My Favorite Los Angeles Events this December

On the Avenues Holiday Home Tour

Each year LA’s Historic West Adams District rings in the holidays with their On the Avenues Holiday Home Tour. This is the 31st anniversary of the Annual Holiday Tour and Progressive Dinner, in which friendly neighbors invite you to tour six historic properties in the West Adams Avenues neighborhood of West Adams— home to a large variety of architectural styles. A separate course of a festive holiday menu will be served at each house, featuring appetizers (and champagne!), soup, salad, entrée with sides, and dessert. The tour houses include a unique Arthur Heinemann-designed Arts and Crafts home and a Spanish Revival filled with charming, eclectic artwork. Tickets are $90. Buy in advance, as they tend to sell out. NO HIGH HEELS! More info here.

Note: There is a separate, self-guided Holiday Walking Tour (without food) on Sunday, December 3, from 12-3p.m. for $30, but arrive early as all doors close at 3pm sharp.

When: December 2 and 3, 2017
Progressive dinner tours begin at 3:00 p.m. each day and depart every 45 minutes after that. (Please be sure to arrive early enough to tour the first house where you will be checking in.)
Where: Walking Tour Check-In – 2517 12th Avenue.

 

10th Annual Unique LA Holiday Market

I have written about the Unique LA pop-up market in previous posts, and this year marks their 10th Annual Unique LA Holiday Market. This creative pop-up market event represents the largest American-made shopping event in the country and features 400 hand-selected local vendors. Unique LA attendees will have the opportunity to support local business as well as meet and shop directly from local artists, designers and crafts-makers in the community. The event is fun for all ages and features free drinks and snacks, DIY crafts, portraits, live DJs, augmented reality art installations, and more! The cost is $15 (VIP $35), and is free for children ages 12 and under. Parking is available for a $7 flat rate at the California Market Center, although there are numerous other lots nearby. More info here.

When: Saturday & Sunday, December 2 & 3, 11AM – 6PM both days
Where: California Market Center in DTLA (13th Floor)

Joy to the Holidays at Greystone Mansion

I have written about Historic Greystone Mansion in previous posts, and once again, The Friends of Greystone invite you to a rare open house at their Joy to the Holidays celebration. Come tour the mansion as it is decked out in holiday splendor! The first floor will sparkle with Hollywood inspired decor by the famous "Dr. Christmas." The festivities include live music, a cookie party, floral arrangement demonstrations, the making and tasting of appetizers and desserts, and more! Get tickets here.

When: Sunday, December 3, 2017 (12:30 pm – 4:30 pm)
Where: Historic Greystone Mansion (905 Loma Vista Drive in Beverly Hills)

Marina Del Rey Boat Parade

Each year, rain or moonshine (not that kind of moonshine), Marina Del Rey hosts what is perhaps one of the most unique Christmas light displays in the country. This year marks the 55th anniversary of the Marina Del Rey Boat Parade. Come sit along the shores of Burton Chase Park or the docks at Fisherman’s Village and watch as dozens boats sail by—decked to the gills with holiday lights and decoration—as they compete for the distinctions of Best Lights, Best Theme, and more! Show up early and let your kids play in the snow at Snow Wonder! Learn more at https://mdrboatparade.org. 

When: Sat. Dec. 9th. (Fireworks start at 5:55pm, and the parade starts at 6pm.)
Where: Viewing from Burton Chase Park (13650 Mindanao Way, Marina Del Rey, CA 90292) or Fisherman’s Village (13737 Fiji Way Los Angeles, CA 90292)

Renegade Crafts Fair

Renegade is excited to announce their return to the iconic Los Angeles State Historic Park with an epic Holiday celebration of independent craft and design! Back for its 9th year in DTLA, the event features a carefully curated and diverse roster of local and national artisan talent. Peruse through handmade goods including jewelry and accessories, art, fashion, ceramics, candles, illustration, stationery, home decor, cookware, apothecary, and more. The event also features a food trucks, craft libations, DJ sets, DIY workshops, photo booths, and all-around good times to provide a truly one-of-a-kind weekend shopping experience. Full details here.

When: December 9 + 10, 2017 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: Los Angeles State Historic Park 1245 N Spring St.

Downtown Los Angeles Art Walk

In case you missed my previous post about the DTLA Art Walk, the Art Walk is back again featuring over 40 different art galleries and museums spread throughout downtown Los Angeles‘ various historic districts. This is more than just a simple walking tour- there’s food, music, and various festivities and programs to entertain the approximately 10,000 Art Walk patrons. Come immerse yourself in a world of free expression and experience true LA culture at its finest while supporting local artists. More info at http://downtownartwalk.org.  

When: Thursday, December 14th, from noon-10pm, but the party really kicks off around 6pm with the opening of the Art Walk Lounge located at 634 S. Spring St. at the MALDEF building.
Where: Mainly in the Historic Core between 4th and 9th and Spring and Main Streets. However, the galleries and restaurants spread beyond to the Fashion District, South Park and the Financial District.

Check out my previous posts on Where to See Holiday Lights in Los Angeles! Also check out L.A.’s many Outdoor Ice Skating Rinks!

 

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