Here is a sampling of things to do in-person and online in the San Fernando Valley and Los Angeles area, Dec. 9-16.
EVENTS
Gem Faire in Santa Barbara: International gem and jewelry dealers show and sell bead strands, crystals, fossils, minerals, loose gem stones, finished jewelry and jewelry supplies, noon-6 p.m. Dec. 10; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Dec. 11; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Dec. 12. Jewelry cleaning, repair and ring sizing available. Admission $7 (good for all three days); free for ages 11 and younger. Earl Warren Showgrounds, 3400 Calle Real. 503-252-8300 or email: info@gemfaire.com. www.gemfaire.com
Winter Wonderland and Toy Drive: North Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce holds the event that includes crafting activities for children, music and gift vendors, noon-4 p.m. Dec. 11. Craft beer from 8one8Brewing available for ages 21 and up. Build-a-Snowman Contest (separate fee to enter). Bring an unwrapped toy and take a photo with Santa Claus. Toys donations go to Los Angeles Police Department PALS and Child Care Resource Center for distribution. Location is at Rancho Cordillera del Norte, 9015 Wilbur Ave., Northridge. Email: nancy@nvrcc.org. nvrcc.org. www.northridgechamber.org/winter-wonderland
ByBlack Bazaar by American Express: A pop-up marketplace, curated by actress Issa Rae, that includes 16 local and national brands that are certified black-owned business, noon-6 p.m. Dec. 11 and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Dec. 12. Shopping: beauty, fashion, home and lifestyle. Location, 1005 Mateo St., (entrance on Bay Street), Los Angeles. ByBlack program information here: amex.co/3pCDwH5.
Little Landers Historical Society Holiday Party: Entertainer Franny McCartney is the mistress of ceremonies for the event that includes the Randy Van Horne Singers, a Christmas carol sing-along and refreshments, 1 p.m. Dec. 11. Free/donations appreciated. Parking available at the Elks Lodge (up the hill from the museum). Bolton Hall Museum, 10110 Commerce Ave., Tujunga. 818-352-3420. Email: littlelanders@verizon.net. littlelandershistoricalsociety.org
Marina del Rey Holiday Boat Parade: Fireworks show, 5:55-6 p.m. Dec. 11, followed by the parade with “Joy on the Water” theme decorated boats circling the main channel of the marina, 6-8 p.m. Grand marshals: Steven Krems, M.D., chief medical officer at Cedars-Sinai Marina del Rey Hospital, and Joanne Laguna-Kennedy, vice president of hospital operations and COO at Cedars-Sinai Marina del Rey Hospital ( Viewing areas include: Burton Chace Park, 13650 Mindanao Way, and also Fisherman’s Village, 13755 Fiji Way. Check website for parking ideas. 310-670-7130. www.facebook.com/mdrboatparade; mdrboatparade.org/
Holidays in the Village: A European-style marketplace that includes shopping for unique gifts, children’s activities, carolers and live music, European food and beverages including glühwein and craft beers, 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Dec. 12. Free admission and parking. Presented by the Rotary clubs of Westlake Village (Sunrise and Noon). Lakeview Canyon and Agoura roads, Westlake Village. www.holidaysinthevillage.org
Chatsworth Holiday Parade and Festival: The Kiwanis Club of Chatsworth presents the “Joy to the World” theme parade, 1 p.m. Dec. 12. Festival, noon-4 p.m., with arts and crafts and food vendors (Canoga Avenue between Devonshire and Mayall streets). Parade route: East on Devonshire Street from Topanga Canyon Boulevard to Lurline Avenue. Email: chatsworthkiwanis@gmail.com. www.chatsworthkiwanis.org
Ventura Harbor Parade of Lights & Fireworks: Watch the decorated power and sail boats cruising the harbor, twice, 6:30-8 p.m. Dec. 17-18. Fireworks around 8 p.m. (weather permitting). Check website for booking cruises by Island Packers and Ventura Boat Rentals. Check website for map of harbor and viewing spots. Ventura Harbor Village, 1583 Spinnaker Drive, Ventura. 805-477-0470. Updates: www.facebook.com/venturaharbor. www.venturaharborvillage.com; www.venturaharborvillage.com/parade-of-lights/
Los Angeles County Holiday Celebration: Mezzo-soprano Suzanna Guzmán and actor Brian White (“Monogamy”) host the 62nd annual event that includes choir groups, dance and music from around the world, 3-6 p.m. Dec. 24. Doors open, 2:30 p.m. (line starts forming around noon). Masks and Covid-19 vaccination proof/negative test proof required. First come, first seated. No obligation to stay the entire time. Free parking in the Music Center parking garage. Show is live on PBS SoCal and streaming on pbssocal.org and kcet.org (check website for repeat broadcast on Dec. 24-25). Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, 135 N. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. 213-972-3099. www.holidaycelebration.org
