Here is a sampling of things to do in the San Fernando Valley and Los Angeles area, Dec. 1-8.
EVENTS
UCLA December First Thursday: Westwood Village Farmers Market, noon-4 p.m. Dec. 1. During the market hours, the UCLA Volunteer Center is accepting donations for its “Winter Wishlist campaign (in partnership with Depaul USA Casa Milagrosa). Donation wish list is on the website. The “First Thursday” picks up again with “Let There Be Light Evening Block Party,” 7-10 p.m. Dec. 1, with live music and “gliding” on a skating rink. Wear an “ugly sweater” for a giveaway (while supplies last). Location, 1031 Broxton Ave., Westwood. www.facebook.com/UCLA/. Details: bit.ly/3i4A7kv
Holiday-Ugly Sweater Bingo Night at Canoga Park Women’s Club: Have some fun and support the women’s club charities, 6 p.m. Dec. 2. Event includes a spaghetti dinner, dessert, opportunity gift baskets and a prize for the “ugliest” sweater. Admission $20, includes one book of 10 bingo games). Additional bingo games, $5; daubers, $1.25; wine, $4; soft drinks and water, $2. Reservations are required. Location, 7401 Jordan Ave. (at Valerio Street), Canoga Park. Cyndy Keeley, 818-437-2232 or email, keelscyndy@hotmail.com.
Tree Lighting Spectacular – Sherman Oaks Galleria: The event includes entertainment and free photos with Santa Claus, 6 p.m. Dec. 2. Location, 15301 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks. 818-382-4100. Get a free ticket from the link here: shermanoaksgalleria.com/event/annual-tree-lighting-spectacular/
Holiday tree lighting in Sylmar: 6 p.m. Dec. 2. Sylmar Recreation Center, 13109 Borden Ave. 818-485-0600. monicarodriguez.org/events
Holiday tree lighting in Granada Hills: The ceremony includes music from two choirs and local dignitaries, 6:30 p.m. Dec. 2. Location, corner of Chatsworth Street and Zelzah Avenue. prnc.org/granada-hills-tree-lighting
Barnyard Light Tour at William S. Hart Regional Park: The tour includes animal feedings, photo with Santa Claus and shopping in the Friends of Hart Park gift shop, 4-8 p.m. Dec. 3. Hart Barnyard, 24151 Newhall Ave., Newhall. 661-259-1750. www.facebook.com/friendsofhartpark/
Walking in Our Light – A Community Gratitude Procession: The Canoga Park Improvement Association co-presents the event that includes dance and music performances and poetry, 4:30-6:30 p.m. Dec. 3. Email: dolores.chavez@lacity.org. Reservations, on Eventbrite, requested here: bit.ly/3Op63fk
Holidays on the Homestead at Antelope Valley Indian Museum State Historic Park: The annual event includes a “country craft” boutique with unique gifts handmade by local artists, coffee around a campfire and a tour of the historic grounds, 5-8 p.m. Dec. 3. Admission $10; $5 ages 6-12 (includes a complimentary bowl of chili and cornbread). 15701 E. Ave. M, Lancaster. 661-946-3055. www.avim.parks.ca.gov
Holiday Tree Lighting in San Fernando: The City of San Fernando Recreation and Parks present the event that includes dance and musical performances, artisan marketplace and food vendors, “Santa’s Workshop,” plus free photos with Santa Claus, 5-9 p.m. Dec. 3. San Fernando Mall, San Fernando Road, between San Fernando Mission and Brand boulevards. 818-898-1290. ci.san-fernando.ca.us/sfrecreation/#holiday-tree-lighting
Winter Wonderland at Wildlife Learning Center: Enjoy seeing the rescued animals, the holiday lights decorations plus children may make an ornament at a craft table and take part in a scavenger hunt, 5:30-8:30 p.m. Dec. 3-4. Other dates: Dec. 10-11; 17-18; Dec. 23; Dec. 31-Jan. 1. Admission $18; $16 children. Reservations required. The Wildlife Learning Center has been giving, since 2007, “displaced, rescued, and zoo-born wild animals a home” (read more on the website). Location, 16027 Yarnell St., Sylmar. 818-362-8711. www.wildlifelearningcenter.org
Las Posadas at Andrés Pico Adobe: The San Fernando Valley Historical Society presents the traditional Christmas procession, 6 p.m. Dec. 3. Gates open, 5 p.m. Event includes caroling, a piñata and Santa Claus appearance. Free/donations appreciated. 10940 Sepulveda Blvd., Mission Hills (enter the parking lot from Brand Boulevard at the junction of Sepulveda Boulevard). Voicemail, 818-365-7810. www.sfvhs.com. www.facebook.com/sfvhs
Montrose-Glendale Christmas Parade: The 44th annual event begins, 6:10 p.m. Dec. 3. Rain or shine. Route: Honolulu Avenue at Rosemont Avenue, on Honolulu to Verdugo Road, Montrose. www.montrosechristmasparade.com
Holidays in The Village: A European-style marketplace that includes shopping for unique gifts, children’s activities, carolers and live music, European food and beverages including mulled wine, craft beers, Kinderpunsch and hot cocoa, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Dec. 4. Theme areas: Festive Garden, Le French Quarter and Kris Kringle’s Village. Free admission and parking. Presented by the Rotary clubs of Westlake Village (Sunrise and Noon). Proceeds go to support local nonprofit organizations. Lakeview Canyon and Agoura roads, Westlake Village. www.holidaysinthevillage.org
Granada Hills Holiday Parade: This year’s parade theme “Home for the Holidays,” 1:30 p.m. Dec. 4. The parade includes marching bands, vintage cars, dance and drill teams, equestrians, floats and community groups. The grand marshal is Tom Williams, a volunteer parade committee member for 50 years in Granada Hills. Parade route: Chatsworth Street at Petit Avenue, west on Chatsworth to Zelzah Avenue. www.granadahillsholidayparade.org
Studio City Luminaria Festival: Studio City Neighborhod Council hosts the 10th annual event that includes entertainment, a “2000 light” selfie station, children’s art activities and refreshments plus an opportunity to tour the museum, 3-7 p.m. Dec. 4. Proof of Covid vaccination required. Free admission. Campo de Cahuenga, 3919 Lankershim Blvd., Studio City. www.studiocitync.org
Open House at Sun Valley Branch Library: The branch library is celebrating the Los Angeles Public Library’s 150th anniversary with its local celebration that includes crafts, entertainment, a puppet show and refreshments, 3-6 p.m. Dec. 7. Location, 7035 Vineland Ave. 818-764-1338. Details: bit.ly/3FimEPb
Pacoima Tree Lighting: 6 p.m. Dec. 7. Pacoima City Hall, 13620 Van Nuys Blvd. 818-485-0600. monicarodriguez.org/events
