, 2016.

Wednesday December 30th, 2015

14. LA Zoo Lights

The LA Zoo will once again be transformed into a fantastical wonderland where glowing light animals roam the lands. Check out decked-out animal-themed LED lights, lasers, 3D projections, and spectacular new water, light and music displays. Enjoy holiday treats and goodies, all under the stars. Real reindeers will also be on display down at Reindeer Romp Village and Santa (on select dates) will even make a few stops at the beloved zoo during the holiday. Happening seven days a week! For more information and discount tickets check out Goldstar.

15. The Hateful Eight Costumes & The Autry

Quentin Tarantino is a master in elaborate costumes and his latest film, The Hateful Eight, is no exception. Costumes from the film will be on view in the Imagination Gallery of The Autry. Designed by Courtney Hoffman and on loan from Cine-Manic Productions, Inc., the display features costumes worn by Samuel L. Jackson, Kurt Russell and Jennifer Jason Leigh.

16. Holiday Ice Rink In Pershing Square

From November 12 – January 18 Angelenos can skate in the heart of DTLA at Pershing Square. Each skate-session costs $9, and it’s $4 for skate rental.

17. Winter Fest OC

A “wonderland of attractions and entertainment” will hit the OC Fair & Event center offering a host of winter themed and Christmas-inspired experiences over the course of a two and a half week run. Winter Fest promises a massive six lane ice slide, the Worlds Largest Ornament, magic shows, carnival rides, Holiday day themed foods and more.

Thursday December 31st, 2015

18. Grand Park New Year’s Eve Celebration

Ring in the new year at the biggest free NYE celebration in the city at the Music Center and Grand Park in DTLA. The FREE event takes over a total of 90 acres across Grand Park, The Music Center Plaza, and adjacent city streets in DTLA. Partygoers will be treated to live musical performances, art installations, 3D animated projections off DTLA iconic buildings and much more. Organizers are expecting some 50,000 people to attend.

19. Prohibition NYE Party at Union Station

For 2015 Prohibition NYE expands into the majestic Ticket Concourse of Union Station for an evening of celebration paying homage to the Roaring Twenties. Expect live jazz, DJs, burlesque dancers, an open bar all, and hundreds of swankily dressed Angelenos all ringing in the new year at one of L.A.’s most historic venues.

20. Medieval Times New Year’s Eve Extravaganza

Ring in the new year Medieval style at the famed Medieval Times, compete with jousting, swordsmanship, thrilling hand-to-hand combat and displays of extraordinary horsemanship. Lords and Ladies will be treated to a feast of four-courses as they cheer for their favorite knight. After the show, medieval times will bring it to modern times with a DJ, dance party, a champagne toast, party favors and balloon drop at midnight. For more information and discounted ticket prices checkout Goldstar.

21. Free Marina del Rey Fireworks Show

Marina del Rey will ring in 2016 with a spectacular ten-minute fireworks show over the harbor! Arrive at Burton Chace Park at 7:00pm to watch the east coast broadcast of New Year’s Eve Live from Times Square in New York City. Then at 9:00pm, the Marina del Rey sky will light up with a dazzling fireworks show.

22. Rocky Horror Parody New Year’s Eve Celebration

Performers from television, film and Broadway will take the stage at The Rockwell for a Rocky Horror NYE. Dine on a special New Year’s dinner and do the “Time Warp” with Brad, Janet and mad scientist Dr. Frank N. Furter as they electrify the crowd with parody songs from the cult musical. Head upstairs for the Rocky Horror after party for a delicious dessert buffet and a champagne toast at midnight. For more information and half price tickets check out Goldstar.

23. Downtown Long Beach New Year’s Eve Block Party

The festival will take place in the heart of Downtown Long Beach. Headlining this year will be Saint Motel, ZZ Ward, Houndmouth, and Vintage Trouble over three-stages in a span of three-blocks. Pre-sale tickets are available for $30 online. Tickets will be available at the gate on the day of the event for $40.

24. NYE Rapture

Lights & Music presents a ’80s and ’90s NYE dance party extravaganza at The Satellite in Silver Lake. Get down to music inspired by Prince, the Spice Girls, Pet Shop Boys, Madonna, Salt-n-Peppa, Blondie, Talking Heads, Janet Jackson, David Bowie, the Cure, George Michael, Depeche Mode and more. If you arrive before 10:00pm you’ll be let in for FREE! After that it’s $15 at the door.

25. Noon Years At The Kidspace Children’s Museum

Little ones usually don’t make it to midnight for the New Year’s count down, so the folks over at Kidspace Children’s Museum in celebrating Noon Years instead! Bring your tykes to see the ginormous balloon drop right at noon, toast cups of sparkling cider, and create your own noisemakers to ring in 2016.

26. Eurozone NYE Party At Big Bar 

Big Bar celebrates in global proportions across the timezones of the world as they experience New Year’s Eve! Countdown each hour and celebrate with a different cocktail, playlist and a few other surprises. A special cocktail inspired by the regions will be highlighted every hour starting as early as 3:00pm!

27. New Years Eve At barcito 

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Downtown Los Angeles neighborhood hotspot barcito, is hosting a special New Year’s Eve celebration featuring a selection of Argentine-inspired passed picadas and a complimentary champagne toast at midnight. $49 gets you unlimited passed bites, $95 gets you passed bites and open bar (includes premium well drinks, cocktails, beer and wine.)

28. New Years Eve At The Association

NYC-style lounge, The Association, in the historic Bank District in Downtown, will ring in the New Year with music by DJ Waldo. Admission is $20 per person in advance and $40 at the door.

