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Need a distraction this week? Got a few fun to-dos leading the list of possibilities.
This December 15-19 in Los Angeles, you’ll find Chanticleer at Disney Concert, the last week of MoMA Contender at The Hammer, A Celebration of Hanukkah at Ivy Station, The Movement Playground at the Wende, All Space Considered at Griffith Observatory, an URBAN DEATH XMAS, Viva Los Feliz: Tinseltown at the Autry, Gimme Shelter: Songs for LA Fire Relief at Amoeba Hollywood, and more.
Things To Do This Week
M = Less than .5 miles from an L.A. Metro Station, FA = Free Admission, TP = Top Pick
Chanticleer at Disney Concert Hall – M > The Grammy-winning “orchestra of voices,” Chanticleer, brings their renowned holiday tradition to the Walt Disney Concert Hall on Monday as part of the Deck the Hall Holiday Concerts series. The 12-member a cappella ensemble presents a program of Christmas music spanning centuries, featuring everything from a candlelit chant procession to a triumphant gospel finale, promising a night of unparalleled joy and transcendence. The performance begins at 8 p.m. More info here.
MoMA Contender 2025 -> Now through December 18, The Hammer Museum’s Billy Wilder Theater is hosting The MoMA Contenders 2025 film series. Marking the series’ tenth year at the Hammer, these ticketed screenings offer an exclusive opportunity to see some of the year’s most groundbreaking films just before awards season, followed by intimate post-screening conversations with filmmakers, cast, and crew. Screenings this week include Jay Kelly on Monday, The Mastermind on Tuesday, Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere on Wednesday, and One Battle After Another on Thursday All screenings in the series take place at 7:30 p.m. Non-member ticket start at $20. More info here.
WEHO Winter Ice Rink -> Continuing all this week, the WeHo Winter Ice Rink returns to the Great Lawn at West Hollywood Park for the winter season. In addition to 90-minute skating sessions (skate rental included in the ticket price), guests can visit the adjacent Winter Village, which features skate viewing areas, photo opportunities, a charming general store, and special pop-up theme nights. Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for ages 3-14. Sessions are offered daily, with times varying. The rink runs through December 21. Check the event website for the full schedule of skating sessions, which begin at 4 p.m. on weekdays. More info here.
A Celebration of Hanukkah at Ivy Station – M FA > Chabad of Culver City invites the community to A Celebration of Hanukkah at Ivy Station in Culver City this Tuesday. This free, all-ages event features a giant menorah lighting, lively klezmer music, hot latkes, donuts, chocolate gelt, and dreidels. Guests can also enjoy arts and crafts, face painting, and a free raffle. Complimentary two-hour parking validation will be available. The celebration runs from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. More info here.
Gimme Shelter: Songs for LA Fire Relief -> Amoeba Hollywood and FLOOD Magazine present the launch party for the new double vinyl benefit album, Gimme Shelter: Songs for LA Fire Relief, this Tuesday, December 16th. This free, all-ages in-store listening party features rare tracks from artists like Elliott Smith, The Flaming Lips, and Rilo Kiley. Guests can purchase the album on red vinyl, including special copies signed by cover artist Shepard Fairey. Attendees will also receive a raffle ticket for a chance to win prizes donated by OBEY, Amoeba, and more. The event kicks off at 5 p.m., with the first raffle draw at 5:30 p.m. More info here.
Chanukah Menorah Lighting at Ovation Hollywood – M FA > Ovation Hollywood, in partnership with the Chabad of Hollywood Jewish Community Center, is hosting a Grand Chanukah Menorah Lighting this Tuesday evening. The event will feature the lighting of a grand Menorah, delicious traditional treats like latkes and donuts, festive singing, children’s crafts, and surprise performances. Join the community for a night of light, warmth, and holiday spirit. The celebration takes place from 5 to 6 p.m. More info here.
Viva Los Feliz: Tinseltown – FA > This Wednesday, the Los Feliz Improvement Association (LFIA) presents Viva Los Feliz: Tinseltown, a free Holiday & Hollywood Celebration hosted at the Autry Museum The evening features engaging presentations by Mark Pine of the Griffith Observatory, short films by Debra Matlock, and live music from the Marshall High Jazz Band, Isaac Prado, and Baby Fischgrund, all blending holiday cheer with Hollywood sparkle. The event is free and open to all, concluding with a reception featuring delicious Yuca’s tamales. The celebration runs from 6 to 9 p.m. More info here.