Sunland-Tujunga Tree Lighting: 6 p.m. Dec. 9. Sunland Recreation Center, 8651 Foothill Blvd., Sunland. 818-485-0600. monicarodriguez.org/events
Pacoima Christmas Parade: The Pacoima Chamber of Commerce presents the parade, 9 a.m. Dec. 10. The parade is scheduled to include marching bands, car and motorcycle clubs, dance groups, equestrians and drill teams. The parade begins at Pacoima City Hall (13520 Van Nuys Blvd.) and runs on Van Nuys Boulevard to Herrick Avenue. www.facebook.com/PacoimaHolidayParade/
Black Comics Festival at California African American Museum: The festival includes a comics marketplace, children’s activities and food trucks, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Dec. 10. Special conversations: a keynote address with Ryan Coogler and Aaron Covington (11:30 a.m.) and a panel discussion with Rodney Barnes, John Jennings and Cody Ziglar (1:30 p.m.). 600 State Drive (in Exposition Park), Los Angeles. 213-744-2084. caamuseum.org. Make a reservation, free, here: bit.ly/3XIHxtT
Holiday Family Faire – Will Geer’s Theatricum Botanicum: The event includes an artisan holiday marketplace, caroling and the singing of madrigals, a performance by aerialist Lexi Pearl, photos with Santa Claus and refreshments, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Dec. 10. Also, a special performance of Harry Nilsson’s “The Point” with Kate Micucci and Kiefo Nilsson (added $25 per person for this performance). Admission to the faire, $20 ages 16 and older; $10 ages 5-15 (purchase tickets here: bit.ly/3VhOwbA). Location, Topanga Canyon Blvd., Topanga. 310-455-3723. www.theatricum.com
Winter Wonderland – a Parks After Dark event: Los Angeles County Parks & Recreation presents “Mega Snow Winter Wonderland” with 80-tons of snow, holiday-theme activities, a craft village, teen zone plus snack stations, noon-4 p.m. Dec. 10. There will also be a toy giveaway for ages 0-17 (while supplies last). El Cariso Community Regional Park, 13100 Hubbard St., Sylmar. Details for El Cariso Park, and for more “Winter Wonderland” events at other Los Angeles County parks: parks.lacounty.gov/winterpad
Valley Cultural Foundation’s Arts and Music Festival: The 2nd annual event includes arts and crafts activities for children, music by Elaine Horn, a Judy Garland impressionist, and School of Rock-Woodland Hills, a snow area, photos with Santa Claus, vendors selling gift items, and food trucks, 1-6 p.m. Dec. 10. Donate a new, unwrapped toy to the ABC-7 and Southern California Firefighters’ “Spark of Love” toy drive. Warner Park, 5001 Topanga Canyon Blvd., Woodland Hills. 818-704-1358. www.valleycultural.org
Marina del Rey Holiday Boat Parade: Fireworks show, 5:55-6 p.m. The parade, with “Sparkle on the Water” theme, has decorated boats circling the main channel of the marina, 6-8 p.m. Dec. 10. Los Angeles County Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell is grand marshal. Viewing areas include: Burton Chace Park, 13650 Mindanao Way, and also Fisherman’s Village, 13755 Fiji Way. Check website for boat tour options. Check website for parking ideas. 310-670-7130. mdrboatparade.org
Parade of Lights in Oxnard’s Channel Islands Harbor: “Let It Glow” theme for the 56th annual decorated boats parade, 7 p.m. Dec. 10. Waterfront viewing in various locations including parks, restaurants and walkways. Also, boat charters are available. Route begins in front of the Maritime Museum (3900 Bluefin Circle), to the Main Channel, a turn at the harbor entrance break wall, looping in front of the launch ramp, around the peninsula to the Pacific Corinthian Yacht Club and repeats once. Map and other information: www.channelislandsharbor.org/event/56th-annual-parade-of-lights/
Chatsworth Holiday Parade and Festival: The Kiwanis Club of Chatsworth presents the parade with the theme “Hometown Holidays,” 1 p.m. Dec. 11. Parade includes marching bands, classic cars, equestrians, community groups, drill teams and Santa Claus. Parade route: Devonshire Street at Topanga Canyon Boulevard, east on Devonshire to Lurline Avenue. Festival, noon-5 p.m, at Canoga Avenue between Devonshire Street and Mayall Street. www.chatsworthholidayparade.org/parade-information
Ventura Harbor Parade of Lights and Fireworks: “Out of this World” theme parade with decorated power and sail boats cruising the harbor twice, 6:30-8 p.m. Dec. 16-17. Fireworks, around 8 p.m. (weather permitting). Check website for booking cruises by Island Packers and Ventura Boat Rentals, and also other activities prior to the parade. Ventura Harbor Village, 1583 Spinnaker Drive, Ventura. 805-477-0470. www.venturaharborvillage.com
Hanukkah Festival at the Skirball Center: The event includes music from Mostly Kosher and DJ Callie Ryan, the Hanukkah story told through a puppet theater performance, latkes and jelly doughnuts and a hanukkiah lighting, 2-5:30 p.m. Dec. 18. Admission $18; $15 seniors and full-time students; $13 ages 2-12. Reservations recommended in advance (walk-ups are first come-first served). 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles. 310-440-4500. skirball.org. Details and to purchase admission: bit.ly/3VAZZ6t
Prohibition NYE: A “Roaring Twenties” theme New Year Eve’s party, 9 p.m. Dec. 31 to 2 a.m. Jan. 1, 2023. The DJ duo Neil Frances performs, along with jazz ensemble Lyndsay & the All-Nighters, and the burlesque troupe Concrete Entertainment. Minimum age: 21. Required dress code: formal, or 1920s-inspired dress for women (see website). Event includes open bar. Tickets $195; $3,000 for a VIP table for four. Reservations required. Union Station, 800 N. Alameda St., Los Angeles. www.facebook.com/ProhibitionNewYearsEve. www.prohibitionnye.com
ONGOING EVENTS
Dinosaurs in the Valley: An outdoor, immersive walk-through to see life-size and life-like animatronic dinosaurs, through selected dates through Dec. 18. Sensory-friendly sessions are available at 8 a.m. on Dec. 3, 10 and 17. Admission is by timed-entry; must be purchased in advance online; daytime or nighttime options. Admission $24.99 plus fees. Check the website for information on additional activities for children; additional fee for each; to be purchased at the venue. Parking $10 plus fees (when you purchase admission). Frequently asked questions: bit.ly/3UXM61b. Pierce College, use parking lot entry at Victory Boulevard at Mason Avenue, Woodland Hills. www.dinosaursinthevalley.com/