New Year’s Eve Fireworks Display in Marina del Rey: Watch the display, 8:59, and also 11:59 p.m. Dec. 31. Viewing places include Burton Chace Park (13650 Mindanao Way), Fisherman’s Village (13755 Fiji Way) and near the south jetty. Details: bit.ly/3EEPKoS. Updates: www.facebook.com/VisitMarinaDelRey/
EVE at Universal Studios Hollywood: Party hubs with a different music theme, a countdown to midnight and fireworks, 9 p.m. Dec. 31 to 2 a.m. Jan. 1. EVE is included in all park admissions on Dec. 31. Tickets $134; “Express” options available. 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City. www.universalstudioshollywood.com/web/en/us
Prohibition NYE: A “Roaring Twenties” theme New Year Eve’s party, 9 p.m. Dec. 31 to 2 a.m. Jan. 1. Minimum age: 21. Dress code: formal, or 1920s inspired dress for women (see website). Event includes open bar, burlesque dancers, DJ Cut/Copy and a live jazz ensemble. Tickets $195; VIP package $2,500. Reservations required. Union Station, 800 N. Alameda St., Los Angeles. www.prohibitionnye.com
Rose Parade Excursion: The City of Agoura Hills Department of Community Services offers a bus trip to the 133rd annual Rose Parade with reserved bleacher seats (at 1630 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena), 6 a.m. Jan. 1. Fee $100 (no refunds; rain or shine). Reservations and payment required in advance. Bus leaves from the Agoura Hills City Hall, 30001 Ladyface Court. Purchase tickets: Agoura Hills Recreation & Event Center, 29900 Ladyface Court; phone, 818-597-7361; or bit.ly/3y7GfMu
ONGOING EVENTS
Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood: Take a tour of the working studio and enjoy seeing special attractions including sets from the television shows “The Big Bang Theory” and “Friends.” Minimum age 5 (children ages 4 and younger are not allowed). Also, ages 18 and older must show a valid government-issued photo ID. Hours: 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Thursday-Monday. Tickets must be purchased in advance and online: $57 (for Southern California residents through Dec. 24); $69 and up (non-Southern California residents). Parking, $15, at 3400 Warner Blvd., Burbank (follow the signs for tour parking). (Tour site is at 3400 W. Riverside Drive, Burbank.) 818-977-8687. 818-977-8687. www.wbstudiotour.com
Dodgers Holiday Festival: The event includes light displays, interactive light installation, including light tunnels, ice skating and photos with Santa Claus, through Dec. 31 (with some dates excluded). Hours: 5-10 p.m. weekdays; 3-10 p.m. weekends. Admission must be purchased in advance and is by time. Admission $16 and up. Special activities are also by time and must be purchased in advance: ice skating $20; photos with Santa Claus in the bullpen, $40. Parking $12 online or $15 at the gate; $20 preferred parking. Entry for parking is through Sunset Gate A. Dodger Stadium, 1000 Vin Scully Ave., Los Angeles. Details, important facts and to purchase admission here: atmlb.com/3HLKgux
Holiday Road: The event returns as a self-guided walk-through to see holiday-theme installations including Christmas tree forests, Gingerbread Lane, North Pole and Elf Village, plus light tunnels, Santa and Mrs. Claus, gift shop and food trucks, 5-10 p.m. Tickets, sold by time and online only, $34.99 and up (depending on date and time; no tickets sold at the door; purchase parking pass $9.99 at the same time as admission). Details and rules here: holidayroadusa.com/faq/. Event runs through Dec. 31. King Gillette Ranch, 26800 Mulholland Highway, Calabasas. www.holidayroadusa.com
Immersive Van Gogh Exhibit: The walk-through digital art exhibit with well-known works of Vincent van Gogh, through Jan. 2. The exhibit was conceived and designed by Massimiliano Siccardi and the soundtrack by Luca Longobardi. Tickets $39.99 and up for adults; $29.99 children (tickets have added fees; price depends on peak and off-peak times and dates). Viewer discretion: sequences of bright flashing lights. The exhibit is at the former Amoeba Music building, 6400 Sunset Blvd., Hollywood. www.vangoghla.com
Santa’s Speedway Christmas Lights Drive-Thru: Irwindale Speedway and Mobile Illumination present the event with theme-area dazzling light displays including “Camping Christmas Land,” “Christmas Under the Sea” and “Santa’s Village,” three, full-light tunnels and a 110 ft. tall “Tree of Lights.” Purchase timed tickets through Jan. 2. Admission per car $59 on non-peak nights; $75 on peak nights (all passengers must be wearing a seat belt). 500 Speedway Drive, Irwindale. 626-358-1100. Updates on Facebook: www.facebook.com/SantasSpeedway. www.santasspeedway.com
Enchanted – Forest of Light at Descanso Gardens: An interactive one-mile walk-through display of lights including an area of stained glass creations. Event is rain or shine through Jan. 9. Purchase a timed-ticket in advance on the website (time frame, 5:30-10 p.m.; no tickets sold at the door). Admission $32-$35 (children under age two are free but must also have a ticket). 1418 Descanso Drive, La Cañada Flintridge. www.descansogardens.org/programs-events/enchanted/
