Here is a sampling of things to do in the San Fernando Valley and the greater Los Angeles area.
Today
Holiday Ice Rink – Pershing Square: The largest outdoor ice skating rink in the city of Los Angeles is open for one-hour ice skating sessions, noon-9 p.m. daily through Jan. 11, 2026. Check the website for ticket prices and purchasing sessions before you go. Location, 532 S. Olive St., Los Angeles. https://www.facebook.com/HolidayIceRinkDTLA. holidayicerinkdowntownla.com
Cowboys and Christmas trees exhibits – Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum: The museum presents “Cowboys – History and Hollywood,” through April 19, 2026 (https://www.reaganfoundation.org/library-museum/special-exhibits/cowboys), and also “An American Christmas,” a favorite museum theme exhibit, with this year’s tree decorations representing culture and society from decades 1770-2020 and beyond, runs through Jan. 4, 2026 (https://www.reaganfoundation.org/library-museum/special-exhibits/an-american-christmas). Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily (except closed on Dec. 25 for Christmas Day; Jan. 1, New Year’s Day. Tickets $25; $22 ages 62 and older and college students with ID; $18 ages 11-17; $15 ages 3-10; free for ages 2 and younger. Location, 40 Presidential Drive, Simi Valley. https://www.reaganfoundation.org/library-museum
Holiday Road: A self-guided, one-mile walk to see holiday-theme light installations plus a “Winter Market” for gifts, a souvenir shop and food trucks, Dec. 11-14, and also Dec. 18-24, and Dec. 26-27. Tickets are sold online-only and are by designated time slots (starting at 5 p.m.) and date. Check the website for selected dates when Santa Claus visits, and also, costumed carolers sing holiday songs. Check the website for tickets (depending on time and date). Purchase a parking pass at the same time as tickets. Details and rules here: holidayroadusa.com/faq/. King Gillette Ranch, 26800 Mulholland Highway, Calabasas. holidayroadusa.com/
Enchanted – Forest of Light at Descanso Gardens: An interactive, approximately 1-mile walk, through a display of lights. Event is rain or shine through Jan. 4. Purchase of a timed-ticket in advance is required for admission (time frame, 5:30-8:30 p.m.; no tickets sold at the door). Admission $27 and up; $17 ages 2-12 (age 1 and younger are free but must also have a ticket). Tickets are not refundable and cannot be rescheduled. Frequently asked questions: https://www.descansogardens.org/enchanted-faqs. Location, 1418 Descanso Drive, La Cañada Flintridge. 818-949-4200. Details and purchase tickets: https://www.descansogardens.org/enchanted-tickets/
L.A. Zoo Lights – Animals Aglow: The self-guided walking tour returns with a nature-focused display of lantern sculptures and lights through different landscapes including river, alpine and rain forests, various dates through Jan. 11. Hours: 6-10 p.m. Rain does not cancel. Timed tickets start at $29 and up for ages 13 and older; $19 and up for ages 2-12 (however, higher admission on “premium” nights). Closed most Mondays and Tuesdays, plus Christmas Eve (December 24), Christmas Day (December 25), and New Year’s Eve (December 31). Frequently asked questions: https://lazoo.org/plan-your-visit/special-experiences/zoolights/zoolights-faq. Location, 5333 Zoo Drive, Los Angeles. www.lazoolights.org