Enchanted – Forest of Light at Descanso Gardens: An interactive one-mile walk-through display of lights including an area of stained glass creations, through Jan. 8. Purchase a timed-ticket in advance on the website (time frame, 5:30-10 p.m.; no tickets sold at the door). Admission $38-$40 (children under age two are free but must also have a ticket). 1418 Descanso Drive, La Cañada Flintridge. www.descansogardens.org/programs-events/enchanted/
Grinchmas and Christmas in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Universal Studios Hollywood: Holiday fun with “Grinchmas” (bit.ly/3V2XHfW) and on the streets of Hogsmeade (bit.ly/3i2N8Ld), through Jan. 1. Directions and parking fees: bit.ly/3S1oUy0. General admission online: $104, California resident; $109 non-California resident; check the link for other admission options and passes (purchase here: bit.ly/3i4yUcS). 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City. www.universalstudioshollywood.com
Holiday Road: A self-guided walk-through to see holiday-theme installations plus a holiday bar (ages 21 and older), a souvenir shop and food trucks. Dates: Dec. 1-4, 7-24 and 26-30. Tickets, sold by time and online only, $29.99/$34.99 (depending on date and time). No tickets sold at the door. Purchase parking pass $5.99 at the same time as admission. Details and rules here: holidayroadusa.com/faq/. King Gillette Ranch, 26800 Mulholland Highway, Calabasas. holidayroadusa.com
L.A. Zoo Lights – Animals Aglow: The self-guided walking tour returns with dazzling wildlife lantern displays through different landscapes, runs various dates through Jan. 22. Hours: 6-10 p.m. Rain does not cancel. Tickets $34/$39 ages 13 and older; $27/$32 ages 2-12 (higher admission is for premium nights; purchasing online is recommended). Check the website for details on special event nights including “Sensory-Inclusive,” 6-10 p.m. Nov. 30, and “Family New Year’s Eve, Dec. 31 ($100 for ages 18 and older; $75 ages 2-17; bit.ly/3EeQ4vU). Location, 5333 Zoo Drive, Los Angeles. www.lazoo.org/plan-your-visit/special-experiences/zoolights/
Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood: Take a tour of the working studio and enjoy seeing special attractions including sets from television shows. Minimum age 5 (children ages 4 and younger are not allowed). Also, ages 18 and older must show a valid government-issued photo ID. Hours: 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Tickets should be purchased in advance and online: $57 (for Southern California residents); $69 and $59 ages 5-11 (for non-Southern California residents). Parking, $15, at 3400 Warner Blvd., Burbank (follow the signs for tour parking). 818-977-8687. 818-977-8687. www.wbstudiotour.com
ART
Topanga Canyon Gallery: “Small Works Holiday Show,” from more than 30 local Los Angeles artists, opens 1-7 p.m. Dec. 2. Reception, 4-7 p.m. Dec. 10. Gallery hours: 1-7 p.m. Friday; noon-6 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. Exhibit and sale runs through Dec. 23. Location, 137 S. Topanga Canyon Blvd., Topanga. 310-455-7909. Email: info@topangacanyongallery.com. www.facebook.com/topangacanyongallery/
Santa Clarita Artists Association Gallery: “Little Gems,” a group show with an emphasis on small works that are ideal for gift-giving. Artists’ reception, 6-8 p.m. Dec. 2. Participating artists: Bonny Butler, Sandy Fisher, Lynda Frautnick, Mardilan Georgio, Meryl Goudey, Jeanne Iler, Olga Kaczmar, LW Krebs, Shanna Lim, Cheri Marcovitch, Howard Marcovitch, Samantha Martindale, Laurie Morgan, Charlotte Mullich, Meressa Naftulin, Rene Smoller. Gallery hours: 4-7 p.m. Friday; 1-7 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. Exhibit runs through Dec. 18. 22508 Sixth St., Newhall. www.santaclaritaartists.org
Studio Channel Islands Holiday Art Market: Members of the art group sell a variety of artwork. Preview evening with music, art installations (and sales), 6-9 p.m. Dec. 2; also, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Dec. 3 and noon-4 p.m. Dec. 4. Location, 2222 E. Ventura Blvd., Camarillo. 805-383-1368. www.facebook.com/studiochannelislands. studiochannelislands.org
Thinkspace Projects: “Ben Tolman: Unmode” (Gallery I); “Hanna Lee Joshi: What Is it You Seek?” (Gallery II); “Nika Mtwana: Protagonist” (Gallery III); “Carl Cashman + Oscar Joyo: Hybrid” (Gallery IV). Opening reception, 6-10 p.m. Dec. 3. Gallery hours: noon-6 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday. Exhibits run through Dec. 31. Location, 4217 W. Jefferson Blvd., Los Angeles. 310-558-3375. Email: contact@thinkspaceprojects.com. thinkspaceprojects.com
Choice Contemporary: “Kevin Nealon: I Exaggerate.” The actor-comedian (cast member of “Saturday Night Live”) exhibits his art work, 6-9 p.m. Dec, 9 and 2-5 p.m. Dec. 10. Reservations required for either date. Brentwood Village, 11706 Barrington Court, Los Angeles. Make a reservation to attend: bit.ly/3EURxaO
ONGOING ART
Corey Helford Gallery: “Brandi Milne: Everything I Ever Was” (Main Gallery) and “Nicoletta Ceccoli: Handle With Care” (Gallery 3). Gallery hours: noon-6 p.m. Thursday-Saturday. Exhibits run through Dec. 3. 571 S. Anderson St., Los Angeles. 310-287-2340. coreyhelfordgallery.com/shows/corey-helford/year:2022. coreyhelfordgallery.com
Nicodim Gallery: “Simphiwe Ndzube: Isithunywa so Moya – A Messenger of the Spirit.” Gallery hours: 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday. Exhibit runs through Dec. 3. The exhibit is upstairs at the gallery, 1700 S. Santa Fe. Ave., Unit 451, Los Angeles. 213-265-7166. Email: info@nicodimgallery.com. www.nicodimgallery.com
William Turner Gallery: “Jimi Gleason: Prima Materia.” Gallery hours: 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday. Exhibit runs through Dec. 3. Location, 2525 Michigan Ave., Site E-1, Santa Monica. 310-453-0909. Email: info@williamturnergallery.com. www.williamturnergallery.com
Sarah Brook Gallery: “Body Root,” group show with artwork by Maya Barrera, Jenny Blumenfield, Devra Fox, Sarah Gilfillan, Colleen Herman, Janine Iverson, Paul Lee, Jane Swavely. Gallery hours: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday; and by appointment. Exhibit runs through Dec. 17. Location, 5229 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles. Email: sarah@sarahbrookgallery.com. sarahbrookgallery.com/Home
