Our picks of places to go + things to do to make the most out of your December.
TAKE the kids HERE → Norton Simon Museum to watch The Polar Express, a 2004 animated holiday film about a boy who rides a magical train to Santa’s workshop. Begins at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 13. Free with admission.
SHOP HERE → Diptyque boutique opening on Thursday, December 11 in Beverly Hills. The Parisian candle company’s superior scents of pine, cinnamon, and orange make it easy to relish winter time and transform 
your living space. You can leave the car right where it is and SHOP HERE → Beverly Hills Holiday Bazaar, where the beautiful Beverly Canon Gardens are transformed into a European-style holiday village brimming with handcrafted gifts and seasonal treats. Takes place December 13 -14 from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
GO HERE → Santa Anita Park for Opening Day of their Winter/Spring Meet Season. To celebrate its 80th,
 the racetrack is welcoming visitors to dine at the exclusive Chandelier Room, which will be featuring a new fall menu courtesy of chef Christian Page (Short Order), part of the restaurant’s new pop-up program.
DO THIS → Marina Del Rey Boat Parade on Saturday, December 13, where all eyes will be on blinged-out boats as they make their way across the Marina Channel. Bonus? Kicking off the annual event is a fireworks show over the Pacific Ocean.
CELEBRATE HANUKKAH HERE → The Hanukkah Family Festival: Luz y Libertad at the Skirball Cultural Center where you can drop in on musical performances, browse the museum’s collection of menorahs, and work on kid-friendly crafts at Skirball’s annual Festival of Lights. Sunday, December 14 from 11:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.
SNAG THIS → LaLaLa Ramen Pass, which gets you a bowl of half-priced Ramen at participating restaurants across Los Angeles. Directing the two-week long event is Weekly LaLaLa, a Japanese publication, who wants to encourage people to discover and try new types of this popular noodle dish.
