FRIDAY:
Downtown On IceWhat: laparks.org: "Get your glide on this holiday season at Downtown on Ice, a Southland tradition and favorite holiday destination/staycation, at LA's biggest outdoor rink. Framed by towering skyscrapers and stunning historical landmarks, the community rink boasts a medley of FREE events, including the '12 Nights of Christmas Music Series,' the Winter Holiday Festival with Santa, his 'live' reindeer and tons of real snow, Lunch & Munch concerts, Menorah Lighting and Kwanzaa celebrations, championship skating exhibitions, charity broomball games, and more." When: Nov. 17 through Jan. 16, Mon-Thur, 12pm-10pm, Fri-Sun 10am-10pm, $6 skate session, $2 skate rentalWhere: Pershing Square, 532 South Olive St, Los Angeles, CA 90013
Magical Christmas Caroling TruckWhat: Burbank.com: "In an awe-inspiring display of yuletide joy, the Magical Christmas Caroling Truck will present a live caroling show and parade in Downtown Burbank. Consisting of a sixty foot 18-wheeler and supported by a 6,000 watt state-of-the-art sound system, this flamboyant traveling show includes a block long entourage with a carriage for Frosty the Snowman and other transformed vehicles adorned with magnificent Christmas scenes, 200 singers and a troupe of dancing elves. A surefire hit for all the family and a truly unique local tradition, the Magical Christmas Caroling Truck will serenade shoppers and delight crowds with seasonal classics."When: Friday, December 9, 6:30-8:30pm, FreeWhere: Between Verdugo Avenue, Glenoaks, Burbank Boulevard and the I-5, Burbank, CA (christmascaroling.org)
Milk Gallery Underground Los AngelesWhat: fashionwindows.com: "Milk Gallery has teamed up with Kana Manglapus Projects to bring MGU to the west coast and introduce the next generation of photographic talent to their burgeoning art scene. The show features pieces from 60 artists who exhibited at Milk Gallery in New York City, including John Currin muse and Marc Jacobs model Coco Young, whose documentary style is rooted in observing the nuances of fellow models 'off duty' and Ryan McGinley protege Sandy Kim, a 'confessional photographer' whose risque photos of the youth scene are both hardcore and hauntingly beautiful. In addition to these 60 artists, the current exhibition will feature 7 new Los Angeles based photographers as a reflection of Milk's commitment to nurture the next generation of talent."When: Friday, December 9, 6-9pm, FreeWhere: Kana Manglapus Projects, 1346 Abbott Kinney Blvd., Venice, CA
SATURDAY:
Free Gelato At Teaforest Tea & Coffee BarWhat: laweekly.com: "Leo Bulgarini's new gelato outpost in Culver City--Bulgarini took over the lease at Teaforest Tea & Coffee Bar on Washington Boulevard last month--officially opened last week. To celebrate the opening, there will be an informal party this Saturday, during which time Bulgarini will be giving away free gelato. Have a coffee. Find your spoon."When:Saturday, December 10, 9am-10pm, FreeWhere:Teaforest Tea & Coffee Bar, 8686 Washington Blvd., Culver City, CA
Altadena's Christmas Tree LaneWhat: christmastreelane.net: "Every Christmas season for more than 80 years, the majestic deodars on the 'Mile of Christmas Trees' are strung with 10,000 lights. Christmas Tree Lane in Altadena is the oldest large-scale Christmas lighting spectacle in the United States."When: Saturday, December 10 (through Jan. 1), dusk-10pm weekdays, dusk to midnight holidays and weekends, FreeWhere: Santa Rosa Avenue between Woodbury Avenue and Altadena Drive, Altadena, CA
Jesse Sykes & the Sweet Hereafter, The Watson Twins, The Soft White SixtiesWhat: silverlakefold.com: "Jesse Sykes & the Sweet Hereafter exhales with a distinctively lulling moody-blue voice that evokes winter, birds, lakes and deep, dark woods. Although the new album includes tranquil ballads like 'Wooden Roses' and the title track, which echo the haunting Americana of the band's earlier releases, Sykes and guitarist Phil Wandscher take some bold new risks, venturing into sprawling epics like the psychedelic hard-rocker 'Hushed by Devotion' and the Doors-y exotica of 'Weight of Cancer.' And, following on the critical success of Rabbit Fur Coat, their 2006 collaboration with Jenny Lewis, the Watson Twins return with Talking To You, their most groove-heavy and ambitious album to date. Yes, the folk, country and Americana roots of Leigh and Chandra Watson remain, but the duo also explores and reveals their long-held love of R&B, Bossa Nova, indie pop and most prominently, classic soul."When: Saturday, December 10, 9pm, $12Where: Bootleg Theater, 2200 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90057
SUNDAY:
Los Angeles Animators' Panel And BrunchWhat: cinefamily.org: "Join us for both a Sunday brunch and a unique screening/panel discussion, as Cinefamily's Animation Block Party presents a showcase of some of Los Angeles’ most notable animation talent! The show features the L.A. premiere of Thank You (the new short from Adventure Time creator Pendleton Ward and artist Tom Herpich), fresh content from HBO's new season of The Life and Times of Tim (created by Steve Dildarian), a sneak peek of Titmouse’s new Disney show Motorcity, and an exclusive look at MTV's new series Good Vibes (created by David Gordon Green) alongside fest favorites such as No Naked from Caroline Foley,Re-Cre-A-Tion from Trisha Gum/Dan Field, and more local talent. Animators from Adventure Time, The Life And Times Of Tim and Good Vibes will be here at the Cinefamily for a post-screening Q&A and discussion!"When: Sunday, December 11, 2pm, $10Where: Cinefamily, 611 N. Fairfax Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90036
2nd Annual Holiday Pop-Up ShopWhat: artisanalla.com: "Artisanal LA is a pop-up community event with weekend long seasonal shows and shops celebrating the city's finest local, sustainable and handmade edibles. Attendees shop a wide array of edible treats from local butchers to chocolate makers, and enjoy programming like hands-on workshops, chef-led demos, expert panels and speakers educating guests on various food related topics as well as the opportunity to learn about non-profit organizations changing the local food scene in Los Angeles. Featuring more than 50 local artisanal vendors to sample and shop, demos and workshops from the Institute of Domestic Technology, organic spirit, craft beer and local wine tasting, coffee sampling hosted by the Market on Holly and complimentary beverages from Honest Tea."When: Sunday, December 11, 10am-6pm, $5Where: Armory Center for the Arts, 145 North Raymond Avenue, Pasadena, CA