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See the giant ice sculpture menorah! Photo courtesy of the Los Angeles Farmers Market.
See the giant ice sculpture menorah! Photo courtesy of the Los Angeles Farmers Market.
12/8/23 - By Toby B

Looking for the best things to do in Los Angeles this weekend? Here are some of our favorite events and activities to add to your list this weekend.

Oh, Hanukkah, oh Hannukah, come light the menorah!  The Festival of Lights starts on December 7 this year, placing it just about halfway between Thanksgiving and Christmas. There are celebrations all around town; the annual festivals at the Skirball and the Farmer's Market are a couple of our favorites. Not to be dramatic, but this weekend marks the opening of several seasonal showstoppers, from The Grinch at the Pantages to the Hot Chocolate Nutcracker in Redondo to Disney on Ice's take on Frozen and Encanto. You want parades, we've got a bunch of them, whatever floats your boat. And if it's boats, we've got that too, with spectacular marine processions in Dana Point, Marina del Rey, Oxnard, and more!

See more fun ways to celebrate Hanukkah, check out the best things to do in December in Los Angeles with kids, admire dazzling LA light displays, and find more holiday happenings in our Guide to Holiday and Christmas Events for Los Angeles Families. 

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OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Enjoy a fresh take on a classic holiday ballet. Fairie Queen photo by Lee Tonks, courtesy of the Hot Chocolate Nutcracker.
Enjoy a fresh take on a classic holiday ballet. Fairie Queen photo by Lee Tonks, courtesy of the Hot Chocolate Nutcracker.

Best Things To Do This Weekend in Los Angeles

A Christmas Story, The Musical (Ahmanson)

DTLA - Starts Tuesday, December 5
There's Ralphie, the Red Ryder BB gun, the leg lamp, the bunny pajamas.... and now it's got songs! The cult classic A Christmas Story is now a musical, with songs written by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, the team behind Dear Evan Hansen, La La Land and The Greatest Showman. READ MORE

Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas

Hollywood - Starts Wednesday, December 6
Dr. Seuss’ classic holiday tale comes to life on stage.  The Grinch discovers there’s more to Christmas than he bargained for in this heart-warming holiday classic. READ MORE

Silverlake Hanukkah Festival

Silver Lake - Thursday, December 7
Free
Talk about cool: this Hanukkah celebration features a Menorah made out of ice! Israeli celebrity Asaf Goren hosts the annual Hanukkah Silverlake Festival. Highlights include a musical performance by Hughie and Alex from Lewberger, balloon art and a gelt drop. DJ Sagi keeps the dance floor going with beats from Sderot, Israel. READ MORE

Grand Menorah Lighting at Culver Steps

Culver City - Thursday, December 7
Free
The Grand Menorah Lighting and Hanukkah Celebration features a special magic show for all ages. Every child gets a free gift.   READ MORE

Hanukkah in Santa Monica

Santa Monica - Starts Thursday, December 7
Free
Downtown Santa Monica celebrates Hanukkah with a traditional menorah lighting at sundown each night during the holiday READ MORE

Holiday in the Park (LA County Parks)

Multiple Locations - Starts Thursday, December 7 Free
Multiple LA County Parks celebrate the holidays with free events on select nights this December. Angelenos can enjoy a festive night with holiday characters, snacks, arts & crafts, games, caroling, special performances, music, children's story time and more.  READ MORE

Debbie Allen's Hot Chocolate Nutcracker

Redondo Beach - Thursday - Sunday, December 7 - 10
Debbie Allen brings her Dance Academy's popular adaptation of the classic dance tale to the Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center. The show has become a local holiday classic directed, choreographed by, and starring the unstoppable Ms. Allen. READ MORE

Santa's Circus Cirque Show

Hollywood - Starts Friday, December 8
Santa and his elves have a tumbling time in this creative, energetic, and thrilling interactive show. Admission includes awe-inspiring cirque acts, gymnastics, a meet and greet with the characters, and a photo with Santa.  READ MORE

Boat Parade of Lights at Dana Point

Dana Point - Thursday - Sunday, December 8 - 10
Free
The annual Boat Parade of Lights returns with a Candyland theme for 2023. READ MORE

