“Grand Illuminations,” a winter light and color installation with large-scale kinetic sculptures by Los Angeles-based artist group Liquid PXL opened at the Yard at Cal Plaza on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024 in Los Angeles, CA. Nightly light shows from dusk to 10 p.m. through Jan. 8. (Photo by Axel Koester, Contributing Photographer)
Here is a sampling of upcoming things to do in the San Fernando Valley and the Los Angeles area.
EVENTS
Grand Illuminations: Los Angeles-based Liquid PXL presents a winter light and color installation, with large-scale kinetic sculptures, to enjoy with nightly shows from dusk until 10 p.m. through Jan. 8. Free to view. The Yard at Cal Plaza, 350 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. downtownla.com/explore/holidays. https://liquidpxl.com/. Details: downtownla.com/explore/holidays/grand-illuminations
Las Posadas on Olvera Street: A pre-procession activity for ages 3-12 is a children’s pinata, 6:30 p.m. Dec. 19 (and nightly through Dec. 24). The procession begins at the Avila Adobe, 7:15 p.m., Dec. 19-24 (statues of Mary and Joseph are carried, Dec. 19-23; and live Mary and Joseph reenactors, and a baby Jesus statue display, on Dec. 24). Music from Grupo Rondalla del Sol, 6:30-8 p.m. Location, 845 N. Alameda St., Los Angeles. Map of Olvera Street area: calleolvera.com. Details on the event here: www.olveraevents.com/olvera-street-las-posadas
Homes for the Holidays dog adoption at Dodger Stadium: The LA Dodgers team up with Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control and Lucy Pet Foundation for event, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Dec. 21. The event includes dogs of all sizes from the county’s 7 shelters (Agoura, Baldwin Park, Carson, Castaic, Downey, Lancaster, Palmdale) and perks for adoptions (a bag of Lucy Pet Food; a Tavo Pets car seat or travel crate; while supplies last). Personalities scheduled to attend: Steve Garvey; actress Drea de Matteo (“The Sopranos”); Brandon McMillan (animal trainer and “Lucky Dog” host); Joey Herrick (founder of Lucy Pet Foundation). Parking: enter through Sunset Gate A and park in Lot H. Dodger Stadium, 1000 Vin Scully Ave., (in the parking lot at 76 gas station), Los Angeles. Details on the event: www.lucypetfoundation.org/
Los Angeles County Holiday Celebration – Dorothy Chandler Pavilion: The 65th annual event includes choir groups, dance performances and music from around the world, 3-6 p.m. Dec. 24. Free admission. However, reservations for free tickets (limit of 4) are full. People who missed out on the RSVP, may line up in the standby line on the day of the performance. Doors open, 2:30 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
Tournament of Roses Decorating Places: Preview the Rose Parade floats as they get ready for the 136th 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; $20; free for ages 5 and younger. Admission is sold online only. Two locations: Rosemont Pavilion, 700 Seco St., Pasadena; and Brookside Pavilion, Lot I, south side of Rose Bowl Stadium. tournamentofroses.com. 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, 2025 Tournament of Roses 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. Tickets $25; free for ages 5 and younger; $50 for VIP reserved seats and other perks (all ages, including ages 5 and younger, need a ticket for VIP seating area). Parking $20 (purchase on-site at the venue). Los Angeles Equestrian Center, 480 W. Riverside Drive, Burbank. Purchase Equestfest tickets here: tinyurl.com/3x5hwpmt. tournamentofroses.com. Details on the event: tournamentofroses.com/event/equestfest/
