Here is a sampling of things to do in the San Fernando Valley and Los Angeles area.
EVENTS
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. 14. Location, Elk’s Lodge, 10137 Commerce Ave., Tujunga. www.facebook.com/hanukkahinthefoothills/
Target Wonderland Event at L.A. Live: Target presents “Bullseye’s Top Toy Adventure,” a pop-up, interactive exploration of toys for gift-giving, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Dec. 15-16. Brands include: Target’s 2023 “Bullseye’s Top Toys” plus Lego, Mattel and Nintendo. No toys will be sold at the event, but shoppers get ideas on toys and may scan the QR codes to make a shopping list for purchasing toys at Target stores. Free admission. Parking: East Garage (lot E), 888 W. Olympic Blvd.; West Garage (lot W), 1005 Chick Hearn Court. Location, outdoors at 800 W. Olympic Blvd., Los Angeles. Details about the event: tinyurl.com/mrxtd6nv
Los Angeles Rock Tours: Book an “insider’s” tour to see rock ‘roll’ roll landmarks, 11 a.m. or 2 p.m. Dec. 15-16. Tours are scheduled at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Monday-Saturday. Tour fee $65 and up. Details: losangelesrocktours.com/
Ventura Harbor Parade of Lights and Fireworks: “Hula Holiday” is the parade’s 2023 theme for the decorated power and sail boats cruising the harbor twice (each night), 6:30-8 p.m. Dec. 15-16. 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. Details and map of the parade route: www.venturaharborvillage.com/parade-of-lights-2023/
Los Angeles County Parks and Recreation’s Winter Wonderland: Snow play, noon-4 p.m. Dec. 16 at El Cariso Community Regional Park, 13100 Hubbard St., Sylmar. Free to attend. Check the website for other participating Los Angeles County Parks, 4-8 p.m. Dec. 15; and also, noon-4 p.m. and 4-8 p.m. on Dec. 16. parks.lacounty.gov/winterpad/
Wild Winter Day 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, Dec. 16. Admission $25; free for ages 2 and younger. Reservations, required, are by time, 3-4:30 p.m. 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
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). The procession begins at the Avila Adobe, 7:15 p.m., Dec. 16-24 (a statue of Mary and Joseph are carried, Dec. 16-23; and Mary and Joseph re-enactors, 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
Los Angeles County Holiday Celebration – Dorothy Chandler Pavilion: Mezzo-soprano Suzanna Guzmán and actor-model and disabilities advocate Danny J. Gomez host the 64th 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 9 a.m. 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 (an encore showing immediately after the live show, 6 p.m.). Encores on KCET at 9 p.m. Dec. 24; noon and 3 p.m. Dec. 25. Music Center’s Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, 135 N. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. Performers and details about attending and watching live and encores: www.holidaycelebration.org
EVE at Universal Studios Hollywood: New Year’s Eve event with dance party zones with DJs, special photo opportunities around the park, 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 $154; $309 “Universal Express” option (tinyurl.com/2p8htm8z). Location, 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City. Details and to purchase admission: tinyurl.com/bdzfwn7c
Noon Year’s Eve Los Angeles – Discovery Cube Los Angeles: Dec. 31: Make a reservation for “Noon Year’s Eve Los Angeles,” family event that includes a dance floor and music by a DJ, balloon drop at noon and 3 p.m., a New Year’s Eve activity and apple cider or ginger ale toast, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Tickets $22 for non-members; details and tickets for this event: (www.discoverycube.org/los-angeles/events/noon-years-eve). Location, 11800 Foothill Blvd., Sylmar. www.discoverycube.org. www.discoverycube.org/los-angeles/visit/
Gloria Molina Grand Park NYELA: Ring in 2024 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 is 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/
Prohibition NYE: A “Roaring Twenties” theme New Year Eve’s party, 9 p.m. Dec. 31 to 2 a.m. Jan. 1, 2024. Entertainment by Chromeo, a DJ set, along with jazz ensemble Lyndsay and the All-Nighters, and burlesque performers from Concrete Entertainment. Minimum age: 21. Required dress code: formal, or 1920s-inspired dress for women (see website). Event includes open bar. Tickets $195 (plus $34.17 fee); $3,500 for a VIP table for four (see details on VIP table on the Eventbrite link). Reservations required. No refunds. Union Station, 800 N. Alameda St., Los Angeles. www.facebook.com/ProhibitionNewYearsEve. www.prohibitionnye.com. Details and to purchase tickets on Eventbrite: tinyurl.com/49bybkv3
HOLIDAY SPECIAL EVENTS
Holiday Road: A self-guided walk-through to see holiday-theme light installations plus a holiday bar (ages 21 and older), a “Winter Market” for gifts, a souvenir shop and food trucks. Check the website for selected dates when Santa Claus visits, and also dates when charming, costumed carolers sing holiday songs. Event dates: Dec. 14-24 and 26-27. Tickets, sold by time and online only, $29.99 and up (depending on date; free for ages 2 and younger). No tickets sold at the door. Purchase parking pass $6.99 at the same time as admission. Details and rules here: holidayroadusa.com/faq. King Gillette Ranch, 26800 Mulholland Highway, Calabasas. holidayroadusa.com
