Wondering how to host the holidays this year without having a mental breakdown? Inviting relatives into town is no easy task, but SBP is here to soften the blow so you can make the most of what’s really important—family, friends and fantastic memories. Below, take a look at our curated list of LA events to keep your guests busy throughout the holidays so you can maintain your sanity during the seasonal craze.
Catch Love Actually on Stage
For the month of December, cult-favorite film Love Actually will take to the stage at Beverly Hills’ Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts. And what better way to get your in-laws out of the house than with a show everyone will adore? The performance includes a 15-piece orchestra, songs from the film and scenes from each intersecting love story. Talk about a feel-good holiday activity.
Get a Taste of Winter at Pershing Square
Sure, we live in Los Angeles where it’s pretty much 70 degrees and sunny year-round, but that doesn’t mean we can’t experience the holidays like our east coast friends. Whether you want to introduce the little ones to winter without leaving paradise or have a spontaneous day in DTLA with the adult crew (followed by hot toddies, of course), head to the ice skating rink at Pershing Square for a unique holiday adventure.
Head to Holiday Cheer on the Pier
The iconic Santa Monica Pier never skimps on over-the-top holiday vibes. The annual Holiday Cheer on the Pier is a month-long art installation with a host of events to celebrate the season in serious style until January 6. Perfect for kiddos, the pop-up features a Candyland-inspired merry-go-round, Bob Baker puppet shows and story sessions, while the adults can meander the aisles of the unique holiday market and sway to carols from the festive doo-wop group, The Noelles. Guaranteed fun for all.
Snuggle up to Holiday Movies
The ever-renowned Rooftop Cinema Club is keepin’ it going this season with a slate of holiday films. Would anyone in your family say no to that? Grab tickets to your favorite flick, whether that be A Christmas Story or How the Grinch Stole Christmas, snuggle up beneath a blanket (provided at each seat, of course) and sip on seasonal drinks atop the LEVEL in DTLA (it’s been given a ski lodge makeover, folks) or Neuehouse in Hollywood. You truly can’t go wrong with this one.
Enter a Wild Wonderland of Light
There are traditional Christmas lights and then there are magical disco ball forests, illuminated pop-up storybooks and twinkling tunnels filled with dynamic swirls of color—right? The LA Zoo Lights is a not-to-be-missed holiday light experience that runs nightly through January 5, so if you and the relatives want an absolutely lit evening over winter break (pun intended), you know what to put on the agenda.
Celebrate Christmas Eve at LA’s Biggest Show
The annual LA County Holiday Celebration (now in its 60th year) is an epic show that’ll go down on Christmas Eve at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion in DTLA. Perfect for Angelenos of all ages, the free three-hour live production features music and dance performances that honor the dynamic, rich cultures of our beautiful city. That’s what the holiday season is all about, right?