Bandfest Presented by Remo: Three shows (over two days) by bands marching in the Jan. 1, 2025 Tournament of Roses 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 $25; free for children age 5 and younger. Tickets must be purchased online (no sales at the door). Purchase here: tickets.sharpseating.com/p/tickets11/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. tournamentofroses.com/events-calendar/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 $26; 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 NYELA: Ring in 2025 with music by DJs and live bands (on two stages), and food trucks, 8 p.m. Dec. 31 to 12:30 a.m. Jan. 1. 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 website for what not to bring (including alcohol, chairs and umbrellas; see more rules here: grandparkla.org/visit). Gloria Molina Grand Park, 200 N. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. Updates: www.facebook.com/grandparklosangeles. Details on performers: grandparkla.org/event/grand-parks-nyela/
ONGOING HOLIDAY EVENTS
Enchanted – Forest of Light at Descanso Gardens: An interactive walk-through display of lights including an area of stained glass creations. Event is rain or shine through Jan. 5. Purchase of a timed-ticket in advance on the website is required for admission (time frame, 5:30-8:30 p.m.; no tickets sold at the door). Admission $35 and up; $25 ages 2-12 (children under age two are free but must also have a ticket). Tickets are not refundable and cannot be rescheduled. Location, 1418 Descanso Drive, La Cañada Flintridge. Details and purchase tickets: www.descansogardens.org/enchanted-tickets
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, through Dec. 28. 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, charming, costumed carolers sing holiday songs. Dates: Dec.19-24; Dec. 26-28. Tickets $34.99 and up (depending on time and date; free for ages 2 and younger). 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
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, runs various dates through Jan. 5. Hours: 6-10 p.m. Rain does not cancel. Tickets $29 and up for ages 13 and older; $18 and up for ages 2-12 (higher admission on “premium” nights; purchasing tickets in advance online is recommended). Check the website for details on “Family New Year’s Eve Celebration,” 6 p.m. Dec. 31 ($95 ages 18 and older; $79 ages 2-17; online purchase only for NYE). Location, 5333 Zoo Drive, Los Angeles. www.lazoolights.org
BOOKS
Diesel, A Bookstore: Paul Small and Josh Freeman share their book “A Festival of Light – The Meaning of Hanukkah,” 2 p.m. Dec. 28. Free seating is limited at the outdoor event. Purchase a book in advance to reserve a seat. Location, 225 26th St., Santa Monica. 310-576-9960. www.dieselbookstore.com. Details on this event: www.dieselbookstore.com/event/Paul-Small-Josh-Freeman-Author-signing
Book Soup: Sean Kelly discusses and signs “White Noise & Lighting – The Continental Drifters Story,” 7 p.m. Jan. 3. Elliot Mintz discusses and signs “We All Shine On – John, Yoko and Me,” 4 p.m. Jan. 5. Shannon Lee and Fonda Lee discuss and sign “Breath of the Dragon,” 7 p.m. Jan. 7. Tripp Whetsell discusses and signs “Norman Lear – His Life & Times,” 7 p.m. Jan. 8. Location, 8818 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood. 310-659-3110. www.booksoup.com
DANCE
Los Angeles Ballet – The Nutcracker: This year’s version of the story has a Southern California twist and with the music by Tchaikovsky performed live by Los Angeles Ballet Orchestra, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 19. Performances: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 20; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 21-22; 2 p.m. Dec. 24 and 26; 7:30 p.m. Dec. 27; 2 p.m. Dec. 28. Tickets $56 and up. Dolby Theatre, 6801 Hollywood Blvd. (at level one of Ovation Hollywood), Hollywood. 323-308-6300. www.losangelesballet.org/2024-2025-season/the-nutcracker. Details and purchase tickets: tinyurl.com/4y33mp8w
FARMERS MARKETS
Before you go, check market websites for holiday closures or different hours.
