Things To Do

37 Awesome Things To Do This Weekend in L.A. [12-28-2018 to 12-30-2018]

December 27, 2018 by We Like L.A. Staff

Los Angeles provides no limit of things to do, some awesome and some not so awesome. Since time is precious in this fast paced city we curate a list of things to do in Los Angeles for every weekend that’ll help you decide how you want to spend your limited supply of attention (not to mention dollars!).

This weekend, from Friday, December 28 to Sunday, December 30, features SIP & SAVOR, free ice cream at Humphry Slocombe, Kidspace Snow Days, Marina Lights Movie Night, Cat Yoga, Pasadena Architectural Legacy Tours and MUCH more.

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Remember you can always go to our L.A. events calendar page to get an updated rundown of what’s happening around the city.

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

Overlooking Los Angeles

Friends enjoying an epic view of L.A. from Griffith Park. Credit: Brian Champlin / We Like L.A.


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Friday December 28th, 2018

1. The Pasadena Tournament of Roses will launch SIP & SAVOR a special food festival highlighting Southern California eateries and culinary brands. There will be live entertainment and up-close viewings of Rose Parade float decorating. The event takes over the Rosemont Pavilion/Jackie Robinson Memorial Field near the Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena from December 28-30.

2. Humphry Slocombe celebrates its 10th Birthday with free scoops all day long. In the spirit of giving there is a suggested donation that will go to Homeboy Industries which provides community, free services, and job training to former gang-involved and incarcerated men and women.

3. From Wednesday through Sunday Kidspace Children’s Museum in Pasadena will host Snow Days with real snow, live entertainment, interactive story time, cookie decorating, crafts and a dance party.

4. Watch Stanley Kubrick’s 2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY in 70mm at the Egyptian Theatre on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

5. Hangout at the Aquarium of the Pacific at night and see sharks, jellyfish and more in a different light. Happening through Sunday. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

6. Ya Filthy Animals is a pop-up bar inspired by holiday movies including Bad Santa, A Christmas Story, and, of course, Home Alone. Expect themed drinks, photo booths, movie-themed installations, an outdoor ice rink, falling “snow,” a Christmas tree farm, food trucks and a fire pit. Open now till January 6, 2019 on Wednesdays through Sundays. Check for discounted tickets before making your purchase. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

7. 4th Fridays on 4th Street activates the “Retro Road” business district in Long Beach on the fourth Friday of every month from 6 to 9 p.m. through extended hours, dining specials, discounted merchandise, pop up shops, art shows, live music, double decker bus rides and more.

8. 260LA will host a JOIE, Equipment and Current/Elliott sample sale from December 26 through 30. Shop discounts on women’s fashion samples including apparel and accessories below retail.

9. There’s a Gilmore Girls experience coming to Warner Brothers Studios. From December 22 through January 6 fans can dine at Lorelai’s and then walk through sets like Lorelai and Rory’s home, the gazebo and town square all from the show.

10. The folks behind the Museum of Failure presents The Disgusting Food Museum (Dec. 9, 2018 through Feb. 17, 2019.) Some of the ‘delicacies’ include maggot infested cheese, bull testicles, and sheep eyeballs. If you’re brave enough, visitors will also get to smell and taste some of the creations at the end of the exhibit over at a tasting bar. Check for discounted tickets before making your purchase. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

11. The Paley Center for Media celebrates the holidays with family-friendly experience PaleyLand. Guests can enjoy daily screenings of classic holiday TV programs, a Candy Cane Forest , arts and crafts, dreidel games, and free hot cocoa. No reservations are required. Open Wednesdays through Sundays till January 6, 2019. FREE

12. Since 1969 Bob Baker’s Marionette Theater’s adaptation of the Nutcracker has been warming hearts and delighting kids and adults during the holidays. The show includes over 100 handmade puppets at the Pasadena Playhouse. Running now until Dec. 30 Thursdays through Sundays.

13. The Rink in Downtown Burbank returns for another year of outdoor ice skating for a good cause. Open now through January 6, 2019 the skate rink is just steps away from a plethora of shops and restaurants.

14. The Paley Center for Media celebrates the holidays with family-friendly experience PaleyLand. Guests can enjoy daily screenings of classic holiday TV programs, a Candy Cane Forest , arts and crafts, dreidel games, and free hot cocoa. No reservations are required. Open Wednesdays through Sundays till January 6, 2019. FREE

15. The Foodie Space (Nov. 21- Dec. 30) is the latest interactive pop-up museum designed for serial foodie photo-taker’s. Located in Pasadena the museum claims to poke fun at society’s obsession with social media and #foodporn. Food-themed exhibits include a giant bowl of phở, glitter fries that you can marry and more. Happening Tuesdays through Sundays.

16. The Holiday Light Festival Train Ride at Griffith Park is a festive one mile ride on the tracks with tens of thousands of lights to get you in the Holiday spirit. Running daily Nov 23 through Dec. 23 and then again from December 26 to December 30.

Saturday December 29th, 2018

17. Get fully immersed in the holiday spirit during Winter Fest happening at the OC Fairgrounds from December 20, 2018 through January 6, 2019. A festival of lights, outdoor ice skating, ice tubing, snowfall, a candy wonderland and Santa Claus are just a few of the magical things happening. Check for discounted tickets before making your purchase. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

18. Don’t Tell Comedy pops up in Los Feliz this Saturday for a comedy show with secret performers in a secret location. Location will be emailed to ticket holders and it’s BYOB.

19. See the 1984 classic Gremlins in 35mm at the New Beverly Cinema Saturday and Sunday. The matinee will include a child sized popcorn. All ages are welcome.

