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What’s your weekend looking like? Need a little nudge to get you out and about? We’re here to help.
On tap this December 5-7 in Los Angeles, you’ll find a Krampus Rumpus & Holiday Market at Benny Boy, the Venice Sign Lighting Celebration, PetSpace’s Pawliday PetMarket, the Frogtown Holiday Hop, a Cultural Treasures Market at NHM, Snow Day at Common Space, and more.
Things To Do This Weekend
M = Less than .5 miles from an L.A. Metro Station, FA = Free Admission, TP = Top Pick
Hot Chocolate Nutcracker -> Beginning this Thursday, the Debbie Allen Dance Academy (DADA) presents its award-winning production of “Hot Chocolate Nutcracker” at Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center. The highly-anticipated performance follows a young girl, Kara as she steps into a land of wonder journeying to fantastical places such as Candy Cane Land, Egypt, the Indian Rainforest/Bollywood, Jazzland, Russia and the Land of the Kimono Dolls. Tickets start at $54.59. Performances run through December 15. More info here.
Home Alone in Concert at WDCH – M > The LA Phil’s 2025 The Deck the Hall Holiday Concerts series starts this Friday to Sunday with special 35th-anniversary screening of the beloved classic, Home Alone. The hilarious and heartwarming film will be shown while John Williams’ charming score is performed live to picture by the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra and DTLA Voices, led by conductor David Newman. Performances are offered on Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and on Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m. More info here.
Krampus Rumpus & Holiday Market -> This Friday to Sunday, Benny Boy Brewing hosts its third annual Krampus Rumpus & Holiday Market, extended for three days this year. Expect festive cheer blended with scary entertainment, featuring live German bands, spooky alpine stories, and a large holiday craft market with Krampus-themed items. The terrifying highlight is the return of the full horde of devils from Krampus Los Angeles, who storm the beer garden at sundown. Tickets are $35-$40, depending on which night you attend. 21+ only. More info here.
Tree Lighting at Pasadena City Hall – M FA > On Friday, Pasadena City Hall gets the holiday treatment with a special tree lighting ceremony hosted by the mayor of Pasadena. The celebration features local singers and dancers, crafts for kids provided by Armory Center for the Arts, light refreshments, and an appearance by Santa Claus. Runs to 5 to 7 p.m., with the lighting taking place at 6 p.m. More info here.
First Friday in Chinatown – M FA > L.A.’s Chinatown stays open late for an evening of exploring the unique small businesses, restaurants and contemporary art and culture spaces that make up the historic neighborhood. This month, First Friday is bigger than ever teaming up with dozens of businesses, music, extended hours at art galleries, and the Damnoen Saduak Thai Market on Mei Ling Way. More info here.
Black Friday Holiday Party At CAAM – M FA > The California African American Museum (CAAM) invites the community to celebrate the season with a Black Friday Holiday Party on December 5. This free, all-ages event offers a festive evening in community, featuring music, delicious treats, and activity stations for all ages. Guests will also have exclusive after-hours access to all of CAAM’s current exhibitions, including solo shows by American Artist and Sadie Barnette. More info here.
Lights on Display – FA > One of the most elaborate home lighting displays of the holiday season is back in Sherman Oaks beginning this Friday. Resident Mike Ziemkowski has a brand new edition of Lights on Display for 2025, and per usual you’ll find an elaborate mix of computer controlled lighting, DMX controlled intelligent light, and a bevy of animatronic characters synched to a pre-programmed playlist of holiday tunes. Following Friday’s premier, the lights will run Wednesday to Sunday from 6 to 9 p.m. (weather permitting) through New Year’s Day. They’ll also be collecting donations for the American Lung Association. More info here.
Enchanted Forest of Light -> Continuing this Friday to Sunday, Descanso Gardens’ dazzling winter tradition, Enchanted Forest of Light, returns to illuminate the season from with a wintry spectacle on view through January 4. Wander through a one-mile pathway of large-scale, interactive installations, including the glowing stained-glass cottages by Tom Fruin and the geometric works of HYBYCOZO. Timed entry starts at 5:30 p.m. on open dates. Adult, non-member tickets run $27-$45. More info here.
102nd Annual Christmas Tree Lane Lighting Ceremony and Winter Festival FA > Every year, Altadena’s one-mile stretch of Deodar Cedars gets decked out in holiday lights, and to mark the beginning of the 2025 transformation, there will be a family-friendly festival featuring food, drink, and arts and crafts vendors. The vent returns this Saturday, kicking off at 3 p.m. Free to attend. More info here.
Frogtown Holiday Hop – FA > On Saturday, the Third Annual Frogtown Holiday Hop transforms the neighborhood into a car-free, low-impact holiday celebration along the L.A. River. Over a dozen venues, including The Left Bank, Frogtown Brewery, and Spoke Bicycle Cafe, will feature art exhibits, live music, food pop-ups, animal rescues with adoptable pets, free family crafting stations, and special discounts. Attendees are encouraged to walk or bike the route and participate in the “Find the Frog” Treasure Hunt. Programming runs from noon to 5 p.m. Free to attend. More info here.
Hollywood Park’s Second Annual Winter Fest – FA > Winter Fest, Hollywood Park’s holiday celebration takes over Inglewood Farmers’ Market this Saturday with a free event for all ages that includes photos with Black Santa, roller skating sessions with Sunshine Skate at the Court, artisanal treats from local vendors, farm fresh produce, holiday arts and crafts for kids, and live entertainment. Free to attend. Running from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. More info here.
