Ring In The Holidays, Los Angeles Style

Published on : Thursday, November 28, 2013

The-Grinch-image_0-300x168There are few ways to get a better sense of Los Angeles stunning diversity than to explore its dozens of holiday-season celebrations, parades and other events. From the pageantry of boat parades and Victorian-era exhibitions to the stomp of a rock and blues concert, LA’s November and December events are sure to get locals and visitors alike into the holiday spirit. And many of these events are free!

There are few ways to get a better sense of LA’s stunning diversity than to explore its dozens of holiday-season celebrations, parades and other events. From the pageantry of boat parades and Victorian-era exhibitions to the stomp of a rock and blues concert, LA’s November and December events are sure to get locals and visitors alike into the holiday spirit. And many of these events are free! –

There are few ways to get a better sense of LA’s stunning diversity than to explore its dozens of holiday-season celebrations, parades and other events. From the pageantry of boat parades and Victorian-era exhibitions to the stomp of a rock and blues concert, LA’s November and December events are sure to get locals and visitors alike into the holiday spirit. And many of these events are free! –
ENJOY
Grinchmas at Universal Studios Hollywood: Grinchmas (Select days from Nov. 28 to Dec. 31): The Grinch is set to deck the halls at Universal Studios HollywoodSM as “Grinchmas” returns to The Entertainment Capital of L.A.SM with “Whobilation” throughout the theme park. The Universal Plaza, an elaborate grand piazza at the heart of the theme park, will serve as the new venue for the towering “Grinchmas” tree – a whimsical centerpiece twisting and spiraling 60 feet above visitors below and providing the ideal location for warm, holiday memory-making. Enchanting “Who-Carolers” will harmonize and entertain guests while The Grinch and his adorable dog Max will be on-the-ready for fun-filled photos. Aboard the world-famous behind-the-scenes Studio Tour, fans of the blockbuster film, “Dr. Seuss’ “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” will have the chance to enjoy a close-up view of the original Who-ville film sets with a one-of-a-kind performance by a Who’s Who of Who-ville re-enacting memorable scenes and songs from the family favorite. The festivities are included in the price of theme park admission. 800.UNIVERSAL.

32nd Annual Spirit of San Pedro Holiday Parade (Dec. 1): Let the holidays provide an excuse to explore one of LA’s oldest and most authentic neighborhoods by checking out the Spirit of San Pedro Holiday Parade. Thousands line the parade route each year to cheer on the bands, elected officials, celebrities and corporate participants as they make their way through downtown San Pedro. While there, visitors can check out San Pedro’s top attractions including Ports ‘O Call Village, USS Iowa and the Crafted marketplace. Free.

Victorian Christmas House Tour (Dec. 8): Take a trip back in time for the holidays with a tour of the 1898-build Grier Musser Museum near Downtown. $6 – $12. 213.413.1814.

Candy Cane Lane: Woodland Hills’ Candy Cane Lane comes alive every holiday season, when the eight-square-block neighborhood near Lubao Avenue and Oxnard Street go full bore with their home-lighting decorations as well as elves, artificial snow and other holiday goodies. Candy Cane Lane has been a Valley tradition for 60 years.

Los Angeles Ballet Presents The Nutcracker (Dec. 14-15): Northridge’s Valley Performing Arts Center presents the timeless holiday classic about Clara, her Nutcracker and the magical Land of Snow and Palace of the Dolls. $30 – $95. 818.677.3000.

CELEBRATE
Downtown Burbank Holiday Cheer (Dec. 1 – Jan. 1): Downtown Burbank will kick off a month-long celebration with the Mayor’s Tree Lighting Ceremony and Santa’s Downtown Wonderland on December 7. Festivities will continue right up through New Year’s Day with dozens of events throughout the district, including an outdoor skating rink. Most events are free.

Kwanza Bonanza at California African American Museum (CAAM) (Dec. 1) – In keeping with the seven principles of Kwanzaa, CAAM gathers for a special celebration in the spirit of giving, unity and community. Music, spoken word and seasonal revelry herald the holidays as CAAM brings closure to another year. It’s also an opportunity to find the perfect gift for someone at their Holiday Marketplace, or choose to create something with a personal touch at CAAM art workshop. This event is free and open to the public.

Victorian Christmas (Dec. 7 – 8): Wilmington’s Banning Museum gets festive for the holidays with its annual Victorian Christmas weekend, which includes horse-drawn carriage rides, wreath making instructions and visits from both Queen Victoria and St. Nick himself.

Autry Explorers: Las Posadas (Dec. 8): The Autry celebrates this Mexican tradition in which children portray Mary and Joseph seeking shelter in Bethlehem as baby Jesus is about to be born, while innkeepers urge them in song to move on. The evening features dances by Grandeza Mexicana Folk Ballet Company, performances by Harmonies Girls Choir, traditional Mexican treats, and more. Included with Museum Admission.

Las Posadas (Dec. 16 – 24): Journey to the birthplace of LA, where Olvera Street presents the reenactment of Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem in their search for shelter on Christmas Eve. Songs, a candlelight procession and the breaking of a piñata are part of each night’s festivities.

54th Annual LA County Holiday Celebration (Dec. 24): Choirs, dance companies and live bands show LA’s true diversity at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion’s LA County Holiday Celebration, a local holiday tradition since 1959. Free. 213.202.5858.

FLOAT
51st Annual Los Angeles Harbor Holiday Afloat Parade (Dec. 7): About 60 boats mark the Golden Anniversary of the LA Harbor Holiday Afloat Parade, where viewers kick off festivities at Bannings Landing Community Center and finish the night with Fanfare Fountain’s holiday program.

Marina del Rey Holiday Boat Parade (Dec. 14): Calm marina waters are the perfect locale for the Marina del Rey Holiday Boat Parade, an evening boat parade that takes place each December with decorated boats circling the main channel as they compete for prizes. The Saturday evening event ends with a fireworks display.

BREAK BREAD
The Lights of Hanukkah Family Tour (Nov. 30 & Dec. 1): The Skirball Cultural Center highlights the Jewish holiday with an exhibition of Hanukkah lamps and a presentation of the history and significance of the annual event in addition to dreidel spinning and a chance to “meet” Judah Maccabee.

Chanukah at Universal CityWalk (Dec. 1): The Festival of Lights get brighter with Chabad of the Valley’s annual Chanukah 9th Day Concert at Universal CityWalk. Free.

SING AND DANCE
Stevie Wonder’s 18th Annual House Full of Toys (Dec. 15): The iconic Stevie Wonder comes back to the Nokia Theatre at L.A. LIVE for his annual holiday benefit concert, which always features other special musical guests. Past appearances included Justin Bieber and Drake.

Walt Disney Concert Hall Holiday Performances (Dec. 10-23): Each year, the sights and sounds of the season ring throughout Walt Disney Concert Hall at the annual holiday concerts. Beginning December 10, the Los Angeles Philharmonic Association presents eclectic and festive programming, including the very first Christmas concerts with Music Director Gustavo Dudamel and the LA Phil, Grammy-winning artists The Blind Boys of Alabama, Judy Collins, Chanticleer and The Count Basie Orchestra, Oscar winner Julie Andrews, and two very special performances on New Year’s Eve featuring Sergio Mendes and Sheila E.

Source:- Discover Los Angeles

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Comments are closed.

arrow2Follow Us
 
facebook-logo  twitter-logo  LinkedIn_logo  stumbleupon-logo   rss_logo 

SUBSCRIBE NEWSLETTER:

Email 
 

ADVERTISEMENT

    TRAVEL INDUSTRY EVENTS

    More Events...