Here is a sampling of things to do in the San Fernando Valley and Los Angeles area, Dec. 15-22.
EVENTS
Las Posadas on Olvera Street: A pre-procession activity for ages 3-12 is a children’s pinata, 6:30 p.m. Dec. 16 (and nightly through Dec. 24, except cancelled if raining/floor is wet). The procession begins at the Avila Adobe, 7 p.m., Dec. 16-24 (a statue of Mary and Joseph are carried, Dec. 16-23; and Mary and Joseph reenactors, and with baby Jesus statue display on Dec. 24). Music from Grupo Rondalla del Sol, 6:30-8 p.m. Free sweet bread and champurrado given out after the procession. Location, 845 N. Alameda St., Los Angeles. Map of Olvera Street area: calleolvera.com. Details on the event here: www.olveraevents.com/olvera-street-las-posadas
Ventura Harbor Parade of Lights and Fireworks: “Out of this World” theme parade with decorated power and sail boats cruising the harbor twice, 6:30-8 p.m. Dec. 16-17. Fireworks, around 8 p.m. (weather permitting). Check website for booking cruises by Island Packers and Ventura Boat Rentals, and also other activities prior to the parade. Ventura Harbor Village, 1583 Spinnaker Drive, Ventura. 805-477-0470. www.venturaharborvillage.com
Winter Wonderland at Wildlife Learning Center: Enjoy seeing the rescued animals, the holiday lights decorations plus children may make an ornament at a craft table and take part in a scavenger hunt, 5:30-8:30 p.m. Dec. 17-18. Other dates: Dec. 23; Dec. 31. Admission $18; $16 children. Reservations, required, are by time. The Wildlife Learning Center has been giving, since 2007, “displaced, rescued, and zoo-born wild animals a home” (read more on the website). Location, 16027 Yarnell St., Sylmar. 818-362-8711. www.wildlifelearningcenter.org
Toy Giveaway: Production Club, and its non-profit arm MásForMore, hold their 3rd annual event that also includes a DJ, snow machine, plant-based food and Santa Claus, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Dec. 18. Children, ages three-months to 16, receive a toy and also a book (in choice of English, Spanish or simplified Chinese). Production Club, 1726 N. Spring St., (Chinatown), Los Angeles. www.masformore.org
Lanterman House – Holiday Open House: The event includes craft tables to create an ornament, a boutique with handcrafted art, ceramics and other gifts for sale, holiday music, 1-4 p.m. Dec. 18. The event at the 1915-built house, decorated for the holidays, also includes a special display by the Glendale Model Railroad Society of HO model trains, and the Santa Anita A’s show their vintage cars. Free admission. Location, 4420 Encinas Drive, La Cañada Flintridge. Details: bit.ly/3FqKtDf
Hanukkah Festival at the Skirball Center: The event includes music from Mostly Kosher and DJ Callie Ryan, the Hanukkah story told through a puppet theater performance, latkes and jelly doughnuts and a hanukkiah lighting, 2-5:30 p.m. Dec. 18. Admission $18; $15 seniors and full-time students; $13 ages 2-12. Reservations recommended in advance (walk-ups are first come-first served). 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles. 310-440-4500. skirball.org. Details and to purchase admission: bit.ly/3VAZZ6t
Hanukkah Menorah Lighting: Chabad of Toluca Lake holds the event that includes LED Robot Dancers and Hanukkah treats, 4:30 p.m. Dec. 18. Location, parking lot at Wells Fargo Bank, 10225 Riverside Drive (corner of Forman Avenue and Riverside), Toluca Lake. Register to attend: www.chabadoftolucalake.com
Hanukkah Menorah Lighting at Palisades Village: Chabad of Pacific Palisades co-present the event, with Caruso, that includes blessings, the lighting of the first candle for the first night of Hanukkah plus music and Hanukkah food treats, 5 p.m. Dec. 18. Menorah lighting at 6 p.m. Location, 15225 Palisades Village Lane (event is on Swarthmore Avenue), Pacific Palisades. palisadesvillageca.com/events/menorah-lighting; www.facebook.com/ChabadPalisades/
Hanukkah in the Foothills: The community is invited to learn about Hanukkah, the Jewish Festival of Lights, with candle lighting, food, games and music, 5 p.m. Dec. 19. Location, New Hope Community Church, 10438 Oro Vista Ave., Sunland. www.facebook.com/hanukkahinthefoothills/
Hanukkah at the Shoppes – Westlake Village: Chabad of Conejo presents the event with a Grand Menorah lighting, a circus act, children’s activities, Hanukkah treats and live music by Jimmy Gamliel and Yossi Levy, 5:30 p.m. Dec. 19. Location, 30770 Russell Ranch Road. shoppesatwestlakevillage.com/events. www.facebook.com/JewishAcademy
Chabad of the Valley Hanukkah at Universal City Walk: Celebrate Hanukkah with music by Yerachmiel Begun and the Miami Boys Choir and a hanukkiah candle lighting, 6-9 p.m. Dec. 19. Location, 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City. Details: bit.ly/3W2NOih
Hanukkah Menorah Lighting at The Grove: Village Synagogue leads the blessings for the third night of Hanukkah and lighting the menorah, 5:30-7 p.m. Dec. 20. Special guests: Holocaust survivor Joseph Alexander; Montana Tucker; and a performance by Nissim Black. Hanukkah food treats and a “gentle snowfall” are also on the schedule. Location, near the fountain at the shopping center, 189 The Grove Drive, Los Angeles. 323-900-8080. thegrovela.com/events/menorah-lighting; www.facebook.com/villagesynagogue