L.A. Zoo Lights: The self-guided walking tour returns with dazzling light displays including a disco ball forest, a twinkle tunnel and an interactive display where lights respond to guests’ voices. Hours: 6-10 p.m. through Jan. 9 (no shows on Dec. 24-25). Rain does not cancel. Tickets $22/$24 ages 13 and older; $16/$17 ages 2-12 (higher admission is for premium nights; purchasing online is recommended). 5333 Zoo Drive, Los Angeles. www.lazoo.org/plan-your-visit/special-experiences/zoolights/
The 90s Experience: A pop-up, limited time, immersive experience from more than 20 local artists who have created exhibits of the 1990s. Purchase a timed admission: noon-7 p.m. Thursday; noon-8 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday; noon-6 p.m. Sunday, through Jan. 30. Admission $29; $15 ages 3-17. Located at Westfield Topanga (across from the Lego Store and near Target), 6600 Topanga Canyon Blvd., Canoga Park. experiencethe90s.com
Mystic Universe at Wisdome LA Immersive Art Park: Immersive art across three domes with fractal, graphic, installation, meditative, projection and visionary art from artists Igor Baranko, Julius Horsthuis and Luminokaya. Hours: 4-10 p.m. Wednesday-Thursday; 4-6 p.m. Friday; noon-6 p.m. and 6-10 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. Event runs through January. Tickets $50 and up. Wisdome LA, 1147 Palmetto St., Los Angeles. wisdome.la/gomystic
ART
Yiwei Gallery: “Natural Women,” art from Shelley Jordan, Sasinun Kladpetch, Moeko Maeda, Ruby Yang, and curated by Yiwei Lu. Opening reception, 2-7 p.m. Dec. 11. Pop-up gallery hours: noon-6 p.m. Dec. 10-23. Exhibit and sale runs through Dec. 23. 1350 Abbott Kinney Blvd., Venice. Email: info@yiwegallery.com. yiweigallery.com
Topanga Canyon Gallery: “Featherweights,” small works from 40 regional artists. Hands-on demonstration of alcohol ink painting by Delbar Azari, 3-5 p.m. Dec. 11. Gallery hours: 2-7 p.m. Friday; noon-5 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. Exhibit and sale runs through Dec. 19 (noon-7 p.m. on Dec. 19), and also, for last minute shopping, 3-8 p.m. Dec. 21. 137 S. Topanga Canyon Blvd., Topanga (across the boulevard from the gallery’s previous address). Email: info@topangacanyongallery.com. www.facebook.com/topangacanyongallery/
ONGOING ART
Lowell Ryan Projects: “Lindsay August-Salazar – There’s No Place Like No Place,” large-scale paintings and works on paper. Gallery hours: noon-6 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday; and by appointment. Exhibit runs through Dec. 11. 4619 W. Washington Blvd., Los Angeles. Email: info@lowellryanprojects.com. 323-413-2584. www.lowellryanprojects.com
Galerie Lakaye: “From Haiti to L.A.,” with art by Haitian artist Mikerson Jean (works with recycled oil drums and found objects) and Black American Cola Smith (works with collage and ceramics with painted hand-made paper). Hours: by appointment only. Exhibit runs through Dec. 27. 1550 N. Curson Ave., Los Angeles. 323-460-7333. Email: galerie@galerielakaye.com. www.galerielakaye.com
Wood Symphony Gallery – Online: “The Art of Giving,” through Dec. 31. 818-720-7299. Email: info@woodsymphony.com. View the exhibit here: www.woodsymphony.com/art-of-giving-2021
Los Angeles Municipal Art Gallery: Three exhibits on view now, “Lukas Geronimas,” “Nevine Mahmoud” and “Vanessa McConnell.” Gallery hours: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Thursday-Sunday. Exhibits run through Dec. 12. The gallery is in Barnsdall Art Park, 4800 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles. 323-644-6269. Email: lamag@lacity.org. www.lamag.org/page/3/
Brand Library and Art Center: “A Century of California Women Artists,” celebrating 100 years of Women Painters West. Hours: 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday-Saturday. Exhibit runs through Jan. 8. 1601 W. Mountain St., Glendale. 818-548-2051. www.womenpainterswest.org. brandlibrary.org
Jo Mora – Mapmaker of the American West: See the exhibit of illustrated maps and ephemera at the Annenberg Gallery at Los Angeles Central Library. Library hours: 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday; 1-5 p.m. Sunday. Exhibit runs through Feb. 6. 630 W. Fifth St., Los Angeles. www.lapl.org/branches/central-library. More on the exhibit: bit.ly/3omWnHc
Where Do We Go from Here?: A public art exhibition in the Los Angeles Fashion District from artists who identify as women and people of color. Art includes: moving images from: Morehshin Allahyari, Olivia Gastaldo, Kesh, Moshtari, RaFia Santana; Janna Ireland’s “How Big Is the Earth” photographs printed on silk; Ginger Q’s neon green sign “EstamosAqui – We Are Here.” The exhibit is viewable 24-hours daily through March 1. 7MAIN, 700 S. Main St., Los Angeles. Fashion District website, fashiondistrict.org
BOOKS
