Taylor Swift’s new docuseries, a Holbox and Anajak Thai collaboration and plenty of holiday fun settles into the city
December brings holiday magic, charitable galas and Oscar contenders. See more below.
Festivities
Holidays at The Grove
Credit: Caruso
Through Dec. 31
With a 100-foot Christmas tree at the center of the action, The Grove keeps the holiday spirit alive all month long with Santa Claus photo moments, nightly snowfalls, seasonal shopping and more. thegrovela.com
Holiday
Enchanted Forest of Light
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Credit: Courtesy of Descanso Gardens
Through Jan. 4
Descanso Gardens blossoms into an illuminated nighttime spectacular with glimmering light installations weaved among the botanical artscapes. descansogardens.org
Theater
Bob Baker Marionette Theater Holiday Special: Winter Wonderland
Credit: Courtesy Bob Baker Marionette Theater
Through Jan. 18
Demetrius Nova Twinkle Star III (aka Demi Star) guides guests through Santa’s workshop, caroling penguins and more of the theater’s holiday traditions. bobbakermarionettetheater.com
Film
Merrily We Roll Along
Dec. 5
Directed by Maria Friedman, the filmed version of the Tony-winning Broadway revival starring Daniel Radcliffe, Jonathan Groff and Lindsay Mendez hits theaters and explores the lifelong relationship between a composer and his two friends. sonyclassics.com
Philanthropy
Wish Gala
Anthony Anderson with kids who benefited from Make-A-Wish Greater Los Angeles at the 2023 gala.Credit: Make-A-Wish Greater Los Angeles
Dec. 5
Make-A-Wish hosts its Los Angeles gala at the Fairmont Century Plaza, putting on an evening of celebration and storytelling to raise funds for its mission to grant life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. wish.org
Culture
Angel City Chorale Blockbuster Holiday
Royce HallCredit: Photo by Ted Soqui/Corbis via Getty Images
Dec. 6-7
This community choir presents two evenings of music from holiday-favorite films at Royce Hall at UCLA. angelcitychorale.org
Festivities
Calamigos Holiday Market
Credit: Catherine Dzilenski
Dec. 6
Dressed up as a winter wonderland, the Malibu resort transforms its grounds into a family friendly holiday fête featuring local vendors, photos with Santa, live music, food, arts and crafts and more. calamigos.com
Dance
Los Angeles Ballet: The Nutcracker
Credit: Los Angeles Ballet
Dec. 12-28
Los Angeles Ballet launches its 20th anniversary season with its rendition of The Nutcracker, the classic Christmastime show but with a Southern California twist. Catch it at Royce Hall or the Dolby Theatre. losangelesballet.org
Film
Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour: The End of an Era
Credit: Photo by Kevin Winter/TAS23/Getty Images for TAS Rights Management
Dec. 12
The megastar brings The Eras Tour to an official close with a six-part Disney+ docuseries and concert film that includes performances of songs from 2024’s The Tortured Poet’s Department. disneyplus.com
Film
Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery
Daniel Craig in Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery. Credit: Courtesy of Netflix
Dec. 12
In the movie directed by Rian Johnson, Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig) takes on his most dangerous mystery yet. The starry ensemble includes Josh O’Connor, Glenn Close, Josh Brolin, Mila Kunis, Jeremy Renner, Kerry Washington, Andrew Scott, Cailee Spaeny, Daryl McCormack and Thomas Haden Church. netflix.com
Food
Holbox x Anajak Thai
Dec. 16
The Michelin-starred Holbox team heads to Sherman Oaks to join forces with Anajak Thai for a Taco Tuesday to remember as part of Chase Sapphire Reserve’s Your Table, Reserved series. opentable.com
TV
Emily in Paris
Dec. 18
Emily Cooper (Lily Collins) trades Paris for Italy to head Agence Grateau Rome, tackling new obstacles in matters of life, work and love. Also, get ready for the introduction of Princess Jane, played by Minnie Driver. netflix.com
Film
Avatar: Fire and Ash
Dec. 19
James Cameron turns out the third installment of Avatar, diving back into the world of Pandora and its escalating conflict as Neytiri (Zoe Saldaña) and Jake (Sam Worthington) deal with personal grief. avatar.com
Film
Marty Supreme
Dec. 25
Timothée Chalamet stars as a 1950s pingpong player striving for greatness. Directed by Josh Safdie, the film’s cast includes Gwyneth Paltrow, Odessa A’zion and Tyler, The Creator. a24films.com