Hanukkah Menorah Lighting at Westfield Topanga-The Village: Chabad of West Hills hosts the event that includes Hanukkah blessings, lighting candles for the third night of Hanukkah and Hanukkah treats, 5:30 p.m. Dec. 20. Event is within The Village area, Topanga Canyon and Victory boulevards, Woodland Hills. Details: bit.ly/3W2e9xG
Winter Solstice Sunrise Ceremony: The event begins promptly at 7 a.m. Dec. 21. Gates open, 6:45 a.m. Sunrise is at 6:57 a.m. The event also includes an acorn-gathering demonstration (8:30 a.m.) and a self-guided nature walk (9 a.m.). Event ends at 10 a.m. Hosted by: Fernandeño Tataviam Band of Mission Indians and the LADWP. No pets, smoking or drones allowed. Use entry gate at Valley Circle Boulevard (west of Plummer Street). Chatsworth Nature Preserve. www.tataviam-nsn.us/winter-solstice-gathering
Hanukkah Menorah Lighting at the Commons at Calabasas: The Calabasas Shul leads the event with blessings and lighting candles for the fourth night of Hanukkah, 4:30 p.m. Dec. 21. The event also includes activities for children, music and Hanukkah food treats. Location, 4799 Commons Way, Calabasas. 818-637-8922. www.shopcommons.com/events/menorah-lighting/
Hanukkah on the Boulevard – Encino Courtyard: Chabad of the Valley presents the event with lighting a hanukkiah, craft activities, Hanukkah treats and music, 5-7 p.m. Dec. 21. Location, 17401 Ventura Blvd. (at Andasol Avenue), Encino. Make a reservation here: bit.ly/3FCEGeV
Los Angeles County Holiday Celebration: Mezzo-soprano Suzanna Guzmán and pro roller skater and choreographer Candice Heiden host the 63nd annual event that includes choir groups, dance performances and music from around the world, 3-6 p.m. Dec. 24. Tickets are free and are on a first-come, first seated basis. Line for tickets may form around noon and doors open at 2:30 p.m. Free parking in the Music Center’s parking garage. The show is also live on PBS SoCal and streaming on pbssocal.org and kcet.org. The Music Center’s Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, 135 N. Grand Ave., Los Angeles (encore presentations at 11 p.m. Dec. 24 and 6 p.m. Dec. 25 on KCET). Hotline: 213-972-3099. www.holidaycelebration.org
Hanukkah Festival – Ventura Harbor Village: Chabad of — Camarillo, Ojai, Oxnard, Ventura — co-host the celebration that includes a Judaica boutique, latkes, music, snow play for children (bring gloves/mittens), ice sculpting demonstration on an ice menorah, 2:30-4:30 p.m. Dec. 25. The lighting of a 6-ft. ice menorah, 4 p.m. Location, 1583 Spinnaker Drive, Ventura. www.venturaharborvillage.com/event/chanukah-festival-at-the-harbor/
People of Color Kwanzaa Gwardie Parade and Celebration: The 46th annual parade begins, 11 a.m. Dec. 26. The parade and festival theme is “Kila Kitu (Everything) Kwanzaa.” Parade route: Adams and Crenshaw boulevards, south on Crenshaw for two-miles, ends at Leimert Park, 43rd Place and Degnan Avenue. The festival, at Leimert Park, includes dance and music performances and a vendor marketplace. The producer of the long-running event is R.W. Akile, founder of People of Color. Honorees for 2022: Torre Brannon Reece, founder and director of The Family, as Oba (King) and Crystal Mitchell, co-direcotr of RBD, as Iyada (Queen). 323-799-8409 or 323-403-7310. Details: bit.ly/3uSinM5
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 $139; $299 “Universal Express” option (click on the EVE tab for tickets for Dec. 31: bit.ly/3VVyiFs). Location, 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City. Details and to purchase admission: bit.ly/3VX0IyN
Grand Park’s NYELA: Ring in 2023 with music by DJs, live bands, art installations, dance performances and food trucks, 8 p.m. Dec. 31 to 12:30 a.m. Jan. 1. For the countdown to the new year, a 3-D lightshow projected onto Los Angeles City Hall, 11:55 p.m. Free. Rain does not cancel. Check website for what not to bring (including alcohol, chairs and umbrellas; see more rules here: grandparkla.org/visit). Location: Grand Park (200 N. Grand Ave., Los Angeles) to the Music Center Plaza 135 N. Grand Avenue). Updates: www.facebook.com/grandparklosangeles. Details on performers: grandparkla.org/event/grand-parks-nyela/
The Groundlings – New Year’s Eve Spectacular: Improv, live band, hors d’oeuvres, beer/wine and a champagne toast, 9 p.m. Dec. 31. Show starts, 10 p.m. Minimum age: 21. Must provide a same-day Covid test for entry. Tickets $100 (includes “happy hour” before the show and the champagne toast). Location, 7307 Melrose Ave., West Hollywood. 323-934-4747. groundlings.com/shows/new-years-eve-spectacular
Prohibition NYE: A “Roaring Twenties” theme New Year Eve’s party, 9 p.m. Dec. 31 to 2 a.m. Jan. 1, 2023. The DJ duo Neil Frances performs, along with jazz ensemble Lyndsay & the All-Nighters, and the burlesque troupe Concrete Entertainment. Minimum age: 21. Required dress code: formal, or 1920s-inspired dress for women (see website). Event includes open bar. Tickets $195; $3,000 for a VIP table for four. Reservations required. Union Station, 800 N. Alameda St., Los Angeles. www.facebook.com/ProhibitionNewYearsEve. www.prohibitionnye.com
ONGOING EVENTS
Dinosaurs in the Valley: An outdoor, immersive walk-through to see life-size and life-like animatronic dinosaurs, extended dates through Jan. 8. Sensory-friendly session is available at 8 a.m. on Dec. 17 and 31, and also, Jan. 7. Admission is by timed-entry; must be purchased in advance online; daytime or nighttime options. Admission $24.99 plus fees. Check the website for information on additional activities for children; additional fee for each; to be purchased at the venue. Parking $10 plus fees (when you purchase admission). Frequently asked questions: bit.ly/3UXM61b. Pierce College, use parking lot entry at Victory Boulevard at Mason Avenue, Woodland Hills. www.dinosaursinthevalley.com/