David Kordansky Gallery: “Sam Gilliam: White and Black Paintings, 1975-1977” and “Jennifer Guidi: In the Heart of the Sun.” Gallery hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday. Exhibits run through Dec. 17. Location, 5130 W. Edgewood Place, Los Angeles. 323-935-3030. www.davidkordanskygallery.com/
Shulamit Nazarian Gallery: “Annie Lapin: Contours of the Vast,” paintings. Gallery hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday. Exhibit runs through Dec. 17. Location, 616 N. La Brea Ave., Los Angeles. 310-281-0961. Email: info@shulamitnazarian.com. www.shulamitnazarian.com
Regen Projects: “Daniel Richter: Furor II,” new paintings. Gallery hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday. Exhibit runs through Dec. 23. Location, 6750 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles. 310-276-5424. www.regenprojects.com
Brand Library & Art Center: The “50th Annual National Juried Exhibition of Works on Paper,” with art from 85 artists. Hours: 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday-Saturday. Exhibit runs through Dec. 30. 1601 W. Mountain St., Glendale. 818-548-2051. www.brandlibrary.org
Lowell Ryan Projects: “Richard Dupont: Self Medication.” Gallery hours: 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday; and by appointment. Exhibit runs through Dec. 31. Location, 4619 W. Washington Blvd., Los Angeles. 323-413-2584. Email: info@lowellryanprojects.com. www.lowellryanprojects.com; www.facebook.com/lowellryanprojects
Kohn Gallery: “Alia Ahmad: A Meadow…from a dream” and “Jinbin Chen: Returnees.” Gallery hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday-Friday; 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday. Exhibits run through Jan. 14. Location, 1227 N. Highland Ave., Los Angeles. 323-461-3311. kohngallery.com
Artist Co-Op 7: “Windows of Our Minds,” group show on the natural world by local artists Rosemary Altshuler, Adria Becker, Selina Cheng, Karen Alpert Entous, Denise Yarfitz-Pierre. Hours: 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Monday-Friday (closed on Saturday-Sunday). Exhibit runs through March 27. Encino Terrace Lobby Gallery, 15821 Ventura Blvd., Encino. www.co-op7.org
BOOKS
Friends of the Woodland Hills Branch Library Used Book Sale: Gently-used books plus audiobooks, CDs, VHSs and vinyl albums, 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Dec. 2; 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Dec. 3. Members of the Friends of the Library have first pick, 5-7 p.m. Dec. 1 (new members may join at the door at this time; bit.ly/3U0v0it). Location, 22200 Ventura Blvd., Woodland Hills. 818-226-0017. Details: bit.ly/3AC9yJL; bit.ly/3VhMDLJ
Book Soup: Herbie J. Pilato discusses “The 12 Best Secrets of Christmas: A Treasure House of December Memories,” 7 p.m. Dec. 1. Billy Porter signs “Unprotected — A Memoir,” 3 p.m. Dec. 3 (ticketed events; $18 plus fees for admission and paperback; no personalization, no memorabilia, no selfies; bit.ly/3UhBQjC). Samantha Cole discusses “How Sex Changed the Internet and the Internet Changed Sex: An Unexpected History,” 7 p.m. Dec. 5. Alex Kenna discusses her mystery novel, “What Meets the Eye,” 7 p.m. Dec. 8. Reyna Biddy discusses her book of poetry, “We Find Our Way,” 7 p.m. Dec. 9. The bookstore is located at 8818 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood. 310-659-3110. www.booksoup.com
Autobooks-Aerobooks: Dave Wolin discusses and signs “Riverside – Volume Two: From Turkey Farm, to Race Track to Shopping Mall in Thirty Hot, Cold and Dusty Years, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Dec. 3. Also, Brian Bailey discusses and signs “Drag Racing in Southern California – A Tiny History: A Photographic Record, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Dec. 10. Place an order for a signed book in advance. 2900 W. Magnolia Blvd., Burbank. 818-845-0707. www.autobooks-aerobooks.com
Vroman’s Bookstore: Richard Ellis discusses “When Galaxies Were Born — The Quest for the Cosmic Dawn,” 7 p.m. Dec. 5. Lindsey Kelk discusses “The Christmas Wish,” 7 p.m. Dec. 6. John Densmore discusses and signs “The Seekers — Meetings with Remarkable Musicians (and Other Artists), 7 p.m. Dec. 16 (ticketed event; $17.99 plus fees includes admission and a paperback copy; no memorabilia will be signed; no personalization; register here: bit.ly/3u9rzeO). Location, 695 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. 626-449-5320. vromansbookstore.com
Kevin Powell book release party: The author celebrates his 15th book and his third book of poetry, “Grocery Shopping with My Mother,” 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Dec. 10. Music by DJ Puffs and food and drinks available for purchase. Malik Books will be selling the book at the event (malikbooks.com). Free. Make a reservation, with your first and last name, by email to: postandbeam@kevinpowell.net. Post & Beam, 3767 Santa Rosalia Drive, Los Angeles.
CHARITY EVENT
Red Dress Party Day – Benefit: The City of West Hollywood, the Los Angeles Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence and 12 West Hollywood bars present the annual event, 1-9 p.m. Dec. 4. The event is dedicated to raising awareness that HIV/AIDS is still with us and people with HIV/AIDS are still in need of medical, mental and spiritual help. Participants celebrate life, remember those who have past and bring awareness of HIV services, education and support. Funds raised go to Being Alive beingalivela.org and the Life Group, www.thelifegroupla.org. Fund dress code: wear red. There will be raffles, bake sales and fun item to purchase at each bars fundraiser. A red carpet with a performance, 4 p.m. at Micky’s, 8857 Santa Monica Blvd. City of West Hollywood page: bit.ly/3XXzBVU. Details and updates: bit.ly/3EJzjZS
Vanna White and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital: The longtime “Wheel of Fortune” personality and an avid crocheter meets with fans and encourages people to donate to St. Jude’s research projects, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Dec. 6. White teamed up with Lion Brand yarns for Vanna’s Choice yarn; a portion of sales of that yarn goes to St. Jude. Joann’s is donating $5,000 to St. Jude this month. Location, Joann, 13730 Riverside Drive, Sherman Oaks. 818-285-0226.
