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The holiday season is ramping up!
In the queue for this November 17-21 in Los Angeles, you’ll find a new exhibition at The Huntington, a Reopening Celebration at Will Rogers State Historic Park, the annual tree lighting celebration at Union Station, Hoops, Hopes & Dreams at The Hammer, an Afro-Mingei listening party at the JACCC, a Friendsgiving Market at Ivy Station, and more.
Things To Do This Week
M = Less than .5 miles from an L.A. Metro Station, FA = Free Admission, TP = Top Pick
Radical Histories: Chicano Prints at The Huntington → The Huntington’s newest exhibition (just opened this past Sunday) is the West Coast debut of Radical Histories: Chicano Prints from the Smithsonian American Art Museum in the MaryLou and George Boone Gallery. The exhibition features 60 bold works from more than 40 artists and collectives, spanning six decades of Chicano printmaking as a tool for resistance, community building, and cultural reclamation. For this presentation, Self Help Graphics artist Melissa Govea (Purépecha) has created the exhibition’s only original work—a mural inspired by prints from the SHG community, highlighting the organization’s lasting influence on Chicana/o/x and Latinx art in Los Angeles since 1973. Radical Histories remains on view through March 2, 2026. More info here.
Astronomy On Tap – M FA > Astronomy on Tap returns on Monday with a pair of scientific talks (helped along by trivia, live music, and beer) at Dog Haus Biergarten in Pasadena. For the November event, watch Auburn University Professor of Physics Eva Kostadinova giving a talk entitled “Dusty Plasma: From Fusion to the Rings of Saturn,” plus Columbia University Research Scientist Oak Nelson speaking about: “Using Magnets to Build a Star on Earth.” Event starts at 7:30 p.m. Free to attend, but seating is first-come, first-served. More info here.
Will Rogers Park Reopening Celebration – FA > This Tuesday, join the community in celebrating the reopening and recovery of Will Rogers State Historic Park following the Pacific Palisades with a special morning of programming. Attendees can join a service project (“plant and pull”) at 9 a.. to remove invasive species and replant native vegetation in fire-affected areas, followed by remarks and a complimentary lunch at 11 a.m. The event highlights five years of the Bronco Wild Fund’s work in preservation and access to public lands. Free to attend, but guests should RSVP online to attend. More info here.
Enchanted Forest of Light -> Continuing this Tuesday 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. New this year are two special ‘Music & Mixology’ nights on December 10th and 11th, featuring live “yacht rock” hits from Yachty by Nature while you sip craft cocktails. Timed entry starts at 5:30 p.m. on open dates. Adult, non-member tickets run $27-$45. More info here.
An Evening with Azazello – FA > The Wende Museum invites the public to An Evening with Azazello: Notes from the Zone of Kaif this Wednesday evening. The event celebrates the launch of the digital Azazello Archive, which chronicles the hidden world of Soviet hippies, artists, and nonconformists who sought freedom under repression. The evening will feature a conversation with scholars Sasha Razor, Anna Fishzon, Juliane Fürst, and Margarit Ordukhanyan, exploring the life and legacy of Azazello (Anatoly Kalabin). The program includes readings of Azazello’s poetry, a selection of his music, and Soviet-inspired snacks and drinks. Event is free to attend. Runs 6 to 8 p.m. More info here.
Manhattan Beach Pier Lighting – FA > The City of Manhattan Beach kicks off the holiday season this Wednesday with its 35th Annual Pier Lighting and 30th Annual Holiday Open House. Expect an evening of holiday music, including performances by the MBMS and MCHS choirs, culminating in the Pier Lighting ceremony at 7 p.m. Downtown merchants will be open late with special offers, while restaurants serve their regular menus and some sampling. The celebration also hosts the Beach Cities Toy Drive for those wishing to donate unwrapped new toys. Family pictures with Santa’s Sleigh and strolling Dickens-style carolers will add to the festive atmosphere. Programming runs 6 to 8 p.m. More info here.
L.A. Zoo Lights -> Continuing this Wednesday to Sunday, the Los Angeles Zoo’s brightest annual tradition will transform the zoo grounds into a world of light and holiday magic. The after-hours event offers brightly lit displays and festive family-friendly experience every night throughout the entire holiday season. Adult tickets start at $29, depending on the desired date to attend. Runs on select dates through January 11. More info here.
10th Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony at Los Angeles Union Station – M FA > Union Station celebrates the 10th anniversary of its beloved Tree Lighting Ceremony on the newly restored South Patio this Thursday.The free, family-friendly event features live performances by The Beverly Belles, holiday crafts, milk and cookies, and photos with Santa. The evening will culminate in a spirited countdown to light the station’s 30-foot holiday tree, followed by a magical snowfall to kick off the season. Attendees are encouraged to Go Metro to the historic transportation hub. Program runs 6 to 8 p.m. Free to attend. More info here.
Hoops, Hopes & Dreams at The Hammer – FA TP > This Thursday, the Hammer Museum presents a screening of Hoops, Hopes & Dreams, a new film by artist Glenn Kaino that animates the untold story of how Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and civil rights activists used basketball courts to rally young voters, and explores how this strategy continues to resonate in contemporary politics. Following the 20-minute screening, a conversation with the director and special guests will take place. Admission is free, with tickets available on a first-come, first-served basis at the box office starting one hour before the event. Starts at 7:30 p.m. More info here.
Can Comedia Help Us Understand California’s Past? – M FA > This Thursday, Zócalo Public Square on November 20, comes to LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes for a special evening featuring readings of three adaptations from the 2024 anthology “Golden Tongues: Adapting Hispanic Classical Theater in Los Angeles.” Barbara Fuchs, director of UCLA’s Diversifying the Classics initiative, will introduce central themes of the plays. Playwrights will offer brief pre-performance remarks and will sign copies of “Golden Tongues” during a post-reading reception. Free to attend as always. Starts at 7 p.m. Get more info and RSVP here.