Granada Hills Farmers Market: The Granada Hills Chamber of Commerce presents the market, 6-10 p.m. Fridays. Location, White Oak Avenue (at Chatsworth Street). 818-368-3235. www.granadachamber.com/
Old Town Newhall Farmers Market: A certified market, 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays. Location, 24500 Main St., Newhall. www.facebook.com/OldTownNewhallFarmersMarket/
Canoga Park Farmers Market: A certified market, 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Saturdays. Rain or shine. Location, 7248 Owensmouth Avenue, between Sherman Way and Wyandotte Avenue. www.instagram.com/mainst.canogaparkfarmersmarket
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. Saturdays. Location, 5650 Shoup Ave. 818-300-3023. Facebook: bit.ly/44cFl0P
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/
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. Email: goodtimesfarmersmarket@gmail.com. Instagram: tinyurl.com/mrxcaxrn
Canyon Country Farmers Market: A certified market, 4-8 p.m. Wednesdays. Canyon Country Community Center, 18410 Sierra Highway. www.facebook.com/CanyonCountryFarmersMarket/
MUSEUM
Before you go, check museum websites for holiday closures, and also for different hours or added “we’re open” dates.
William Grant Still Arts Center: New: The 44th annual Black Doll Show, “In need of good folk…Magic Folk Like Us.” The show is curated by children’s book author, doll artist and performer Aiysha Sinclair (www.aiyshasinclair.com). Check the website for Doll Making workshops, Dec. 21; Jan. 11 and Feb. 8; and other special events during the run of the exhibit. Hours: noon-5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday (10 a.m.-3 p.m. on Dec. 24 and 31). Exhibit runs through Feb. 15. Location, 2520 S. West View St., Los Angeles. 323-734-1165. wgsac.wordpress.com/the-44th-annual-black-doll-show/
Discovery Cube Los Angeles – Sylmar: Ongoing special exhibits: “LA’s Science of Gingerbread Display,” through Jan. 5 (www.discoverycube.org/los-angeles/events/science-of-gingerbread-la-display). “DC Super Heroes: Discover Your Superpowers,” through Jan. 20 (www.discoverycube.org/los-angeles/exhibits/dc-super-heroes/). The museum has ongoing exhibits that aim to make science fun for children. Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. Admission $20 ages 15-61; $18 ages 62 and older; $17 ages 3-14. Location, 11800 Foothill Blvd., Sylmar. www.facebook.com/TheDiscoveryCube and www.discoverycube.org
Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum: Ongoing special exhibits: “Christmas Around the World,” through Jan. 5 (www.reaganfoundation.org/library-museum/special-exhibits/christmas-around-the-world). “Dead Sea Scrolls,” through Sept. 2, 2025 (www.reaganfoundation.org/library-museum/special-exhibits/dead-sea-scrolls). Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily (except Dec. 25 and Jan. 1). Museum admission is available online (https://www.reaganfoundation.org/library-museum/online-ticket-sales/). Admission: $29.95; $26.95 ages 62 and older; $22.95 ages 11-17; $19.95 ages 3-10. Location, 40 Presidential Drive, Simi Valley. www.reaganfoundation.org
ONGOING MUSEUM
Academy Museum of Motion Pictures: Ongoing special exhibits: “Significant Movies and Movie Makers,” three exhibits through Jan. 4, 2026: “Casablanca,” “Boyz n the Hood,” and Lourdes Portillo.” Hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday and Monday. Admission $25; $19 ages 62 and older; $15 students, age 18 and older with ID; free for ages 17 and younger. Location, 6067 Wilshire Blvd. (corner of Fairfax Avenue), Los Angeles. 323-930-3000. academymuseum.org
African American Firefighter Museum: Artifacts, fire apparatus, pictures and stories about African American Los Angeles firefighters. Hours: timed entry admission, 1, 2 and 3 p.m. on Sunday (make a reservation on Eventbrite here: tinyurl.com/4dx5xxhk). Donation. Location, 1401 S. Central Ave., Los Angeles. 213-744-1730. https://www.aaffmuseum.org/
Autry Museum of the American West: Ongoing special exhibit: “Out of Site: Survey Science and the Hidden West,” through Jan. 5, 2025 (theautry.org/exhibitions/out-of-site). This exhibit is part of PST Art event, at more than 70 venues, using the theme “Art and Science Collide” (https://pst.art/). Museum hours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday-Friday; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. Admission $18; $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