Universal Studios Hollywood’s Grinchmas and Christmas in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Holiday fun with “Grinchmas” (bit.ly/3V2XHfW) and on the streets of Hogsmeade (bit.ly/3i2N8Ld), through Jan. 1, 2024. Directions and parking fees: bit.ly/3S1oUy0. General admission online: $109 and up, depending on date (for California residents); check the link for other admission options and passes (purchase here: bit.ly/3i4yUcS). Location, 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City. www.universalstudioshollywood.com. Details on Holidays at Universal Studios: tinyurl.com/5e64e356
Lightscape at the Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden: Step into an after-dark light-up world, a one-mile trail of art installations that celebrates the sparkle of the holiday season at the 127-acre Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden, on selected dates through Jan. 2. Timed entry begins at 5:30 p.m. and last entry time is 8:30 p.m. Santa Claus makes an appearance on selected dates. Tickets $29 and up (timed entry tickets). Parking is $20 (purchase in advance; match parking with the date of your admission ticket; parking is not sold on-site; arboretum.ticketapp.org/portal/product/257). Location, 301 N. Baldwin Ave., Arcadia. arboretum.org/lightscape
Enchanted Forest of Light at Descanso Gardens: An interactive walk through display of lights including an area of stained glass creations. Event is rain or shine through Jan. 7. Purchase of a timed-ticket in advance on the website is required for admission (time frame, 5:30-8:30 p.m.; no tickets sold at the door). Admission $45; $30 children (children under age two are free but must also have a ticket). Tickets are not refundable and cannot be rescheduled. Location, 1418 Descanso Drive, La Cañada Flintridge. Details and purchase tickets: www.descansogardens.org/enchanted-tickets
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. 7. New additions this year include “Winter Wildlands,” with snow-loving animals, and “Dazzling Desertscape,” with live roaming entertainment. Hours: 6-10 p.m. Rain does not cancel. Tickets $29 and up for ages 13 and older; $18 and up for ages 2-12 (higher admission on “premium” nights; purchasing in advance online is recommended). Check the website for details on special event nights including “Family New Year’s Eve, Dec. 31 ($90 ages 18 and older; $75 ages 2-17). Location, 5333 Zoo Drive, Los Angeles. www.lazoo.org/plan-your-visit/special-experiences/zoolights/
ART
If Memory Serves – Photography, Recollections and Vision – Honoring Aline Smithson: Los Angeles Center of Photography presents the exhibit and a reception, 6-9 p.m. Dec. 16. Free admission to the reception with a reservation; also, suggested donations. Gallery hours: 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday-Saturday. Exhibit runs through Feb. 24. Brand Library and Art Center, 1601 W. Mountain St., Glendale. 818-548-2051. www.brandlibrary.org. Details about the exhibit: tinyurl.com/pfenbwyz. Reservations here: tinyurl.com/yynuvvp3
Art Share L.A.: “Somos,” a group show curated by Fabian Debora, executive director of Homeboy Art Academy. Opening reception, 7-10 p.m. Dec. 16. Free to attend the reception, but make a reservation to attend (Eventbrite link: tinyurl.com/4hz83cky). “Somos” artists: Showz Art; Onni Arte; Fabian Debora; Ricardo Estrada; Jesse Fregozo; Ariana Melendez; Megumi Nakazawa; Rick Ortega; Giovanni Rubio; Obed Silva; Tonantzin; Esmeralda Villarreal.
Also, an opening reception for “Inner Links,” a group show from modern contemporary artists who create in Los Angeles County. “Inner Links” artists: Phoebe Clemens; Otha “Vakseen” Davis III; John Galan; Daniela Garcia Hamilton; Sara Janti; Paul Juno; Rebecca Laws; Perseus Lira; Randi Matushevitz; Elizabeth Munzón; Sara No Special Name; Cynthia Ortega; Steven Rahbany; REBORNZ; RERUN; Little Ricky; Nia Simone; Ramón Vargas; Matthew Weinberg; Zoxer. Gallery hours: 1-5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday. Exhibits run through Feb. 10. Location, 801 E. Fourth Place, Los Angeles. 213-657-4278. artsharela.org/exhibitions/
Thinkspace Projects: New: “Fandi Angga Saputra: UNEN-UNEN” (Main Gallery); “Oscar Joyo: Ubuntu” (Gallery II); “Antonio J. Ainscough: Chimera” (Gallery III); “Cheese Aron: Reflections” (Gallery IV); Berk Visual: Channel Surf” (Doghouse Gallery). Gallery hours: noon-6 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday. Exhibits run through Jan. 6. Location, 4207 W. Jefferson Blvd., Los Angeles. 310-558-3375. Email: contact@thinkspaceprojects.com. thinkspaceprojects.com
ONGOING ART
Shulamit Nazarian: “Ken Gun Min: Sweet Discipline from Koreatown.” Gallery hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday. Exhibit runs through Dec. 20. Location, 616 N. La Brea Ave., Los Angeles. 310-281-0961. www.shulamitnazarian.com/exhibitions/
Nicodim Gallery: “Joshua Hagler: I Would Not Speak of the Mountain.” Also, “Ho Jae Kim: Ode to Joy” (in the annex). “Xinyan Wang: Metamorphosis” (upstairs gallery). Gallery hours: 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday. Exhibits run through Dec. 22. Location, 1700 S. Santa Fe Ave., Los Angeles. 213-265-7166. www.nicodimgallery.com/exhibitions