Enchanted – Forest of Light at Descanso Gardens: An interactive one-mile walk-through display of lights including an area of stained glass creations, through Jan. 8. Purchase a timed-ticket in advance on the website (time frame, 5:30-10 p.m.; no tickets sold at the door). Admission $38-$40 (children under age two are free but must also have a ticket). 1418 Descanso Drive, La Cañada Flintridge. www.descansogardens.org/programs-events/enchanted/
Grinchmas and Christmas in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Universal Studios Hollywood: Holiday fun with “Grinchmas” (bit.ly/3V2XHfW) and on the streets of Hogsmeade (bit.ly/3i2N8Ld), through Jan. 1. Directions and parking fees: bit.ly/3S1oUy0. General admission online: $104, California resident; $109 non-California resident; check the link for other admission options and passes (purchase here: bit.ly/3i4yUcS). 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City. www.universalstudioshollywood.com
Holiday Road: A self-guided walk-through to see holiday-theme installations plus a holiday bar (ages 21 and older), a souvenir shop and food trucks. Dates: Dec. 15-24 and 26-27. Tickets, sold by time and online only, $29.99/$34.99 (depending on date and time). No tickets sold at the door. Purchase parking pass $5.99 at the same time as admission. Details and rules here: holidayroadusa.com/faq/. King Gillette Ranch, 26800 Mulholland Highway, Calabasas. holidayroadusa.com
L.A. Zoo Lights – Animals Aglow: The self-guided walking tour returns with dazzling wildlife lantern displays through different landscapes, runs various dates through Jan. 22. Hours: 6-10 p.m. Rain does not cancel. Tickets $34/$39 ages 13 and older; $27/$32 ages 2-12 (higher admission is for premium nights; purchasing online is recommended). Check the website for details on “Family New Year’s Eve, 6 p.m. Dec. 31 ($100 for ages 18 and older; $75 ages 2-17; bit.ly/3EeQ4vU). Location, 5333 Zoo Drive, Los Angeles. www.lazoo.org/plan-your-visit/special-experiences/zoolights/
Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood: Take a tour of the working studio and enjoy seeing special attractions including sets from television shows. 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: 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Tickets should be purchased in advance and online: $57 (for Southern California residents); $69 and $59 ages 5-11 (for non-Southern California residents). Parking, $15, at 3400 Warner Blvd., Burbank (follow the signs for tour parking). 818-977-8687. 818-977-8687. www.wbstudiotour.com
ART
Launch Gallery: “Loci of Enchantment: New Works by Deena Capparelli” and “Concentrations: Oil Paintings by Todd Carpenter.” Artist conversation and walk-through, 4 p.m. Dec. 17. Gallery hours: noon-4 p.m. Thursday-Friday; noon-5 p.m. Saturday. Exhibits run through Dec. 17. Location, 170 S. La Brea Ave., Los Angeles. 323-899-1363. launchla.org/
Corey Helford Gallery: “The Last Unicorn: 40th Anniversary Group Exhibition” (Main Gallery). Opening reception, 7-11 p.m. Dec. 17. Gallery hours: noon-6 p.m. Thursday-Saturday; and by appointment. Exhibit runs through Jan. 21. Location, 571 S. Anderson St., Los Angeles. 310-287-2340. coreyhelfordgallery.com/shows/corey-helford/year:2022. coreyhelfordgallery.com. www.thelastunicorn40th.com/events/the-last-unicorn-corey-helford-gallery
Santa Clarita Artists Association Gallery: “Little Gems,” a group show with an emphasis on small works that are ideal for gift-giving. Participating artists: Bonny Butler, Sandy Fisher, Lynda Frautnick, Mardilan Georgio, Meryl Goudey, Jeanne Iler, Olga Kaczmar, LW Krebs, Shanna Lim, Cheri Marcovitch, Howard Marcovitch, Samantha Martindale, Laurie Morgan, Charlotte Mullich, Meressa Naftulin, Rene Smoller. Gallery hours: 4-7 p.m. Friday; 1-7 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. Exhibit and sale through Dec. 18. Location, 22508 Sixth St., Newhall. www.santaclaritaartists.org
Topanga Canyon Gallery: “Small Works Holiday Show,” from more than 30 local Los Angeles artists. Gallery hours: 1-7 p.m. Friday; noon-6 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. Exhibit and sale through Dec. 23. Location, 137 S. Topanga Canyon Blvd., Topanga. 310-455-7909. Email: info@topangacanyongallery.com. www.facebook.com/topangacanyongallery/
Nonaka-Hill: “Koichi Enomoto: Against the day.” Gallery hours: noon-7 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday; and by appointment. Exhibit runs through Jan. 21. Location, 720 N. Highland Ave., Los Angeles. 323-450-9409. www.nonaka-hill.com
Gagosian: “Jim Shaw: Thinking the Unthinkable,” opens Jan. 12. Gallery hours: 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday. Exhibit runs through Feb. 25. Location, 456 N. Camden Drive, Beverly Hills. 310-271-9400. Email: losangeles@gagosian.com. gagosian.com/exhibitions/2023/jim-shaw-thinking-the-unthinkable/
ONGOING ART
Sarah Brook Gallery: “Body Root,” group show with artwork by Maya Barrera, Jenny Blumenfield, Devra Fox, Sarah Gilfillan, Colleen Herman, Janine Iverson, Paul Lee, Jane Swavely. Gallery hours: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday; and by appointment. Exhibit runs through Dec. 17. Location, 5229 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles. Email: sarah@sarahbrookgallery.com. sarahbrookgallery.com/Home