Bolton Hall Museum: Ongoing special exhibit: “Back to School,” the history of public schools in Sunland and Tujunga, through Spring 2025. Hours: 1-4 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. Free admission; $5 donation is appreciated. Bolton Hall Museum, 10110 Commerce Ave., Tujunga. 818-352-3420. Email: llhs@boltonhall.org. www.facebook.com/boltonhallmuseum and www.boltonhall.org
California African American Museum: Ongoing special exhibit: “Simone Leigh,” a traveling exhibit, co-presented with the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (artwork presented at both museums), through Jan. 20, 2025 (caamuseum.org/exhibitions/2024/simone-leigh). Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday; 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. Free admission. Parking $20 before 5 p.m.; $24 after 5 p.m. (in Exposition Park). Location, 600 State Drive, Los Angeles (in Exposition Park). 213-744-7432. www.caamuseum.org and www.facebook.com/CAAMinLA/
California Science Center: Ongoing special exhibit: “Leonardo Da Vinci: Inventor. Artist. Dreamer.,” through Jan. 5, 2025 (californiasciencecenter.org/exhibits/leonardo-da-vinci-inventor-artist-dreamer). Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily (except closed on Christmas and New Year’s Day). Admission is free to the center’s permanent galleries, but there is a charge for special exhibits. Admission to the “Leonardo Da Vinci” exhibit: $26.95 ages 18-64; $24.95 ages 65 and older and students ages 13-17 with ID; $19.95 ages 3-12; (timed tickets are required for special exhibits, and also the Imax Theater; californiasciencecenter.org/visit). Location, 700 Exposition Park Drive, Los Angeles. californiasciencecenter.org
Craft Contemporary: Ongoing special exhibit: “Material Acts: Experimentation in Architecture and Design,” through Jan. 5, 2025. The exhibit is part of PST ART event, at more than 70 venues, using the theme “Art and Science Collide” (https://pst.art/). Hours: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday. Admission $9; $7 ages 65 and older and students; free for ages 12 and younger. Location, 5814 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles. 323-937-4230. www.craftcontemporary.org
Forest Lawn Museum – Glendale: Ongoing special exhibit: “Narcissus Quagliata: Archtypes and Vision in Light and Glass,” through March 9, 2025 (check the link for details: forestlawn.com/exhibits/narcissus-quagliata-archetypes-and-visions-in-light-and-glass/). Permanent exhibits: forestlawn.com/museum/. Free admission. Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday. Location, 1712 S. Glendale Ave. forestlawn.com
The Getty Center: Ongoing special exhibit: “Charles Ross: Spectrum 14” installation, through Sept. 7, 2025 (www.getty.edu/art/exhibitions/ross/index.html). Current exhibits: www.getty.edu/exhibitions/. Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Friday and Sunday; 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday. Free admission but a timed-ticket admission is required (tinyurl.com/yu6fsv3s). Parking $25 (www.getty.edu/visit/center/parking-and-transportation). Location, 1200 Getty Center Drive (at North Sepulveda Boulevard), Los Angeles. 310-440-7300. www.getty.edu
The Getty Villa: Ongoing special exhibit: “Sculpted Portraits from Ancient Egypt.” Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesday-Monday. Free admission, but a timed-entry reservation is required. Parking $25. Location, 17985 Pacific Coast Highway, Pacific Palisades. www.getty.edu/visit/villa/
Grammy Museum: Ongoing special exhibits: “Hip-Hop America: The Mixtape Exhibit,” through Feb. 17 (grammymuseum.org/exhibit/hip-hop-america-the-mixtape-exhibit). Luther Vandross: Artistry and Elegance,” through June 15 (grammymuseum.org/exhibit/luther-vandross-artistry-and-elegance); and also “RetroBlakesberg: The Music Never Stopped,” through June 15 (grammymuseum.org/exhibit/retroblakesberg-the-music-never-stopped). 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. Location, 800 W. Olympic Blvd., Los Angeles. 213-725-5700. grammymuseum.org