Imaginarium – Land of Oz – Fairplex: The family-friendly, walk-through illuminated event, selected dates through Jan. 4. Theme areas: The Farm; Scarecrow; Tin Man; Lion; Poppy Dreams and Butterfly Illusions; Emerald City. Tickets $21 and up, ages 13-61; $16 and up, ages 3-12; free for ages 2 and younger. Frequently asked questions: https://imaginarium360.com/faq/. Use parking at Gate 17 ($20; credit or debit card only). Location, Fairplex – Pomona, 1101 W. McKinley Ave. Details and purchase tickets: tinyurl.com/3p8rkbbj. imaginarium360.com/pomona-ca/
Book Soup: Janis Page discusses and signs “Year of the Water Horse – A Memoir,” 7 p.m. Dec. 11. Upcoming: Tutafarel discusses and signs “Monte Casanova,” 7 p.m. Dec. 12. Tim Blake Nelson discusses and signs “Super Hero,” 7 p.m. Dec. 16 (in-store ticketed event; $38.22; book talk followed by signing of the book; no memorabilia; see other rules for this event; https://booksoup.com/event/2025-12-16/ticketed-tim-blake-nelson). Location, 8818 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood. 310-659-3110. www.booksoup.com
Friday
Granada Hills Grubfest and the Granada Hills Farmers Market: The Granada Hills Chamber of Commerce presents the food truck “Grubfest,” 5-10 p.m. Dec. 5 (on Chatsworth Street between Zelzah and White Oak avenues); and the Farmers Market, 6-10 p.m. (on White Oak Avenue between Chatsworth and Los Alimos streets) on Dec. 5, and continuing every Friday. 818-368-3235. www.granadachamber.com/. www.granadachamber.com/food-trucks/. Farmers market information: www.granadachamber.com/56292-2/
Ventura Harbor Parade of Lights and Fireworks: The 49th annual parade with the 2025 theme “Let It Glow” for the decorated power and sail boats cruising the harbor twice (each night), 6:30-8 p.m. Dec. 12-13. Fireworks, around 8 p.m. (near Harbor Cove Beach; weather permitting). Check website for ideas for viewing spots on land, including restaurants; viewing on the water by booking through Island Packers; Ventura Boat Rentals; Ventura Dive & Sport). In addition, check the website to see activities offered prior to the parade. Ventura Harbor Village, 1583 Spinnaker Drive, Ventura. 805-477-0470. www.venturaharborvillage.com. Details and map of the parade route: www.venturaharborvillage.com/paradeoflights2025/
The Soraya: Christian Sands – Christmas Stories, 8 p.m. Dec. 12-13. Nochebuena – A Christmas Spectacular, 2 and 7 p.m. Dec. 20, and also 2 p.m. Dec. 21-22. Check the website for tickets. The Soraya at California State University, Northridge, 18111 Nordhoff St., Northridge. thesoraya.org
Saturday
NoHo Farmers Market: 8:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Saturdays. Location, 500 Colfax Ave., Valley Village. 818-471-0793. farmersmarketnorthhollywood.com
Canoga Park Farmers Market: A certified market, 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Saturdays. Rain or shine. Location, 7248 Owensmouth Avenue, between Sherman Way and Wyandotte Avenue. Coastal Pacific Markets, 805-643-6458. Email: pacific209@hotmail.com. www.facebook.com/canogafarmersmarket
El Nido Farmers Market – Pacoima: El Nido Family Centers and the City of Los Angeles present the market, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays. Location, Pacoima Family Source Center, 11243 Glenoaks Blvd. www.elnidofamilycenters.org/farmers-market
Woodland Hills Farmers Market: 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Dec. 13 (and other Saturdays). Santa Claus visit with free photo for children, 10 a.m.-noon Dec. 13. Location, 5650 Shoup Ave. 818-300-3023. Facebook: tinyurl.com/ybbchwbb