David Kordansky Gallery: “Sam Gilliam: White and Black Paintings, 1975-1977” and “Jennifer Guidi: In the Heart of the Sun.” Gallery hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday. Exhibits run through Dec. 17. Location, 5130 W. Edgewood Place, Los Angeles. 323-935-3030. www.davidkordanskygallery.com/
Shulamit Nazarian Gallery: “Annie Lapin: Contours of the Vast,” paintings. Gallery hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday. Exhibit runs through Dec. 17. Location, 616 N. La Brea Ave., Los Angeles. 310-281-0961. Email: info@shulamitnazarian.com. www.shulamitnazarian.com
Regen Projects: “Daniel Richter: Furor II,” new paintings. Gallery hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday. Exhibit runs through Dec. 23. Location, 6750 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles. 310-276-5424. www.regenprojects.com
Brand Library & Art Center: The “50th Annual National Juried Exhibition of Works on Paper,” with art from 85 artists. Hours: 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday-Saturday. Exhibit runs through Dec. 30. 1601 W. Mountain St., Glendale. 818-548-2051. www.brandlibrary.org
Lowell Ryan Projects: “Richard Dupont: Self Medication.” Gallery hours: 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday; and by appointment. Exhibit runs through Dec. 31. Location, 4619 W. Washington Blvd., Los Angeles. 323-413-2584. Email: info@lowellryanprojects.com. www.lowellryanprojects.com; www.facebook.com/lowellryanprojects
Thinkspace Projects: “Ben Tolman: Unmode” (Gallery I); “Hanna Lee Joshi: What Is it You Seek?” (Gallery II); “Nika Mtwana: Protagonist” (Gallery III); “Carl Cashman + Oscar Joyo: Hybrid” (Gallery IV). Gallery hours: noon-6 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday. Exhibits run through Dec. 31. Location, 4217 W. Jefferson Blvd., Los Angeles. 310-558-3375. Email: contact@thinkspaceprojects.com. thinkspaceprojects.com
Kohn Gallery: “Alia Ahmad: A Meadow…from a dream” and “Jinbin Chen: Returnees.” Gallery hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday-Friday; 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday. Exhibits run through Jan. 14. Location, 1227 N. Highland Ave., Los Angeles. 323-461-3311. kohngallery.com
Nicodim Gallery: “Samantha Joy Groff: True Riches.” Gallery hours: 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday. Exhibit runs through Jan. 21. The exhibit is upstairs at the gallery, 1700 S. Santa Fe. Ave., Unit 451, Los Angeles. 213-265-7166. Email: info@nicodimgallery.com. www.nicodimgallery.com
William Turner Gallery: “Alex Couwenberg: Superglide.” Gallery hours: 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday. Exhibit runs through Feb. 11. Location, 2525 Michigan Ave., Site E-1, Santa Monica. 310-453-0909. Email: info@williamturnergallery.com. www.williamturnergallery.com
Artist Co-Op 7: “Windows of Our Minds,” group show on the natural world by local artists Rosemary Altshuler, Adria Becker, Selina Cheng, Karen Alpert Entous, Denise Yarfitz-Pierre. Hours: 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Monday-Friday (closed on Saturday-Sunday). Exhibit runs through March 27. Encino Terrace Lobby Gallery, 15821 Ventura Blvd., Encino. www.co-op7.org
BOOKS
Book Soup: Todd Hughes discusses “Lunch with Lizabeth,” 7 p.m. Dec. 15. Steven Rosen discusses and signs “Tonechaser – Understanding Edward: My 26-Year Journey with Edward Van Halen,” 7 p.m. Jan. 9. Peter Blauner discusses his novel “Picture in the Sand,” 7 p.m. Jan. 10. Michael Wohl discusses his novel “In Herschel’s Wake,” 7 p.m. Jan. 11. Julie D. Summers discusses “Off My Knees, A True Story – From Skid Row to Sunset Boulevard,” 7 p.m. Jan. 13. The bookstore is located at 8818 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood. 310-659-3110. www.booksoup.com
Autobooks-Aerobooks: Brian Clune discusses and signs “California’s Haunted Route 66” and “Haunted Southern California,” 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Dec. 17. Place an order for a signed book in advance. 2900 W. Magnolia Blvd., Burbank. 818-845-0707. www.autobooks-aerobooks.com
CHARITY
LA Sanitation and Environment’s City Facilities Recycling Program’s Blankets and Socks Drive: Donations of new or gently-used (washed and clean) blankets, sleeping bags, quilts and socks are being accepted now through Dec. 30. Items may be donated, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday (however, locations will be closed on Dec. 26 (Christmas observed day for LA Sanitation). Two locations in the San Fernando Valley: East Valley District Yard, 11050 Pendelton St., Sun Valley, and West Valley District Yard, 8840 Vanalden Ave., Northridge. See other drop-off locations on the website. 213-485-2260. Email: san.cfrp@lacity.org. lacitysan.org
COMEDY
The Groundlings – Cozy Winter Cabin: A holiday show open. The cast includes Sam Desurra, Chris Kleckner, Laird Macintosh, Karen Maruyama, Jessica Pohly, Jay Renshaw, Annie Sertich. The show is directed by Chris Eckert. Show runs 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. Dec. 16-17. Tickets $22 and up. Groundlings Theatre, 7307 Melrose Ave., West Hollywood. 323-934-4747. groundlings.com/shows/cozy-winter-cabin