Holocaust Museum LA: Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily (except closed on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day; also, museum closes at 1 p.m. on Dec. 24 and 31). Admission $15 ages 18-64; $10 ages 65 and older; free for ages 17 and younger (www.holocaustmuseumla.org/tickets). Free admission on Sundays. Entrance to the museum is through Pan Pacific Park from Beverly Boulevard of Third Street. Location, 100 The Grove Drive, Los Angeles. 323-651-3704. Email: info@hmla.org. www.holocaustmuseumla.org
Italian American Museum Los Angeles: Ongoing special exhibit: “Creative Minds – Italian American Inventors and Innovators,” through Oct. 2025. Hours: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday. Admission free. Donations requested. Location, 644 N. Main St., Los Angeles. 213-485-8432. www.facebook.com/iamofla. www.iamla.org
Japanese American National Museum: Ongoing special exhibit: “Giant Robot Biennale 5,” an exhibit of art by Sean Chao, Felicia Chiao, Luke Chueh, Giorgiko, James Jean, Taylor Lee, Mike Shinoda, Rain Szeto, Yoskay Yamamoto (co-presented by Eric Nakamura, founder of Giant Robot), through Jan. 5, 2025 (www.janm.org/exhibits/grb5). Hours: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Wednesday and Friday-Sunday; noon-8 p.m. Thursday; closed on national holidays (www.janm.org/visit). Admission: $16; $9 ages 62 and older and children; free for ages 5 and younger (timed advance tickets are recommended). Location, 100 N. Central Ave., Los Angeles. 213-625-0414. Facebook: www.facebook.com/jamuseum and janm.org
Japan House Los Angeles: Ongoing special exhibit: “Masters of Carpentry: Melding Forest, Skill and Spirit,” exhibit is scheduled to run through Jan. 22, 2025 (details on the exhibit: tinyurl.com/2uk4jz67). Hours: 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Friday; 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. Free admission. The museum is at Ovation Hollywood, 6801 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood. 800-516-0565. www.japanhouse.jp/losangeles
LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes: Ongoing special exhibit: “Jaime Munoz: Truth Is a Moving Target,” through Jan. 25, 2025 (lapca.org/la-plaza-presents-jaime-munoz-truth-is-a-moving-target/). Permanent exhibits: “LA Starts Here!” and “Calle Principal: Mi México en Los Ángeles.” Hours: noon-5 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday. Free admission. Location, 501 N. Main St., Los Angeles. www.lapca.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/
Los Angeles County Museum of Art: Ongoing special exhibit: “Simone Leigh,” through Jan. 20, 2025 (www.lacma.org/art/exhibition/simone-leigh). Hours: 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Tuesday and Thursday; 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. Plan your visit information here: tinyurl.com/mr3uwzs3. Admission $23; $19 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; these prices are for residents of Los Angeles County with an ID). Location, 5905 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles. 323-857-6010. www.lacma.org
Martial Arts History Museum: Hours: 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday. Admission $12; $5 ages 6-17. Location, 201 N. Brand Blvd. (corner of North Brand and Wilson Street; use entrance at 111 Wilson St.), Glendale. 818-245-6051. www.facebook.com/martialartshistorymuseum. martialartsmuseum.com/
Museum of Contemporary Art: Hours: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Wednesday and Friday; 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Thursday; 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. Admission is free but an advance online timed-entry ticket is required. Special exhibits are $18; $10 seniors and students; free for ages 11 and younger. Locations: the Geffen Contemporary at MOCA, 152 N. Central Ave., Los Angeles; MOCA Grand Avenue, 250 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. 213-633-5351. www.moca.org/visit