Pacoima Christmas Parade – Together We Shine: Pacoima Chamber of Commerce presents the 58th annual parade, 9 a.m. Dec. 13. Grand marshal: Los Angeles City Councilwoman Monica Rodriguez. The parade is scheduled to include marching bands, car and motorcycle clubs, dance groups, equestrians and drill teams. Parade route: from Pacoima City Hall (13520 Van Nuys Blvd.); on Van Nuys Boulevard at Oneida Avenue to Herrick Avenue. 818-273-7155. pacoimachamber.org. Flyer: https://www.facebook.com/pacoimachamber
A Tale of Two Swiss Neolithic Breads Circa 3200 BCE: Culinary Historians of Southern California present a talk by author and scholar William Rubel (“Bread – A Global History”), 10:30 a.m. Dec. 13 (followed by a theme reception). Free admission, but a registration is requested. Use garage parking at 524 S. Flower St., Los Angeles (take ticket for parking with you and get it validated if you have a library card; $1 with library validation; see details on the Eventbrite website for parking instructions). Los Angeles Central Library, Mark Taper Auditorium, 630 W. Fifth St., Los Angeles. www.facebook.com/chsocal. www.chsocal.org. Details and to register to attend on Eventbrite link: tinyurl.com/mn3ywhk5
Marina del Rey Holiday Boat Parade: Enjoy the decorated boats that travel along the marina’s main channel during the 63rd annual parade, 5:45 p.m. Dec. 13. Arrive early for activities and food trucks, 4 p.m., and a drone show (weather permitting), at 5:45 p.m. at one of the boat parade’s viewing areas with announcements, Burton Chace Park (13650 Mindanao Way). The alternate viewing area with parade announcements, Fisherman’s Village, 13755 Fiji Way, Marina del Rey. The parade is also viewable from other areas in the marina: tinyurl.com/5f97249p. Parking areas: tinyurl.com/nhjsvh47. Flyer on Facebook: tinyurl.com/5yezd7c9
Parade of Lights – Channel Islands Harbor: The 59th annual boat parade’s 2025 theme is “Rudolph’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Regatta,” 7 p.m. Dec. 13. Also, check the website for details about the “Holiday Market,” noon-7 p.m. (Harbor View Park). Location, 3900 Pelican Way, Oxnard. Details about the daytime activities (including a snow play area and Santa Claus) and the viewing map for the boat parade: channelislandsharbor.org/event/2025-parade-of-lights
Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles – Holiday Legends: Concert of favorite songs of the holiday season, 8 p.m. Dec. 13 (doors open 7 p.m.), and also 3:30 p.m. Dec. 14 (doors open 2:30 p.m.). Tickets $60.82 and up. Saban Theatre, 8440 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills. https://www.gmcla.org/. https://www.gmcla.org/holiday
Sunday
Encino Farmers Market: ONEgeneration presents the market, 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Sundays. Location, 17400 Victory Blvd. (between Balboa Boulevard and White Oak Avenue). Farmers market manager, 818-708-6611 or email: farmersmarket@onegeneration.org. www.onegeneration.org/farmers-market/
Farmers Market – The Vineyards at Porter Ranch: The certified market, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Dec. 14, and other Sundays. Bring your own reusable shopping bags. The Vineyards, 20000 Rinaldi St., Porter Ranch. https://www.thevineyards.com/event/weekly-farmers-market-62
Good Times Farmers Market: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Sundays. Los Angeles Valley College, parking lot A, 5800 Fulton Ave. (at Burbank Boulevard), Valley Glen. 818-282-5490. Email: goodtimesfarmersmarket@gmail.com. goodtimesfarmersmarket.com/
