It’s the end of another long year and almost the beginning of a new one, so why not celebrate by actually leaving the house this NYE, or not, no judgment. You could make it as low key as taking in a movie at an old theater, or you could go all out and end up at the Hollywood Roosevelt’s Studio 54 bash. Whatever plans you may have, just be safe, let loose and have a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
[Editor’s note: at publication time, these events were still scheduled to go on as planned. Due to the quickly evolving COVID-19/Omicron situation this week, however (9,988 new cases were reported today), it could become likely that at least a few of the events listed below could be cancelled or rescheduled. So it would be a good idea to check on the status of any event you plan to attend – especially large New Year’s Eve gatherings – as we get closer to the event date.]
Arts and Culture and Year’s End
Yay, movies! If you’re a cinefile or just on your own this Christmas, good news: New Beverly Cinema has a showing of the Hateful Eight on Christmas Day at 7:30 p.m., and screenings of Paul Thomas Anderson’s new coming-of-age film, Licorice Pizza, all week long, starting on Sunday, December 26. Click here for a looksy at the New Bev’s calendar.
The Academy Museum will also have showings on Christmas and New Year’s Eve. So after a morning of opening gifts, take the fam to see The Muppet Christmas Carol on Christmas day, Saturday, December 25 at 11 a.m., and learn about animator Hayao Miyazaki in the documentary film Never Ending Man: Hayao Miyazaki at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on NYE, Friday, December 31. The film focuses on a transitional time in the filmmaker’s life, covering a two year period in which Miyazaki went from a multi-decade career in traditional animation, to retirement, to an “unexpected venture” into CG animation. See full calendar for more information and events.
It’s your last week to catch Love Actually Live at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts. This multimedia concert celebration of the beloved holiday film was back this year by popular demand. Film and live action seamlessly weave together with exceptional staging and state-of-the-art video design, an all-star cast of singers, and a live orchestra. There will be shows every night this week, so don’t miss it! Tickets are still available and range from $39 – $125. P.S. the production features some adult content and is not recommended for kids under 13.
Yippee ki yay with Bruce Willis in Die Hard on Thursday, December 30 at Hollywood’s first ever drive-in cinema at the Hollywood Legion Theater. If you haven’t seen this classic movie in a while, now is the time! Drive-in tickets are $30 per car and include soda, candy, and unlimited popcorn. Showtime is at 8 p.m.
Then switch gears on Thursday, December 30 and tune-in to stories of survival and resilience with one of the Holocaust Museum LA’s regular online programs, Holocaust Survivor Talk at 11 a.m. This week, Holocaust survivor and founder of the Zachor Holocaust Remberance Foundation Ben Lesser, will be the guest speaker. Lesser was born in Krakow, Poland in 1928. He survived Auschwitz and arrived in the US in 1947, where he settled in Los Angeles and had two daughters.
Return to the glamour, the style, and the music of the disco era and Studio 54 at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel’s Tropicana Pool next Friday night, and early morn. Join fellow NYE revelers at A Night at Studio 54, a New Year’s Eve celebration from 9 p.m. – 2 a.m. The night will feature DJ’s Bad Boy Bill and Tony Arzadon. The cost ranges from $65 for general admission to $6500 for their top tier bottle service. To keep the spirit of 54 going, specialty NY themed food and cocktails will be sold at the Tropicana Bar and Cafe. So put on your dancing shoes and ring in the new year with some fun, dammit!
Or you could spend an equally entertaining NYE with Pink Martini at the Walt Disney Concert Hall, Friday, December 31 at 7 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. Celebrate the end of 2021 with Portland’s beloved “little orchestra”. Led by pianist Thomas Lauderdale, this eclectic ensemble mixes Brazilian Samba, party sounds of ‘30s Cuban dance music, and a “dash of Parisian café cool”. Tickets range from $80-$220 and are still available, but don’t wait!
And last but not least, since 1890, the Tournament of Roses New Year’s Day Parade in Pasadena has been a part of American culture, bringing the traditions of the Rose Parade and Rose Bowl Game worldwide. This year, come see it in person while watching from Grandstand Seating. The cost ranges from $60-$110, with several other great events happening throughout the week. And after the parade, you can head over to Floatfest and appreciate the craftsmanship of these works of art up close.
Local Government
Nothing on the calendar for the GWNC until after the new year, but the Mid City West Neighborhood Council keeps it real with three meetings next week starting on Tuesday, December 28 with the Social and Racial Equity Committee meeting at 6:30 p.m., and continues on Wednesday, December 29 with “Wednesday Walks” at 6:30 p.m. Last up is the HRRRTs (Homelessness, Refugees, and Renters’ Rights) Committee on Thursday, December 30, when they meet to discuss Homeless Count Planning at 7 p.m. Click here for more information.
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