Beyond the Streets and Control Gallery: “Exhibition 009: Under Pressure,” a group exhibit of contemporary airbrush curated by Mister CARTOON. Gallery hours: 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday. Exhibit runs through Dec. 23. Location, 434 N. La Brea Ave., Los Angeles. www.mistercartoon.com/about. www.beyondthestreets.com. www.control.gallery
Corey Helford Gallery: “Hikari Shimoda: Questions for Living in the World” (Main Gallery) and “Josie Morway: Course of Empire” (Gallery 2). Gallery hours: noon-6 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday. Exhibits run through Dec. 23. Location, 571 S. Anderson St. (enter on Willow Street), Los Angeles. 310-287-2340. www.coreyhelfordgallery.com
Regen Projects: “Glenn Ligon: Double Negative” and “Gillian Wearing: reflections.” Gallery hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday. Exhibits runs through Dec. 23. Location, 6750 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles. 310-276-5424. www.regenprojects.com
Tierra del Sol Gallery: “Taking Up Space,” the third annual exhibition of art work from Tierra del Sol’s Sunland and the Upland studio arts program and the first exhibit in its new gallery space. Gallery hours: 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday; and by appointment. Exhibit runs through Dec. 23. Location, 7414 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood. 213-625-0935. Email: gallery@tierradelsol.org. tierradelsolgallery.org
Hauser & Wirth: “Allison Katz: Westward Ho!” Gallery hours: 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday. Exhibit runs through Jan. 5. Location, 8980 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood. 424-404-1200. Details: tinyurl.com/bdfzkdfj
Michael Kohn Gallery: “Li Hei Di,” solo exhibit (Gallery 1 and 2) and “Faris Heizer: These days” (Gallery 3). Gallery hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday-Friday; 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday. Exhibits run through Jan. 6. Location, 1227 N. Highland Ave., Los Angeles. 323-461-3311. www.kohngallery.com/exhibitions-2
L.A. Louver: “Terry Allen: Juarez: Then and Now,” drawings and prints, and “Matt Wedel: Pictures in the Garden” and “Red,” a group show by 15 artists on the color of red. Gallery hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday; and by appointment (call to confirm hours). The group exhibit “Red” runs through Dec. 29; the two other exhibits run through Jan. 6. Location, 45 N. Venice Blvd., Venice. 310-822-4955. Terry Allen: tinyurl.com/4cwat22c. www.mattwedel.com. lalouver.com
ReflectSpace Gallery: “Hannah Kozak: He Threw the Last Punch Too Hard – A Story of Domestic Violence from a Daughter’s Point of View,” photography. Gallery hours: 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday-Saturday; 1-6 p.m. Sunday. Exhibit extended through Jan. 7. Gallery is inside the Glendale Central Library, 222 E. Harvard St. 818-548-2021. reflectspace.org
Lowell Ryan Projects: “Ava McDonough: All I Hear Is the Symphony.” Gallery hours: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday; and by appointment. Exhibit runs through Jan. 20. Location, 4619 W. Washington Blvd., Los Angeles. 323-413-2584. Email: info@lowellryanprojects.com. www.lowellryanprojects.com. www.facebook.com/lowellryanprojects
William Grant Still Arts Center: The 43rd annual Black Doll Show, “Conjure: Reclaiming African American Traditions Through Hoodoo and Other Spiritual Dolls. The exhibit is curated by Monica Bailey and Jahsun Ifakolade Edmonds. Hours: noon-5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday (10 a.m.-3 p.m. on Dec. 24 and 31). Exhibit runs through Feb. 10. Location, 2320 S. West View St., Los Angeles. 323-734-1165. wgsac.wordpress.com/2023/11/16/43rd-annual-black-doll-show-opens-dec-2nd-2/
BOOKS
Book Soup: Lucretia Tye Jasmine discusses “’70s Teen Pop,” 7 p.m. Dec. 14. Melissa Newman discusses “Head Over Heels: Joanne Woodward and Paul Newman – A Love Story in Words and Pictures,” 7 p.m. Dec. 15. Jeff Melvoin discusses “Running the Show: Television from the Inside,” 7 p.m. Jan. 4. James Sanders discusses “Renewing the Dream: The Mobility Revolution and the Future of Los Angeles,” 7 p.m. Jan. 5. Inci Atrek discusses “Holiday Country,” 7 p.m. Jan. 9. Charlotte Schiff-Booker discusses “Get Outta My Way,” 7 p.m. Jan. 10. Location, 8818 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood. 310-659-3110. www.booksoup.com
Autobooks-Aerobooks: Rodney Kemerer discusses and signs “Tales from the Garage,” 1-4 p.m. Dec. 16. Scott McMullen discusses and signs “HiPo 1964 1/2 – Ford’s First High Performance Mustang,” 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Dec. 23. Ryan Zummallen discusses and signs “Cult of GT-R – A True Story of Crime, Obsession and the World’s Most Coveted Car,” 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Jan. 13. Location, 2900 W. Magnolia Blvd., Burbank. 818-845-0707. www.autobooks-aerobooks.com
CHARITY and VOLUNTEER
Parks Chapel AME Church Community Holiday Toy Drive: Donate new, unwrapped toys, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Dec. 14. Toys to be given out to children in the church’s local community on Dec. 16. Location, 1102 Fourth St., San Fernando. 818-898-1833. More information at 848-568-2493 or 818-617-8349.
