Holidays in the Marina@ Burton Chace Park
The holidays kick off with the Snow Wonder family festival followed by that evening’s 56th Annual Holiday Boat Parade. Plus, enjoy the festive glow of twinkle lights in Burton Chace Park nightly in December. Holiday movies and musical entertainment are offered on Saturday nights. New Year’s Eve is celebrated in the park as well, with a family-friendly Glow Party and two fireworks shows. Saturday through December 31st; 13650 Mindanao Way, Marina del Rey, CA 90292
Holiday Boat Parade
Watch a trail of lighted boats cruise through the main channel. Narration is available at the two most popular viewing places, Burton Chace Park and Fisherman’s Village. A brief fireworks show at 5:55 pm and will announce the start of the parade. Fourth District L.A. County Supervisor Janice Hahn serves as the Grand Marshal, and Winter Water Wonderland is the parade theme. Arrive early and enjoy activities and dining in the Marina while you await the parade. Free; Saturday, 6 – 8 pm; 13650 Mindanao Way, Marina del Rey, CA 90292
Whiskey Red’s Boat Parade Celebration
Reserve early for this buffet-style dinner on the waterfront with prime patio views of the Holiday Boat Parade. Buffet is open 5:30–8:30 p.m. The spread includes a chilled seafood station, a prime rib and turkey carving station, beef short ribs, blackened salmon, assorted salads, and much more! Reservations are required. Expect limited parking at Fisherman’s Village. $45+; Saturday, 5:30–8:30 pm; 13813 Fiji Way, Marina Del Rey, CA 90292
Echo Park Community Parade 2018
Grab a spot along the parade route and to enjoy the cheer, community spirit and wondrous merriment that makes the annual Echo Park parade a cultural event attended by thousands for over 50 years. Parade floats and entries will include classic cars, spectacular performances by community groups, and, of course, Santa and his elves. The main stage at Echo Park and Sunset Boulevard will feature live entertainment, remarks by local elected officials and other special guests. Each year the parade features a theme that explores the neighborhood of Echo Park and helps inspire ideas for the artwork contest as well as parade floats. This year’s theme is “Celebrating the Cultural Diversity of Echo Park” in celebration of. The Grand Marshal and Parade Ambassadors nominated and chosen this year with that theme in mind. This is also the first year the Committee is introducing a special celebrity guest who has inspired the community with their work. The 2018 Celebrity Ambassador is DJ Lance Rock, a Los Angeles-based musician, DJ, and actor also known as “DJ Lance Rock” on the award-winning Nick Jr show, Yo Gabba Gabba!. Saturday, 11 am; Sunset Boulevard between Vin Scully Avenue and Park Avenue
Manhattan Beach Holiday Fireworks
The picturesque beachside city’s annual holiday celebration features a Skechers-sponsored snow park, a Santa float and live music, capped off by a fireworks show over the pier. Snow park, float (4 pm); fireworks, (7 pm) Free (new, unwrapped toy or cash donation to benefit the YMCA Adventure Guides Toy Drive requested for snow park admission); Sunday; 2 Manhattan Beach Blvd, Manhattan Beach, CA
7th Annual Brew Ho Ho Holiday Ale Festival
Join at the acclaimed 7th Annual Brew Ho Ho Holiday Ale Festival! This event will be held in the beautiful garden gazebo area of the centrally located, Phoenix Club near the Pond in Anaheim. The event will feature over 100 craft beers from some of the finest breweries in Southern California and beyond. Over half of this great selection will be special seasonal, holiday and winter ales. 2018 OC Brew Ho Ho Features: special seasonal, holiday and winter ales; commemorative festival cup; unlimited 2 oz tastings; Brewery Merchandise Expo & Shopping; enclosed garden / gazebo setting; pictures with Santa; holiday music; and live performances. Yummy, festive food will be available for purchase during the entire Expo from crowd favorites like The Viking Truck, Cousin’s Maine Lobster and more! $20-$55; Saturday, noon – 4 pm; The Phoenix Club, 1340 S. Sanderson Ave, Anaheim, CA 92806
Gingerbread House Building at L’Auberge Del Mar
Gingerbread House Building at L’Auberge Del Mar could be the start of a family tradition to carry on for generations. House builders decorate their special homes with colorful gumdrops, marshmallows and an array of festive candies. $35; Saturday, 10 am; L’Auberge Del Mar, 1540 Camino Del Mar, Del Mar, CA 92014; 858.259.1515
Holiday Market at L’Auberge Del Mar
Embracing European holiday culture, L’Auberge Del Mar will transform its amphitheater into a holiday market complete with local artisans, holiday treats and beverages. The resort’s creative team will help guests build a hand-crafted basket of local treats for gifting to friends and family. Free; Sunday, noon – 5 pm; L’Auberge Del Mar, 1540 Camino Del Mar, Del Mar, CA 92014; 858.259.1515
Jollywood