SCREAMSGIVING at Angel City Brewery – M FA > Night Frights LA is extending the Halloween season just a tad longer with SCREAMSGIVING: Vendor Market & Trivia Night happening at at Angel City Brewery this Thursday. This 21+ event transforms the brewery into a celebration of the cult classic and indie horror, featuring 25+ local horror vendors and craft beer. Attendees can catch fresh nightmares from rising filmmakers on screens throughout the brewery, participate in trivia games for prizes, and pose with Ghostface. It is a night of “good chaos” for horror fans and those looking for a unique night out. GA is free, and VIP tickets are available for purchase as well. Runs 5 to 11 p.m. More info here.
Locals’ Night at the Santa Monica Pier – FA > The Santa Monica Pier hosts a Winter Art Mart edition of Locals’ Night this Thursday. Attendees can shop unique art, handmade goods, and festive finds from local artists while enjoying ocean views and live DJ sets from Jamma Dee, Xica Soul, and more. The event features a Classic Car Show and Books & Cookies Musical Storytime for families. This month also highlights Feed the Streets LA, raising funds and collecting food donations for Thanksgiving meals. Programming runs from 3:30 to 10 p.m. More info here.
Holiday Ice Rink at Pershing Square – M > The Holiday Ice Rink Pershing Square returns to DTLA for its 25th season, and the public is invited to the opening celebration this Thursday. The kick-off features on-ice performances and special treats from Sprinkles. Afterward, friends and family can hit the city’s largest outdoor rink for some skating fun. Opening night programming run 5 to 7 p.m. General admission, which includes skate rental, is $22. Locker rental is $5 and skate helpers are $6. The rink is open through January 11, 2026, and offers special programming like DJ Spotlight Nights and Classical Sundays. More info here.
See NOW Festival -> REDCAT’s annual NOW Festival returns for its 2025 edition, spotlighting nine bold new works in dance, theater, and music from Los Angeles artists. Over three weeks, the festival brings together timely, risk-taking performances exploring themes from immigration to mental health through opera, movement, clowning, and more. Each weekend features three artists sharing the stage Thursday to Saturday at 8 p.m., with Saturday shows livestreamed. Get tickets and more info here.
Astra Lumina: An Enchanted Night Walk Amongst The Stars -> Continuing this Thursday to Sunday, the South Coast Botanic Garden’s Astra Lumina offers a multi-sensory celestial pathway where guests will walk amongst the stars thanks to brilliant lights, cosmic visions, and astral song. Expect nine immersive zones decked out with radiant light installations, 360º soundscapes, and cosmic narratives. Adult tickets start at $32.90 and there’s an additional fee for parking. More info here.
World of Japanese Jazz: Afro-Mingei – M TP > The JACCC and In Sheep’s Clothing team up again this Friday to present the World of Japanese Jazz: Afro-Mingei Listening Party. This 21+ event invites attendees to explore Japanese modal, spiritual, and soul-jazz from the ’70s and beyond, featuring artists like Ryo Fukui, Sadao Watanabe, and Kimiko Kasai. The evening also includes a full-listening premiere of Takuro Okada’s new album, Konoma, which explores the concept of Afro-Mingei. Guests can enjoy the music and Japanese whiskey in the hidden James Irvine Japanese Garden. Tickets are $15. Runs 7 to 10 p.m. More info here.
Ivy Station Night Market: Friendsgiving – M FA > Gather friends and family to celebrate the season of gratitude at the Ivy Station Night Market: Friendsgiving edition this Friday in Culver City. This free event (rescheduled from November 14 due to weather) features shopping from local makers, delicious eats from food trucks and pop-ups like Handsy Pies, and craft beer from Los Angeles Ale Works. Attendees can make a DIY friendship bracelet, contribute to a community gratitude wall, and bring non-perishable items for the fall food drive benefitting Westside Food Bank. Admission and parking are free for this all-ages, pet-friendly market. Runs 5 to 10 p.m. More info here.
Dining & Drinking
(picks by Christina Champlin)
A $65 Multi-Course Menu at Yhing Yhang (ongoing) -> Chef Wedchayan “Deau” Arpapornnopparat is raising the heat at his Thai barbecue stall inside Maydan Market, dropping a brand-new six-course tasting menu for just $65. Expect the charcoal grill to do the heavy lifting as you move through hits like khao soi topped with grilled barramundi, Ecuadorian shrimp cured in lemon zest, jidori chicken wings, and a brûléed panna cotta that riffs on Thailand’s iconic sticky rice dessert. It’s a counter-only, reservation-only setup, making this one of the coziest seats in the whole market. More info here.
Little Tokyo Cocktail Club (November 19) -> The Little Tokyo Community Council is bringing a special edition of their supper club to Wolf & Crane this Wednesday. Tickets are $60 and include one cocktail, a light dinner with a vegan option, and an exclusive Little Tokyo Cocktail Club cap. Additional drinks are available for $5–$10 through the ticket page. This is a ticket-only event—no walk-ups. More info here.
Hatsu Omakase at n/soto (ongoing) -> Early diners get a serious perk at n/soto. Their Hatsu Omakase is a five-course nama (raw) tasting served only during the first hour of service, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays through Fridays and 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, priced at just $59 per person. The menu focuses on purity and precision, starting with a monaka filled with seasonal sashimi and avocado, followed by chef-selected sashimi, a four-piece cut roll, five pieces of nigiri, and a hand roll to finish. Diners can even enjoy a scoop of ice cream for dessert at no extra charge.
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