Marina Lights
Marina del Rey kicks off its holiday season this weekend with the opening of Marina Lights. Enjoy the festive glow of Christmas lights in Burton Chace Park nightly all month long, with special free entertainment on Saturdays, including holiday movies and caroling. Saturday, 4 – 10 pm; 13650 Mindanao Way, Marina Del Rey, CA 90292
Wine Winter Wonderland
Join in the 4th annual Wine Winter Wonderland celebration at Hotel Constance Pasadena. This year, they’ve teamed up with the Pasadena Youth Symphony Orchestra and 50% of each ticket will be donated to the youth orchestra to help fund music education and personal development for young musicians throughout the San Gabriel Valley. VIP ticket holders will be treated to a private PYSO concert in the historic bluRoom from 6 – 7 pm. General admission features exclusive wine and food pairings in their festively-decorated lobby and outdoor patio. Expect small bites from top chefs, such as Pasadena’ star chef, Claud Beltran, plus local beer, wine and spirits. $100-$150; Friday, 7 – 11 pm; Hotel Constance Pasadena, 928 East Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91106
Hauser & Wirth Holiday Market
Celebrate the season with a two-day marketplace showcasing local makers, artists and performers. The market will offer handcrafted products and locally made wares, plus educator-led family workshops, and food from Sqirl and Manuela. Free; Saturday & Sunday, 11 am – 6 pm; 901 E. Third St. Los Angeles, CA; 213.943.1620
Grand Central Market Holiday Marketplace
Grand Central Market kicks off the season with the food hall’s annual Holiday Marketplace featuring a pop-up village of local artisans and purveyors. Participants include Bad Pickle Tees, Billy Kheel, Birch & Bone, Brown Bag Books, DTLA Gift Shop, Ink + Smog Editions, Los Angeles County Store, MADE by DWC, M.Greenwood Jams, Spread the Love and YA Living. Free; Saturday & Sunday, 10 am – 6 pm; 317 S. Broadway, Los Angeles, CA; 213.624.2378
Unique Markets Holiday Pop-Up
At Unique Markets’ pop-up, shop from over 300 independent designers, makers and brands, who’ll be selling home goods, clothing, bath products, gourmet edibles and more. There’s also free drinks, DIY projects, photo-booth portraits and gift wrapping. $15, $35/VIP; Saturday & Sunday, 10 am -5 pm; California Market Center, 110 E. Ninth St, Los Angeles, CA
Santa by the Sea and Christmas Tree Lighting at L’Auberge Del Mar
Santa by the Sea invites you to the Del Mar Village to see Santa, create holiday crafts including Rad Hatter Holiday Hats, write notes to be delivered to Santa’s workshop and enjoy cookies and hearty soups. Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch and Candy Land’s Mr. Mint will join in the fun. Bring a new, unwrapped toy to benefit children in need given through the North County Health Services. Free; Sunday, 3 – 5 pm, tree lighting at 5 pm; 1540 Camino Del Mar, Del Mar, CA 92014; 858.259.1515
Wreath Decorating Class at the Montage Laguna Beach
Montage’s wreath-making experts will guide you in the creation of your own beautiful fragrant wreaths to adorn your homes during the holiday season. Live greens, wreaths and decorations are provided. The rest is up to you to create the look they love best. Passed hors d’oeuvres and champagne will heighten holiday spirits. $195 (exclusive of tax and gratuity; complimentary valet parking included); Saturday, 11 am; 30801 Coast Highway, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Family Gingerbread Decorating at the Montage Laguna Beach
Led by the resort’s pastry team, Montage’s gingerbread house decorating class gives everyone in the family the chance to decorate a gingerbread home while enjoying beverages, hot chocolate, cider and light bites. You will take home your decorative masterpieces, a Montage apron and a cookie recipe for the family to bake during the holiday season. $55, $45/children; Sunday (also December 22), 10 am – noon; 30801 Coast Highway, Laguna Beach, CA 92651; reservations are required: 949.715.6420
Holiday Karaoke Kick Off
Sing in the Season with this family-friendly Holiday Karaoke Kick Off! Kids’ Karaoke is at 6 pm, then the adults take the mic, accompanied by a live band, at 7 pm. The song repertoire will include karaoke and holiday tunes by rock and roll favorites. After your set, use your newfound fame and glory for good. Join us at the Community Tree Decorating Table. Your creativity will adorn Christmas trees that they’re donating to the Union Station Homeless Services Family Center. Saturday, 6 – 9 pm; One Colorado, 41 Hugus Alley, Pasadena, CA 91103; 626.564.1066
Main Street Santa Monica Holiday Event
