Christmas is here y’all and with public activities winding down this week, maybe it’s time to just hang with family and friends while you enjoy all of the spectacular light displays going on around the city. Or head over to the Hollywood Legion and watch Elf and A Christmas Story, for the hundredth time, at its historic drive-in theater. You can also pick up some gift-sized art at Tag Gallery and help support local artists while you’re at it. Whatever you decide to do, just have fun, don’t stress, and I wish you a very Merry Christmas!
Arts and Culture and Christmas
Sorry for the late notice, but the Black Hollywood Education Resource Center will be presenting The Black Carpet Series: A Conversation with Reggie Rock Bythewood & Lisa Whittington today, Friday, December 17 at 4:30 p.m. via Zoom. Join Bythewood, the creator and executive producer, and Whittington, the main title sequence artist of the new Apple TV+ series “Swagger,” as they discuss their artistic collaboration and the influence of Emmett Till. Click here to register.
Next, spend the evening with Tag Gallery at its Small Works holiday reception this Saturday, December 18 from 6-9 p.m. Browse through a display of more than 350 small fine art works created by LA artists, and find the perfect gift for that art lover in your life. This collection of gift-sized artwork will be available through January 8. Tag Gallery is open Wed-Sun from 1-7 p.m.
Hang with Ralphie and Buddy at Hollywood’s first ever drive-in cinema at the Hollywood Legion Theater. Watch Elf for the hundredth time on Sunday, December 19 at 7 p.m., but this time, experience this now classic film at this historic drive-in theater. The same goes for A Christmas Story on Tuesday, December 21 at 8 p.m., both being shown on 35mm. Drive-in tickets are $30 per car and include soda, candy, and unlimited popcorn.
School is out for a few weeks now, so why not keep the knowledge flowing and sign the kids up for Winter Art Camp at LACMA. Classes will take place virtually, Monday-Thursday, December 20-23 from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Unfortunately, two of the three camps offered are sold out, but luckily Poster Making is still available for kids ages 6–8. Students will “explore issues of social justice and experiment with painting and collage techniques to create dynamic works of art that express your values and inspire our imaginations” with artist Jesus Mascorro. A Zoom link will be sent prior to camp start. Materials are included in tuition. The cost is $150 for NexGenLA members and $160 for non-mems. Advanced registration is required for all classes.
If you’ve ever wondered what’s going on under the hood of some of the rarest cars in the world, you’re in luck because Hoods Up! Christmas is happening at the Petersen Automotive Museum, starting Monday, December 20 through January 2. The Petersen will be lifting the hoods on some of its most iconic vehicles, from Buick to Bugatti, Dodge to Delahaye, Tucker to Toyota. Let your eyes behold the complex, big block, and alternative powered motors that drive these awesome machines. Of course, all 150+ cars are on display, as well as a hundred more in the museum’s Vault. Get tickets here.
And I’m very excited about this next one. Yayoi Kusama’s Infinity Mirrored Room—The Souls of Millions of Light Years Away doesn’t reopen at The Broad until January 5, 2022, but tickets will be released this coming Wednesday, December 22 at 10 a.m. Obtain a free timed-entry ticket by booking online, for admission January 5-30. This new reservation procedure will provide you access to this immersive installation at the start of your museum visit. For the best chance of getting tickets, check out the museum’s monthly ticket release schedule.
If you haven’t experienced this oldie but goodie, now’s your chance; the Enchanted Forest of Light at Descanso Gardens in La Cañada is open daily 5:30-10 p.m. from now until January 9. Enjoy a one-mile walk through an interactive, unique lighting experience. New this year will be an entire town of magical stained glass creations built in the Rose Garden by contemporary sculptor Tom Fruin. Entry times: 5:30 p.m., 6 p.m., 6:30 p.m., 7 p.m., 7:30 p.m., 8 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Tickets: $25–$28 for Descanso Gardens members, $32–$35 for non-members. Tickets are non-refundable, have timed entry, and must be purchased in advance. Closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Just like Descanso Gardens, this holiday light spectacular is a bit of a drive, but I think you’ll find it’s worth it. Lightscape at the LA County Arboretum in Arcadia is open now until January 16. Wander through the magnificent Winter Cathedral, Fire Garden, and more! Timed entry tickets are required from 5:30-8:45 p.m., in 15-minute intervals. Open until 10 p.m. Tickets are $32 for adults and $20 for kids ages 3-12 – kids under 2 are free and members get a discount.
And happening a little closer to home is the Holiday Light Festival at Griffith Park and Southern Railroad open now until January 7. Treat yourself and the fam to an evening train ride around a festively decorated one-mile track, featuring magical scenes and tens of thousands of lights that will help set the mood for a delightful holiday season. The train will run nightly except Christmas Eve, Christmas Night, and New Year’s Eve. Tickets are $5 per person, for all ages. Tickets are available for purchase at the ticket booth – no online or phone sales.
Local Government
And just like last week, the Mid City West Neighborhood Council has a pretty full calendar with three meetings, starting on Monday, December 20 with the Arts and Recreation Committee from 6-7 p.m. Next up, is “Wednesday Walks” on Wednesday, December 22 from 6:30-8 p.m. and finally, on Thursday, December 23, join the HRRRTs (Homelessness, Refugees, and Renters’ Rights) Committee as they discuss the upcoming Homeless Count from 7-8 p.m.
Join the Greater Wilshire Neighborhood Council’s Land Use Committee on Tuesday, December 21 from 6:30-9 p.m. as they discuss important land use issues happening in your community (click here for details).