Museum of the San Fernando Valley: Hours: 1-5 p.m. Tuesday; 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. Free admission; donations appreciated. 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: 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. nhmlac.org
Petersen Automotive Museum: Ongoing special exhibits: “Best in Low: Lowrider Icons of the Street and Show,” through April 2025. “Super/Hyper: The Ultimate Automobiles” and “Alternating Currents: The Fall and Rise of Electric Vehicles” and “Modern Concepts: Future Visions from the Recent Past” (all three through July 2025). “Cars Are Beautiful: Mr. Brainwash @The Petersen,” through 2026 (www.petersen.org/cars-are-beautiful-exhibit). Hours through Jan. 2: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. daily (except closed on Christmas). Admission $21; $19 ages 62 and older; $13 ages 12-17; $12 ages 4-11 (a valid ID is required for ages 12 and older; www.petersen.org/tickets). Location, 6060 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles. 323-930-2277. www.petersen.org
Skirball Cultural Center: Ongoing special exhibit: “Diane von Furstenberg: Woman Before Fashion,” through Aug. 31, 2025 (www.skirball.org/museum/diane-von-furstenberg-woman-fashion). 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 $18; $13 seniors, full time students with ID and ages 2-17 www.skirball.org/visit). Admission for the “Noah’s Ark at the Skirball” is an extra charge and by a timed-entry (purchase online). Location, 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles. 310-440-4500. skirball.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
Wende Museum of the Cold War: Ongoing special exhibits: “Counter/Surveillance: Control, Privacy, Agency” (part of PST ART event, at more than 70 venues, using the theme “Art and Science Collide” (https://pst.art/). Also, “Undercurrents II: Archives and the Making of Soviet Jewish Identity,” through April 6, 2025. Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday-Sunday (wendemuseum.org/about-us/visit). Free admission. Location, 10808 Culver Blvd., Culver City. 310-216-1600. 310-216-1600. Email: visit@wendemuseum.org. wendemuseum.org
MUSIC
Sweet Honey in the Rock – Celebrating the HolyDays: 8 p.m. Dec. 19 ($42 and up). The Soraya at California State University, Northridge, 18111 Nordhoff St., Northridge. thesoraya.org. thesoraya.org/whats-on/en/sweet-honey-in-the-rock/
Wagner Ensemble – A German Christmas: The ensemble, directed by Jeannine Wagner, performs a selection of German carols, Shütz Christmas Oratorio and Bach Cantata BWV 36 freudig euch empor, 4 p.m. Dec. 22. Tickets $20; $15 seniors and students. St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, 13370 Valleyheart Drive, Sherman Oaks. 310-339-2488. wagnerensemble.eventbrite.com
THEATER
Oy! To the World – Christmas With a Twist: A holiday show written by Maurice Godin and Gregory Thirloway with Christmas songs written by Jewish songwriters, 7 p.m. Dec. 19. Show runs 7 p.m. Dec. 20-21; 1 and 5 p.m. Dec. 22. Performers: Cameron J. Armstrong; Sarah Uriarte Berry; Maya Sofia Enciso; Gerald Sternbach; Jay Brian Winnick. Tickets $55. El Portal Theatre, Monroe Forum, 5269 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood. 818-508-0281. https://elportaltheatre.com/oytotheworld.html
Peter Pan and Tinker Bell – A Pirates Christmas: Lythgoe Family Productions, 5-Star Theatricals and TOArts present the interactive pantomime show, 7 p.m. Dec. 19. Show runs 7 p.m. Dec. 20; 2 and 7 p.m. Dec. 21; noon and 4 p.m. Dec. 22; 7 p.m. Dec. 26; 2 and 7 p.m. Dec. 27-28; noon and 4 p.m. Dec. 29. Tickets $47.50 and up. Bank of America Performing Arts Center, Scherr Forum Theatre, 2100 E.Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks. bapacthousandoaks.com. https://lythgoefamily.com/peter-pan. https://bapacthousandoaks.com/show-details/peter-pan-and-tinker-bell-a-pirates-christmas
David Minkin – Magic at the Biltmore Los Angeles: Close-up magic, 4 and 7 p.m. Dec. 22. New Year’s Eve shows, 7 and 10 p.m. Dec. 31. Dates in January-February. Minimum age: geared for adult audiences. Tickets $55 and up. Location, 506 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. davidminkin.com/
Submit calendar listings at least two weeks in advance to handres@scng.com.
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