There are a variety of delightful holiday events in LA, and luckily for those visiting or living here, the weather outside is anything but frightful.
Popular picks for the holiday season:
Nov. 30-Jan. 5: Bob Baker’s Marionette Holiday Spectacular
Bob Baker Marionette Theater
Much like the graceful ballerinas that star in The Nutcracker, the puppets in Bob Baker’s Marionette Holiday Spectacular are dolled up in whimsical paint and costumes. Over 100 marionettes will take the stage and perform scenes that encompass every aspect of the season, like eight days of Chanukah and a visit to Santa’s workshop.
Dec. 6-8: Irving Berlin’s White Christmas the Musical
Louise K. Taylor Performing Arts Center
A white Christmas in Los Angeles may only be realized with Irving Berlin’s White Christmas Musical at the Taylor Performing Arts Center. The classic tale of two war buddies who follow a sister act to Vermont for the holidays features 1950s period costumes, famous songs by the American composer and a healthy sprinkling of that elusive white fluff.
Dec. 14-22: Long Beach Ballet Nutcracker
Terrace Theatre
No Christmas is complete without a trip to the Nutcracker ballet. Performed by the world-renowned dancers of the Long Beach Ballet, the choreography is enhanced by a full symphony orchestra, magic effects, and a majestic white Arabian horse.
Dec. 14-15: Gay Men’s Chorus’ Holiday Spectacular
Alex Theatre
With deep roots in LA’s music community, the Gay Men’s Chorus was founded in 1979 with 99 men and has since doubled in size to over 200 members. The group has toured around the country, internationally to South America, Russia and Europe and was even the first gay men’s chorus to perform for a U.S. President (Bill Clinton). For two nights at the Alex Theatre, the 35th Annual Holiday Spectacular features song and dance to popular tunes such as “Jingle All the Way” and “Joy to the World.”
Dec. 18-22: Newport Christmas Boat Parade
Newport Landing
As a long-honored Newport tradition, the multi-million dollar yachts and ocean-front estates get decked out in holiday gear for the 105th Christmas Boat Parade. Spectators can watch the parade from land or board one of the decorated vessels to cruise around the harbor.
Dec. 21: Fiesta Navidenas
La Mirada Theater for Performing Arts
The lively festivities of the Mexican holidays can be experienced with the vibrant costumes and traditional dance of the Fiesta Navidenas. Headlined by the folklore band Costa de Oro, the celebration will bring south-of-the-border fun to the city.
Dec. 24: 54th Annual LA County Holiday Celebration
Dorothy Chandler Pavilion
Broadcast live on KCET, the LA County Holiday Celebration kicks off the Christmas merriment with a free three-hour show at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion. Among the notable performers are the Colburn Children’s Choir, Jung Im Lee Korean Dance Company, and Artemusica, showcasing the many cultures that abound in all parts of LA.