Holiday Yappy Hour at 33 Taps Silver Lake -> 33 Taps Silver Lake is throwing a festive Holiday Yappy Hour this Saturday from noon to 4 p.m., all in support of the Pasadena Humane Society. Expect $8 Pawgaritas courtesy of Mezcal Amarás, bone broth pup-tails from Healthy Spot, puppy play zones, photo ops, adoptable dogs on site, and a Dog Toy Drive with donations going straight to Pasadena Humane. A very good time for a very good cause. More info here.
Yuletide Cinemaland – M > Continuing this weekend, Street Food Cinema’s Yuletide Cinemaland series celebrates its 8th season at the historic Heritage Square Museum. The immersive winter experience features a Wintertime Walkway, simulated snowfall, Santa visits, carolers, and an artisanal marketplace, alongside L.A.’s top food trucks and the enhanced Tinsel Tavern. This Saturday, the series will screen a double feature of Elf and A Christmas Story. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Adult tickets start at $34. More info here.
Cultural Treasures Market at NHM – M FA TP > This Saturday, LA Commons and the Natural History Museum of L.A. County are teaming up to host the Cultural Treasures Market, a free marketplace celebrating South L.A. and Altadena, featuring over 50 local vendors and artisans. Guests can shop for unique holiday gifts, enjoy food, and support the rich cultural traditions, creativity, and resilience of small businesses from these communities. The market takes place in the free and open NHM Commons area from noon to 5 p.m.. More info here.
Holiday Movie Night at Ivy Station – M FA > Culver City’s Ivy Station will host a Holiday Movie Night screening of Elf on Saturday night. Bring a blanket and snag a spot on the lawn, dine at near by restaurants, snap a festive complimentary photo with Santa, paint an ornament, meet adoptable dogs from spcaLA and bring a dog toy for their toy drive. Free to attend. More info here.
Pawliday PetMarket -> Wallis Annenberg PetSpace is hosting their annual Pawliday PetMarket this Saturday, offering a selection of “purr-fect” presents for pets and people from numerous local vendors. This free event allows guests to shop for pet accessories, treats, and unique gifts while enjoying complimentary hot cocoa, cookies, and coffee. A major highlight is the opportunity to have your pet’s photo taken with Santa and get creative at the holiday card craft station. The market runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. More info here.
Venice Sign Lighting and Holiday Block Party – FA > On Saturday, the Venice Sign is getting the holiday treatment, and to celebrate the occasion a portion of Windward Avenue will be closed down for a street festival, staged entertainment, and family friendly activities. Fun runs from 6 to 9 p.m. Free to attend. More info here.
Nutcracker Holiday Brunch -> Culina is bringing a little holiday magic to life with a Nutcracker Brunch Buffet this Sunday, created in partnership with the Pasadena Civic Ballet. Expect a festive, family-friendly feast paired with live ballet performances and a buffet stacked with brunch favorites plus a Nutcracker Wonderland dessert spread starring macarons, sugar plum pom poms, peppermint nutcrackers, and more. Guests can also decorate a pointe shoe at the Sugarplum craft station, browse a Christmas boutique filled with ballet keepsakes, and snap photos at themed installations. Reservations run $185 for adults, $145 for kids 5–12, and children 4 and under dine free. More info here.
A Winter Wonderland in Inglewood – FA > On Sunday, Crenshaw Imperial Plaza hosts an afternoon of snow sledding and snow play with a real snowman, kids crafts, raffle prizes and photos with Santa. Free to attend! More info here.
Snow Day at Common Space Brewery – FA > This Sunday, Common Space Brewery in Hawthorne transforms into a snowy wonderland with 20 tons of fresh snow for one special morning. Families can enjoy arts and crafts, story time, games, and a kids’ holiday market. It’s all free to attend. Runs 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. More info here.
Holiday Art Fair at the Santa Monica Airport Arts Center – FA > The Santa Monica Airport Arts Center – Studios 3026 is hosting a Holiday Art Fair this Sunday featuring 30+ professional artists who will open their studio doors, offering unique art and gifts for a one-of-a-kind holiday shopping experience, perfect for finding something special. Guests can enjoy festive refreshments, music, and free parking as they stroll through the center with fellow art lovers. The Holiday Art Fair runs from noon to 4 p.m.More info here.
Miracle on Main Street – FA > Miracle on Main Street returns to Santa Monica on Sunday with an evening of kids activities, carolers, an appearance by Santa, and a tree lighting on the California Heritage Museum lawn. It’s all free to attend. Runs from 3:30 to 7:00 p.m. More info here.
Dining & Drinking
(picks by Christina Champlin)
Yi Cha
Highland Park has a new hangout, and it’s a good one. Yi Cha, the latest from Chef Debbie Lee, brings a modern Korean gastropub vibe with dishes that pull from her Northern Korean roots and her Southern upbringing. The result? Fun, flavorful, and very, very snackable.
Start with the essentials: the jerky platter (fish jerky, roasted nuts, and a savory wet stew jerky) and the bubbling cheese corn with bone marrow. They’re both perfect with a cocktail, especially the Melona-inspired green drink that tastes like the beloved Korean honeydew ice cream bar in adult-beverage form.
From there, it’s a choose-your-own adventure of hits: the Korean Caviar Dip, a loaded Bossam platter, K-Town nachos made with rice cakes, and some excellent wings.
If you want comfort, go straight for the Hangover Spicy Pork & Potato Stew with ramyun, greens, and tteokbokki. They torch the cheese tableside, and yes, it’s as fun as it sounds.
Dessert doesn’t miss either. There’s an Asian sweet potato pie, but the star is the apple egg roll with cumin butterscotch and ginger mascarpone. Save room. Trust me.
And good news for repeat visits: Yi Cha is planning to open a patio soon, complete with more casual eats like ramen bowls.
Perfect excuse to go back.
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