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. 29. Items may be donated, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday (however, locations will be closed on Dec. 25). 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 the four other drop-off locations on the website. 213-485-2260. Email: san.cfrp@lacity.org. lacitysan.org/donationdrives
Flair Cleaners Holiday Drive for Clothing and Shoes: Donate gently used and clean items, new clothing and shoes during their 21st annual event, through Dec. 31. Requested items: business attire; pajamas; clothing in extra-large and tall sizes; children, men and women’s clothing; new socks and underwear. Drop off items at Flair Cleaners locations: 4060 Laurel Canyon Blvd., Studio City (818-761-3282); 27011 McBean Parkway, Valencia (661-753-9900); 720 Montana Ave., Santa Monica (310-395-9354). Call for store hours; drop off items inside store. Items will be donated to the National Council of Jewish Women, San Fernando Valley Rescue Mission and the Salvation Army – Santa Monica. www.flaircleaners.com
Volunteers Cleaning Communities: Join the group for clean-up projects in the San Fernando Valley. Find a list of upcoming projects, and also how to make a donation for clean-up supplies, volunteerscleaningcommunities.com
COMEDY
Jason Love’s New Year’s Comedy Bash: Laughs to end 2023 from Love, Cathy Ladman and James Connolly, 7 p.m. Dec. 31. Tickets $30. Bank of America Performing Arts Center, Scherr Forum Theatre, 2100 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks. bapacthousandoaks.com/show-details/new-years-eve-comedy-bash-
DANCE
An Irish Christmas: Kerry Irish Productions presents two performances, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 20-21. Tickets $50 and up. Tickets $30. Bank of America Performing Arts Center, Scherr Forum Theatre, 2100 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks. bapacthousandoaks.com/show-details/an-irish-christmas-2023
Los Angeles Ballet – The Nutcracker: The version of the story is set in 1912 Los Angeles and the music by Tchaikovsky is performed by a live orchestra, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 21. Performances: 2 and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 22-23; 2 p.m. Dec. 24 and 26. Tickets $50 and up. Dolby Theatre, 6801 Hollywood Blvd. (at level one of Ovation Hollywood), Hollywood. 323-308-6300. Details and purchase tickets: tinyurl.com/msv87udk
FARMERS MARKETS
Old Town Newhall Farmers Market: A certified market, 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays. Location, 24500 Main St., Newhall. www.facebook.com/OldTownNewhallFarmersMarket/
Canoga Park Farmers Market: A certified market, 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Saturdays. Rain or shine. Location, 7248 Owensmouth Avenue, between Sherman Way and Wyandotte Avenue. www.instagram.com/mainst.canogaparkfarmersmarket
El Nido Farmers Market – Pacoima: El Nido Family Centers and the City of Los Angeles present the market, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays. Location, Pacoima Family Source Center, 11243 Glenoaks Blvd. www.elnidofamilycenters.org/farmers-market
Woodland Hills Farmers Market: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays. Location, 5650 Shoup Ave. 818-300-3023. Facebook: bit.ly/44cFl0P
Canyon Country Farmers Market: A certified market, 4-8 p.m. Wednesdays. Canyon Country Community Center, 18410 Sierra Highway. www.facebook.com/CanyonCountryFarmersMarket/
MUSEUM
Los Angeles County Museum of Art: Dec. 17: “Dining with the Sultan: The Fine Art of Feasting,” through Aug. 4, 2024. Ongoing special exhibits: “Eternal Medium: Seeing the World in Stone,” through Feb. 11. “The World Made Wondrous: The Dutch Collect,” through March 3. “Painting in the River of Angels: Judy Baca,” through June 2. Plan your visit information here: bit.ly/2P3c7iR. Admission $21; $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; prices are for residents of Los Angeles County). Location, 5905 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles. 323-857-6010. www.lacma.org
Craft in America: New: “Spirit of Play: Craft and Imagination,” through March 2. Hours: noon-6 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday. Free admission. Location, 8415 W. Third St., Los Angeles. 323-951-0610. www.facebook.com/CraftinAmerica. craftinamerica.org/page/center
Autry Museum of the American West: New: “Reclaiming El Camino: Native Resistance in the Missions and Beyond,” (theautry.org/exhibitions/reclaiming-el-camino-native-resistance-missions-and-beyond). Ongoing special exhibits: “Sherman Indian School: 100 + Years of Education and Resilience,” through May 2024 (theautry.org/exhibitions/sherman-indian-school). “Imagined Wests,” how Southern California tells stories about the West through the museum’s collection of objects including art, clothing, pop culture and toys (theautry.org/exhibitions/imagined-wests). Museum hours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday-Friday; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. Admission $16; $12 ages 60 and older, ages 13-18 and students older than 18 with ID; $8 ages 3-12. Location, 4700 Western Heritage Way, Los Angeles. theautry.org