Hanukkah Festival – Skirball Cultural Center: The event includes activities, music, storytelling, noon-5 p.m. Dec. 14. In addition, a discussion by Ilan Stavans and Margaret E. Boyle about their book “Sabor Judio – The Jewish Mexican Cookbook,” 2:45 p.m. (first come, first seated; books will be available for sale and signing after the talk). A community candle lighting at sundown. Make an online reservation in advance to attend the festival. Admission $20; $15 seniors, full time students with ID; $13 ages 2-17. The museum will be open, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Location, 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles. 310-440-4500. skirball.org. Details and to purchase admission: https://www.skirball.org/programs/hanukkah-festival
Chatsworth Holiday Parade and Festival – Rocking Holidays: The Kiwanis Club of Chatsworth presents the 41st annual parade, 1 p.m. Dec. 14. This year’s grand marshal: retired Brigadier General Daniel H. Pemberton. Parade includes marching bands, car clubs, color guards, equestrians, community groups, local elected leaders, drill teams, Santa Claus and Mrs Santa Claus. In addition, a flyover by the Condor Squadron is scheduled (weather permitting). Parade steps off on Devonshire Street at Jordan Avenue, east on Devonshire to Lurline Avenue. Also, the Holiday Festival includes artisan exhibitors, live music, a children’s zone, beer garden and food trucks, noon-5 p.m, on Canoga Avenue at Devonshire Street. www.chatsworthholidayparade.org/parade-information
Go, Tell It on the Mountain – Christmas Concert: The Early Music Ensemble and the St. James Singers perform, 4 p.m. Dec. 14. Free admission (voluntary offering). St. James Presbyterian Church, 19414 Ventura Blvd, Tarzana. www.stjamespres.org/
Grand Menorah Lighting and Chanukah Party: Chabad of Toluca Lake presents the event that includes latkes and doughnuts, and a fire truck “gelt drop,” 4:30 p.m. Dec. 14. Special guest: Fritz Coleman. Register in advance to attend (www.chabadoftolucalake.com/civicrm/event/info?id=68&reset=1). Event location, Logix Bank, parking lot, 10064 Riverside Drive, Toluca Lake. www.chabadoftolucalake.com. www.chabadoftolucalake.com/events
Monday
Chanukah at the Shoppes – Westlake Village: Chabad of the Conejo leads the event with blessings and menorah lighting, Cantor Kenny Ellis mini-concert, sweet treats, and Hanukkah craft activities for children, 5:30 p.m. Dec. 15. Location, 30770 Russell Ranch Road. shoppesatwestlakevillage.com. www.chabadconejo.com/chanukah
Tuesday
Hanukkah Menorah Lighting – Calabasas: The Commons at Calabasas presents the event, in partnership with Calabasas Shul, that includes a live performance and latkes and a fireworks finale, 6:30 p.m. Dec. 16. Location, Calabasas Civic Center Plaza, adjacent to the Commons, 100 Civic Center Way, Calabasas. shopcommons.com
Friday
Chatsworth Nature Preserve Winter Solstice Celebration: Gates open, 6:45 a.m. Sunrise is 6:55 a.m. The ceremony begins promptly at 7 a.m., Dec. 19. Rain cancels. What not to bring: dogs, cigarettes of any kind, bikes or scooters, drones. Street parking available with limited on-site parking. Use the entry gate on Valley Circle Boulevard, west of Plummer Street, Chatsworth. https://www.ladwp.com/events/2025-12-19/chatsworth-nature-preserve-winter-solstice-celebration. Flyer: tinyurl.com/bdf5xpwd.