The Hollywood Walk of Fame is transforming into Jollywood with a holiday gift market, sweet treats and music from carolers. Wood & Vine will serve up cocktails including wassail—a traditional combination of hot ale or beer, apples, spices and mead typically enjoyed in the dark of winter. Santa Claus is expected to kick off the event on an L.A. Fire Department truck. Free; Saturday, 5 – 9 pm; 6201 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA
Love Actually Live
For The Record returns to The Wallis with a musical celebration of Richard Curtis’ beloved holiday movie, Love Actually. The world premiere production of Love Actually Live, presented by special arrangement with Universal Pictures and Working Title Films, will transform the Wallis’ Bram Goldsmith Theater into a giant, immersive, cinema for the modern day. The production will include songs from the hit soundtrack, including “Christmas is All Around,” “The Trouble With Love Is,” “All Alone On Christmas” and more. Performed live by an all-star cast and 15-piece orchestra. Tickets; Through December 30th; 9390 N Santa Monica Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90210
DIY Holiday Bath Salt and Sugar Scrub Workshop
The holidays can get busy and a wee stressy, so make time for YOU! Join in a DIY Holiday Bath Salt and Sugar Scrub Workshop. Treat yourself or DIY for those on your gift list. Or maybe a little bit of both. Join Andrea Ament, editor of the blog Salty Canary, to learn how to make aromatherapy bath salts and body scrubs using essential oils to enhance relaxation and get rid of dry, dull winter skin. You will take home a collection of your own handmade skincare products, including three 8 oz. holiday-scented sugar scrubs in DIY decorated jars, plus three holiday-scented bath bombs.(Please note the skincare recipes include coconut oil and almond oil.) They’ll also provide some festive beverages and cupcakes. $28; Saturday, 11 am; One Colorado, 41 Hugus Alley, Pasadena, CA 91103
Random Acts of Music (RAM) with Pasadena Symphony and Pops
A string quartet, brass trio, or other ensemble will present a Holiday-inspired performance in and around One Colorado. RAM pop-up performances connect the community to live music, encouraging new forms of public engagement. Sunday, 1 pm (also December 18th); 41 Hugus Alley, Pasadena, CA 91103; 626.564.1066
Westside Food Bank, Santa Monica Restaurants & Spin PR
The 10th Annual SANTA Monica Pub Crawl, benefiting the Westside Food Bank returns. The SMPC is one of the city’s most cherished holiday fundraising event, with more than 6,000 crawlers in attendance (and climbing) and spanning the entire. More than 30 bars and restaurants across Santa Monica come together to offer food and drink specials to those with SMPC wristbands. The crawl features four routes spanning the entire city including the Santa Monica Pier, Main Street, Promenade and Wilshire Blvd. In celebration of the 10th annual SMPC, you will receive a complimentary beer and commemorative chalice courtesy of Stella Artois. Pub crawl participants are encouraged to dress in Santa/Holiday attire, so the streets of Santa Monica are filled with merry and good cheer. $20, $25/door ($15-$30/after party); Saturday, 5 pm; Santa Monica, CA
NoMad Holiday Spectacular
NoMad Los Angeles’ Coffee Bar celebrates the season with the return of its festive cocktail pop-up. The menu of “Naughty” and “Nice” cocktails includes the Partridge in a Pear Tree with spiced pear, sherry, verjus, honey and pommeau; Hot Buttered Rum; and a boozy Egg Nog with bourbon, rum, cognac and scotch. Guest bartenders will be making special appearances. Daily, 5 – 11 pm; 649 S. Olive St, Los Angeles, CA; 213.358.0000
Smorgasburg LA Holiday Popup on the Pier
Taste the best of downtown’s weekly Smorgasburg LA as over 70 vendors journey west to the Santa Monica Pier, including Goa Taco, Katsu Sando, Lobsterdamus and Ponchos Tlayudas, plus special pop-up vendors including New York’s Burger Supreme and more. Free; Saturday, 11 am – 4:30 pm; 200 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA
Bar Franca Fire Fundraiser
The recently opened Bar Franca is hosting a fundraising event for victims of both the Woolsey Fire and the Borderline shooting. You will receive two drinks and one raffle ticket with all sales, and proceeds from the event go to the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation and the Ventura County Community Foundation. In addition to the raffle, there will be a silent auction. $20; Sunday, 7 – 10 pm; 438 S. Main St, Los Angeles, CA; 213.935.8515
29Rooms
Refinery29 presents its fourth annual festival of style, culture and creativity featuring a diverse mix of talent coming together for a unique storytelling experience. New additions to the experience include Kesha and Lena Waithe, along with previous collaborators House of Yes, artist Carlota Guerrero, musical artist Cocovan, poet and activist Rupi Kaur and artist Uzumaki Cepeda. $39+; Through Monday; The Reef, 1933 S. Broadway, Los Angeles, CA
Echo Park Craft Fair
This popular homegrown arts and design event showcases the wares of over 120 talented local artisans. Shop for jewelry, clothes, ceramics, perfume and more in Silver Lake. $12; $20/weekend pass; Saturday & SUnday, 10 am – 6 pm; Mack Sennett Studios, 1215 Bates Ave, Los Angeles, CA