Autism Speaks Walk: Fundraiser for research on cause, prevention and treatment of autism, Dec. 10. The event is emceed by ABC-7 news anchor, Phillip Palmer. On-site check-in and registration, 8:30 a.m. Preregistration advised; walk as an individual, join or create a team. Opening ceremonies, 9:30 a.m., followed by the walk at 10 a.m. Resource Fair, 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Individual donation goal $150. Dodger Stadium, 1000 Vin Scully Ave., Los Angeles. www.autismspeaks.org. Register here: www.autismspeaks.org/events/los-angeles-walk-1
LA Sanitation and Environment’s City Facilities Recycling Program’s Blankets and Socks Drive: Donations of new or gently-used (washed and clean) blankets, sleeping bags, quilts and socks are being accepted now through Dec. 30. Items may be donated, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday (however, locations will be closed on Dec. 26 (Christmas observed day for LA Sanitation). Two locations in the San Fernando Valley: East Valley District Yard, 11050 Pendelton St., Sun Valley, and West Valley District Yard, 8840 Vanalden Ave., Northridge. See other drop-off locations on the website. 213-485-2260. Email: san.cfrp@lacity.org. lacitysan.org
COMEDY
The Groundlings – Cozy Winter Cabin: A holiday show opens, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 2. The cast includes Sam Desurra, Chris Kleckner, Laird Macintosh, Karen Maruyama, Jessica Pohly, Jay Renshaw, Annie Sertich. The show is directed by Chris Eckert. Show runs 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday; through Dec. 17. Tickets $22 and up. Groundlings Theatre, 7307 Melrose Ave., West Hollywood. 323-934-4747. groundlings.com/shows/cozy-winter-cabin
DANCE
Debbie Allen Dance Academy: “Hot Chocolate Nutcracker,” 7:30 p.m. Dec. 1-2; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 3. Tickets for the show $100 and up. Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center, 1935 Manhattan Beach Blvd., Redondo Beach. www.debbieallendanceacademy.com/
American Contemporary Ballet: “The Nutcracker.” Show runs 8 p.m. Dec. 1-2; 2 and 5 p.m. Dec. 3-4; other dates through Dec. 24. Tickets $65-$140. Two California Plaza, 28th floor, 350 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. acbdances.com
Los Angeles Ballet: “The Nutcracker,” 6 p.m. Dec. 3; 2 p.m. Dec. 4. Tickets $34.20 and up. Alex Theatre, 216 N. Brand Blvd., Glendale. 818-243-2539. losangelesballet.org; alextheatre.org/events
Pacific Ballet Dance Theatre: Performance of “Joys of the Season” with selections of family-friendly holiday classics including “The Nutcracker,” “The Little Match Girl” and “The Skater’s Waltz,” 8 p.m. Dec. 10; 2:30 p.m. Dec. 11. Tickets $45, $55, $65. Lisa Smith Wengler Center for the Arts, Smothers Theatre, Pepperdine University, 24255 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu. 310-506-4851. arts.pepperdine.edu/events/community-events.htm
Los Angeles Ballet: “The Nutcracker,” 8 p.m. Dec. 16; noon and 5 p.m. Dec. 17-18. Tickets $38 and up. Royce Hall at UCLA, 10745 Dickson Court, Westwood. losangelesballet.org; bit.ly/37h7xlP
Los Angeles Ballet: “The Nutcracker,” with the Los Angeles Ballet Orchestra, 2 p.m. Dec. 22; 2 and 8 p.m. Dec. 23; noon Dec. 24; 2 p.m. Dec. 26. Tickets $50 and up. Dolby Theatre, 6801 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood. Details and to purchase tickets: bit.ly/3CLOwcV
DISCUSSION
Culinary Historians of Southern California: Food historian and author Lenore Newman discusses “Poutine on Mars: Culinary Tradition in Unusual Places,” an emphasis on Canadian cuisine, 10:30 a.m. Dec. 10, on Zoom. Free. Register in advance for the Zoom link: bit.ly/3UAU3Jn. Updates/upcoming: www.facebook.com/chsocal. www.chsocal.org
Southern California Genealogical Society: The public is invited to the society’s annual meeting and pot luck lunch, 11 a.m. Dec. 10. SCGS Family History Library, 417 Irving Dr., Burbank. Reservations and what you can bring to the lunch: email to scgs@scgsgenealogy.com
Alton Brown Live – Beyond the Eats – The Holiday Variant: Brown, the host of the scientific cooking show “Good Eats,” presents an entertaining and interactive food show, 7 p.m. Dec. 19. Tickets $46 and up; a VIP experience, $156, includes a before-the-show Q&A with Brown, first access to his tour’s merchandise for sale and premium seating. The Soraya at CSUN, 18111 Nordhoff St., Northridge. 818-677-3000. www.thesoraya.org. Details and to purchase tickets: bit.ly/3AfHjQI
MUSEUM
LA Plaza Cocina: New: “The Legacy of Chocolate,” through April 30. A reception for the exhibit will be held, noon-4 p.m. Dec. 3. Also, a talk “Platica y Prueba: The History of Chocolate,” 7 p.m. Dec. 15 (minimum age 18; $30; make a reservation in advance on the website). The museum is dedicated to Mexican food and cuisine. The museum has a teaching kitchen and a store with culinary-related ingredients, cookbooks, decorative items and utensils used in making Mexican cuisine. Hours: noon-5 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday). Free admission. The museum is part of LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes. Location, 555 N. Spring St., Los Angeles. 323-397-8365. Email: cocina@lapc.org. lapca.org/
Discovery Cube Los Angeles: New: “The Science of Gingerbread,” a display and a holiday experience. Register for the gingerbread competition (all ages; a group and professional baker/bakery may also submit an entry; see design categories on the website link) and drop off entries by Dec. 4 (www.discoverycube.org/science-of-gingerbread). Ongoing special exhibit: “Thomas & Friends: Explore the Rails,” an interactive exhibit from the Minnesota Children’s Museum, through Jan. 16. Ongoing: Hands-on exhibits make science fun. Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Thursday-Sunday. Admission $15.95 ages 15 and up; $13.95 ages 3-14. 11800 Foothill Blvd., Sylmar. www.facebook.com/TheDiscoveryCube. www.discoverycube.org
ONGOING MUSEUM
Academy Museum of Motion Pictures: Ongoing special exhibit: “Regeneration: Black Cinema 1898-1971,” through April 9. Check the website for related films to this exhibit and tickets. Timed advance admission tickets are available for the museum that explores the art and science of movies and movie-making. Hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday-Thursday; 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Friday-Saturday. Admission $25; $19 ages 62 and older; $15 students; free for ages 17 and younger; $15 extra for “The Oscars Experience.” Location, 6067 Wilshire Blvd. (corner of Fairfax Avenue), Los Angeles. 323-930-3000. academymuseum.org
Autry Museum of the American West: Ongoing special exhibit: “Dress Codes,” a look at six fashion icons of Western style (cowboy boots, China Poblana dress, fringe jacket, blue jeans, aloha shirt, plaid shirt; theautry.org/exhibitions/dress-codes). Exhibit runs through Jan. 8. Museum hours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday. Admission $14; $10 ages 60 and older, ages 13-18 and students with ID; $6 ages 3-12. 4700 Western Heritage Way, Los Angeles. theautry.org
California African American Museum: Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday; 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. Free admission. Check the museum’s Facebook for updates (bit.ly/3oq0tLa). 600 State Drive (in Exposition Park), Los Angeles. 213-744-2084. caamuseum.org
California Science Center: Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily (timed tickets are required). Admission is free to the center but there is a charge for special exhibits. 700 Exposition Park Drive, Los Angeles. californiasciencecenter.org
