The Best Holiday Happenings in Los Angeles | December 2024

Courtesy of Holey Grail Donuts.

December in Los Angeles is brimming with festive energy, offering a dazzling lineup of holiday events for every taste and tradition. From the twinkling lights and tropical vibes of the Marina del Rey Holiday Boat Parade on December 14, to the lively Holiday Block Party in the Arts District on December 15 featuring makers, music, and holiday cheer, and the family-friendly Chanukah Celebration at the Original Farmers Market on December 19 with crafts, performances, and a Lego menorah, there’s something magical happening across the city. And that’s just the beginning—this guide covers even more events to make your holiday season in L.A. unforgettable!

Yuletide Cinemaland at Heritage Square Museum
Various Dates
Heritage Square Museum
December will bring some of your favorite holiday movies to the great outdoors at Heritage Square Museum in the Montecito Heights neighborhood of Los Angeles. A family-friendly event, your ticket will include seating at one of the two screening areas and a tour of the Victorian homes in the square. You’ll also have access to a full bar and food for purchase and the Yuletide Market in addition to festivities like live piano sing-a-longs, letters to Santa, and holiday lights. So, what movies will be played and when? Here’s the list:

Friday, Dec. 13: Edward Scissorhands & Violent Night

Saturday, Dec. 14: How the Grinch Stole Xmas & Polar Express

Friday, Dec. 20: A Christmas Story & Christmas Vacation

Saturday, Dec. 21: The Muppet Christmas Carol & Gremlins

Sunday, Dec. 22: Home Alone

Monday, Dec. 23: Elf

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Marina del Rey Holiday Boat Parade
Saturday, December 14 4PM
Burton Chase Park
The Marina del Rey Holiday Boat Parade is an annual tradition held on the second Saturday in December, bringing festive cheer and creative flair to Southern California’s premier coastal community. This year’s 62nd parade, scheduled for Saturday, December 14, 2024, embraces the vibrant theme “A Margaritaville Holiday,” paying tribute to the joyful legacy of the legendary singer-songwriter Jimmy Buffett. The evening begins with a dazzling light show that sets the stage for a night of holiday magic. Participants in the parade showcase their creativity by decorating their boats with twinkling lights, themed decor, and imaginative displays inspired by Margaritaville’s laid-back, celebratory spirit. Many boaters take their performances to the next level by donning costumes, dancing, singing, or hosting live bands onboard. The energy is infectious, delighting both participants and spectators alike. The Marina del Rey Holiday Boat Parade is a cherished event that brings the community together in a joyous celebration of the season. Visitors are invited to experience the festive atmosphere and take part in this beloved waterfront tradition.

Holiday Block Party in the Arts District
Sunday, December 15 10AM
Traction Avenue & Rose St.
Presented in partnership with Angel City Brewery + TRULY LA. Experience Traction Ave + Rose St. Brimming with talented makers, designers, curators, and entrepreneurs. Grab an adult bev, a caffeinated bev or a mocktail while you shop. Listen to live music by local bands + DJs. Get your aura read, get your holiday photo taken, bring your kids, bring your dogs for this fun Holiday event that’s free for the community.

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Chanukah Celebration at the Original Farmers Market
Thursday, December 19 3:30PM
The Original Farmers Market at The Grove
See you at The Grove next Thursday, December 19 from 3:30-5:30pm for Chanukah fun including youth performances by JLA, Lego menorah building, and Chanukah crafts and sing-a-longs. The celebrations continue into the New Year with a special menorah lighting hosted by Miracle Mile Chabad on January 1. Activities take place on the Market Plaza.

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The Benjamin Hollywood
Tuesday, December 24
7174 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90046
Spend Christmas Eve at The Benjamin Hollywood, where the menu features upscale takes on American classics. Standouts include the Chopped Wedge salad, elevated with Everything Seasoning, Deviled Eggs, and the famed Benjamin Burger, perfectly paired with the signature Ben’s Martini. This intimate eatery, founded by Ben Shenassafar of The Hundreds and industry veterans Kate Burr and Jared Meisler, pays homage to classic restaurant hangouts with a contemporary edge, making it a cozy and timeless choice for the holiday.

