Watch CBS News

Best Of LA: Week Of December 1

Elf 610 header
(credit: Warner Bros./New Line Cinema)

December is upon us. This month is chock full of holiday festivities, family get togethers, and busy schedules, and tends to fly by faster than any other. Start your month off right with some guided meditation on the beach and then jump into the busyness of your holiday schedule by taking part in some of these great holiday and cultural activities.

Monday, December 1
lululemon
(credit: lululemon)

LuLuLemon Athletica Sunset Beach Meditation
Santa Monica Beach
1116 4th St.
Santa Monica, CA 90403
www.lululemon.com

In celebration of the opening of the new Santa Monica Flagship LuLuLemon Store on Santa Monica Boulevard, head to Santa Monica Beach for an epic sunset meditation as you soak in the beauty of the waves, sand, ocean, mountains and fiery sky. Johnny O'Callaghan from unplug Meditation Studio will lead this mindful journey through a visualization meditation and sungazing, while Ossie Meir fills the air with a musical sound bath.

Tuesday, December 2
DOISnoopyKnotsShow-135
(credit: Knotts)

Merry Christmas Snoopy
Pershing Square
532 S. Olive St.
Los Angeles, CA 90013
www.holidayicerinkdowntownla.com

The world's most famous beagle and his friends celebrate the spirit of the holidays with a special free "mini performance" of "Merry Christmas, Snoopy!" at Holiday Ice Rink Pershing Square. With festive music and holiday costumes, the star-studded presentation features the cuddly pup skating with the legendary Mr. Debonair Richard Dwyer and an array of champions from the show direct from Knott's Merry Farm.

December, November 3
Luna Gale Photo 3-L
(credit: Craig Schwartz)

"Luna Gale"
Kirk Douglas Theatre
9820 Washington Blvd.
Culver City, CA 90232
(213) 628-2772
www.centertheatregroup.org

The Goodman Theatre's world premiere production of Rebecca Gilman's "Luna Gale," directed by Robert Falls, opens Tuesday, December 2 at 8pm at the Center Theatre Group/Kirk Douglas Theatre and continues through December 21, 2014. The cast, who originated their roles in Chicago, includes Jordan Baker, Reyna de Courcy, Melissa DuPrey, Mary Beth Fisher, Erik Hellman, Colin Sphar and Richard Thieriot. Exploring with profound humanity the issues of faith, family and one child's uncertain future, the play is a must see!

Thursday, December 4
culver city tree
(credit: Culver City Downtown Business Association)

Culver City Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration
Town Plaza
Culver Blvd. and Van Buren Pl.
Culver City, CA 90232
www.downtownculvercity.com

Celebrate the season of goodwill at the annual Culver City Downtown Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration, presented by the Downtown Business Association and the City of Culver City. See Santa Claus as he makes a very special visit all the way from the North Pole. Sip on hot cider and hot cocoa, eat cookies and sample other festive treats to get you in the spirit and feeling merry. Performances by local choirs, and appearances by members of the City Council will also be on hand. Culver City makes this holiday celebration "green" and energy efficient as well, lighting a beautiful 22-foot artificial Rocky Mountain pine tree with over 7,500 warm-white LED lights. Stay afterwards for dinner at one of Downtown Culver City's many restaurants, or take a stroll down the boulevards and browse the local shops.

Friday, December 5
negroni at Pistola
(credit: Pistola)

Celebrate Repeal Day
8022 W 3rd St
Los Angeles, CA 90048
(323) 951-9800
www.pistola-la.com

Enjoy one of the most celebrated days in American history as you honor the 81st anniversary of Repeal Day, which originated on the day prohibition ended on December 5, 1933. Chianina Steakhouse, located in Long Beach, will transform into an old-time speakeasy for the one night only event featuring live music and food and drink specials. Pistola will take its inspiration from The Godfather and will offer a: "Hush Money" with Buffalo Trace Bourbon, fig bourbon, fig butter, Lazzaroni Amaretto, lemon-fennel cordial, almond dust, among other themed beverages. Located in the newly renovated Regent Theatre in Downtown LA, The Love Song Bar will feature a "Lou's Waiting for the Man/ Manhattan," with Woodford Reserve bourbon, sweet Vermouth, Angostura bitters, and Luxardo Maraschino cherries. At 41 Ocean, in Santa Monica, snag a classic "Hot Toddy" with fig-infused whiskey, boiling water, agave nectar, fresh lemon, nutmeg, and a cinnamon stick

Saturday, December 6
la vispera
(credit: Cindy Marie Jenkins)

"La Visperia" (The Eve)
24th Street Theatre
1117 West 24th Street
Los Angeles, CA 90007-1725
(213) 745-6516
www.24thstreet.org

The world premiere of a warm, funny, and unique holiday play about love and sacrifice created from stories shared by members of the local University Park immigrant community during workshops with professional theater artists takes place today. Following each performance, the audience will be invited to join the performers for a Posada (Christmas procession) around the neighborhood before heading back to the theater for homemade tamales, warm ponche (punch), and a traditional star-shaped piñata.

A Christmas Story
(credit: MGM)

Yuletide Cinema
Historic Palace Theatre
630 S. Broadway
Los Angeles, CA 90014
www.streetfoodcinema.com

Experience holiday nostalgia at Yuletide Cinema featuring two classic holiday movies and fa la la festivities on Saturday, December 6th at the luxurious historic Palace Theater in Los Angeles! Stand in awe at the 100 year old frescos on the ceiling and get in the Christmas spirit as you experience two different events in one day: a special matinee of the Christmas classic "A Christmas Story" and an evening presentation of "Elf". Holiday inspired flavors, sweet treats, and savory snacks will be featured to reflect the holiday theme. Visit Santa at the North Pole station before and after the movie presentations.

Sunday, December 7
131228-LAB Nutcracker Performance -Los Angeles Ballet
(credit: Los Angeles Ballet)

Los Angeles Ballet: "The Nutcracker"
Alex Theatre
216 N Brand Blvd.
Glendale, CA 91203
(310) 998-7782
www.losangelesballet.org

With choreography by Artistic Directors Christensen and Neary, the Los Angeles Ballet's production of "The Nutcracker," set in 1913 Los Angeles, is sure to delight the holiday nostalgia for every guest. Enjoy visions of sugarplum fairies, toy soldiers, and Christmastime past in this stunning and beautifully executed holiday presentation.

Master Chorale
(credit: LAMC)

34th Annual Messiah Sing-Along
Walt Disney Concert Hall
111 South Grand Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 972-7282
www.lamc.org

Belting out the Hallelujah chorus has become an exhilarating and joyous holiday tradition, and the Los Angeles Master Chorale's (LAMC) famed "Messiah Sing-Along," conducted by Artistic Director Grant Gershon, continues to reign supreme as the ultimate must-do for sing-along fans on Sunday, December 7, 2014, 7 pm, at Walt Disney Concert Hall. Sopranos, altos, tenors and basses of all abilities – even those with no singing experience – are welcome to the Chorale's 34th Annual Sing-Along, in which the 2,100-member audience becomes the choir. The performance features a professional orchestra and quartet of professional soloists from the Chorale, including Holly Sedillos, soprano; Janelle DeStefano, mezzo soprano; Ben Cortez, tenor; and David Castillo, baritone. Messiah scores are available for $10 at the door.

Katie Bodell is the Blog Editor for Trekaroo, the largest family travel website in the U.S. She is also a freelance writer, a happy wife to her best friend, and a mom to three sweet California girls. See more on: Trekaroo | CheapOair | Google+ | Twitter.
View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.