Craft in America Center: Ongoing special exhibit: “Ceramic Beacon: Joan Takayama-Ogawa,” through Dec. 3. Hours: noon-6 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday. 8415 W. Third St., Los Angeles. 323-951-0610. www.craftinamerica.org
Forest Lawn Museum at Forest Lawn-Glendale: Ongoing special exhibit: “Bob Baker Marionette Theater: 60 years of Joy & Wonder,” through March 19. Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday. Exhibit runs through March 19. 1712 S. Glendale Ave., Glendale. 323-340-4782. forestlawn.com/exhibits-and-community-events/museum/
Fowler Museum at UCLA: New: Visualizing Devotion: Jain Embroidered Shrine Hangings,” through March 26. Ongoing special exhibit: “At, Honor and Ridicule: Fante Asafo Flags from Southern Ghana,” through Feb. 12. Hours: 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Thursday-Sunday. Free admission. Parking directions: enter from Sunset Boulevard at Westwood Plaza, turn left into the pay-by-space area of Lot 4 (198 Westwood Plaza). 308 Charles E. Young Drive N., Westwood. https://fowler.ucla.edu/
The Getty Center: Ongoing special exhibits: “Reinventing the Americas: Construct. Erase. Repeat.,” through Jan. 8. “Visualizing the Virgin Mary,” illuminated manuscripts, through Jan. 8. “Dutch Drawings from a Collector’s Cabinet,” 17th century drawings, through Jan. 15. “Eighteenth Century Pastels,” through Feb. 26. Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday. Free admission but a timed-ticket admission is required for now (bit.ly/2SbTzys). Parking $20 (www.getty.edu/visit/center/parking-and-transportation). Getty Center Drive at North Sepulveda Boulevard, Los Angeles. 310-440-7300. www.getty.edu
The Getty Villa: Ongoing special exhibit: “Nubia: Jewels of Ancient Sudan,” through April 3. Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesday-Monday. Free admission, but a timed-entry reservation is required. Parking $20. Location, 17985 Pacific Coast Highway, Pacific Palisades. www.getty.edu/visit/villa/
Grammy Museum: Hours: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday, Wednesday-Friday and Sunday; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday. Admission $18; $15 ages 65 and older; $12 ages 5-17 and college students with ID. 800 W. Olympic Blvd., Los Angeles. 213-725-5700. grammymuseum.org
Hammer Museum: Ongoing special exhibits: “Picasso Cut Papers,” through Dec. 31. “Bob Thompson: This House Is Mine,” through Jan. 8; “Joan Didion: What She Means,” through Jan. 22. “Hammer Projects presents “Eric-Paul Riege: Hólǫ́llUllUHIbI [duet],” the Diné artist’s installation of woven sculpture, performance and video, through Feb. 19 (bit.ly/3g5BsqC). Hours: 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday. Museum admission is free. 10899 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles. 310-443-7000. Email: info@hammer.ucla.edu. hammer.ucla.edu
Holocaust Museum LA: Ongoing special exhibit: “9/11 Sculptures – Vignettes of Emotion by A. Thomas Schomberg.” Hours: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Wednesday and Friday-Saturday; 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Thursday. Admission $15; $10 ages 65 and older; free for students with ID. Free admission on Sunday and Tuesday. Admission is by timed admission ticket. 100 The Grove Drive, Los Angeles. 323-651-3704. Email: info@hmla.org. www.holocaustmuseumla.org
Italian American Museum Los Angeles: Ongoing special exhibit: “A Real Boy: The Many Lives of Pinocchio,” through Oct. 16, 2023. Hours: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday. Admission free; donations requested. 644 N. Main St., Los Angeles. 213-485-8432. www.iamla.org
Japan House Los Angeles: Ongoing special exhibit: “Life Cycles: A Bamboo Exploration” by bamboo artist Tanabe Chikuunsai IV, through Jan. 15. Hours: 11 a.m.-6 p.m. daily. Free admission. The museum is at Ovation Hollywood, 6801 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood. 800-516-0565. www.japanhouse.jp/losangeles
Japanese American National Museum: Ongoing special exhibits: “BeHere/1942: A New Lens on the Japanese American Incarceration,” photographs by Dorothea Lange and Russell Lee, with the exhibit created by Masaki Fujihata, through Jan. 8. “Sutra and Bible — Faith and the Japanese American World War II Incarceration,” through Feb. 19. Hours: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday; closed on national holidays. Admission: $16; $7 ages 62 and older and children; free for ages 5 and younger (timed advance tickets required; no walk-ins). 100 N. Central Ave., Los Angeles. 213-625-0414. Facebook: www.facebook.com/jamuseum. janm.org
Los Angeles County Museum of Art: Ongoing special exhibits: “Objects of Desire: Photography and the Language of Advertising,” through Dec. 18. “Scandinavian Design and the United States, 1890-1980,” through Feb. 5. “The Space Between: The Modern in Korean Art,” through Feb. 19. “New Abstracts: Recent Acquisitions,” through May 29. “Pressing Politics: Revolutionary Graphics from Mexico and Germany,” through July 22. Plan your visit information here: bit.ly/2P3c7iR. Admission $20; $16 ages 65 and older and students ages 18 and older with a valid ID, free for ages 17 and younger (reserving/purchasing an advance, timed-entry online is recommended). 5905 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles. 323-857-6010. www.lacma.org
LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes: Ongoing special exhibit: “Arte para la Gente — The Collected Works of Margaret Garcia,” through June 11. Hours: noon-5 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday. Free admission. Location, 501 N. Main St., Los Angeles. www.lapca.org
Museum of the San Fernando Valley: Ongoing special exhibit: “Ritchie Valens” exhibit. Hours: 1-5 p.m. Tuesday; 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. Rancho Cordillera del Norte, 18904 Nordhoff St. (southwest corner of Nordhoff and Wilbur Avenue), Northridge. 818-347-9665. themuseumsfvnow.org/
Natural History Museum Los Angeles County: Ongoing special exhibit: “L.A. Underwater: The Prehistoric Sea Beneath Us,” an immersive exhibit that includes fossils from ancient marine life in the Los Angeles region. Hours: 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesday-Monday (closed on Tuesday). Admission $15; $12 seniors and students with an ID; $7 ages 3-12. 900 Exposition Blvd., Los Angeles. nhmlac.org
Petersen Automotive Museum: New: “Inside Tesla – Supercharging the Electric Revolution,” prototypes of Tesla vehicles, historical perspective and design study. Ongoing special exhibits: “Andy Warhol: Cars — Works from the Mercedes-Benz Art Collection, ” through Jan. 22 (www.petersen.org/warhol). “Electric Revolutionaries,” custom electric motorcycles, through Feb. 26. “Hypercars: The Allure of the Extreme, Part II,” through May 14. Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. Admission $19; $17 ages 62 and older; $12 ages 4-17. 6060 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles. 323-930-2277. www.petersen.org
Rancho Camulos Museum: The museum is open for tours, 1, 2, and 3 p.m. on Sundays. Donation $5; $3 for children. Directions: from the 5 Freeway, take the exit to Highway 126, travel 3.5 miles west of the Ventura County Line. The entrance is on the south side of the roadway. The museum is two miles east of Piru. 5146 E. Telegraph Road. 805-521-1501. Email: info@ranchocamulos.org. ranchocamulos.org
Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum: Ongoing special exhibit: “An American Christmas Story,” through Jan. 8. Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. Admission: $24; $21 ages 62 and older; $17 ages 11-17; $14 ages 3-10. Purchasing admission in advance is recommended but not required (bit.ly/3f1Aecr). 40 Presidential Drive, Simi Valley. www.reaganfoundation.org