All Space Considered – FA > On Thursday, join the curatorial staff at the Griffith Observatory for their monthly discussion on the latest phenomena and news in the world of astronomy during this evening presentation at the Leonard Nimoy Event Horizon Theater. For the final event of 2025, they’ll be discussing the top five biggest stories of year and also offering candidates for prettiest pictures of the year. The program is free to attend, but you’ll want to arrive early to ensure you get a seat. Event starts at 7 p.m. More info here.
The Movement Playground – FA > On Thursday, the Cantilever Collective comes to the Wende Museum to present The Movement Playground, a spontaneous and improvised dance workshop series. Held at the Glorya Kaufman Community Center, the session is open to all—no prior dance experience is required. Participants are invited to explore connection, curiosity, and joy through free movement, guided by playful prompts and live-mixed soundscapes. This free, ephemeral event encourages attendees to “come as you are; move how you feel.” Workshop runs from 5:30 to 7 p.m. RSVP and get more info here.
URBAN DEATH XMAS -> Zombie Joe’s Underground Theatre Group is celebrating 20 years of URBAN DEATH by unleashing your worst holiday fears with URBAN DEATH XMAS: Maze + Show Spooktacular! this Thursday through Sunday. Yelp’s #2 Scariest Haunted Attraction in America presents a yuletide nightmare where guests must brave a twisted, spine-chilling wintertime maze before and after the central performance. The show features riveting, grotesque vignettes and mind-blowing physical performances, all reaching into the darkest corners of the winter solstice. This event is strictly 18+ due to graphic content and nudity. Showtimes are at 8 p.m., 9 p.m., and 10 p.m. each evening. Tickets are $24 online, or $28 at the door. More info here.
A Live Hallmark Christmas Movie! -> This Friday at Dynasty Typewriter, comedy collective Moon Goon is hosting an interactive holiday spectacle with A Live Hallmark Christmas Movie! The group will stage an entire Hallmark Christmas movie complete with “4D effects.” Come ready to fall in love, kiss under the mistletoe, and enjoy deeply stupid holiday brilliance. The show is for ages 18+, with doors opening at 6:30 p.m. and the performance starting at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $20. More info here.
Dining & Drinking
(picks by Christina Champlin)
Daisy Merry-Rita Bar (Through January 4) -> Sherman Oaks’ award-winning Daisy Margarita Bar has gone full holiday mode, transforming into Daisy Merry-Rita Bar through January 4. The festive cocktail menu leans playful and bold, with standouts like a Christmas Tree Margarita Jíbol infused with pine needles, a Partridge & Pear Margarita with poached pear and duck fat, a Yule Log Margarita, and a Gingerbread House Margarita Milk Punch. The cheer continues with a Yule Paloma and Champurrado Eggnog, all served in a space decked out with over-the-top holiday décor, from giant Santa piñatas to twinkling Christmas lights.
Firstborn Cocktail Pop-Up Series (December 15) -> Firstborn in Chinatown hosts the second installment of its cocktail pop-up series this Monday, reuniting three bartenders shaped by The Varnish, one of LA’s most influential bars. Behind the stick are Kenzo Han, Firstborn’s Bar Director and Esquire Bartender of the Year, alongside Wolf Alexander of Cannonball and Miles Caballes of Lowboy. For one night only, the trio returns to their roots with a tightly edited, Varnish-style menu of classic cocktails only. In the kitchen, Chef Anthony Wang sweetens the deal with the return of his cult-favorite orange chicken sandwiches, plus a limited run of Shanghainese sweet-and-sour “McRib” sandwiches. More info here.
Fuegos LA -> Fuegos LA is leaning into the season with cozy Argentine flavors and a California-forward touch. The casual spot, known for its handmade empanadas, chimichurri-laced plates, and fire-kissed grill work, is rolling out a lineup of cold-weather comforts worth seeking out. Sip on Mulled Wine, a warming blend of red wine infused with orange, star anise, cinnamon, and clove, then dig into Locro, the classic Andean stew built on seasonal corn and squash with tender Argentine beef and pork loin simmered until rich and velvety. Rounding things out are seasonal coffee specials, including Gingerbread and Peppermint lattes, making Fuegos an easy stop for something hearty, festive, and deeply comforting right now.
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