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Brunch with Santa at Orla Santa Monica
Sundays in December
1700 Ocean Ave, Santa Monica
Celebrate the season with a seaside brunch at Orla, featuring a Champagne cocktail arrival, family-style starters, and an à la carte main course. Meet Santa for photos and learn a Rockettes routine during this festive outing. $95 for adults, $55 for kids (ages 3-10) How to Book: Sundays, December 8, 15, and 22, from 11 a.m.–2 p.m. Reserve here.

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Join the Naughty List at Holey Grail Donuts
Santa Monica, Larchmont, and Long Beach
Treat yourself to festive delights like the “Naughty List” taro donut with Hawaiian vanilla bean and char-COAL cookie crumble, or sip on the housemade “Notorious NOG” made with cashew coconut milk and warm holiday spices. Holey Grail app users get exclusive drinks like the Dirty Nog and NOG Chai Latte. $4 per donut, $16 for a four-pack.

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Majordomo’s Holiday Feasts To Go
Every Day in December
1725 Naud St, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Enjoy a Christmas meal at home with Majordomo’s holiday pick-up options, including their signature smoked Bo Ssäm pork butt paired with condiments like kimchi, ssämjang, and escabeche. Reheat at home in just one hour for a feast that’s tender and flavorful.

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Salt & Straw’s Holiday Series
All Southern California shops
Salt & Straw’s Holiday Series ice cream is back, offering festive flavors like The Great Cookie Swap (v), Toasted White Chocolate & Peppermint Almonds, and Dwanta’s Teremana Spiked Eggnog. Available in scoop shops or via nationwide shipping, these treats make for the perfect holiday dessert. $75 for the full series, $15 per pint.

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Slay Belles Saloon: Holiday Cocktail Experience
Saturday, December 21 9PM
Sassafras Saloon
⭐ Step into a world of glitz and holiday cheer at Slay Belles Saloon: Holiday Cocktail Experience! For one night only, enjoy dazzling performances, specialty cocktails, and festive fun at the Sassafras Saloon in Hollywood! Highlights:
A festive night filled with burlesque, pole dance, aerial acts, and live music
Sip on handcrafted holiday cocktails that bring extra cheer to the evening
Watch your favorite Christmas icons in playful and seductive performances
Two complimentary mini cocktails and a discount on the drink menu for VIP guests
Performances throughout the venue for a dynamic and immersive experience

Holidays Made Here
Through January 5
Warner Brothers Studios
Ever wanted to enjoy a Friendsgiving feast next to the iconic Friends fountain? Or how about a trip to Gilmore Girls’ beloved Stars Hollow at Christmastime? Well good news for L.A., you can do both. Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood is bringing back some of its most iconic holiday tours and attractions this season, including the immersive Friendsgiving tour and Holidays Made Here. Both are sure to bring you closer to these legendary TV series, making your holiday season a memorable one. When: Holidays Made Here will run with all Studio Tours December 18, 2024 through January 5, 2025 (closed Christmas Day). Friendsgiving tours will depart at 10:30 AM, 1 and 3 PM on November 8-10, 15-17, 21-24, and 29-30.

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L.A. County Holiday Celebration
Tuesday, December 24
Dorothy Chandler Pavilion
The 65th annual L.A. County Holiday Celebration offers Angelenos of all ages the opportunity to honor the dynamic, rich cultures of the county and experience the spectacular show like never before. Enjoy a diverse lineup of 28 L.A.-based artists, including many past favorites and some exciting new talent, presented with a fresh look and feel to welcome a new generation of audiences. With performances by choral groups, dance troupes, music ensembles and new artistic genres this year, such as a circus act and a marionette performance, the Holiday Celebration brings holiday cheer to all who attend and into the homes and hearts of all who tune in! See the L.A. County Holiday Celebration live at The Music Center’s Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, watch it on PBS SoCal or stream on pbssocal.org!

Happy Holidays!

Jacqueline Tager | DRE# 1476997
jacqueline.tager@sothebyshomes.com | (323) 697-3040
Sotheby’s International Realty – Los Feliz Brokerage
1801 N Hillhurst Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90027

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