Warhol Kaufman: 10 p.m. Dec. 17 ($20). Also, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 28 ($15; bit.ly/3VYWQxr). Two-drink minimum. Comedy Chateau, 4615 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood. www.thecomedychateau.com/
DANCE
Pacific Ballet Dance Theatre: Performance of “Joys of the Season” with selections of family-friendly holiday classics including “The Nutcracker,” “The Little Match Girl” and “The Skater’s Waltz,” 8 p.m. Dec. 10; 2:30 p.m. Dec. 11. Tickets $45, $55, $65. Lisa Smith Wengler Center for the Arts, Smothers Theatre, Pepperdine University, 24255 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu. 310-506-4851. arts.pepperdine.edu/events/community-events.htm
Los Angeles Ballet: “The Nutcracker,” 8 p.m. Dec. 16; noon and 5 p.m. Dec. 17-18. Tickets $38 and up. Royce Hall at UCLA, 10745 Dickson Court, Westwood. losangelesballet.org; bit.ly/37h7xlP
Los Angeles Ballet: “The Nutcracker,” with the Los Angeles Ballet Orchestra, 2 p.m. Dec. 22; 2 and 8 p.m. Dec. 23; noon Dec. 24; 2 p.m. Dec. 26. Tickets $50 and up. Dolby Theatre, 6801 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood. Details and to purchase tickets: bit.ly/3CLOwcV
DISCUSSION
Alton Brown Live – Beyond the Eats – The Holiday Variant: Brown, the host of the scientific cooking show “Good Eats,” presents an entertaining and interactive food show, 7 p.m. Dec. 19. Tickets $46 and up; a VIP experience, $156, includes a before-the-show Q&A with Brown, first access to his tour’s merchandise for sale and premium seating. The Soraya at CSUN, 18111 Nordhoff St., Northridge. 818-677-3000. www.thesoraya.org. Details and to purchase tickets: bit.ly/3AfHjQI
MUSEUM
Discovery Cube Los Angeles: New: “The Science of Gingerbread,” a display and a holiday experience (www.discoverycube.org/science-of-gingerbread). Ongoing special exhibit: “Thomas & Friends: Explore the Rails,” an interactive exhibit from the Minnesota Children’s Museum, through Jan. 16. Ongoing: Hands-on exhibits make science fun. Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Thursday-Sunday. Admission $15.95 ages 15 and up; $13.95 ages 3-14. 11800 Foothill Blvd., Sylmar. www.facebook.com/TheDiscoveryCube. www.discoverycube.org
Los Angeles County Museum of Art: Dec. 18: “Another World: The Transcendental Painting Group, 1938-1945,” through June 19. Ongoing special exhibits: “Objects of Desire: Photography and the Language of Advertising,” through Dec. 18. “Scandinavian Design and the United States, 1890-1980,” through Feb. 5. “The Space Between: The Modern in Korean Art,” through Feb. 19. “New Abstracts: Recent Acquisitions,” through May 29. “Pressing Politics: Revolutionary Graphics from Mexico and Germany,” through July 22. “Afro-Atlantic Histories,” with six sections including Maps and Margins, Enslavements and Emancipations, Everyday Lives, Rites and Rhythms, Portraits, Resistances and Activism, through Sept. 10, 2023 (the touring exhibit originated in Brazil). Plan your visit information here: bit.ly/2P3c7iR. Admission $20; $16 ages 65 and older and students ages 18 and older with a valid ID, free for ages 17 and younger (reserving/purchasing an advance, timed-entry online is recommended). 5905 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles. 323-857-6010. www.lacma.org
ONGOING MUSEUM
Academy Museum of Motion Pictures: Ongoing special exhibit: “Regeneration: Black Cinema 1898-1971,” through April 9. Timed advance admission tickets are available for the museum that explores the art and science of movies and movie-making. 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.” Location, 6067 Wilshire Blvd. (corner of Fairfax Avenue), Los Angeles. 323-930-3000. academymuseum.org
Autry Museum of the American West: Ongoing special exhibit: “Dress Codes,” a look at six fashion icons of Western style (cowboy boots, China Poblana dress, fringe jacket, blue jeans, aloha shirt, plaid shirt; theautry.org/exhibitions/dress-codes). Exhibit runs through Jan. 8. Museum hours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday. Admission $14; $10 ages 60 and older, ages 13-18 and students with ID; $6 ages 3-12. 4700 Western Heritage Way, Los Angeles. theautry.org
California African American Museum: Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday; 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. 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 Science Center: Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily (timed tickets are required). Admission is free to the center but there is a charge for special exhibits. 700 Exposition Park Drive, Los Angeles. californiasciencecenter.org
Forest Lawn Museum at Forest Lawn-Glendale: Ongoing special exhibit: “Bob Baker Marionette Theater: 60 years of Joy & Wonder,” through March 19. Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday. Exhibit runs through March 19. 1712 S. Glendale Ave., Glendale. 323-340-4782. forestlawn.com/exhibits-and-community-events/museum/
Fowler Museum at UCLA: Ongoing special exhibits: “At, Honor and Ridicule: Fante Asafo Flags from Southern Ghana,” through Feb. 12. “Visualizing Devotion: Jain Embroidered Shrine Hangings,” through March 26. Hours: 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Thursday-Sunday. 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. https://fowler.ucla.edu/