Marina del Rey Holiday Boat Parade and Fireworks

Marina del Rey - Saturday, December 9
Free
The Marina del Rey Boat Parade returns for its 61st year! Prepare to be awed as spectacularly decorated boats light up Marina del Rey's main harbor. READ MORE

Candy Cane Lane Opening Night

El Segundo - Saturday, December 9
Free
The eastern block of Acacia Avenue is announced by a Candy Cane Lane sign, marking a tradition of more than 60 years. Houses are alight with trains, reindeer, giant characters, and music, plus frequent appearances by Santa Claus in a covered sleigh at the end of the cul-de-sac. READ MORE

King Harbor Holiday Boat Parade

Redondo Beach - Saturday, December 9
Free
Redondo Beach celebrates its own boat parade, with festive maritime displays. Anywhere with a view of the main channel is the place to be, whether it's a breakwater or a tough-to-reserve restaurant. This year's theme is "It’s a Wonderful Life."  The event honors Storm 2022/2023 First Responders from the city/ King Harbor Yacht Club members. READ MORE

Daisy Avenue Christmas Tree Lane Parade

Long Beach - Saturday, December 9
Free
The Daisy Avenue Christmas Tree Lane Parade returns to its historic format this year. This neighborhood parade is unique in that it runs through a residential street, not a commercial district. The procession includes marching bands, musical groups, and great floats. READ MORE

Sand Snowman Contest

Hermosa Beach - Saturday, December 9
Free
Who needs snow?  In Hermosa Beach, families can make their snowmen out of sand.  READ MORE

69th Annual Uptown Christmas Parade

Whittier - Saturday, December 9
Free
This annual parade attracts more than 15,000 visitors. Entries include marching bands, vintage autos, floats, dance troupes, drill teams, and more. Santa Claus can be counted on to make an appearance. This year's theme is "Whittier Wonderland"  and the Grand Marshall is comedian Jerry Garcia. READ MORE

Meet & Get a Photo with Blippi

Fairfax - Saturday, December 9
Barnes & Noble - The Grove welcomes a special visitor: Blippi!   A ticket is required for the meet and greet with photo op. Guests can either buy a solo ticket or an "adult + child" ticket.   Ticket includes admission to the meet-and-greet/ photo op, three books, and a tote bag. READ MORE

SIJCC Festival of Lights

Silver Lake - Saturday, December 9
Silverlake Independent JCC's Festival of Lights carnival is open to the entire Silver Lake community and annually draws hundreds of families to the SIJCC campus Highlightsof this winter block party include the Critter Squad, a Game Zone, craft booths, a Toddler Zone, music and magic, and activities for all ages. The Hollow Trees perform at 11:30am. READ MORE

Theatricum Botanicum Holiday Family Faire

Topanga - Saturday, December 9
Theatricum Botanicum transforms into a Winter Wonderland for the Holiday Family Faire, a holiday marketplace complete with festive food and drink, caroling and singing madrigals, storytelling, and Santa and Mrs. Claus. READ MORE

Annual Holiday Concert on the Pier

Redondo Beach - Saturday, December 9
Free
Redondo Pier celebrates the holidays with the Annual Concert on the Pier. The festivities include live holiday music, activity books, a charity toy drive, a holiday photos, and sponsor giveaways. READ MORE

Apollo Lighting

Downey - Saturday, December 9
Free
Anyone can light a tree, but it takes rocket scientists to light a space capsule!  Columbia Memorial Space Center illuminates its Apollo capsule, its unique tradition to ring in the holiday season. READ MORE

Luminaria Nights

Claremont - Starts Saturday, December 9
Luminaria Nights is a seasonal Claremont tradition featuring more than 1,000 hanging lights along the Garden trails to create a winter wonderland. READ MORE

Oxnard Parade of Lights Celebration and Boat Parade

Oxnard - Saturday, December 9
Free
The Channel Islands Harbor kicks off the holidays with its 57th annual Parade of Lights. This year's theme is “Santa’s Workshop Creates a Spark of Love.”  The parade starts at 7pm. READ MORE

Disney on Ice: Frozen & Encanto (Crypto.com)