Los Angeles Ballet – The Nutcracker: The version of the story uses Southern California settings to the familiar holiday music by Tchaikovsky, performed live by Los Angeles Ballet Orchestra, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 19. Performances: 2 and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 20-21; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 23; 2 p.m. Dec. 24; . Dec. 28. Tickets $62.75 and up. Dolby Theatre, 6801 Hollywood Blvd. (at level one of Ovation Hollywood), Hollywood. 323-308-6300. https://www.losangelesballet.org/2025-2026-season/the-nutcracker
UPCOMING
Los Angeles County Holiday Celebration – Dorothy Chandler Pavilion: The 66th annual event includes choir groups, dance performances and music from around the world, 3-6 p.m. Dec. 24. Free to attend. Ticket reservations open at 10 a.m. Dec. 16 (sign up on the website to get an alert when ticket reservations open). Details on how to make a reservation: https://www.musiccenter.org/tickets-free-events/tmc-arts/l-a-county-holiday-celebration/. Doors open, 2 p.m. Ticket holders need to be scanned and in the theater by 2:45 p.m. Free parking in the Music Center’s parking garage. The show is also live, 3-6 p.m. Dec. 24 on PBS SoCal (an encore showing, 7 p.m. Dec. 24 on PBS SoCal). In addition, an encore is shown, 8-11 p.m. Dec. 25 (on PBS SoCal Plus). Music Center’s Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, 135 N. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. Information hotline: 213-972-3099. holidaycelebration.org
Autobooks-Aerobooks: Burt “BS” Levy signs copies of his books, including “The Last Open Road” series and a short story anthology, and also previews a new book, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Dec. 27. See the website for how to order signed books in advance. Location, 2900 W. Magnolia Blvd., Burbank. 818-845-0707. autobooks-aerobooks.com
Tournament of Roses Decorating Parade Viewing Place: Preview the Rose Parade floats as they get ready for the 137th annual parade, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Dec. 28; 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Dec. 29; 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Dec. 30. Admission is by timed entry; $21.50; free for ages 5 and younger. Admission is sold online only. Rosemont Pavilion, 700 Seco St., Pasadena. https://tournamentofroses.com/event/decorating-places/. Details and to purchase timed tickets: tinyurl.com/47ar7duv
Equestfest: See the horses and riders taking part in the Jan. 1, 2026 Rose Parade, stroll by the stables, talk to equestrians, view displays, food and vendor court and activities, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Dec. 29. Show performance, noon-2 p.m. General admission tickets $26.50; free for ages 5 and younger. VIP tickets $51.50 for VIP reserved seats and other perks (all ages, including ages 5 and younger, need a ticket for VIP seating area). New this year, a Rose Pit BBQ lunch package, 10-11:30 a.m. ($40 adults; $25 children; purchase in advance). Parking $20 (purchase on-site at the venue). Los Angeles Equestrian Center, 480 W. Riverside Drive, Burbank. Details and to purchase tickets: https://tickets.sharpseating.com/p/tickets11/events/equestfest
Bandfest –Presented by Remo: Three shows (over two days) by bands marching in the Jan. 1, 2026 Rose Parade: 2 p.m. Dec. 29 (pre-show at 1:30 p.m.); and, 10 a.m. Dec. 30 (pre-show at 9:30 a.m.), and 2 p.m. Dec. 30 (pre-show at 1:30 p.m). Tickets $26.50; free for ages 5 and younger. Tickets must be purchased online (no sales at the door). Purchase here: https://tickets.sharpseating.com/p/tickets11/events/bandfest-presented-by-remo. Parking in structure 4 off of Del Mar Avenue. (free parking on campus). Robinson Stadium at Pasadena City College, 1570 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. https://tournamentofroses.com/event/bandfest/
Noon Year’s Eve Los Angeles – Discovery Cube Los Angeles: Dec. 31: Make a reservation for “Noon Year’s Eve Los Angeles,” family event that includes a dance floor and DJ, a New Year’s Eve activity, access to science exhibits and apple cider or ginger ale toast. Choose ticket time for 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. (balloon drop at noon) or 1-5 p.m. (balloon drop, 3 p.m.). Tickets $28; details and purchase tickets: www.discoverycube.org/los-angeles/events/noon-years-eve/. Location, 11800 Foothill Blvd., Sylmar. www.discoverycube.org. www.discoverycube.org/los-angeles/visit/