The Getty Center: Ongoing special exhibits: “Reinventing the Americas: Construct. Erase. Repeat.,” through Jan. 8. “Visualizing the Virgin Mary,” illuminated manuscripts, through Jan. 8. “Dutch Drawings from a Collector’s Cabinet,” 17th century drawings, through Jan. 15. “Eighteenth Century Pastels,” through Feb. 26. 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
The Getty Villa: Ongoing special exhibit: “Nubia: Jewels of Ancient Sudan,” through April 3. Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesday-Monday. Free admission, but a timed-entry reservation is required. Parking $20. Location, 17985 Pacific Coast Highway, Pacific Palisades. www.getty.edu/visit/villa/
Grammy Museum: Hours: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday, Wednesday-Friday and Sunday; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday. Admission $18; $15 ages 65 and older; $12 ages 5-17 and college students with ID. 800 W. Olympic Blvd., Los Angeles. 213-725-5700. grammymuseum.org
Hammer Museum: Ongoing special exhibits: “Picasso Cut Papers,” through Dec. 31. “Bob Thompson: This House Is Mine,” through Jan. 8; “Joan Didion: What She Means,” through Jan. 22. “Hammer Projects presents “Eric-Paul Riege: Hólǫ́llUllUHIbI [duet],” the Diné artist’s installation of woven sculpture, performance and video, through Feb. 19 (bit.ly/3g5BsqC). Hours: 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday. Museum admission is free. 10899 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles. 310-443-7000. Email: info@hammer.ucla.edu. hammer.ucla.edu
Holocaust Museum LA: Ongoing special exhibit: “9/11 Sculptures – Vignettes of Emotion by A. Thomas Schomberg.” Hours: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Wednesday and Friday-Saturday; 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Thursday. Admission $15; $10 ages 65 and older; free for students with ID. Free admission on Sunday and Tuesday. Admission is by timed admission ticket. 100 The Grove Drive, Los Angeles. 323-651-3704. Email: info@hmla.org. www.holocaustmuseumla.org
Italian American Museum Los Angeles: Ongoing special exhibit: “A Real Boy: The Many Lives of Pinocchio,” through Oct. 16, 2023. Hours: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday. Admission free; donations requested. 644 N. Main St., Los Angeles. 213-485-8432. www.iamla.org
Japan House Los Angeles: Ongoing special exhibit: “Life Cycles: A Bamboo Exploration” by bamboo artist Tanabe Chikuunsai IV, through Jan. 15. Hours: 11 a.m.-6 p.m. daily. Free admission. The museum is at Ovation Hollywood, 6801 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood. 800-516-0565. www.japanhouse.jp/losangeles
Japanese American National Museum: Ongoing special exhibits: “BeHere/1942: A New Lens on the Japanese American Incarceration,” photographs by Dorothea Lange and Russell Lee, with the exhibit created by Masaki Fujihata, through Jan. 8. “Sutra and Bible — Faith and the Japanese American World War II Incarceration,” through Feb. 19. 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 advance tickets required; no walk-ins). 100 N. Central Ave., Los Angeles. 213-625-0414. Facebook: www.facebook.com/jamuseum. janm.org
LA Plaza Cocina: Ongoing special exhibit: “The Legacy of Chocolate,” through April 30. The museum is dedicated to Mexican food and cuisine. The museum has a teaching kitchen and a store with culinary-related ingredients, cookbooks, decorative items and utensils used in making Mexican cuisine. Hours: noon-5 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday). Free admission. The museum is part of LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes. Location, 555 N. Spring St., Los Angeles. 323-397-8365. Email: cocina@lapc.org. lapca.org/
LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes: Ongoing special exhibit: “Arte para la Gente — The Collected Works of Margaret Garcia,” through June 11. Hours: noon-5 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday. Free admission. Location, 501 N. Main St., Los Angeles. www.lapca.org
Museum of the San Fernando Valley: Ongoing special exhibit: “Ritchie Valens” exhibit. Hours: 1-5 p.m. Tuesday; 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. Rancho Cordillera del Norte, 18904 Nordhoff St. (southwest corner of Nordhoff and Wilbur Avenue), Northridge. 818-347-9665. themuseumsfvnow.org/
Natural History Museum Los Angeles County: Ongoing special exhibit: “L.A. Underwater: The Prehistoric Sea Beneath Us,” an immersive exhibit that includes fossils from ancient marine life in the Los Angeles region. 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
Petersen Automotive Museum: Ongoing special exhibits: “Inside Tesla – Supercharging the Electric Revolution,” prototypes of Tesla vehicles, historical perspective and design study. “Andy Warhol: Cars — Works from the Mercedes-Benz Art Collection, ” through Jan. 22 (www.petersen.org/warhol). “Electric Revolutionaries,” custom electric motorcycles, through Feb. 26. “Hypercars: The Allure of the Extreme, Part II,” through May 14. Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. Admission $19; $17 ages 62 and older; $12 ages 4-17. 6060 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles. 323-930-2277. www.petersen.org
Rancho Camulos Museum: The museum is open for tours, 1, 2, and 3 p.m. on Sundays. Donation $5; $3 for children. Directions: from the 5 Freeway, take the exit to Highway 126, travel 3.5 miles west of the Ventura County Line. The entrance is on the south side of the roadway. The museum is two miles east of Piru. 5146 E. Telegraph Road. 805-521-1501. Email: info@ranchocamulos.org. ranchocamulos.org
Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum: Ongoing special exhibit: “An American Christmas Story,” through Jan. 8. Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. Admission: $24; $21 ages 62 and older; $17 ages 11-17; $14 ages 3-10. Purchasing admission in advance is recommended but not required (bit.ly/3f1Aecr). 40 Presidential Drive, Simi Valley. www.reaganfoundation.org
Santa Barbara Museum of Art: Ongoing special exhibit: “The Architecture of Collage: Marshall Brown,” through Jan. 7. Hours: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Wednesday and Friday-Sunday; 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Thursday. Admission varies (www.sbma.net/visit/planyourtrip). 1130 State St., Santa Barbara. 805-963-4364. www.sbma.net
Santa Monica History Museum: Ongoing special exhibit: “Broadway to Freeway: Life and Times of a Vibrant Community,” through Dec. 23. Hours: 3-8 p.m. Thursday; 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday-Sunday. Admission $5; free for ages 11 and younger. 1350 Seventh St., Santa Monica. 310-395-2290. www.santamonicahistory.org
Skirball Cultural Center: Ongoing special exhibits: “Fabric of a Nation: American Quilt Stories from the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston,” through March 12. Also, “Together for Good: Caron Tabb and the Quilting Corner” and Chloë Bass: Wayfaring.” Hours: noon-5 p.m. Tuesday-Friday; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. Closed for Jewish and national holidays (www.skirball.org/visit). Admission is by advance time-entry ticket for special exhibits, including “Noah’s Ark at the Skirball,” ($18; $15 seniors and students with ID; $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, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Dec. 17-18 (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. Purchase tickets: bit.ly/3kWHgjx; www.facebook.com/valleyrelics; valleyrelicsmuseum.org
Frederick R. Weisman Museum of Art at Pepperdine University: Ongoing special exhibit: “To Bough and To Bend,” exhibition of trees by 30 artists and the ecological issues that the art brings up, through March 26. Gallery hours: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday. Free admission. 24255 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu. 310-506-4851. Details: bit.ly/3B20jmD
Wende Museum of the Cold War: Ongoing special exhibit: “(De) constructing Ideology: The Cultural Revolution and Beyond,” through March 12. Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday-Sunday (wendemuseum.org/about-us/visit). Free admission. 10808 Culver Blvd., Culver City. 310-216-1600. 310-216-1600. Email: visit@wendemuseum.org. wendemuseum.org
MUSIC
The Canyon: Walter Trout, with Sandy Haley, 8 p.m. Dec. 15 ($39); Bee Gees Gold, a tribute to the Bee Gees, 8 p.m. Dec. 16 ($20); Berlin, with opening acts, Juliana Hale and Sullivan Grace, 8 p.m. Dec. 17 ($20); Queen Nation, a tribute to Queen, with Second Sight, 8 p.m. Dec. 31 ($20); New Year’s Eve Party with a DJ and dancing, 10 p.m. Dec. 31 ($20: bit.ly/3HCr8S1). Ticket price listed is standing room only; table tickets require dinner purchase. Check website for other ticket prices, added ticket fee, dinner options and reservations. 28912 Roadside Drive, Agoura Hills. 888-645-5006. wheremusicmeetsthesoul.com/canyon-agoura-hills/
Festival of Carols – Los Angeles Master Chorale: Grant Gershon conducts the chorale, with special guest tenor Jonathan Antoine, 2 p.m. Dec. 17. See the website for the scheduled program. Tickets $45 and up. Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. www.lamasterchorale.org/festival-of-carols
California Christmas: Entertainers include Terrell Edwards, Greg Adams and East Bay Soul and the Valley Youth Philharmonic Orchestra, 4 p.m. Dec. 17. Tickets $20. The concert is at Church Everyday, 17037 Devonshire St., Northridge. Details and to purchase tickets: bit.ly/3Hj8yy9
Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles: Performances of “A Motown Holiday,” 8 p.m. Dec. 17 and 2 p.m. Dec. 18. Minimum age for the theater: 5. Tickets $29 and up. Alex Theatre, 216 N. Brand Blvd., Glendale. 818-254-8456. www.gmcla.org. alextheatre.org/
Christmas Concert – On Earth Peace: The Chancel Choir and Orchestra perform, 2 p.m. Dec. 18. A pre-concert talk with actress-singer Diane Bates Burt, 1 p.m. She discusses the Christmas carols that her father, composer Alfred Burt, wrote and some of which will be performed during the concert. Free admission. Mask-wearing required. Concert is available to watch livestream on the church website. La Cañada Presbyterian Church, 626 Foothill Blvd., La Cañada Flintridge. 818-790-6708. lacanadapc.org
Musyca Children’s Choir: The choir performs its winter concert “Merry and Bright,” 4 p.m. Dec. 18. Tickets $20; $25 (plus fees). Shomrei Torah Synagogue, 7353 Valley Circle Blvd., West Hills. www.musyca.org
Los Angeles Master Chorale: Handel’s Messiah, conducted by Grant Gershon, 7 p.m. Dec. 18 ($65 and up). Handel’s Messiah Sing-Along, conducted by Grant Gershon, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 19 ($45 and up). Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. www.lamasterchorale.org
The Soraya: London Handel Players – A Baroque Christmas, 7 p.m. Dec. 18. Tickets $76. The Soraya at CSUN, 18111 Nordhoff St., Northridge. 818-677-3000. www.thesoraya.org