Natural History Museum Los Angeles County: New: “100 Carats: Icons of the Gem World,” the centerpiece of the exhibit is a display of the 125 carats Jonker I Diamond, the “largest stone cut from the Jonker diamond — the fourth largest diamond in the world when it was found in 1934” — through April 21 (nhm.org/experience-nhm/exhibitions-natural-history-museum/100-carats). Hours: 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesday-Monday (closed on Tuesday). Admission $18; $14 ages 62 and older and students with an ID; $7 ages 3-12. Location, 900 Exposition Blvd., Los Angeles. nhmlac.org
ONGOING MUSEUM
Academy Museum of Motion Pictures: Ongoing special exhibit: “John Waters: Pope of Trash,” through Aug. 4, 2024 (www.academymuseum.org/en/exhibitions/john-waters-pope-of-trash). Timed advance admission tickets are available (but not required) 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
African American Firefighter Museum: Artifacts, fire apparatus, pictures and stories about African American Los Angeles firefighters. Hours: 1-4 p.m. Sunday. Donation. Location, 1401 S. Central Ave., Los Angeles. 213-744-1730. https://aaffmuseumla.org/
Bolton Hall Museum: Hours: 1-4 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. Free admission, but a $3 donation is appreciated. Bolton Hall Museum, 10110 Commerce Ave., Tujunga. 818-352-3420. Email: llhs@boltonhall.org. www.facebook.com/boltonhallmuseum; www.boltonhall.org
California African American Museum: Closed due to storm-related damage. Check website or Facebook for re-opening and also for off-site programs. Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday; 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. Free admission. Parking $15 before 5 p.m.; $18 after 5 p.m. (in the blue structure parking lot; entrance to the blue structure is on Figueroa Boulevard at 39th Street.). Location, 600 State Drive, Los Angeles (in Exposition Park). 213-744-7432. www.caamuseum.org and www.facebook.com/CAAMinLA/
California Science Center: Permanent galleries and the space shuttle Endeavor are on view. The Endeavor, however, will be on view only until Dec. 31, 2023, and then off-view for “several years.” Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. Admission is free to the center but there is a charge for special exhibits (bit.ly/3zfD8DA). Location, 700 Exposition Park Drive, Los Angeles. californiasciencecenter.org
Discovery Cube Los Angeles: Ongoing special exhibit: “Nickelodeon’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Secrets of the Sewer,” the first-ever museum exhibit using the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, where children will have mental and physical challenges to solve puzzles, learn about balance and reflexes and creative problem solving, through Feb. 19 (tinyurl.com/4zcw78s7). Hands-on exhibits make science fun for children. Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. Admission $18 ages 15-61; $17 ages 62 and older; $16 ages 3-14. Location, 11800 Foothill Blvd., Sylmar. www.facebook.com/TheDiscoveryCube. www.discoverycube.org
Forest Lawn Museum – Glendale: Ongoing special exhibits: “Reina de Los Angeles,” photography of murals and shrines in Los Angeles that celebrate the Virgin of Guadalupe and Mexican culture from the photo archive of Nydya Mora, through Feb. 11 (tinyurl.com/bde5acsz) and “Shaping Gravity – Abstract Art Beyond the Picture Plane,” through March 10 (tinyurl.com/yk376nne). Free admission. Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday. Location, 1712 S. Glendale Ave. forestlawn.com
Fowler Museum at UCLA: Ongoing special exhibits: “Janyak: Armenian Art of Knots and Loops,” through Feb. 2024. “The House Was Too Small: Yoruba Sacred Arts from Africa and Beyond,” through June 2. Hours: noon-5 p.m. Wednesday-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). Location, 308 Charles E. Young Drive N., Westwood. https://fowler.ucla.edu/
The Getty Center: Ongoing special exhibits: “Finding an Audience: Nineteenth Century Drawings,” through Jan. 7. “William Blake: Visionary,” on loan from Tate Britain, through Jan. 14 (tinyurl.com/rrat68ej). “Remix: Recent Acquisitions of Photographs,” through March 3. Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday. Free admission but a timed-ticket admission is required (bit.ly/2SbTzys). Parking $20 (www.getty.edu/visit/center/parking-and-transportation). Location, Getty Center Drive at North Sepulveda Boulevard, Los Angeles. 310-440-7300. www.getty.edu
The Getty Villa: Ongoing special exhibits: “The Horse and Rider from Albania,” a bronze statuette, from about 500 BCE and discovered in 2018, on display through Jan. 29. “The Gold Emperor from Aventicum,” through Jan. 29 (www.getty.edu/art/exhibitions/aurelius). “The Egyptian Book of the Dead,” through Jan. 29. 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: Ongoing special exhibits: “Roxy: 50 and Still Rockin’,” through Jan. 7 (grammymuseum.org/event/50andstillrockin). “Hip-Hop America: The Mix Tape Exhibit,” through Sept. 4. “Shakira, Shakira: The Grammy Museum Experience,” through winter 2024. 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. Location, 800 W. Olympic Blvd., Los Angeles. 213-725-5700. grammymuseum.org
