Four by Forman
When: Dec. 1 and Dec. 15
Where: Billy Wilder Theater
What: The UCLA Film and Television Archive celebrates the 80th anniversary of the birth of international auteur Miloš Forman with a selection of works from the beginning of the director’s career and the Czech New Wave of the '60s.
Unique Los Angeles
When: Dec. 1-2, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Where: California Market Center, Downtown
What: Tis the season for this two-day shopping event. Unique LA is billed as as the largest independent design show on the West Coast. Enjoy doing your holiday shopping direct from over 300 designers and artists. Entrance fee is $10 advance purchase. Ten percent of all ticket sales go to the downtown Los Angeles non-profit organization Inner-City Arts.
Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band
When: Dec. 4, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Honda Center, Anaheim
What: The Boss is in the house! Bruce Springteen and his famous E Street Band will be stopping by So.Cal as part of their 'Wrecking Ball' world tour.
The 19th Annual Long Beach Holiday Tree-Lighting Ceremony
When: T.B.A.
Where: The Queen Mary, Long Beach
What: This time-honored tradition sees Long Beach's holiday tree being lit and the launch of the holiday season. Enjoy complimentary holiday refreshments!
A Strange Magic: Gustave Moreau's Salome
When: Through December 9
Where: Hammer Museum, Westwood
What: An exhibit devoted to one of the best-known paintings in the museum's collection: Gustave Moreau's 'Salome Dancing Before Herod.' The show features close to 50 pieces (related paintings, drawings and prep studies) connected to the epic oeuvre. Many have never been seen before in the US.
Hollywood Reel Independent Film Festival
When: Dec. 3-12
Where: New Beverly Cinema, Regent Showcase Cinema, Bellevarado Studios
What: This festival showcases over 80 films, including 45 premieres. Its aim is to help support and promote independent film in LA, and to encourage filmmakers with unique or non-mainstream visions to make movies.
The Fourth Annual Santa Monica Pub Crawl
When: Dec. 15
Where: Various locations in Santa Monica
What: Be there to celebrate the third Santa Monica Pub Crawl as the beach-adjacent streets fill up with Santas, carolers, elves, Mrs. Clauses and naughty reindeer. Raise a glass and toast the holidays at some of the top pubs in town. A portion of the proceeds benefit the Westside Food Bank. Sign up online, choose a route and bring a minimum of three non-perishable food items.
Stevie Wonder's 17th Annual House Full of Toys
When: Dec. 15, 8 p.m.
Where: Nokia Theatre, Downtown
What: Experience 'the Wonder' of Christmas. Tickets: $45-$149.50.
Charles Phoenix’s Retro Holiday Slide Show
When: Dec. 16, 7 p.m.
Where: Natural History Museum, North American Mammals Hall
What: Do you like your entertainment in Technicolor? Then you’ll love Charles Phoenix’ traditional annual live comedy performance celebrating all things mid-century, American and holiday-oriented. Tickets cost $29.
Santa's Brunch
When: Dec. 15-16
Where: Van de Kamp Hall at Descanso Gardens, La Canada Flintridge
What: Where else but LA would you find a brunch with Santa provided by Patina Catering? Join the jolly bearded man for two seatings (10 and 11:30 a.m.) and plenty of photo opps for you and the kids. Cost is $38 for members; $46 for nonmembers; $19 for children four to 12; free for kids three and younger. Reservations required; call 818-790-3663