Join a festive night of carolers and holiday parties hosted by Main Street businesses. This annual tradition starts with a tree lighting followed by a walk led by Santa to the famous Shopping Cart Tree. Free; Saturday, 5 – 9 pm; California Heritage Museum, 2612 Main St, Santa Monica, CA; 310.392.8537
The Original Farmers Market Annual Hanukkah Celebration
Hanukkah, the eight-day Jewish festival also commonly known as the ‘Festival of Lights,’ begins at sundown on Sunday and there is no better place to begin the celebrations than right here in the heart of the Fairfax District! Starting at 2:30 pm, the Annual Hanukkah Celebration returns to the Plaza, featuring live music by Charlie Kramer, story time with PJ Library, entertainment, arts and crafts, the building of a giant LEGO menorah and a lighting ceremony. Community partners include Miracle Mile Chabad and PJ Library Los Angeles. While you’re there, there’s no better time to get all your holiday shopping done in case you may be hosting for this year’s Hanukkah festivities. Sunday, 2:30 – 5 pm; 6333 W.3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90036
Terranea Resort‘s Tree Lighting Ceremony
Celebrate the start of the season with Terranea’s annual tree lighting ceremony. Enjoy live musical entertainment and holiday crafts for all ages. The resort will accept donations of unwrapped gifts for Toys for Tots, and host a celebratory dinner at catalina kitchen afterwards. Take your little ones to sea beans for popcorn, holiday cookie decorating, and a visit with Mrs. Claus. Sunday, 5 pm; 100 Terranea Way, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275
Airstream Palooza
To celebrate Hotel Paseo—a newly awarded AAA Four Diamond property—opening the doors of its custom restored 1950 Airstream for overnight bookings, the recently opened luxury Autograph Collection hotel hosts Airstream Palooza, a music festival with all sponsorship proceeds benefiting the Family YMCA of the Desert. The fun-filled extravaganza features an Airstream show with classic restored travel trailers from various eras, as well as live performances by The Flusters, Fortunate Son, Fox Wilde, and headliner, multiplatinum-selling pop-rock band Pablo Cruise. Culinary offerings include AC3—conveniently located adjacent to Hotel Paseo—Casuelas Café, and Luna Grill, among others in addition to beer, wine, and cocktails. Sponsors include The Gardens on El Paseo and Berkshire Hathaway. Hotel: $349(+) per night (not inclusive of taxes and fees). Free; Sunday, 3 – 9 pm; Hotel Paseo, 45400 Larkspur Lane, Palm Desert, CA, 92260; 760.340.8001
Pumpkin Pie Fry Eating Contest
Great American Fries Co. co-founder Caroline Artiss tosses twice-cooked fresh potatoes in cinnamon sugar and sprinkles with powdered sugar for a sweet and savory treat. Topped off with house made pumpkin pie dipping sauce, the Pumpkin Pie Fries taste like a doughnut and funnel cake in one. Each participant will receive a monster-size Pumpkin Pie Fry, and the first to finish will receive a gift card to GAFC. Free; Friday, 3 pm (sign up starts 30 minutes before); 1601 Ocean Ave, Santa Monica, CA
Portals, A Photo Experience From Canon
Canon is putting a real camera in your hands. Professional photographers will available throughout this new pop-up to make sure you get the most out of your photos. Join in educational workshops and photo walks are also planned. Free; Open Monday – Friday, 3 – 9 pm, Saturday, noon – 9 pm, Sunday, noon – 8 pm; 1228 Third Street Promenade, Santa Monica, CA
Rooftop Cinema Club
Rooftop Cinema Club transforms into a winter wonderland with holiday favorites all month long. Tonight, it’s back-to-back screenings of Christmas classics Home Alone and Home Alone 2: Lost in New York. Sunday, 5:30 p.m; NeueHouse, 6121 Sunset Blvd, Hollywood, CA
Los Angeles Auto Show
Check out over 1,000 current models on display at this year’s L.A. Auto Show. Go vehicle shopping, get free test drives, experiencing the latest tech and explore an assortment of customized rides and exotics. Friday; Los Angeles Convention Center, 1201 S. Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA; 310.444.1850
CicLAvia: Heart of L.A.
Six miles of L.A.’s normally congested streets turn into a car-free park for a walk and bike tour through Chinatown, DTLA and Boyle Heights during this beloved open-streets event. Free; Sunday, 9 am – 3 pm; 213.355.8500
Wine Garage Sale at Mirabelle
Stock up on wine at Mirabelle’s Wine Garage Sale. In order to make room for new bottles, Mirabelle will sell its entire selection, including rare wines and current vintages, with bottles starting at $15. Sip and shop for wines and enjoy $2 oysters all night long. Friday, 5 pm; 12518 Burbank Blvd, Valley Village, CA 91607
