DECEMBER DELIGHTS BY HEIDI DVORAK

WE’VE ROUNDED UP 10 FUN PLACES TO GO TO CELEBRATE THE HOLLY-DAYS

Lucky you. Visiting the City of Angels during holiday season is a gift in itself. You happen to be in one of the most exciting places in the world, where the stars are the brightest, the entertainment is the best, and the celebrations are nothing short of brilliant. Here’s a bit of advice on how to make the most of your stay: A multitude of festivities take place all over town during the month of December, so pick a few and join in. This is the perfect time to get an upclose and personal look at how the locals, with their myriad cultures, religions, and ethnicities, honor their roots and add their own sparkle to the merriment. So raise your voice in song, feast on local fare, take part in native traditions, and revel in the lights and magic of the city. In other words: Eat, drink, and be merry—the L.A. way.

Lightscape at the L.A. County Arboretum

Through January 2

Try L.A.’s take on a winter walk: This historic 127-acre property, embraced by the hills near the San Gabriel Mountains in Arcadia, is awe-inspiring when viewed during daylight hours, but it surpasses all expectations after dark, when a milelong garden path becomes a winter wonderland of more than a million multicolored twinkling lights. A rich integration of color and sound results in dazzling large-scale installations that are situated at every turn, notably the towering Winter Cathedral, the Arch of Light, the Fire Garden, Dancing Palms, Snowflake Avenue, Rainbow Road, Flower Lawn, and other arresting illuminated creations. Spirited tunes sung by Michael Bublé, Pentatonix, Daft Punk, Justin Timberlake, the TransSiberian Orchestra, and others fill the air. Santa appears on select nights for photo ops, and food trucks, a full bar, and pop-up shops are stationed throughout.

Christmas in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Hollywood

Through January 7

It’s a dream come true when Hogwarts Castle beckons Harry Potter fans—and anyone who appreciates the creative genius of

theme park designers—but now it’s decked out for the holidays, as are the streets of Hogsmeade, to make the experience positively magical. Down a few Butterbeers and allow yourself to be mesmerized by giant illuminated Christmas trees, real-life fairies, snow-capped roofs, over-the-top light installations, “The Magic Christmas at Hogwarts” animated light-projection show, a Frog Choir serenade, and a live Triwizard Tournament. Hogsmeade’s cobblestone streets are lined with specialty shops—perfect for buying Potter-themed gifts like magic wands, ornaments, and Quidditch game accessories. It’s holiday cheer at its merriest, but, as if that’s not

enough, leave time to experience the rest of the amusement park, notably the Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey thrill ride and Flight of the Hippogriff, Universal Studios Hollywood’s first outdoor family coaster.

L.A. Zoo Lights: Animals Aglow

Through January 7

The animals may be in dreamland, but after dark the zoo comes alive with illuminated sculptures of multihued flowers, majestic trees, elaborate wildlife-inspired lanterns, motion-sensing cacti, glowing animals, and live entertainment in this breathtaking immersive holiday celebration that focuses on seasonal wonders. Wander through illuminated worlds such as Winter Wildlands, which encompasses an icy world of towering pines, sparkling ice crystals, snow-loving animals, and its own Northern Lights. For those who prefer to avoid noise and crowds, a special sensory-inclusive evening is slated for December 5, when fewer attendees are gained admittance and the music volume is lowered throughout the experience. Sensory bags, with noise-canceling headphones, fidget tools, verbal cue cards, and weighted lap pads, are available for check out.

Adults-only VIP experiences are available for Tinsel & ’Tinis night on December 7 and Ugly Holiday Sweaters on December 14. Both options include express entry and access to a private lounge offering gourmet hors d’oeuvres, beer, wine, and a signature cocktail.

A Christmas Carol at A Noise Within

December 1-24

There’s something about hearing the words “God bless us, every one!” that can melt even the iciest of hearts. So if you’re away from home and need to feel the warmth of Christmas, check out this word-for-word rendition of Charles Dickens’ classic tale performed by A Noise Within, a leading theater production company, based in Pasadena. The show offers a delightful experience for patrons of all ages, starring the characters every kid should get to know: Bob Cratchit, Ebenezer Scrooge, Tiny Tim, and the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future, along with superb staging, period costumes, and—two joyful bonuses—original music and dance numbers written especially for this production. Come early for special snacks, crafts, and photo opportunities and stay after the final curtain for a meet-and-greet with cast members. A sensory-friendly relaxed performance is slated for December 3, which offers a shorter run time, subtler lighting and sound effects, relaxation spaces set aside for those who need a break, and a trained staff on hand for those who need assistance.

Teddy Bear Tea at the Langham Huntington, Pasadena

December 3, 8, 9, 10, 15-24

Experience a very different side of SoCal at this iconic luxury hotel, opened in 1914, that hosts an enchanting and veddy proper British tea that is sure to create a lasting holidaymemory for you and your children. Tea time takes place in the hotel’s ornately decorated lobby lounge, complete with a grand Christmas tree that could spark designer envy. Live music softly plays in the background—a harp or piano, depending on the day. Traditional fare, such as freshly made scones and a selection of finger sandwiches are served on Vera Wang Lace Gold Wedgwood dinnerware, along with holiday-decorated mini cakes, sugared snowmen, Christmas tree cookies, and Santa cap strawberry tarts. During the approximately 90-minute service, kids are treated to a puppet show, storytelling by one of Santa’s helpers, and a meet-and-greet with Kriss Kringle himself. Every child is gifted with a limited-edition Paddington Langham Bear.