Gloria Molina Grand Park’s NYELA: Ring in 2026 with music by DJs and live bands (on two stages), and food trucks, 8 p.m. Dec. 31, 2025 to 1:00 a.m. Jan. 1, 2026. For the countdown to the new year, a 3-D light show is projected onto Los Angeles City Hall, 11:55 p.m. Free to attend. Rain does not cancel. Check for what not to bring and general park rules here: https://grandparkla.org/faq/. Gloria Molina Grand Park, 200 N. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. Updates: https://www.facebook.com/grandparklosangeles. Details on performers: grandparkla.org/event/grand-parks-nyela/
Tournament of Roses Parade – Presented by Honda: The 137th annual parade, “The Magic of Teamwork,” 8 a.m. Jan. 1, 2026. Grand marshal: Earvin “Magic” Johnson. Route: beginning at the corner of Green Street and Orange Grove Boulevard; north on Orange Grove to Colorado Boulevard; east on Colorado to Sierra Madre Boulevard; north on Sierra Madre to Villa Street, Pasadena. Grandstand seating tickets: https://tickets.sharpseating.com/tickets. Details on the Rose Parade: https://tournamentofroses.com/event/rose-parade/
Vroman’s Bookstore: Noelle Cook discusses and signs “The Conspiracists – Women, Extremism, and the Lure of Belonging,” 7 p.m. Jan. 6. Daniel Kremer discusses and signs “Adventures in Autuerism,” 7 p.m. Jan. 8. Chanel N. Grant reads from and signs “Michael Goes to School,” 11 a.m. Jan. 10 (children’s event). Alexander Berman and Camille Stochitch discuss and sign “Love Goes Viral,” 4 p.m. Jan. 10 (young adult event). Kadir Nelson discusses and signs “Basket Ball – The Story of the All-American Game,” 4 p.m. Jan. 11 (children’s event and ticketed in advance on Eventbrite: $26.61 for one adult and one book; $32.41 for one adult, one child and one book; see the website for the ticket link). Denise Nicholas discusses and signs “Finding Home – A Memoir,” 7 p.m. Jan. 13. Location, 695 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. 626-449-5320. vromansbookstore.com
ONGOING
Autry Museum of the American West: Ongoing special exhibits: “Black Cowboys – An American Story,” through Jan. 4 (theautry.org/black-cowboys). “Creative Continuities: Family, Pride, and Community in Native Art,” through June 2027 (theautry.org/creative-continuities). Museum hours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday-Friday; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. Admission $19; $14 ages 62 and older, and ages 13-18 and also students older than 18 with ID; $8 ages 3-12 (theautry.org/visit). Location, 4700 Western Heritage Way, Los Angeles. theautry.org
La Brea Tar Pits and Museum: Museum hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily (except closed on the first Tuesday of the month and national holidays). Admission $18; $14 ages 62 and older and students ages 13-17; $7 ages 3-12; free for ages 2 and younger, but a ticket is required (tarpits.org/plan-your-visit/la-brea-tar-pits-buy-tickets). Parking $18. Location, 5801 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles. 213-763-3499. tarpits.org/
Museum of the San Fernando Valley: Hours: 1-5 p.m. Tuesday; 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday-Sunday (check the website to confirm days open). Free admission; donations appreciated. Rancho Cordillera del Norte, 18904 Nordhoff St. (southwest corner of Nordhoff and Wilbur Avenue), Northridge. 818-347-9665. Email: themuseumsfv@gmail.com. themuseumsfvnow.org
Natural History Museum Los Angeles County – Fierce! The Story of Cats: The international traveling exhibit, from the Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle in France, runs through Feb. 18 (this exhibit requires an add-on ticket price to the museum’s general admission; nhm.org/cats). Hours: 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Sunday (but closed on the first Tuesday of the month and some holidays). Admission $18; $14 ages 62 and older and ages 13-17; $7 ages 3-12; free for ages 2 and younger, but a ticket is required. Location, 900 Exposition Blvd., Los Angeles. www.facebook.com/nhmla. nhmlac.org
Valley Relics Museum: Take a trip down San Fernando Valley memory lane, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday-Sunday (check the website for hours; subject to change). Admission $15; free for ages 10 and younger. The museum is located at 7900 Balboa Blvd., Hangar C3 and C4, entrance is on Stagg Street, Van Nuys. 818-616-4083. www.facebook.com/valleyrelics. valleyrelicsmuseum.org
Send calendar listings at least two weeks in advance to be considered to handres@scng.com.