Santa Barbara Museum of Art: Ongoing special exhibit: “The Architecture of Collage: Marshall Brown,” through Jan. 7. Hours: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Wednesday and Friday-Sunday; 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Thursday. Admission varies (www.sbma.net/visit/planyourtrip). 1130 State St., Santa Barbara. 805-963-4364. www.sbma.net
Santa Monica History Museum: Ongoing special exhibit: “Broadway to Freeway: Life and Times of a Vibrant Community,” through Dec. 23. Hours: 3-8 p.m. Thursday; 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday-Sunday. Admission $5; free for ages 11 and younger. 1350 Seventh St., Santa Monica. 310-395-2290. www.santamonicahistory.org
Skirball Cultural Center: Ongoing special exhibits: “Fabric of a Nation: American Quilt Stories from the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston,” through March 12. Also, “Together for Good: Caron Tabb and the Quilting Corner” and Chloë Bass: Wayfaring.” Hours: noon-5 p.m. Tuesday-Friday; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. Closed for Jewish and national holidays (www.skirball.org/visit). Admission is by advance time-entry ticket for special exhibits, including “Noah’s Ark at the Skirball,” ($18; $15 seniors and students with ID; $7 ages 2-12; www.skirball.org/visit). 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles. 310-440-4500. skirball.org
Valley Relics Museum: Take a trip down San Fernando Valley memory lane, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Dec. 3-4 (choose other dates from the drop-down menu). Admission $15 and up. The museum is located at 7900 Balboa Blvd., Hangar C3 and C4, entrance is on Stagg Street, Van Nuys. Purchase tickets: bit.ly/3kWHgjx; www.facebook.com/valleyrelics; valleyrelicsmuseum.org
Frederick R. Weisman Museum of Art at Pepperdine University: Ongoing special exhibit: “To Bough and To Bend,” exhibition of trees by 30 artists and the ecological issues that the art brings up, through March 26. Gallery hours: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday. Free admission. 24255 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu. 310-506-4851. Details: bit.ly/3B20jmD
Wende Museum of the Cold War: Ongoing special exhibit: “(De) constructing Ideology: The Cultural Revolution and Beyond,” through March 12. Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday-Sunday (wendemuseum.org/about-us/visit). Free admission. 10808 Culver Blvd., Culver City. 310-216-1600. 310-216-1600. Email: visit@wendemuseum.org. wendemuseum.org
MUSIC
Irish Christmas in America: Enjoy an evening of music, dance, songs and stories, 8 p.m. Dec. 1. Tickets $60; $75 VIP seating. Garry Marshall Theatre, 4252 W. Riverside Drive, Burbank. 818-955-8101. www.garrymarshalltheatre.org/irish-christmas-2022
Messiah Sing-Along at Westwood Presbyterian Church: The church’s “Music at Westwood” presents the Westwood Chancel Choir performing George Frideric Handel’s Messiah, with audience participation, 8 p.m. Dec. 2. Tickets $20; free for ages 17 and younger (tickets: bit.ly/3TW8hUB). Vocal scores are available for purchase, $10. Location, 10822 Wilshire Blvd., West Los Angeles. 310-474-4535. www.westwoodpres.org
Walt Disney Concert Hall: Holiday Sing-Along, 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Dec. 3 ($36 and up); a Chanticleer Christmas, 8 p.m. Dec. 13 ($41 and up); Arturo Sandoval Swinging Holiday, 8 p.m. Dec. 23 ($43 and up); New Year’s Eve with the Roots, 7 ($69 and up) and 10:30 p.m. ($74 and up) on Dec. 31. Location, 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. 323-850-2000. laphil.com
Makiko Hirata: The pianist performs a solo recital, 3 p.m. Dec. 3. Platt Branch Library, 23600 Victory Blvd., Woodland Hills. 818-340-9386. musicalmakiko.com/en. Details: bit.ly/3OsyzN2
Encore Chorale of Santa Clarita Holiday Concert: Favorite holiday songs with live musical accompaniment led by conductor Alex Nizzoli, 7 p.m. Dec. 3. Tickets are free, but donations welcome. The chorale is part of Encore Creativity for Older Adults, ages 55 and older, the nation’s largest choral organization for senior adults. Newhall Church of the Nazarene, 23857 The Old Road, Newhall. encorecreativity.org/event/encore-chorale-of-santa-clarita-ca-12-3/
Burbank Chorale: The chorale performs a holiday concert “A Ceremony of Carols,” directed by Mikhail Shtangrud, PhD, with pianist Anna Krendel, PhD, and a guest harpist, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 3. Tickets $15. St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church, 1920 W. Glendale Blvd., Glendale. 818-759-9177. Details and to purchase tickets: bit.ly/3TX1ABy
The Canyon: Fee Waybill, Dec. 3 ($20); the English Beat, with Pinktastic Plastixx, Dec. 9 ($28); Bruno and the Hooligans, a tribute to Bruno Mars, Dec. 10 ($20). All shows begin at 8 p.m. Ticket price listed is standing room only; table tickets require dinner purchase. Check website for other ticket prices, added ticket fee, dinner options and reservations. 28912 Roadside Drive, Agoura Hills. 888-645-5006. wheremusicmeetsthesoul.com/canyon-agoura-hills/
The Soraya: Watkins Family Hour Christmas, with singer-songwriter Margaret Glaspy, 8 p.m. Dec. 3 ($36 and up). Theater Latté Da performs “All Is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914,” 8 p.m. Dec. 7 ($36 and up). Nochebuena: Ballet Folklórico de Los Ángeles and Mariachi Garibaldi de Jaime Cuéllar, 8 p.m. Dec. 10-11 ($36 and up). London Handel Players – A Baroque Christmas, 7 p.m. Dec. 18 ($76). The Soraya at CSUN, 18111 Nordhoff St., Northridge. 818-677-3000. www.thesoraya.org
Joy to the World – A Christmas Musical Journey with Damien Sneed: Classical, gospel and jazz interpretations of holiday music, 2 p.m. Dec. 4. Tickets $27.50 and up. Smothers Theatre at Lisa Smith Wengler Center for the Arts at Pepperdine University, 24255 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu. 310-506-4522. Details and to purchase tickets: bit.ly/3g5v5Ue
San Fernando Valley Male Chorus – Count Your Blessings: The group performs a holiday concert, 2:30 p.m. Dec. 4. Tickets $20. Shepherd of the Valley Church, 23838 Kittridge St., West Hills. Bob Banta, 818-888-8345 or email: buckeyerpb@socal.rr.com. sfvmchorus.com/next-show/
Holiday Concert – St. Matthew’s Music Guild: Dwayne S. Milburn conducts the chamber orchestra, with St. Matthew’s choir and soloists and violinist Yi-Huan Zhao, in a program of music by C.P.E. Bach, Telemann and Vivaldi, 8 p.m. Dec. 9. Tom Neenan gives a pre-concert lecture, 7:10 p.m. Check the website for complete program details. Tickets $35. 1031 Bienveneda Ave., Pacific Palisades. 310-573-7422. Email: info@musicguildonline.org. www.musicguildonline.org
Festival of Carols – Los Angeles Master Chorale: Grant Gershon conducts the chorale, with special guest tenor Jonathan Antoine, 2 p.m. Dec. 10, and also Dec. 17. See the website for scheduled program. Tickets $45 and up. Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. www.lamasterchorale.org/festival-of-carols
San Fernando Valley Master Chorale’s Holidays in the Valley: The concert, 3 p.m. Dec. 10. Fun dress code: “Ugly Sweater,” for a competition at the end of the show. Tickets $25.50; $21.25 seniors and students (online); $30; $25 seniors and students (at the door). First Presbyterian Church of Encino, 4963 Balboa Blvd. 818-738-9955. www.sfvmc.com
Sing We Now of Christmas: The Chancel Choir at First Christian Church of North Hollywood performs a Christmas concert, 2 and 7 p.m. Dec. 10. Freewill offering. Location, 4390 Colfax Ave., North Hollywood. 818-763-8218.