Holocaust Museum LA: Ongoing special exhibit: “Sweet Home Sweet: A Story of Survival, Memory and Returns,” photographs in the Galicia Museum in Krakow, Poland, that were taken by Richard Ores depicting his family and friends life in Krakow before World War II and in the Krakow Ghetto during the Holocaust. Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. Admission $15; $10 ages 65 and older; free for ages 17 and younger. Free admission on Sunday. Admission is by timed admission ticket. Location, 100 The Grove Drive, Los Angeles. 323-651-3704. Email: info@hmla.org. www.holocaustmuseumla.org
Italian American Museum Los Angeles: Ongoing special exhibit: “Louis Prima: Rediscovering a Musical Icon,” through Oct. 13, 2024 (tinyurl.com/mrrb4pbh). Hours: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday. Admission free; donations requested. Location, 644 N. Main St., Los Angeles. 213-485-8432. www.iamla.org
Japan House Los Angeles: Ongoing special exhibit: “Pokémon x Kogei: Playful Encounters of Pokémon and Japanese Craft,” through Jan. 7. Hours: 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Friday; 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. 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 exhibit: “The Bias Inside Us,” through Jan. 28 (www.janm.org/exhibits/bias-inside-us). Hours: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Wednesday and Friday-Sunday; noon-8 p.m. Thursday; closed on national holidays (www.janm.org/visit). Admission: $16; $9 ages 62 and older and children; free for ages 5 and younger (timed advance tickets are recommended). Location, 100 N. Central Ave., Los Angeles. 213-625-0414. Facebook: www.facebook.com/jamuseum. janm.org
La Brea Tar Pits: Museum hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily, except closed on the first Tuesday of the month and national holidays. Admission $15; $12 ages 62 and older and students with ID; $7 ages 3-12. Parking $18. Location, 5801 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles. 213-763-3499. tarpits.org/
LA Plaza Cocina: 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: Hours: noon-5 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday. Free admission. Location, 501 N. Main St., Los Angeles. www.lapca.org
Martial Arts History Museum: The museum is celebrating 24 years in 2023. Explore the history of martial arts plus exhibits on Asian art, culture, dance and music. Hours: 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Thursday-Sunday. Admission $10; $8 ages 65 and older; $5 ages 6-17. Location, 2319 W. Magnolia Blvd., Burbank. 818-478-1722. Email: info@mamuseum.com. www.facebook.com/martialartshistorymuseum. martialartsmuseum.com/
Museum of Contemporary Art: Hours: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Wednesday and Friday; 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Thursday; 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. Admission is free but an advance online timed-entry ticket is required. Special exhibits are $18; $10 seniors and students; free for ages 11 and younger. Locations: the Geffen Contemporary at MOCA, 152 N. Central Ave., Los Angeles; MOCA Grand Avenue, 250 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. 213-633-5351. www.moca.org/visit
Museum of the San Fernando Valley: 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/
Petersen Automotive Museum: Ongoing special exhibits: “Hollywood Customs: Modified for the Movies,” the exhibit includes vehicles used in film and television. “Corvettes in Competition – Racing America’s Sports Car.” “Around the World on Two Wheels: Highlights from the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum,” through March 2. “Inside Tesla – Supercharging the Electric Revolution,” prototypes of Tesla vehicles, historical perspective and design study, through April 2024. “Splendor & Speed: Treasures from the Petersen Collection,” through June 2. “We Are Porsche.” “Arsham Auto Motive,” life-sized vehicle sculptures and posters (www.petersen.org/exhibits). Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. Admission $19.95; $17.95 ages 63 and older; $12.95 ages 12-17; $10.95 ages 4-11. Location, 6060 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles. 323-930-2277. www.petersen.org
Rancho Camulos Museum: Docent-led museum tours: 1, 2 and 3 p.m. (tours are available on Sunday throughout the year). Donation $10. Rancho Camulos is the only National Historic Landmark in Ventura County. 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. Location, 5146 E. Telegraph Road. 805-521-1501. Email: info@ranchocamulos.org. ranchocamulos.org
Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum: Ongoing special exhibit: “Auschwitz — Not long ago. Not far away.” Minimum age recommendation: 12. Purchase tickets in advance ($29.95; $26.95 ages 62 and older; $22.95 ages 11-17; details on the exhibit and tickets: bit.ly/3ZnnHW1). This special exhibit runs through Jan. 28. Regular museum hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. Location, 40 Presidential Drive, Simi Valley. www.reaganfoundation.org
