Los Angeles Holiday Events 2011 – My Picks

The holiday season is fast approaching and there are plenty of Los Angeles holiday events from which to choose.

Let’s take a look at some of them:

52nd Annual L.A. County Holiday Celebration

Saturday, December 24th, 2011 3:00 to 6:00 p.m.  Dorothy Chandler Pavilion.

There will be a mix of choirs, dance troupes, from many Los Angeles cultures.  Watch the website for an updated list of participants.

This is a free program.

44th Annual Annual Look In Home Tour and Boutique

This highly popular annual event gives you a chance to view four exclusive homes in Pasadena decorated for the holiday season by top floral designers.

You will also be able to shop at the holiday boutique for jewelry, clothing and much more to meet your holiday shopping needs.

The home tour takes place December 3rd and 4th from 9:30 to 5:00 p.m.  Tickets are $30 in advance and $35 at the door.

The boutique hours are also 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and there is no charge for entry.

Proceeds from the event will benefit the Pasadena Symphony Orchestra.

Los Angeles Ballet’s The Nutcracker

The traditional favorite, the Nutcracker will be at UCLA’s Royce Hall for two performances each on December 7th and 8th – 1:00 and 5:00 p.m.

Check ticket information

3rd Annual Santa Monica Pub Crawl

Last year over 3,000 attendees crawled their way around 20 bars raising money for the Westside Food Bank.

Join them this year to make it bigger and better.  Saturday, December 17th at 5:00 p.m. in Santa Monica.

You will receive a wristband which will entitle you to food, drink and specials at participating establishments and entrance to the Official Pub Crawl After-Party where there will be a raffle with lots of prizes.  Please dress in holiday attire.

You can sign up and choose a route here.

L.A. Downtown on Ice

Outdoor holiday skating in Pershing Square,  532 South Olive, Downtown Los Angeles

Enjoy the 14th season of L.A.’s biggest outdoor skating rink which includes more than just skating.  There is the 12 Nights of Christmas Music Series, the Winter Holiday Festival where Santa will make an appearance with his reindeer and “snow”.  There will even be a Hannukah  menorah lighting ceremony and Kwanzaa celebrations.  And much more….

The rink is open every day through January 16th.  Admission is $6 with $2 for skate rental.

Hours of Operation:  Monday-Thursday:  12:00 to 10:00 p.m.  Friday-Sunday:  10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Check site for special holiday hours.

 

 

L.A. Kings Holiday Ice at L.A. Live

This is the 3rd annual event growing every year and attracting hundreds of skaters to the vibrant L.A. Live arena.

Open through January 5th, hours are Mon-Fri:  5:00 to 11:00 p.m.  Sat-Sun:  3:00 to 11:00 p.m. and from December 17th Noon to 11:00 p.m.

Tickets $12 including skate rental.

And, if you don’t want to go all the way Downtown….

Ice at Santa Monica

At the corner of 5th and Arizona you will find the 8,000 square foot rink, there for its 5th year.

You can hold private events and take skate lessons.

Open until January 16th regular hours of operation are Mon-Thurs:  2:00 to 10:00 p.m.  Fri:  2:00 to Midnight.  Sat:  10:00 to Midnight.  Sun: 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.  Check out the site for holiday hours.

Admission and skate rental is $12.

Hollywood Wonderland at the Hollywood Museum

The Hollywood Museum, 1660 N Highland Ave.,  will be transformed into a winter wonderland with 18 trees decorated in the spirit of the greatest holiday movies, eg “It’s a Wonderful Life”, “The Christmas Story”, “White Christmas”, etc.

Open through January 23rd from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m.  Book tickets here.

Marina del Rey 2011 Holiday Boat Parade

The 49th Annual Marina del Rey Boat Parade will take place on Saturday, December 10th just before 6:00 p.m.  with fireworks being launched from the south jetty at 5:55 p.m.

Judges will watch the boats circle the marina several times and with the results coming later that evening.  Entry fee for the boats is $25.

Check out the site for the best viewing spots, parking, prizes, etc.

Celebrate Christmas at Farmer’s Market

Los Angeles Farmers Market , 6333 W. Third St., has been celebrating the holidays for the past 77 years and this year is no exception.  There will be seasonal music, a menorah lighting ceremony, and plenty of fun for kids, including ornament  and reindeer puppet-making.

And of course, there is always the christmas tree at The Grove, one of the tallest in the country.

Check out events and times here.

 

Need Help? Have questions? Fill out the CONTACT FORM or call Jane at 310-351-9208

10 thoughts on “Los Angeles Holiday Events 2011 – My Picks”

  1. I haven’t seen the nutcracker in years, and lots of things to do on ice. Sounds more like Chicago than L.A.,, so it sounds more like he cold that the rest of us have to deal with. Yes we have cold weather in Tennessee, not much, but enough to make me want a beach house.
    Have a good week/

  2. The Holiday Boat Parade in the Marina is more fun than people should be allowed to have. I hope you enjoy a great holiday season. If you can, please register me as a user for your site. Thanks!

  3. Thanks for this list! I am always looking for fun stuff to do with my family over the holidays…especially with parents in town. This gives me some good ideas!

    One other thing I’d like to mention are the shows @ Walt Disney Hall downtown. They have a whole slate of holiday music during December. You can see full listings here http://laphil.com/holidays. (I work with the LA Phil and have my tickets to the Singalong this weekend!)

    Thanks again and best wishes for your holidays.

Leave a Comment

Scroll to Top