Los Angeles Master Chorale: “Lo, How a Rose,” conducted by Jenny Wong, 7 p.m. Dec. 11 ($45 and up; pre-concert talk, 6 p.m.). Handel’s Messiah, conducted by Grant Gershon, 7 p.m. Dec. 18 ($65 and up). Handel’s Messiah Sing-Along, conducted by Grant Gershon, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 19 ($45 and up). Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. www.lamasterchorale.org
Bank of American Performing Arts Center: Kerry Irish Productions’ An Irish Christmas, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 21-22 ($50 and up; Scherr Forum); Straight No Chaser, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 28 ($32 and up; Kavli). 2100 Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks. 805-449-2787. bapacthousandoaks.com/
David Arkenstone and Friends: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 22. Tickets $35; $55. El Portal Theatre, 5269 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood. 818-508-4200. elportaltheatre.com/davidarkenstone.html
Melissa Errico – Evergreen Holiday: Two shows, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 21 (bit.ly/3XspEiU) and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 22 (bit.ly/3U19Hxi). Tickets for either show, $30 and up. Minimum $25 on food or beverages. Feinstein’s at Vitello’s, 4349 Tujunga Ave., Studio City. 818-769-0905. www.facebook.com/feinsteinsLA. www.feinsteinsatvitellos.com
New Year’s Eve at Feinstein’s at Vitello’s: Early NYE show with Andy Vargas (Santana) and bassist Benny Rietveld (Santana), 7 p.m. Dec. 31 (doors open, 5:30 p.m.; $75 or $95 VIP seats), and also, Late NYE Show with Andy Vargas and Benny Rietveld, 10:30 p.m. (doors open 9 p.m.; $95 or $125 VIP seats). Location, 4349 Tujunga Ave., Studio City. 818-769-0905. Details and to purchase tickets: bit.ly/3Wpsyo3
THEATER
Bob Baker’s Nutcracker: Marionettes perform the “Nutcracker” story, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 2; 10:30 a.m., 1:30 and 4:30 p.m. Dec. 3-4; 7:30 p.m. Dec. 9; 10:30 a.m., 1:30, 4:30 and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 10; 10:30, 1:30 and 4:30 p.m. Dec. 11; other dates through Jan. 8. Tickets $25 (includes ice cream after the show). Bob Baker’s Marionette Theater, 4949 York Blvd., Los Angeles. 213-250-9995. Facebook: bit.ly/3XlmI7w. Details and purchase tickets: bit.ly/3EveFN1
Jane Austen Unscripted – A Regency Christmas: Impro Theatre performs, 8 p.m. Dec. 2. Show runs 4 and 8 p.m. Dec. 3; 3 and 7 p.m. Dec. 4; 8 p.m. Dec. 7-9; 4 and 8 p.m. Dec. 10; 3 and 7 p.m. Dec. 11. Tickets $60; $75 VIP seating. Garry Marshall Theatre, 4252 W. Riverside Drive, Burbank. 818-955-8101. www.garrymarshalltheatre.org/ja-unscripted-christmas
Winter Wishes – A Holiday Cabaret Theatre: The company at Theatre West perform songs and stories, penned by themselves, on the theme of winter holidays, opens 8 p.m. Dec. 2. Show runs 8 p.m. Friday-Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday; through Dec. 11. Tickets $35 in advance; $40 at the door. Theatre West, 3333 Cahuenga Blvd. W., Los Angeles. 323-851-7977. theatrewest.org
Santasia – A Holiday Comedy: Whitefire Theatre presents the off-Broadway show of sketch comedy and music, opens 8 p.m. Dec. 9. Minimum age: 13. Show runs 8 p.m. Dec. 10 and 16-17; 3 and 8 p.m. Dec. 18; 8 p.m. Dec. 22-25. Tickets $35. Donate a new, unwrapped toy to be given to Aviva Family and Children’s Services (place in collection box in the lobby before the show). Whitefire Theatre, 13500 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks. www.santasia.com/tickets; www.santasia.com
The Illusionists – Magic of the Holidays: Amazing illusions, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 22. Tickets $52 and up. Bank of America Performing Arts Center, Kavli Theatre, 2100 Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks. 805-449-2787. Details: bit.ly/3Uj0SPL. bapacthousandoaks.com/
ONGOING THEATER
According to the Chorus: A play by Arlene Hutton about women in the chorus of a 1980s Broadway show and an issue with the wardrobe department. Show runs 8 p.m. Friday-Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday; through Dec. 11. Tickets $39; $15 seniors and students; pay-as-you-are-able on Sundays. The Road Theatre, 10747 Magnolia Blvd., North Hollywood. 818-761-8838. roadtheatre.org
The Brothers Paranormal: East West Players present a play by Prince Gomolvilas about an alleged haunting at the home of an African American couple who were displaced by Hurricane Katrina. Show runs 8 p.m. Dec. 2; 2 and 8 p.m. Dec. 3; 5 p.m. Dec. 4; 8 p.m. Dec. 5; 8 p.m. Dec. 9; 2 and 8 p.m. Dec. 10; 5 p.m. Dec. 11. Tickets $15 and up. David Henry Hwang Theater at Union Center of the Arts, 120 Judge John Aiso St., Los Angeles (in Little Tokyo). 213-625-7000. eastwestplayers.org
Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner?: Theatre 40 presents a play by Todd Kriedler, adapted from the screenplay by William Rose. Show runs 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday; through Dec. 18. Also, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 7 and 14. Tickets $35. Theatre 40, 241 S. Moreno Drive (on the campus of Beverly Hills High School), Beverly Hills. 310-364-0535. theatre40.org
David Carlo – Modern Parlor Magic: The magician performs illusions and mind-reading in an interactive performance inspired by parlor shows from the Victorian age, 8 p.m. Dec. 2. Minimum age: 12. Other dates: Dec. 9-10 and 17. Tickets $70-$99 (feverup.com/m/103802). Millenium Biltmore Hotel, 506 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. www.modernparlormagic.com/
Little Red Riding Hood: Theatre West’s Storybook Theatre presents a musical retelling of the fairy tale with book, lyrics and music by Lloyd J. Schwartz. Show runs 1 p.m. Saturday through Jan. 28. The show will be performed in Spanish at 11 a.m. Dec. 17 and Jan. 21. No shows on Dec. 24 and 31. Tickets $15. Theatre West, 3333 Cahuenga Blvd. W., Los Angeles. 323-851-7977. www.theatrewest.org
Submit calendar listings at least two weeks in advance to holly.andres@dailynews.com. 818-713-3708.
