Our picks of places to go + things to do to make the most out of your December.
SHOP HERE → Echo Park Craft Fair Dec. 10 & 11 (10 to 6 pm). Need a gift for that special someone? Skip the mall this holiday and head to the historic Mack Sennett studios in Silverlake. The fair will showcase works by 120 artisans, designers, and craftspeople, as well as artisanal foods and coffees from local eateries, snacks and drinks from Moon Juice, a speciality cocktail bar hosted by Spare Room, and eclectic music curated by Dublab DJs.
GET IN THE SPIRIT AT → Skypark’s Santa’s Village. This kitschy Christmas wonderland near Lake Arrowhead was a holiday favorite amongst California families for decades until shuttering in the late nineties—and this year it’s back in a whole new way. Expect Santa and Mrs. Claus, reindeer, snow, and plenty of new drinking and dining options in the park to keep the adults entertained.
GRAB SIPS & BITES HERE → Cafe Birdie, a new bistro in oh-so-hip Highland Park. Nestled inside a classic 1920s building on Figueroa, the spot boasts a promising seasonal menu along with a stellar bar program, al fresco dining, and a speakeasy called Good Housekeeping.
WATCH THE SHIPS COME IN AT → The Marina Del Rey Boat Parade at Fisherman’s Village Dec. 10 (sundown). Now in its 54th year, this holiday parade will see some 70 boats decked out in twinkle lights in homage to the theme, “An Animated Holiday.” Pack a picnic and a blanket and head to Fisherman’s Village or Burton Chace Park at sundown to catch a traditional fireworks display before the main event.
EAT PIZZA HERE → Roberta’s Pizza (Thurs to Sun. 11 to 9 pm). Now through the end of January, the esteemed Bushwick pizza parlor, lauded by some as the best in New York, brings its tasty pies to the West Coast at Culver City’s Platform Project. The pop-up shop also happens to be right next door to a Christmas tree lot, making this our favorite of-the-moment date spot.
GO SEE THIS → Picasso and Rivera: Conversations Across Time at LACMA (through May 7). This new exhibition celebrates artistic luminaries Pablo Picasso and Diego Rivera, exploring the formation of modernism in Europe and Latin America and the myths, forms, and structures that influenced their practice.
PARTY LIKE IT’S PROHIBITION AT → Prohibition NYE, a 1920s-themed New Year’s Eve party at Downtown’s iconic Union Station. This fancy throwback soiree will feature live jazz, burlesque dancers, DJs, period-appropriate cocktails and, of course, Champagne. Formal attire is required and twenties-inspired ensembles are highly encouraged.
