SoCal kids & families, Dec. 21-28: ‘Winter Lights,’ L.A. County Holiday Celebration and more
SoCal kids & families, Dec. 21-28: ‘Winter Lights,’ L.A. County Holiday Celebration and more
Encourage your children to learn and grow with our curated list of fun, artsy and engaging events and activities in LA and OC this week
Welcome to another edition of TV or Not TV’s curated guide to fun, artsy, kid-centric and family-friendly events, activities and happenings all around LA and OC this weekend and beyond. I’m Matt Cooper, former listings coordinator for the Los Angeles Times’ Calendar.
And be sure to check out SoCal Holidays Shows 2023, our supersized roundup of “Christmas Carols,” “Nutcrackers,” Messiahs and other seasonal fare on offer in LA and OC — updated weekly!
‘Home Alone in Concert’ The Hollywood Bowl Orchestra and the Angeles Chorale perform John Williams’ score to accompany three screenings of the 1990 comedy starring Macaulay Culkin as a youngster who tangles with a pair of hapless burglars (Joe Pesci, Daniel Stern) over the holidays; for ages 2 and up. Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., downtown L.A. 8 p.m. Thursday-Friday, Dec. 21-22. $51-$249. (323) 850-2000. laphil.com
The 64th Annual L.A. County Holiday Celebration Myriad local music and dance groups take part in this free, family-friendly and multicultural celebration. Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, 135 N. Grand Ave., downtown L.A. 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 24. Free; first come, first served. (213) 972-3099. musiccenter.org
‘Migration’ Life as a duck isn’t all it’s quacked up to be in this family friendly 2023 animated tale featuring the voices of Kumail Nanjiani, Elizabeth Banks, Awkwafina, Carol Kane, Danny DeVito and Keegan-Michael Key. 92 mins. Rated PG. Various theaters
‘Winter Lights Holiday Show & Festival’ The annual celebration of all things seasonal and/or scientific returns with an updated holiday musical plus interactive exhibits, fun and games, hands-on arts & crafts and more. Discovery Cube Orange County, 2500 N. Main St., Santa Ana. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 22 through Jan. 7; showtimes, 11:30 a.m., 1:30 and 3 p.m. $29 and up (includes museum admission). discoverycube.org
‘A Night at the Opera’ with ‘Go West’ The Marx Brothers bring the mayhem, merriment and mirth in this double bill of classic comedies from the 1930-40s. Presented in 35mm. New Beverly Cinema, 7165 Beverly Blvd., L.A. 2 and 4 p.m. Monday, Dec. 25. $13; advance purchase recommended. thenewbev.com
‘Pasadena Playhouse Holiday Spectacular’ Broadway veterans George Salazar, Lesli Margherita, et al., light up the stage in this show for ages 6 and up. Pasadena Playhouse, 39 S. El Molino Ave., Pasadena. 2 and 8 p.m. Thursday-Satturday, Dec. 21-23. $39 and up. (626) 356-7529. pasadenaplayhouse.org
‘Babes in Toyland’ This fairy tale-inspired immersive experience includes performances by Pasadena Civic Ballet plus an interactive dance party, themed photo opportunities, games, food and more. Historic Howard Motor Company Building, 1285 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. Various dates and times, thru Jan. 2. $39-$67. storyland-productions.com
‘Dinosaur Encounters’ Tremble in terror — or delight — with this series of educational and interactive performances featuring life-size dinosaur puppets. Natural History Museum, 900 Exposition Blvd., Exposition Park, L.A. 10:30 and 11:30 a.m. Thursdays-Fridays; 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Saturdays-Sundays; sensory friendly performances, 11:30 a.m. on the second Saturday of each month. $6 per person plus museum admission ($8-$17; ages 2 and younger are free; advanced online tickets recommended). nhm.org