20. Here and Now transforms it’s newly opened space into a holiday bar called Blitzen’s from November 28 through December 31. Get transported to the the North Pole and enjoy a snow machine, themed entertainment like Bad Santa and carolers, and seasonal food and drinks.

21. There’s a 60s Pop Dance Party with a Lee Hazlewood tribute happening at Zebulon. Expect vinyl 60s pop songs spun all night long. Admission is free.

22. Celebrate the holiday season during a Queen Mary Christmas (daily Nov. 23 – Jan. 6) The special occasion will see Christmas spirit lining the famous Long Beach vessel including an 80-foot Christmas tree, a variety of holiday activities, an outdoor staking rink, musical performances, a 4D showing of The Polar Express, and dinner shows on select dates. Check for discounted tickets before making your purchase. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

23. Marina Lights Movie Night will screen a Frozen sing-along edition for free at Burton Chace Park. Before the show, Voices of Christmas will be caroling from 4 to 6 p.m. The screening will take place at 6 p.m.

24. Sherman Oaks resident Mike Ziemkowski’s elaborate Christmas themed animatronic characters will return once again with Lights on Display a dazzling light show with a playlist of holiday tunes. Free to the public, the 13-minute show runs nightly 6 to 10 p.m. from November 23 through January 1, 2018. FREE

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25. Tournament Of Roses Equestfest 2018 at Los Angeles Equestrian Center in Burbank invite the public in for a day of horse performances, stable strolling, a vendor court and more.

26. Step into a retro-inspired winter wonderland during Miracle at The Everly: Ever Bar happening at The Kimpton Everly Hotel. The Christmas-themed bar open now through December 31 features a candy cane “selfie station,” a 15-foot inflatable Santa Claus, and a dedicated Hanukkah Hut.

27. One of L.A.’s most magical holiday traditions, L.A. Zoo Lights returns November 16, 2018 through January 6, 2019 with thousands upon thousands of LED lights illuminating the zoo. This seasonal event runs daily. Check for discounted tickets before making your purchase. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

28. Hang out at JW Marriott Los Angeles L.A. LIVE’s Santa’s Tavern a functioning life sized gingerbread built bar.  Partake in seasonal cocktail tastings, enjoy festive photo-ops and baked treats inside of the edible watering hole. Free and open daily throughout the month of December.

29. For The Record presents the world premiere production of Love Actually Live at The Wallis. The musical will bring one of the most beloved holiday movies to life through an all-star cast and 15-piece orchestra. Playing December 4-31.

30. Get into the winter spirit when ICE at Santa Monica returns with a 8,000 square foot ice skating rink. Running November 3, 2018 through January 21, 2019.

Sunday December 30th, 2018

31. Pasadena Architectural Legacy Tours will focus on the Civic Center District and the Hillcrest Neighborhood. Guests will learn about the architectural history of a location and explore various architectural styles.

32. LA’s adorable cat cafe Crumbs & Whiskers will host yoga this Sunday. Please bring your own mat and water for this one hour session.

33. The annual LA Kings Holiday Ice happening at L.A. LIVE’s Microsoft Square is a daily outdoors holiday skating rink. Open November 10, 2018 through January 6, 2019.

34. It’s that time of the year to celebrate the holiday season, which is the main purpose of Fa La Land, a pop up museum at Row DTLA. Guests will enjoy a wide variety of installations like a Jingle Bell Toy Factory and a fluorescent “Fa La Forest.” Fa La Land runs Nov. 18 through Jan. 6, 2019. Happening Tuesdays through Sundays. Check for discounted tickets before making your purchase. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

35 The Los Angeles Arboretum and Botanic Garden presents Moonlight Forest, where crafted lanterns line the garden grounds, some depicting animals, shimmering exotic flowers, and figures from Chinese legends. Happening Wednesdays through Sunday. Check for discounted tickets before making your purchase. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

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36. Party With is Los Angeles’ new Instagram-ready experience. Opening it’s doors on Friday Nov. 16 in Westfield Santa Anita Mall, folks can expect 15 premium photogenic installations like an infinity rainbow and a room filled with sparkling disco balls. Party With runs through January 27 and is open Thursdays through Sundays. Check for discounted tickets before making your purchase. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

37. Free museum day:  Museum of Latin American Art and Craft and Folk Art Museum (pay what you can).

Food Pick for the Week

This week’s pick by Christina Champlin, Co-Founder of We Like L.A.

Christmas is over, holiday shopping is behind us, and our wallets are all a bit lighter. Luckily, happy hours in Los Angeles are abundant. Here are a few to check out this weekend as we wrap up 2018.

  • Seasonal Mexican spot Punta Cabras in Santa Monica gives you two chances to score some discounted nosh. Golden Hour (4-6 p.m.) and Last Call (9 p.m. to close) highlights include $3 scallop tacos, $1 oysters and a $10 hambuguesa topped with crispy gouda and onion-garlic jam. Don’t forget to sip on $6 cocktails and $4 beers.
  • Free Play, located at food hall The Field LA’s second floor, hosts a nightly happy hour in the pub area from 5 to 7 p.m. You’ll get 50% off select drafts and select cocktails, $5 Mules (with vodka or your choice of well spirit), $6 Palomas and $6 Margaritas and $7 Tri-Tip Nachos. Free arcade games including vintage pinball, foosball and billiards are also offered to guests. Happy hour is not available during LAFC, LA RAMS, or USC home games. The reason being that food hall is located adjacent to LAFC’s Banc of California Stadium.
  • Kai Japanese Roots located in DTLA’s Spring Arcade Building hosts all-night happy hour’s daily from 3 p.m. in the dining room and starting at 7 p.m. in the bar and patio. All dishes are under $10 including sashimi, rolls and izakaya plates. Drink specials include sake, cocktails, beers and wine.

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