Book Soup: Freda Payne discusses her memoir “Band of Gold,” online at 6 p.m. Dec. 9 (bit.ly/3I5fj4F). Sharon Gless discusses her memoir “Apparently There Were Complaints,” online at 6 p.m. Dec. 15 (bit.ly/3loUO9n). Spike Lee discusses “Spike” at an in-person event, 5 p.m. Dec. 19 (reservations are required in advance for this ticketed fee event; $59, plus fees, for one book and admission; $68, plus fees, for one book but two admissions; the event is at Zipper Hall at the Colburn School, 200 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles; details here: bit.ly/3E8Vmri). Hannah Kozak discusses “He Threw the Last Punch Too Hard,” 6 p.m. Dec. 28 (bit.ly/3oyuBr2). Register in advance for the Crowdcast events from the links. The bookstore is located, 8818 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood. 310-659-3110. www.booksoup.com
Authors Forum and Book Signing at the Hollywood Museum: Celebrity and best-selling authors sign books, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Dec. 11. List of authors here: thehollywoodmuseum.com/exhibit/authors-forum-and-book-signing. Book sponsors: Barnes & Noble at The Grove and Larry Edmunds Bookshop. Admission $15; $12 ages 62 and older and students with ID; $5 ages 4 and younger. 1660N. Highland Ave. (at Hollywood Boulevard), Hollywood. 323-464-7776. www.thehollywoodmuseum.com
Chevalier’s Books: Natashia Deón discusses “The Perishing,” online at 5 p.m. Dec. 14 (register in advance here: bit.ly/3rlO7c7). Purchase books at the store, 133 N. Larchmont Blvd., Los Angeles. 323-465-1334. Email: chevaliersbooks@gmail.com. www.chevaliersbooks.com
Autobooks-Aerobooks: Ed Swart signs “From Zandvoort to Daytona – 60 Years of Cars, Characters and the World’s Most Challenging Race Tracks,” 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Dec. 18. 2900 W. Magnolia Blvd., Burbank. 818-845-0707. www.autobooks-aerobooks.com
Diesel, A Bookstore: Antoine Wilson discusses and signs “Mouth to Mouth” 6:30 p.m. Jan. 11; T. Jefferson Parker discusses and signs “A Thousand Steps,” 3 p.m. Jan. 30. Masks required. In the courtyard, 225, 26th St., Santa Monica. 310-576-9960. www.dieselbookstore.com
CHARITY
Bob Blumenfield’s Holiday Drive: The Los Angeles City councilmember for District 3 holds a get-together and donation drop-off event, 4-7 p.m. Dec. 9. Donation needs: new, unwrapped toys; new socks; gently used jackets and blankets; hygiene projects; non-perishable canned and dry food. Event is rain or shine. Reservations requested here: tinyurl.com/cd3HolidayRSVP. Warner Park, band shell, 5800 Topanga Canyon Blvd., Woodland Hills. 818-774-4330.
Spread the Warmth Blanket and Socks Drive: The Solid Resources Citywide Recycling Division of LA Sanitation and Environment is asking for new and gently used (washed and clean) blankets, sleeping bags and socks to be given to homeless, through Dec. 30. Donations may be dropped off, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday (no drop-offs on Dec. 24). Locations include: East Valley District Yard, 11050 Pendleton St., Sun Valley; West Valley District Yard, 8840 Vanalden Ave., Northridge; North Central District Yard, 452 San Fernando Road, Los Angeles; West LA District Yard, 2027 Stoner Ave., Los Angeles (and three other locations). 213-485-2260. Email: san.cfrp@lacity.org.
COMEDY
Jason Love’s Comedy New Year’s Eve: Laughs from Don Friesen, Mary Gallagher and Jason Love, 7 p.m. Dec. 31. Tickets $25 (bit.ly/2ZE9XvU). Bank of America Performing Arts Center, Scherr Forum Theatre, 2100 Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks. 805-449-2787. bapacthousandoaks.com
DANCE
American Contemporary Ballet: “The Nutcracker Suite,” 8 p.m. Dec. 9-10; 2 and 5 p.m. Dec. 11-12; 8 p.m. Dec. 16-17; other dates through Dec. 24. Tickets $25-$140. Location, 926 N. Sycamore Ave., 6th floor, Los Angeles. https://us.patronbase.com/_ACBDances/Productions/4/Performances
An Irish Christmas: Kerry Irish Productions present dancing and traditional music, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 16-17. Tickets $50 and up. Bank of America Performing Arts Center, Scherr Forum Theatre, 2100 Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks. 805-449-2787. bapacthousandoaks.com/an-irish-christmas
Pacific Festival Ballet: The venue’s resident ballet company is joined by Gonzalo Garcia and Tiler Peck from the New York City Ballet in “The Nutcracker,” 2 and 7 p.m. Dec. 18-19. Tickets $32 and up (purchase here: bit.ly/3xgZqmM). Bank of America Performing Arts Center, Kavli Theatre, 2100 Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks. 805-449-2787. www.bapacthousandoaks.com
DISCUSSION
The Aging Landscape – Emerging Trends and Changing Perspectives: UCLA Extension presents a panel discussion on the topic, 1-3 p.m Dec. 9. Free. Register in advance for the Zoom talk here: bit.ly/3l2zFBS
Culinary Historians of Southern California: Baker and author-historian Genevieve Bardwell discusses “The Appalachian Tradition and Culture of Salt Rising Bread,” 10:30 a.m. Dec. 11. Free. Register in advance for the Zoom meeting (reservations close 24-hours before meeting): bit.ly/31iyPdt. Email: info@chsocal.org. www.chsocal.org
