LA Life: Holiday Fun in the Land of Sun
Ho-ho-hope you’ve recovered from your Thanksgiving turkey coma! And hopefully you got plenty of rest, because December in L.A. is chock full of festive things to do besides gift-shopping and avoiding fruitcake. So get your holiday spirit on and get ready for: a divalicious “Broadway Barbara,” music by candlelight and a musical that’s “Kinky,” plus Nutcrackers galore, a whole lotta lights, and the best way to glide your way into the New Year. Merry everything to you and yours! Here’s your Guide to the Good Stuff.
Dec. 7. The Legend Returns – Broadway Barbara
“Barbara Dixon is no mere entertainer; she is the living, breathing, dancing, screaming embodiment of entertainment itself.” What’s that, you say…who is Barbara Dixon? Please re-read that first line, an indisputable fact, taken directly from her website. If you’ve ever seen Liza Minelli or Patti Lupone or that other Barbra (Streisand) on stage, imagine a woman of equal talent…but much, much less successful.
Yet you will marvel at her ability to spin a story, dance up a storm (or a light rain), and sing as though her life depended on it. And your life will be forever enriched by the experience. Well, maybe not forever. But you will enjoy one hilarious evening of doozies. And don’tsies. Personal note: I saw this woman’s show a year ago and could Not. Stop. Laughing. Broadway Barbara’s Holiday Spectacular, Sunday December 7th at Dynasty Typewriter in Mid-Wilshire. GET THE DETAILS.
Dec. 21. Christmas by Candlelight at the Biltmore
If there’s anything that screams ‘December’ – even in a town where December can feel like June — it’s a holiday music concert. And if anything will put you in the mood to deck your halls, it’s a holiday concert by candlelight. Thanks to the folks at Fever, who do candlelight shows of all kinds, in all kinds of venues, you can see this multi-sensory musical experience on Sunday, December 21 at The Biltmore in DTLA. There are two shows, at 6:45 pm and 8:00 pm. I can’t guarantee snow or mistletoe, but there will be plenty of glow to make your spirits bright. GET THE DETAILS.
Dec. 13. Sing, Sing, Sing-Along
Love singing Christmas carols, but hate the outfits? No worries, the LA Philharmonic knows you. They get you. And they want you to sing with them, wearing whatever you want. Of course, holiday music is everywhere in December, but on Saturday, December 13 at the iconic Walt Disney Concert Hall in DTLA, you can experience the thrill of glorious singing as a participant – no rehearsals required.
There are two options, at 11:30 am and 2:30 pm. The LA Phil provides a choir, a jazz combo, and host Melissa Peterman (co-star of “Reba”). You can bring the kids, the grandkids, friends, or just yourself. Sing out, Louise! GET THE DETAILS.
Dec. 12-14. Kinky Boots
If you’ve never seen the Tony-winning Broadway sensation, “Kinky Boots,” and you’ve never been to the Bank of America Performing Arts Center in Thousand Oaks, now’s your chance to kill two birds with one stiletto. This fun-filled, exuberant musical has nothing to do with Christmas, Hannukah, Kwanza, or any other winter holidays, but it will make your spirits soar nonetheless.
The plot follows the journey of “two people with nothing in common, or so they think. But the unlikely pair find that they have more in common than they realized…and discover you can change the world when you change your mind.” In the mix of this surprisingly touching story are a staid family-run men’s shoe factory, a sparkly drag queen in need of big shoes, and a plan that sets the heels in motion. Kinky Boots runs December 12, 13 and 14 at the Fred Kavli theater in Thousand Oaks. GET THE DETAILS.
Oh, Nuts!
Well, it’s not holiday season without a performance of “The Nutcracker.” Sugar Plum Fairies abound all over town this month. Rather than describe each one (I’m pretty sure toe shoes and tutus are featured), a cheat sheet of what ballet company is performing where is likely more useful. See one, see them all, see how much Tchaikovsky you can handle in a week. Here’s a dance website that’ll give you the rundown. GET THE DETAILS.
Holiday Road
Are you already singing Lindsey Buckingham’s “Holiday Road” with visions of Chevy Chase (in“Vacation”) dancing in your head? Well you will be, if you treat yourself to the ultimate immersive experience known as Holiday Road. Stroll through a Winter Wonderland featuring Santa, elves, candy canes, and larger-than-life holiday installations with thousands of lights – plus bars and food trucks! No wonder they call it the most wonderful time of the year.
Event runs in Calabasas, from 5:30 pm to 9:00 pm, Thursday to Sunday through December 27, and daily the week of December 22 (closed on Christmas Day). GET THE DETAILS.
Dec. 6. Shop Til You (Gum)Drop
Shopping + holiday + community = a merry little whatever-you-celebrate. And it’s particularly festive and familial at the Montana Avenue Holiday Walk. Already one of the more ‘village’-feeling areas in L.A., the holiday walk pumps that vibe up to 11. You’ll find in-store events and street booths from your favorite Montana Avenue businesses, live music, food, roaming carolers, train rides, the Grinch with Cindy Lou – and a group called the Jane Fonda’s.
It doesn’t get more ‘Christmas in L.A.’ than that. Enjoy this little slice of west side holiday heaven on December 6 from 12 noon to 8:00 pm. GET THE DETAILS.
Celebrate On Ice
Last but not least, if you need one more thing to do in L.A. that makes it feel like winter, you can lace up some skates and hit one of the city’s seasonal ice rinks. You can get your double lutz on all over town, from downtown, to Santa Monica, to Pasadena to West Hollywood. And if you really want to get in the spirit, you can even wear a sweater. Check out the rinks around town.
- Pershing Square Holiday Ice Rink – Downtown LA’s iconic seasonal rink, open Nov. 20, 2025 – Jan. 11, 2026
- LA Kings Holiday Ice at L.A. Live – A festive rink in the heart of the entertainment district, open Nov. 28, 2025 – Jan. 10, 2026
- Ice at Santa Monica – Coastal skating near the beach, open Nov. 7, 2025 – Jan. 19, 2026
- Pasadena Ice Skating Center – Year-round indoor rink with public skating, lessons, and events
- Irvine Spectrum’s Skating Under the Stars – Outdoor rink beneath the Giant Wheel, open through Jan. 4, 2026
Stefanie Novik
From Midwest roots to Hollywood hustle, Stefanie Novik has spent the past 40 years soaking up the sunshine and stories of Los Angeles. She came for summer school at UCLA and stayed for the earthquakes, traffic, and endless inspiration. Her path has zigzagged through showbiz—casting assistant, talent manager, sitcom writer, and TV marketing pro—before pivoting to real estate, where she now helps Angelenos find their dream homes (cue the tearful key handoffs). As your Guide to the Good Stuff, she’s thrilled to share the delicious, delightful, and downright dazzling sides of L.A. Life’s a wild ride—let’s enjoy the view.