Santa Monica History Museum: Ongoing special exhibit: “Coming Out West: LGBTQ+ Elders Share Their Stories,” through Dec. 17. Hours: 3-8 p.m. Thursday; 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday-Sunday. Admission $5; free for ages 11 and younger. Location, 1350 Seventh St., Santa Monica. 310-395-2290. www.santamonicahistory.org
Skirball Cultural Center: Ongoing special exhibit: “This Light of Ours: Activist Photographers of the Civil Rights Movement,” through Feb. 25 (tinyurl.com/ad63ar52). 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.” Admission $12; $9 seniors and students; $7 ages 2-12; www.skirball.org/visit). Location, 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles. 310-440-4500. skirball.org
Valley Relics Museum: Take a trip down San Fernando Valley memory lane, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Dec. 16-17 (and other dates). 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
Wende Museum of the Cold War: Ongoing special exhibits: “Darling Godsonny: Ivan the Terrible Advises the Infant Stalin” and “Visions of Transcendence: Creating Space in East and West” and “Ceija Stojka and Scenes from Roma Life” and “Wende Times,” the work of six Los Angeles high school students, from their internships at the Wende Museum, on the topic of social media posts on conspiracy theories and artificial intelligence-generated fake news stories, all four exhibits run through April 7. Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday-Sunday (wendemuseum.org/about-us/visit). Free admission. Location, 10808 Culver Blvd., Culver City. 310-216-1600. 310-216-1600. Email: visit@wendemuseum.org. wendemuseum.org
MUSIC
Encore Chorale of Santa Clarita: A holiday concert with live musical accompaniment led by conductor Alex Nizzoli, 7 p.m. Dec. 15. Free admission but a ticket is required for entry (Eventbrite for ticket: tinyurl.com/tdzk2fwh). Donations welcome. The chorale is part of Encore Creativity for Older Adults, ages 55 and older, the nation’s largest choral organization for senior adults. Newhall Church of the Nazarene, 23857 The Old Road, Newhall. Details: tinyurl.com/57snss6y
Grave at the Torch: Emo Nite and Insomniac present the event with Nurko, Said the Sky, State Champs and We The Kings, 5 p.m. Dec. 15. Minimum age: 18. Tickets $55 and up. Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, 3911 S. Figueroa St., Los Angeles. Details and purchase tickets: tinyurl.com/ctcrhzdw
Ana and Vlady’s Holiday Concert: Local musicians Wladimir Mendoza and Ana Saucedo perform a guitar and mandolin concert, 11 a.m. Dec. 16. Northridge Branch Library, 9051 Darby Ave. 818-886-3640. Details: tinyurl.com/3xyckcdv
Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles — Hooray for Holidays: The chorus performs holiday music favorites, with guest entertainer Wayne Brady, 8 p.m. Dec. 16 and 3:30 p.m. Dec. 17. Tickets $45 and up. Saban Theatre, 8440 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills. www.gmcla.org/hooray
San Fernando Valley Male Chorus – Season of Hope: The group performs a holiday concert, 2:30 p.m. Dec. 17. Tickets $20. Performance at Shepherd of the Valley Church, 23838 Kittridge St., West Hills. Bob Banta, 818-888-8345 or email: buckeyerpb@socal.rr.com. sfvmchorus.com/next-show/
Wagner Ensemble – A French Christmas: The ensemble, directed by Jeannine Wagner, performs a selection of French carols, Messe De Minuit Pour Noel by Marc-Antoine Charpentier and Christmas Oratorio by Camille Saint-Saens, with accompaniment by pianist Robert Blake and an instrumental ensemble, 4 p.m. Dec. 17. Tickets $20; $15 seniors and students. St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, 13370 Valleyheart Drive, Sherman Oaks. 310-339-2488. wagnerensemble.eventbrite.com
Terron Brooks and Kamilah Marshall – Holidaze Harmony: The duo perform Broadway tunes and pop music with a variety show vibe, 8 p.m. Dec. 21-23. Tickets $85 for the Dec. 21 show (includes a reception); $60-$75 on Dec. 22-23. Garry Marshall Theatre, 4252 W. Riverside Drive, Burbank. 818-955-8101. www.garrymarshalltheatre.org/holidaze-harmony-live
Both – A Hard Day’s Silent Night: Open Fist Theatre Co. presents a concert that tells the Christmas story through gospel arrangements of Beatles songs, 8 p.m. Dec. 21; 4 and 8 p.m. Dec. 22. A portion of proceeds are to be donated to Heart of Los Angeles, an organization that provides a variety of after-school programs that include academic, arts, athletics and wellness (www.heartofla.org). Tickets $25; $35; $50. Location, Eli and Edythe Broad Stage, 1310 Eleventh St., Santa Monica. openfist.org/
THEATER
Madame Scrooge – A Christmas Carol Musical: A new adaptation of Charles Dickens’ 1843 novella, written by Justin Patrick Meyer and a Broadway-style musical score by Chris Thomas. Show runs 7:30 p.m. Dec. 14; 8 p.m. Dec. 15-16; 2 p.m. Dec. 17; 7:30 p.m. Dec. 21; 8 p.m. Dec. 22-23. Various ticket prices (see the website). Nocturne Theatre, 324 N. Orange St., Glendale. thenocturnetheatre.com/holiday-shows/madame-scrooge/