DTLA - Saturday & Sunday, December 9 & 10
Casa Madrigal and Arendelle come to life on the ice, thanks to a touch of Disney magic! Audiences can sing-along to their favorite songs while marveling at world-class ice skating, aerial acrobatics and more as Disney On Ice presents Frozen & Encanto makes its SoCal debut READ MORE

Skirball Hanukkah Family Festival

West LA - Sunday, December 10
The Skirball Hanukkah Family Festival welcomes families of all backgrounds to revel in the spirit of the holiday with music, dance, and storytelling.  READ MORE

Chanukah Celebration (Original Farmers Market)

Fairfax - Sunday, December 10
Free
Nothing says Chanukah like a giant ice sculpture menorah! The Farmers Market celebrates Chanukah with performances, a sing-along, arts and crafts,a menorah ice sculpting demo, and a special menorah lighting ceremony. READ MORE

El Segundo Holiday Parade

El Segundo - Sunday, December 10
Free
Play ball!  The 59th Annual El Segundo Holiday Parade is themed “A  Home Run for the Holidays.” This year's Grand Marshals are the El Segundo Little League 2023 World Series Championship Team! READ MORE

Giant Hanukkah Celebration on Hermosa Beach Pier

Hermosa Beach - Sunday, December 10
Free
Hermosa's largest Hanukkah celebration is at Hermosa Beach Pier Plaza. This year's event is themed Light Up the Darkness, an Israel Solidarity event. Highlights include a Hanukkah performance by the Academy of the Arts, and a gelt drop from a giant firetruck ladder. READ MORE

Manhattan Beach Annual Holiday Fireworks Festival

Manhattan Beach - Sunday, December 10
Free
Manhattan Beach's annual fireworks extravaganza returns in 2023! Activities throughout the day include the SKECHERS Snow Park,  Santa Claus, live musical performances, and of course, fireworks! READ MORE

Hanukkah Family Fun Day

Malibu - Sunday, December 10
The Shalom Institute shines a light on the holiday season at its annual Hanukkah celebration in Malibu. READ MORE

Menorah Lighting Ceremony (Ovation Hollywood)

Hollywood - Sunday, December 10
Free
The Grand Menorah Lighting Ceremony at Ovation Hollywood is held in the Center Courtyard. Hanukkah is celebrated with donuts, latkes, gelt, dreidels, music, crafts for children, and a show. READ MORE

A Winter Wonderland (Crenshaw Imperial Plaza)

Inglewood - Sunday, December 10
Free
Brr!  There's snow in Inglewood - 15 tons of it! Guests at the holiday festivities at Crenshaw Imperial Plaza can play and sled in the snow and take photos with Santa Claus. READ MORE

Giant Popcorn Menorah (Del Amo)

Torrance - Sunday, December 10
Free
What's popping?   How about the giant Popcorn Menorah at Del Amo Mall! Chabad of the South Bay hosts a Hanukkah celebration indoors at Del Amo Fashion Center, featuring the lighting of a popcorn menorah. READ MORE

JEM Hanukkah Party & Menorah Lighting

Beverly Hills - Sunday, December 10
free
The JEM Community Center of Beverly Hills hosts a Hanukkah party and menorah lighting, celebrating light, unity, and liberty. Admission is free. Guests are invited to enjoy music, food, and fun activities; there is a gift for every child. READ MORE

Chatsworth Holiday Parade & Festival

Chatsworth - Sunday, December 10
Free
The 2023 Annual Chatsworth Holiday event is filled with marching, equestrian, motorized, and float units. This community event also includes a festival area with food vendors, a holiday boutique, games, and more. READ MORE

2023 South Gate Children's Christmas Lane Parade & Festival

South Gate - Sunday, December 10
Free
The Annual Children's Christmas Lane Parade & Festival has traditionally attracted more than 50,000 residents of South Gate and the surrounding communities. READ MORE
The holiday season in LA is here! Photo courtesy of the City of Santa Monica
The holiday season in LA is here! Photo courtesy of the City of Santa Monica

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Places featured in this article:

Uptown Whittier, ending near Whittier Community Center.
Shalom Institute – Alan D. Leve Campus
Beverly Cañon Gardens (Maybourne Hotel Beverly Hills)