The Golden Age of Mexican Cienema: Art and cultural history lecturer Gregorio Luke discusses the topic, 6-8 p.m. Dec. 11. Tickets $9.58. Register here to purchase tickets for the Zoom presentation: bit.ly/3rOb3AL
Larry Janss – Back on the Ranch: The philanthropist and photographer discusses his family’s ranching heritage in the Conejo Valley and the eventual subdivisions of the property, 6 p.m. Dec. 16. Admission $15. California Museum of Art Thousand Oaks, at The Oaks, 350 W. Hillcrest Drive, second level, Thousand Oaks. 805-405-5240. www.cmato.org
MOVIES
Date Night Drive-In at Paramount Ranch – A Fundraiser: The event includes a guided tour, 4 p.m., followed by a screening of “Love Actually” (2003, rated R), 5 p.m. Dec. 11. Gates open, 3:30 p.m. Purchase admission in advance, $35 per car. Cash sales for gift items, popcorn and raffle. Proceeds go to rebuilding four historic structures that were destroyed in the 2018 Woolsey fire (the Paramount Project: bit.ly/3EeMC2Y). 2903 Cornell Road, Agoura Hills. www.samofund.org/datenight
MUSEUM
Fowler Museum at UCLA: New: “Aboriginal Screen-Printed Textiles from Australia’s Top End,” contemporary textile artwork and accompanying videos, through June 19. Hours: 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Thursday-Sunday (closed on Dec. 25 and Jan. 1). Free admission. Parking directions: enter from Sunset Boulevard at Westwood Plaza, turn left into the pay-by-space area of Lot 4 (198 Westwood Plaza). 308 Charles E. Young Drive N., Westwood. Details: bit.ly/3GuLCIy. Museum, fowler.ucla.edu/
Natural History Museum Los Angeles County: New: “Brilliance: The Art and Science of Rare Jewels,” through Feb. 21 (entry to the Gem and Mineral Hall will be timed; nhm.org/brilliance). The Ongoing special exhibit: “Becoming Jane: The Evolution of Dr. Jane Goodall, through April 17 (purchase tickets in advance here: nhm.org/plan-your-visit/nhm-buy-tickets). Hours: 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesday-Monday (closed on Tuesday). Admission $15; $12 seniors and students with an ID; $7 ages 3-12. 900 Exposition Blvd., Los Angeles. nhmlac.org
Holocaust Museum LA: Dec. 12: “Ruth Gruber: Photojournalist,” opening reception, 2-4 p.m. (reservations required here: bit.ly/3IAnFS4). The exhibit runs through April 13. Ongoing special exhibit: “Passports for Life,” an exhibit curated by the Pilecki Institute in Switzerland on how Polish diplomats helped to save Jews during the Shoah, through Dec. 15 (the exhibit is presented with the Consulate General of the Republic of Poland in Los Angeles; www.holocaustmuseumla.org/passports-for-life). USC Shoah Foundation’s “Dimensions in Testimony,” a virtual and interactive conversation with Holocaust survivor Renee Firestone. Free admission but reservations are required. 100 The Grove Drive, Los Angeles. 323-651-3704. Email: info@hmla.org. www.holocaustmuseumla.org
Los Angeles County Museum of Art: Dec. 12: “Mixpantli: Space, Time and the Indigenous Origins of Mexico,” through May 1; and also, “Mixpantli: Contemporary Echoes,” through June 12. Ongoing special exhibits: “Ink Dreams: Selections from the Fondation Ink Collection,” an exploration on the impact of ink on contemporary art, through Dec. 12 (bit.ly/397txly). “The Obama Portraits,” Kehinde Wiley’s portrait of former president “Barack Obama” and Amy Sherald’s portrait of former first lady “Michelle LaVaughn Robinson Obama,” through Jan. 2; and also “Black American Portraits,” through April 17. Tickets must be purchased in advance (no ticket sales at the museum). Plan your visit information here: bit.ly/2P3c7iR. 5905 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles. 323-857-6010. www.lacma.org
Discovery Cube Los Angeles: Ongoing special exhibit: “The Science of Gingerbread,” through Jan. 2. Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Thursday-Sunday. Admission $15.95 ages 15 and up; $13.95 ages 14 and younger. 11800 Foothill Blvd., Sylmar. www.facebook.com/TheDiscoveryCube; www.discoverycube.org
Petersen Automotive Museum: New: “Hypercars: The Allure of the Extreme,” through Sept. 22 (www.petersen.org/hypercars). Ongoing special exhibits: “Pole Position: The Juan Gonzalez Formula 1 Collection,” through June 5. “The Aesthetic of Motoring: 90 Years of Pininfarina,” highlights the Italian car design firm and coach-builder on their anniversary year, through July 17. Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. Admission $16; $14 ages 62 and older; $11 ages 4-17. All tickets must be purchased in advance. Check website for health and safety guideline for museum visits. 6060 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles. 323-930-2277. www.petersen.org
ONGOING MUSEUM