Santa’s Circus – Cirque Factory: Santa and Mrs. Claus present a holiday show with acrobatics, comedy, dance, gymnastics and illusions. Show runs 7 p.m. Dec. 15; 2, 5 and 8 p.m. Dec. 16; 2 and 5 p.m. Dec. 17; 7 p.m. Dec. 21; 5 and 8 p.m. Dec. 22; 2, 5 and 8 p.m. Dec. 23. Complimentary photo with Santa Claus. Tickets $47; $37 ages 12 and younger. The Montalbán, 1615 Vine St., Los Angeles. 323-461-6999. www.themontalban.com. feverup.com/m/144144
Elf – The Musical: Canyon Theatre Guild presents the musical about a young orphan who crawls into Santa Claus’ bag of gifts, gets transported to the North Pole and comes to find out that he’s not a magical elf but a human, 8 p.m. Dec. 15. Show runs 2 and 8 p.m. Dec. 16; 2 and 7 p.m. Dec. 17; 7 p.m. Dec. 19-21; 8 p.m. Dec. 22-23. Tickets $23; $19 ages 62 and older and 17 and younger. Location, 24242 Main St., Newhall. 661-799-2702. canyontheatre.org
Santa Claus Conquers the Martians – The Greatest Story Ever Told: Culver City Public Theatre presents a holiday comedy based on the B-movie classic “Santa Claus Conquers the Martians” written by and adapted for the stage by Trace Oakley. Show runs 8 p.m. Dec. 15-16; 7 p.m. Dec. 17. Tickets $25. Sherry Theater, 11052 Magnolia Blvd., North Hollywood. www.ccpt.org
Bob’s Holiday Office Party: A comedy by Joe Keyes and Rob Elk about an Iowa insurance agent’s annual event for his clients and friends. Minimum age: 16. Show runs 8 p.m. Dec. 15-16; 7 p.m. Dec. 17. Tickets $35; $45 VIP (www.onstage411.com/BHOP). Beverly Hills Playhouse, 254 S. Robertson Blvd., Beverly Hills. www.bobsofficeparty.com
A Very Die Hard Christmas – The Stage Musical: Theatre Forty presents a parody of the 1988 film “Die Hard,” written by Jeff Schell and the Habit, with additional dialogue by Sandro Monetti, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 17 and 20. Tickets $35. Parking: enter the driveway at the intersection of Durant and Moreno Drives; lot is beneath the theater. Theatre Forty at the Mary Levin Cutler Theatre, campus of Beverly Hills High School, 241 S. Moreno Drive, Beverly Hills. 310-364-0535. theatre40.org
ONGOING THEATER
A Christmas Carol: First Presbyterian Church of Hollywood presents the play based on the Charles Dickens 1843 novella. The play is directed by actor-director Jesse Corti and adapted and choreographed by actor Julietta Corti. Show runs 7:30 p.m. Dec.15; 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 16. Tickets $25; $20 seniors; $15 children and students; $35 VIP (tickets include refreshments after the play at “Fezziwig’s Christmas party”). Tickets are on sale now. Location, 1760 N. Gower St., Hollywood. 323-928-7452. www.achristmascarolhollywood.com/
Freight – The Five Incarnations of Abel Green: A one-man play written by Howard L. Craft, starring J. Alphonse Nicholson, about five versions of a Black American “everyman” who travels through time in different life roles. Show runs 8 p.m. Dec. 15-16. Tickets $40; $45; $35 ages 6s and older (regular seats only); $25 students with valid ID. Fountain Theatre, 5060 Fountain Ave., Los Angeles. 323-663-1525. www.fountaintheatre.com
The Half-Light: The West Coast premiere of a new play written by Monica Wood about a woman who wonders if certain people can be trained to see the dead and her encounters with others in her quest. Show runs 7:30 p.m. Dec. 14-16. Tickets $35. Parking: enter the driveway at the intersection of Durant and Moreno Drives; lot is beneath the theater. Theatre Forty at the Mary Levin Cutler Theatre (on the campus of Beverly Hills High School), 241 S. Moreno Drive, Beverly Hills. 310-364-0535. theatre40.org
70, Girls, 70: The Group Rep begins its 51st season with a musical written by Norman L. Martin and David Thompson, based on the play “Breath of Spring” by Peter Coke, adapted by Joe Masteroff, and with music by John Kander and Fred Ebb. Show runs 8 p.m. Dec. 15-16; 2 p.m. Dec. 17. Tickets $40; $35 seniors and students. Lonny Chapman Theatre, main Stage, 10900 Burbank Blvd., North Hollywood. 818-763-5990. www.thegrouprep.com
A Family Business: The world premiere of a comedy written by Matt Chait about a couple who invite their parents over for dinner. Show runs 8 p.m. Friday-Saturday; 3 p.m. Sunday; through Dec. 31. No shows on Dec. 22-24. Tickets $35. Hudson MainStage Theatre, 6539 Santa Monica Blvd., Hollywood. Details and purchase tickets: tinyurl.com/mrytxett
Aladdin, the Princess and the Magic Lamp: Storybook Theatre presents a musical for children and their families, book, lyrics and music by Lloyd J. Schwartz. Show runs 1 p.m. Saturdays through Jan. 13, 2024 (no shows on Dec. 23 and 30). Tickets $15. Parking available at a privately-owned lot across the street; credit card-only). Theatre West, 3333 Cahuenga Blvd., W., Los Angeles. 323-851-7977. theatrewest.org. Details and purchase tickets: tinyurl.com/3rtjjkxk
Submit calendar listings at least two weeks in advance to holly.andres@dailynews.com. 818-713-3708.