Holidaze Harmony: Terron Brooks and Kamilah Marshall perform seasonal and other songs, 8 p.m. Dec. 20-22. Tickets $60; $75. Garry Marshall Theatre, 4252 W. Riverside Drive, Burbank. 818-955-8101. www.garrymarshalltheatre.org/holidaze-harmony-2022
Melissa Errico – Evergreen Holiday: Two shows, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 21 (bit.ly/3XspEiU; bit.ly/3BhTKfn) and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 22 (bit.ly/3U19Hxi; bit.ly/3UKd8Zs). Tickets for either show, $30 and up. Minimum $25 on food or beverages. Vitello’s, 4349 Tujunga Ave., Studio City. 818-769-0905. www.facebook.com/feinsteinsLA. www.feinsteinsatvitellos.com
David Arkenstone and Friends: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 22. Tickets $35; $55. El Portal Theatre, 5269 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood. 818-508-4200. elportaltheatre.com/davidarkenstone.html
Walt Disney Concert Hall: Arturo Sandoval Swinging Holiday, 8 p.m. Dec. 23 ($43 and up); New Year’s Eve with the Roots, 7 ($69 and up) and 10:30 p.m. ($74 and up) on Dec. 31. Location, 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. 323-850-2000. laphil.com
Bank of American Performing Arts Center: Straight No Chaser, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 28 ($32 and up; Kavli Theatre). 2100 Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks. 805-449-2787. bapacthousandoaks.com/
New Year’s Eve at Feinstein’s at Vitello’s: Early NYE show with Andy Vargas (Santana) and bassist Benny Rietveld (Santana), 7 p.m. Dec. 31 (doors open, 5:30 p.m.; $75 or $95 VIP seats), and also, Late NYE Show with Andy Vargas and Benny Rietveld, 10:30 p.m. (doors open 9 p.m.; $95 or $125 VIP seats). Location, 4349 Tujunga Ave., Studio City. 818-769-0905. Details and to purchase tickets: bit.ly/3Wpsyo3
Salute to Vienna – New Year’s Concert: A celebration of music by Johann Strauss and his contemporaries, with dancers and singers and a full orchestra, 2:30 p.m. Jan. 2. The concert is inspired by the Viennese New Year’s Concert tradition. Minimum age: 5. Tickets $49 and up. Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. 323-850-2000. musiccenter.org. www.salutetovienna.com/concerts/los-angeles
THEATER
Promises, Promises: The Group Rep presents the musical comedy written by Neil Simon and music by Burt Bacharach and Hal David, based on the 1960 film “The Apartment” by I.A.L. Diamond and Billy Wilder, 8 p.m. Dec. 16. Show runs 8 p.m. Friday-Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday; through Jan. 15. Tickets $40; $35 seniors and students. Mask-wearing required. Lonny Chapman Theatre, main stage, 10900 Burbank Blvd., North Hollywood. 818-763-5990. thegrouprep.com. thegrouprep.com/show/promises-promises/
Irving Berlin’s White Christmas – The Musical: Canyon Theatre Guild present the musical with songs by Irving Berlin and story by Paul Blake and David Ives, and based on the 1954 movie about the adventures of two World War II veterans in the entertainment industry who try to help out their former military leader, 8 p.m. Dec. 16. Show runs 2 and 8 p.m. Dec. 17-18; 7 p.m. Dec. 21-22. Tickets $23; $19 ages 62 and older and 17 and younger. Location, 24242 Main St., Newhall. 661-799-2702. www.canyontheatre.org/whitechristmas
Christmastime Origins: Four musical radio plays about the origins of well-known Christmas songs, written by Julio Martinez, opens 4 p.m. Dec. 17. Show runs 4 p.m. Saturday; 7 p.m. Sunday; through Jan. 15. Tickets $25; $20 seniors and students. Mask-wearing required. Upstairs at the Group Rep, Lonny Chapman Theatre, 10900 Burbank Blvd., North Hollywood. 818-763-5990. thegrouprep.com/show/christmastime-origins-2022-23/
Space Oddity – The Ultimate David Bowie Experience: David Brighton performs a David Bowie concert, 8 p.m. Dec. 17. Tickets $60; $75. El Portal Theatre, 5269 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood. 818-508-4200. elportaltheatre.com/spaceoddity.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. 18 and 22-25. Tickets $35. Donate a new, unwrapped toy to be given to Aviva Family and Children’s Services (place in collection box in the lobby before the show). Whitefire Theatre, 13500 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks. www.santasia.com/tickets; www.santasia.com
The Illusionists – Magic of the Holidays: Amazing illusions, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 22. Tickets $52 and up. Bank of America Performing Arts Center, Kavli Theatre, 2100 Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks. 805-449-2787. Details: bit.ly/3Uj0SPL. bapacthousandoaks.com/
ONGOING THEATER
Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner?: Theatre 40 presents a play by Todd Kriedler, adapted from the screenplay by William Rose. Show runs 7:30 p.m. Dec. 15-17; 2 p.m. Dec. 18. Tickets $35. Theatre 40, 241 S. Moreno Drive (on the campus of Beverly Hills High School), Beverly Hills. 310-364-0535. theatre40.org
Little Red Riding Hood: Theatre West’s Storybook Theatre presents a musical retelling of the fairy tale with book, lyrics and music by Lloyd J. Schwartz. Show runs 1 p.m. Saturday through Jan. 28. The show will be performed in Spanish at 11 a.m. Dec. 17 and Jan. 21. No shows on Dec. 24 and 31. Tickets $15. Theatre West, 3333 Cahuenga Blvd. W., Los Angeles. 323-851-7977. www.theatrewest.org
Submit calendar listings at least two weeks in advance to holly.andres@dailynews.com. 818-713-3708.