Academy Museum of Motion Pictures: Timed advance admission tickets are available for the museum that explores the art and science of movies and movie-making. Exhibits include: “Stories of Cinema,” “Backdrop: An Invisible Art,” “The Path to Cinema: Highlights from the Richard Balzer Collection,” a temporary exhibit of objects created by Hayao Miyazaki, the co-founder of Studio Ghibli and “The Oscars Experience.” Hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday-Thursday; 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Friday-Saturday. Admission $25; $19 ages 62 and older; $15 students; free for ages 17 and younger; $15 extra for “The Oscars Experience.” 6067 Wilshire Blvd. (corner of Fairfax Avenue), Los Angeles. 323-930-3000. academymuseum.org
The Autry Museum of the American West: Ongoing special exhibit: “The Silent West,” American West-theme posters from the silent film era. Museum hours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday. Admission $14; $10 ages 60 and older and students; $6 ages 3-12 (check website for current admission prices due to some gallery closures). 4700 Western Heritage Way, Los Angeles. theautry.org
Bolton Hall Museum: Ongoing special exhibit: “Tujunga’s Mid-Century Modern Homes,” through January. The museum is operated by the Little Landers Historical Society. Potential volunteers for the museum or to assist the society are encouraged to apply. Hours: 1-4 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. 10110 Commerce Ave., Tujunga. 818-352-3420. www.facebook.com/boltonhallmuseum; www.boltonhall.org
California African American Museum: Ongoing special exhibits: “April Bey: Atlantica, The Gilda Region” through Jan. 17; “Sanford Biggers: Codeswitch,” quilt-based artwork, through Jan. 23. “Rights and Rituals: The Making of African American Debutante Culture,” through Feb. 27. “LaToya Ruby Frazier: The Last Cruze,” the exhibit includes photography, a video and an architectural installation about the effects of the closure of the General Motors factory in Lordstown, Ohio, through March 20. Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday; 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday (closed on Dec. 25 and Jan. 1). Free admission. Check the museum’s Facebook for updates (bit.ly/3oq0tLa). 600 State Drive (in Exposition Park), Los Angeles. 213-744-2084. caamuseum.org
California Museum of Art Thousand Oaks: Ongoing special exhibit: “Gifted: Collecting the Art of California at Gardena High School, 1919-1956,” is open through Jan. 9. Hours: noon-6 p.m. Friday-Sunday. Admission free; suggested donation $6. The museum is at The Oaks, 350 W. Hillcrest Drive, second level, Thousand Oaks. 805-405-5240. Email: info@cmato.org. www.cmato.org
California Science Center: Ongoing special exhibits: “The Art of the Brick,” sculptures made with Lego bricks by artist Nathan Sawaya, through Jan. 2. Timed-ticket entry is required. The center recommends making reservations online in advance. Admission is free to the center but there is a charge for special exhibits. 700 Exposition Park Drive, Los Angeles. californiasciencecenter.org
Craft Contemporary: Ongoing special exhibits: “Pouya Afshar – The Charm of the Unfamiliar” and “Moffat Takadiwa: Witch Craft – Rethinking Power” and “Consuelo Flores: The Roots of Our Resistance, Altar,” all three through Jan. 9. Hours: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday. Admission $9; $7 seniors and students; free every Sunday. 5814 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles. www.craftcontemporary.org
Forest Lawn Museum at Forest Lawn-Glendale: Ongoing special exhibit: “Unveiling the Past – The Art & History of Forest Lawn,” the exhibit includes drawings, stained glass, maps, archival photographs and paintings, mostly from the museum’s permanent collection, through March 13. Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday. Free admission. 1712 S. Glendale Ave., Glendale. Museum, 323-340-4782. forestlawn.com/exhibits-and-events/museum/
The Getty Center: Ongoing special exhibits: “Hans Holbein: Capturing Character in the Renaissance,” drawings and paintings, through Jan. 9. “La Surprise: Watteau in Los Angeles” and “Transcending Time: The Medieval Book of Hours,” through Feb. 20. Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday. Free admission but a timed-ticket admission is required for now (bit.ly/2SbTzys). Parking $20 (www.getty.edu/visit/center/parking-and-transportation). Getty Center Drive at North Sepulveda Boulevard, Los Angeles. 310-440-7300. www.getty.edu
Japanese American National Museum: Ongoing special exhibit: “Miné Okubo’s Masterpiece: The Art of Citizen 13660,” original drawings from Okubo’s 1946 graphic memoir of incarceration in Japanese American internment camps during World War II, through Feb. 20 (www.janm.org/exhibits/mine-okubo-masterpiece). Hours: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday; closed on national holidays. Admission: $16; $7 ages 62 and older and children; free for ages 5 and younger (timed tickets required). 100 N. Central Ave., Los Angeles. 213-625-0414. Facebook: www.facebook.com/jamuseum. janm.org
Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum: Ongoing special exhibit: “FBI: From Al Capone to Al Qaeda,” through Jan. 9. Hours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. daily. Admission: $29.95; $26.95 ages 62 and older; $22.95 ages 11-17; $19.95 ages 3-10; purchasing tickets in advance is recommended but not required (bit.ly/3f1Aecr). 40 Presidential Drive, Simi Valley. www.reaganfoundation.org
Skirball Cultural Center: Ongoing special exhibit: “Star Trek: Exploring New Worlds,” the special exhibit includes a display of artifacts and props, costumes, set pieces, original scripts and storyboards from the original television series, spinoffs and films, through Feb. 20 (admission $18; $15 seniors; $13 ages 2-12. Museum admission is by advance time-entry ticket ($12; $9 seniors and students; $7 ages 2-12; www.skirball.org/visit). 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles. 310-440-4500. skirball.org
Valley Relics Museum: Take a trip down San Fernando Valley memory lane with an “Open Air Museum Experience,” 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Dec. 11-12 (choose other dates from the drop-down menu). Admission $15 and up. The museum is located at 7900 Balboa Blvd., Hangar C3 and C4, entrance is on Stagg Street, Van Nuys. bit.ly/3kWHgjx; www.facebook.com/valleyrelics; valleyrelicsmuseum.org
Wende Museum of the Cold War: Ongoing special exhibits: “Soviet Jewish Life: Bill Aron and Yevgeniy Fiks,” photography of Jewish communities in the early 1980s in the USSR, and “Questionable History,” a look at how people remember history over time, both exhibits run through March 20. The museum has a collection of Cold War art, artifacts, films and other materials from 1945-1991 Eastern Europe and the Soviet Union. Hours: 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday-Sunday (bit.ly/2YyzIx5). Free admission. 10808 Culver Blvd., Culver City. 310-216-1600. Online content: wendemuseum.org/content/wendeonline. 310-216-1600. Email: visit@wendemuseum.org. wendemuseum.org
MUSIC
Courtney Barnett: 8 p.m. Dec. 10. Tickets $39.50 and up. Theatre at Ace Hotel, 929 S. Broadway, Los Angeles. 213-623-3233. acehotel.com/going-on/courtney-barnett-2/
Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles: Perform “A Holiday Homecoming,” 8 p.m. Dec. 11 and 2 p.m. Dec. 12. Tickets $25 and up. Royce Hall at UCLA, 340 Royce Drive, Westwood. 310-267-4465. roycehall.org/calendar/details/1509
Los Angeles Jewish Symphony – Violins of Hope: Noreen Green conducts the orchestra, with violinist Lindsay Deutsch, 7 p.m. Dec. 12. Tickets $41-$109. The Soraya, 18111 Nordhoff St, Northridge. www.thesoraya.org/calendar/details/lajs-2021
Cameron Mizell and Charlie Rauh: Perform music from their latest album release “Local Folklore,” 8 p.m. Dec. 13. Tickets $10. The Yard Theater, 4319 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles. Cameron Mizell (www.cameronmizell.com). Charlie Rauh (www.charlierauh.com). Details and tickets here: bit.ly/31EcJCo
A Chanticleer Christmas: 8 p.m. Dec. 14. Tickets $41 and up. Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. 323-850-2000. bit.ly/3cmFmpn
Glendale Noon Concerts – Online: Violinist Yue Deng performs music by J.S. Bach and Eugene Ysaye, 12:10 p.m. Dec. 15. Free; donations welcome. 818-244-7241. Use the link to watch the concert from here: glendalenoonconcerts.blogspot.com
Take 6 – Christmas Show: The a cappella group perform various holiday songs, 8 p.m. Dec. 15. Tickets $25; $50. Smothers Theatre at the Lisa Smith Wengler Center for the Arts at Pepperdine University, 24255 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu. 310-506-4522. Details and to purchase tickets: bit.ly/3xjkjxv
CeCe Winans: The gospel singer performs a holiday show, 8 p.m. Dec. 17. Tickets $40 and up. Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. 323-850-2000. More Walt Disney Concert Hall events: bit.ly/3npDuCJ. Details on the show and tickets here: bit.ly/3lotM2b
Holiday Sing-Along: Performances at 11:30 a.m. (bit.ly/3co19wU) and 2:30 p.m. (bit.ly/3nnA7w6) on Dec. 18. Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. 323-850-2000. More Walt Disney Concert Hall events: bit.ly/3npDuCJ
San Fernando Valley Master Chorale: A concert “Holidays in the Valley – Caroling, Caroling” includes Benjamin Britten’s Ceremony of Carols and Jason Robert Brown’s Chanukah Suite, 3 p.m. Dec. 19. Tickets $25; $20 seniors, students and veterans (with an ID); prices are good until four hours before the show. Madrid Theatre, 21622 Sherman Way, Canoga Park. www.sfvmc.com
Arturo Sandoval Big Band Swinging Holiday: Holiday tunes Latin jazz style, 8 p.m. Dec. 21. Tickets $40 and up. Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. 323-850-2000. bit.ly/3r17IOr
The Doo Wop Project: Cool vintage and contemporary holiday songs, 8 p.m. Dec. 22. Tickets $40 and up. Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. bit.ly/3l3Pnwu