30. New Years Eve At The Room

Ring in the New Year with fun music, cocktails and dancing at The Room Santa Monica, featuring music by DJ Jolyon. General admission is $30 per person at the door and includes festive décor, midnight countdown and party favors. Fashionable, smart and stylish attire is suggested. For more details and to reserve your spot on the guest list, visit the ticketing page on Eventbrite.

31. Tony’s Darts Away All You Can Eat And Drink NYE

Tony’s Darts Away promises an all-inclusive crafty New Year’s Eve with UNLIMITED pours of California’s finest brews, all-you-care-to-eat pub food and a raffle featuring beers hand-picked from Tony’s private cellar. Admission to the bash is $75, per person with seating of groups up to 20 available. Better grab your tickets now!

32. New Years Dinner At Viviane

For New Year’s Eve, Viviane Executive Chef Michael Hung will offer two lavish individual prix-fixe menus for both an early and late seating. For the first seating guest will enjoy a six-course menu offered at $82. For the second seating, guest will enjoy seven-courses and a Champagne toast at New Years offered at $125 per guest.

33. New Years Eve At The Continental Club

Ring in the New Year with style at one of Downtown LA’s most iconic speakeasy venues, as The Continental Club presents their New Year’s Eve Ball. This formal affair features music by DJ Wyatt Case. For more details and to reserve your spot on the guest list, visit the ticketing page.

34. Osso New Years Eve Bash

Osso is doing a prix fixe dinner on NYE, and afterwards there will be DJs spinning underground NY retro disco. It’ll be a musical journey that they’re describing as ‘Two Old Queens With Amazing Records.’And no cover! To guarantee a spot, people should make a dinner reservation. Number is limited and it’s first-come-first-served.

35. Saved By The 90’s New Years Eve Bash

Party all night long to your favorite 90’s tunes. The Bootleg Theater is hosting Saved By The 90’s LA, this time for a special NYE edition! Tickets are $10.

36. New Years Eve Dinner At Cliff’s Edge

Cliff’s Edge will be offering a five course prix fixe menu on New Years Eve. Seatings from 6:00 – 7:30 pm are priced at $80, and seating from 7:30pm to close are priced at $95. There is a wine pairing available for an additional $55, or guests may order from the wine and cocktail list. People can make reservations by calling the restaurant.

37. Mohawk Bend NYE All Night Happy Hour

Happy Hour, Happy New Year! Mohawk Bend will host an ALL NIGHT HAPPY HOUR celebration with $4.50 craft beers and food specials – vegan and non-vegan. No RSVP necessary but recommended for large parties.

38. New Years Eve At Mrs. Fish

This year Mrs. Fish presents a New Years Eve journey through the decades with an evening of entertainment, food, specialty libations and a countdown surprise designed to have everyone dancing all night long. Los Angeles-based funk-pop orchestra Urban Renewal Project will lead the dance floor into a musical time warp, with additional music from DJ Expo throughout the night. Guests will enjoy butler passed finger foods, signature cocktails and NYE fishbowls. Cash bar only folks. Tickets are $75 and available online and at the door.

39. Villains Tavern No Cover NYE

Villains Tavern will be having a happy hour from 6:00pm – 9:00pm which includes be live music, a DJ, a complimentary bubbles toast, and the Hurricane Truck will be there serving amazing food. Festive punchbowls will be available, and there’s no cover.

40. Grand Opening Of Ivory

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Ivory, a new restaurant concept from Hakkasan & The h.wood Group, will be opening its doors on the 31st at Mondrian LA on the Sunset Strip. Being New Years Eve they’ll be doing it up with a bang and offering a special prix-fixe menu.

Want more ideas for New Years? Checkout our post on 31 Awesome Things To Do for New Year’s Eve in L.A.

This might come in handy too …. Friendly Reminder That AAA Offers FREE ‘Tipsy Tows’ For Intoxicated Drivers on New Year’s Eve

Friday January 1st, 2015

41. Rose Parade 

Start the year by coming up roses at the 127th Annual Rose Parade, taking place over a five and half mile stretch of Colorado Blvd. in Old Town Pasadena on New Year’s Day.

42. The Amazing L.A. Race

The Amazing Los Angeles Race is part sightseeing, puzzle solving and race. Recruit a team and go on a scavenger-hunt, then it’s off to crazy fun experiences at some of L.A.’s top attractions, including Mann’s Chinese Theatre, the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the Hollywood Bowl and Walt Disney Concert Hall. Every puzzle solved leads to the next clue and the next, until you get to the finish-line where an award ceremony will take place in your teams honor. For more information and discount tickets visit Goldstar.

43. Esotouric Bus Adventures

Esotouric tours take guests into L.A. neighborhoods where crime, mystery and the unexplainable have taken place. Take a ride with expert guides as they reveal original research and startling observations during this themed tour. There are even special snack stops like donuts in the parking lot of Charles Bukowski’s favorite liquor store or Raymond Chandler-inspired gelato at Scoops in East Hollywood. Simply pick your adventure on their website and set off on a journey of the unknown. For more information and discount tickets check out Goldstar.

44. New Year’s Day Brunch At The Wallace

The Wallace in Culver City will be open for brunch on New Year’s Day offering hangover cures such as praline french toast; pork belly tartine with poached egg; biscuits n’ gravy; and chicken & waffle. They also have $12 breakfast cocktails and bottomless mimosas for $14 if you want to keep the New Years party going.

45. Brunch At Bar10

Bar10 in West Hollywood will be open for brunch on New Years day. For brunch, Bar10 offers Breakfast Bowls, Strawberry Cream Cheese-stuffed French Toast, Eggs Benedict, Breakfast Burrito, Breakfast Pasta, Steak and Eggs, and sides like Avocado Toast, among others. A classic Bloody Mary is available for $8, along with bottomless mimosas for $14 a person.


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