Discover Fun, Festive Things to Do Around Town Over the Holidays

LA Zoo Lights: Animals Aglow

Tour the zoo at night to explore an immersive landscape filled with dazzling lantern sculptures of animals among blooming flowers, towering trees and glowing rivers. This year’s experience includes a magical alpine forest with majestic pine trees and snow-loving animals, spectacular holiday photo spots and the return of Santa.

Runs November 15–January 5  |  lazoo.org

Photo by Jamie Pham, GLAZA

The Making of an Enchanted Fairy House

Participants in this workshop will work with stained birch wooden pieces, hand-carved miniature wooden furniture and home accessories, paper florals, and dried mosses, all to create a magical heirloom fairy house inspired by Irish Celtic folklore.

December 7, 3–6 p.m.  |   fourseasons.com/westlakevillage

Nochebuena: A Christmas Spectacular

Vocalist Camila Fernández, granddaughter of the legendary Vicente Fernández and daughter of Alejandro Fernández, joins the mariachi-infused holiday performance that celebrates Mexico’s many vibrant regions. Also featuring Ballet Folklórico de Los Ángeles, which brings music, dance, and sumptuous traditional costumes to life.

December 7 & 8  |  thesoraya.org

Arturo Sandoval Swinging Holiday

As part of the LA Phil’s Deck the Halls concert series in December, the multiple-Grammy-winning Arturo Sandoval makes it a jumping, jiving, jingling night at Walt Disney Concert Hall, performing a program of holiday favorites.

December 23  |  laphil.com

SOHA Toy Drive 

Teach your kids the spirit of giving by bringing an unwrapped toy to the Sherman Oaks Homeowners Association’s 26th annual toy drive at Gelson’s on Van Nuys Boulevard. Benefits kids under the care of the LA Department of Children & Family Services.

December 8, 11 a.m.–2 p.m.

Holidays in the Valley: ‘Twas the Night 

Returning for its sixth season, this year’s performance by the San Fernando Valley Master Chorale brings the holiday favorite The Night Before Christmas to life with beautiful choral music. The performance includes recognizable classics along with songs you might be hearing for the first time.

December 8  |  sfvmc.com

The Nutcracker

The Los Angeles Ballet’s rendition of the classic holiday favorite The Nutcracker is a treat for the entire family. LAB stays true to the traditions of the classic holiday story while giving it a unique Southern California twist. The performance will be staged at several venues throughout the LA area.

December 6–28  |  losangelesballet.org

Photo by Cheryl Mann

A Very Kosher Chrismukkah

A fun-filled concert featuring classic holiday favorites by Jewish composers and festive Hanukkah tunes performed by the Valley-based LA Jewish Symphony.

December 14  |  lajs.org

Photo by Sheldon Butler