8 Nights at Birdie G’s

December 4-7, 11-14

You’d have to be crazy not to schlep over to chef-owner Jeremy Fox’s Santa Monica restaurant for any of eight crazy nights of what is referred to a “Hanukkah-ish” dinner series celebration. Sixteen different world-class guest chefs from 14 restaurants (such as award-winning chefs Justin Pichetrungsi of Anajak Thai in Sherman Oaks, David Kinch of Mentone in Aptos, and Junghyun Park of Atoboy in New York City) are each helming the kitchen on designated days, whipping up holiday dishes schmeared with their own signature twists. You can mixand-match with à la carte dishes featuring Fox’s signature Jewish fare, which includes—but is not limited to—matzo ball soup, creamed greens Southern kugel, matzo with house-cultured butter and trout roe, flanken short ribs, and beets with deli flavors. So order a Mazeltini, and let the kvelling begin! Reservations can be had at Resy.

The Nutcracker at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium, UCLA Royce Hall, Redondo Beach PAC, and the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.

December 1-3, 8-9, 15-17, and 21-26

Enjoy a beloved tradition—Tchaikovsky’s famous two-act ballet originally based on E.T.A. Hoffmann’s classic tale—with a few L.A. twists. The L.A. Ballet company certainly maintains the integrity of the story of Clara and her Nutcracker seeking to battle the Mouse King. However, rather than Germany, this story is set in 1912 Los Angeles—in the (now historic) sophisticated enclave of Hancock Park—where SoCal references abound. You’ll either feel like a real L.A. insider or you’ll learn a lot about the city’s characteristics, as nods are made to the flora and fauna of the area (calla lilies and bougainvillea), as well as the forests of the Sierras, the archways of Venice Beach, and the moonlit Pacific Ocean. A live orchestra accompanies the dancers at Dolby Theatre shows.

Holiday Boat Parade at King Harbor Marina

December 9

You’ll be the envy of your friends back home when you tell them you celebrated a holiday happening at the coastal city of Redondo Beach. You can certainly spend the day there hik ing, biking, dining, and exploring the scenic pier and harbor area, but after dark, landlubbers congregate at sea side viewing areas to witness 25 to 30 watercrafts—primarily sailboats and power boats—cruise the harbor, sporting their finest decorations that interpret this year’s parade’s theme: It’s a Wonderful Life. You might spot a Boston whaler, or a 40-foot-trawler-class boat, or 20-foot-racing boats like Catalina 20s, or a Beneteau 60plus. Some vessels are strung with thousands of multicolored lights, others project wild animation or blare festive music, and still others are populated with passengers wearing wildly outlandish costumes. It’s all in good fun, but these boat owners take their efforts seriously; They’re all vy-

ing for awards, such as Best Lighting, Best Costumes/Animation, and Best Sound/Music.

“Messiah” Sing-Along at Walt Disney Concert Hall

December 18

Taking in the deconstructivist architecture of Frank Gehry at Walt Disney Concert Hall is one thing (and a must), but stepping inside this hallowed hall and joining the venerable Los Angeles Master Chorale in a performance of Handel’s “Messiah” is quite another. This is your chance to be part of the city’s world-class music scene at its highest caliber.

You can vocalize by heart, bring your own score, or purchase one in the lobby for $10. With conductor Grant Gershon at the podium, you’ll be cued, as a chorus, on when to sit, when to stand, and when to sing along with the onstage performers, which consists of 20 singers and a chamber orchestra. And don’t hold back: Gershon encourages everyone to participate as if they’re performing the piece onstage themselves.

L.A. County Holiday Celebration at the Music Center’s Dorothy Chandler Pavilion

December 24

To get a true sense of the city’s myriad cultures, attend L.A.s largest and longest-running (now 64 years) multicultural holiday celebration. Diversity and inclusion form the foundation of this free show that spotlights L.A.–based community and professional performers. Showcased over the course of three hours are colorfully costumed choirs, dancers, and musicians that represent the sights and sounds of Los Angeles by way of China, Korea, Japan, India, Mexico, France, Ukraine, and Bulgaria. A handful of eye-opening acts that take the stage include the Divas and Drummers of Compton, the Carnegie Gospel Choir, Mariachi Divas de Cindy Shea; Bulgarian dance ensemble XoroTroptzi, Latin jazz band Gabrielito y La Verdad; the Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles; Jewish culture revival band Mostly Kosher; Hiza Yoo Korean Dance Institute, JazzAntiqua Dance & Music Ensemble; Japanese drummers TaikoProject with Indian-inspired Blue13 Dance Company, and Mexican folklórico company Técnica Arte y Folklore. A head’s up: The show is slated from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., and seating is first come first seated, but the line to get in starts forming at noon.

Details

A Noise Within Theatre 3352. E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena, anoisewithin.org
Universal Studios Hollywood 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, universalstudioshollywood.com

Birdie G’s 2421 Michigan Ave., Santa Monica, birdiegsla.com
King Harbor Marina 208 Yacht Club Way, Redondo Beach, kingharborboatparade.org

Walt Disney Concert Hall 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles, lamasterchoral.org

The Music Center’s Dorothy Chandler Pavilion 135 N. Grand Ave., Los Angeles, musiccenter.org; holidaycelebration.org

L.A. Zoo 5333 Zoo Drive, Los Angeles, lazoo.org

Los Angeles County Arboretum 301 North Baldwin Ave., Arcadia, arboretum.org

The Langham Huntington 1401 South Oak Knoll Ave., Pasadena, langhamhotels.com