Straight No Chaser: The a cappella group perform their “Back in the High Life” show, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 30. Tickets $49.50 and up (bit.ly/3rDB9qr). Bank of America Performing Arts Center, Kavli Theatre, 2100 Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks. 805-449-2787. www.bapacthousandoaks.com
New Year’s Eve with Pink Martini: Two shows, 7 and 10:30 p.m. Dec. 31. Tickets $104 and up. Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. 323-850-2000. Details and purchase tickets here: bit.ly/30tKAwW
Music at the Wende Museum: San Julian Consort performs a concert “A Song on the End of the World,” inspired by the poem by Czeslaw Milosz and a reflection on silence, stillness and night, with music by György Kurtág and Kaija Saariaho, 8 p.m. Jan. 7. Museum tour and reception, 7 p.m. Two ticket limit; free; reservations on Dec. 14. More concerts through June (no concert in April). 10808 Culver Blvd., Culver City. 310-216-1600. www.wendemuseum.org/content/music-wende
REO Speedwagon: 7:30 p.m. Jan. 12. Tickets $62 and up (bit.ly/3pFMpkY). Bank of America Performing Arts Center, Kavli Theatre, 2100 Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks. 805-449-2787. www.bapacthousandoaks.com
THEATER
A Journal of the Plague Year: Write Act Repertory presents Williard Manus’s adaptation of the nonfiction work by Daniel Defoe about the 1664 plague in London. Show runs 8 p.m. Saturday; 3 p.m. Sunday, through Dec. 19. Minimum age: 10. Tickets $15 plus service fee online (www.brownpapertickets.com/event/5303690); $20 (cash only at the door). The Brickhouse Theatre, 10850 Peach Grove St., North Hollywood. writeactrep.org/los-angeles.html
Santasia – A Holiday Comedy: Whitefire Theatre presents the off-Broadway show of sketch comedy and music. Minimum age: 13. Show runs 8 p.m. Dec. 10-11; 3 and 8 p.m. Dec. 12; other dates through Dec. 25. Tickets $30. Donate a new, unwrapped toy to be given to Aviva Family and Children’s Services (collection box in the lobby; www.santasia.com/toy-drive). Whitefire Theatre, 13500 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks. www.santasia.com/tickets; www.santasia.com
A Magical Cirque Christmas: 7 p.m. Dec. 28. Tickets $50-$70 (bit.ly/3D8N1CL). Bank of America Performing Arts Center, Kavli Theatre, 2100 Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks. 805-449-2787. www.bapacthousandoaks.com
ONGOING THEATER
Miracle on 34th Street: Canyon Theatre Guild presents the play about a man who gets hired to portray Santa Claus at Macy’s – but could he really be the “jolly old elf”? Show runs 8 p.m. Dec. 10; 2 and 8 p.m. Dec. 11; 2 p.m. Dec. 12; and other dates through Dec. 23. Tickets $22; $19 for ages 62 and older and ages 17 and younger. 24242 Main St., Newhall. 661-799-2702. www.canyontheatre.org/miracleon34thstreet
Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Motown: Troubadour Theater Co. and Garry Marshall Theatre present the musical holiday parody. Show runs 8 p.m. Dec. 9-10; 4 and 8 p.m. Dec. 11; 8 p.m. Dec. 16-17; 4 and 8 p.m. Dec. 18; 8 p.m. Dec. 22-23. Tickets $75 regular shows. Garry Marshall Theatre, 4252 W. Riverside Drive, Burbank. 818-955-8101. www.troubie.com. www.garrymarshalltheatre.org
Christmastime Origins: The Group Rep presents four radio plays that concern the source origins of Christmas traditions. The company’s upstairs venue is turned into a radio station – K-GRT (no elevator). Show runs 4 p.m. Saturday; 7 p.m. Sunday, through Jan. 2. Tickets $20; $17 seniors and students. Lonny Chapman Theatre, 10900 Burbank Blvd., North Hollywood. 818-763-5990. www.thegrouprep.com
The Game’s Afoot (or Holmes for the Holidays): A whodunit play by Ken Ludwig set in a country house in 1936 during Christmastime. Show runs 8 p.m. Friday-Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday, through Jan. 2 (except, 8 p.m. Dec. 23, and no show on Dec. 24). Tickets $30; $25 seniors and students. Lonny Chapman Theatre, 10900 Burbank Blvd., North Hollywood. 818-763-5990. www.thegrouprep.com
Good People: A play by David Lindsay-Abaire about circumstances and the choices people make in life. Show runs 8 p.m. Dec. 9-11; 2 and 7 p.m. Dec. 12; 8 p.m. Dec. 15-18; other dates through Jan. 9. Tickets $35. Theatre 40, in the Reuben Cordova Theatre, 241 S. Moreno Drive, Beverly Hills (on the campus of Beverly Hills High School). 310-364-0535. www.theatre40.org
The Children: Lucy Kirkwood’s Tony-nominated play about two retired nuclear physicists living a quiet life in a remote cottage when a former colleague comes to visit. Minimum age: 12. Show runs 8 p.m. Dec. Dec. 10-11; 2 p.m. Dec. 12; 8 p.m. Dec. 13; other dates through Jan. 23. Tickets $25-$45. The Fountain Theatre, 5060 Fountain Ave., Los Angeles. 323-663-1525. www.fountaintheatre.com
Submit calendar listings at least two weeks in advance to holly.andres@dailynews.com. 818-713-3708.