Preparing for Thanksgiving can be stressful so remember to take a little time out from all that cleaning, grocery shopping and cooking to take care of yourself. Wander throughout one of the nighttime light exhibits, catch a new play or give back to your community to recharge. If you have family and friends in town for the holiday, take them to see what Southern California has to offer.

Nov. 18

Whiskey Festival

Santa Anita Park | 285 W. Huntington Drive, Arcadia, CA 91007 | Nov. 18 | eventbrite.com

For the first time, Los Angeles Magazine is bringing their Whiskey Festival to the San Gabriel Valley. Sip from a fine selection of whiskeys, meet distillers, learn cocktail recipes, nibble on hors d’oeuvres, and enjoy live music.  

Dreamstate

NOS Events Center | 689 S. E St., San Bernardino, CA 92408 | Nov. 18-19 | dreamstate.frontgatetickets.com 

Enjoy music and visuals that will transport you to a trance-like state.

CONTACT: A Multi-Sensory Journey Celebrating Daft Punk

Wisdome LA | 1147 Palmetto St., Los Angeles, CA 90013 | Nov. 18-19 | feverup.com

This galactic show will catapult guests into a multi-sensory dance party with an evolving roster of DJs, cirque performers, immersive actors, and musicians. Integrated with cutting edge dome content, captivating lasers, 3D mapping, and practical effects, the show is the ultimate love letter to Daft Punk’s legacy.

‘Napoleon Dynamite’ 

Downey Theatre | 8435 Firestone Blvd., Downey, CA 90241 | Nov. 18 | ci.ovationtix.com/36187/production/1139031 

At one point in time, every millennial could quote “Napoleon Dynamite.” Revisit the laughs at this screening followed by a moderated discussion with the film’s stars: Jone Heder (Napoleon Dynamite), Efren Ramirez (Pedro) and Jon Gries (Uncle Rico). And remember to vote for Pedro.

Music, Magic, And Mystery

Muzeo | 241 S. Anaheim Blvd., Anaheim, CA 92805 | Nov. 18 | muzeo.org

In “Houdini Unchained,” magician and guitarist John Guastaferro will weave his performance of music and magic with stories. 

DesignerCon

Anaheim Convention Center | 800 W. Katella Ave., Anaheim, CA 92802 | Nov. 18-20 | designercon.com 

The design convention brings together collectible toys, customs, plush, designer apparel, and art. 

Knott’s Merry Farm

Knott’s Berry Farm | 8039 Beach Blvd., Buena Park, CA 90620 | Nov. 18-Jan. 8 | knotts.com

Knott’s Merry Farm has transformed into a winter wonderland with holiday decorations, lights and snowflakes. Guests can enjoy Home for the Holidays, a musical show featuring holiday songs, an ice show starring Snoopy and the Peanuts, seasonal foods, the Christmas Crafts Village, a nightly tree lighting ceremony, and more. 

A Salute to Xena

Hyatt Regency Los Angeles Airport | 6225 W. Century Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90045 | Nov. 18-20 | creationent.com

This celebration of the 25th anniversary of “Xena: Warrior Princess” will feature Xena herself, Lucy Lawless, and her partner Gabrielle, Renee O’Connor. There will be plenty of other appearances from stars of the show and special events like a Q-and-A with writer R.S. Mellette and a talk on visual effects with Kevin Kutchaver. There will also be vendors and a cosplay contest. 

Nov. 19

Sawdust Art & Craft Festival: Winter Fantasy

Sawdust Art Festival |  935 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, CA 92651 | Nov. 19-Dec. 18 | sawdustartfestival.org

Shop handcrafted gifts by 165 artists in a winter wonderland decorated with thousands of lights and featuring three stages with live music, community performances, carolers, puppeteers, art classes and daily visits from Santa. 

Kneaded Bread Fest

Natural History Museum | 900 Exposition Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90007 | Nov. 19 | nhm.org/breadfest 

Meet the bakers featured in “Kneaded: L.A. Bread Stories,” a digital-first multimedia series that highlights L.A.’s history of breadmaking, as they host pop-up tables selling and sharing the cultural breads they make in the city. There will be performances, presentations, a pop-up exhibit, wheat-planting lessons, hands-on activities and more. 

Arcadia Festival Of Bands

Arcadia | Nov. 19 | sites.google.com/arcadiamusic.org/afob 

The Arcadia Festival of Bands event consists of the Band Review starting at 9 a.m. on Baldwin Avenue, south of Huntington Drive, with the Dignitary Parade leading off at 8:40 a.m. The Percussion Festival starts at 11:40 a.m. at Salter Stadium at Arcadia High School followed by the Band Review Awards Ceremony at 2 p.m. The evening field tournament is the 6A Division Field Show Championship for the Southern California School Band and Orchestra Association (SCSBOA). Currently scheduled to start at 5 p.m. at Citrus College in Glendora, Calif. followed by the Awards Ceremony at 8:30 p.m.

‘Anatomy Of Gray’

Atwater Village Theatre | 3269 Casitas Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90039 | Nov. 19-Jan. 21 | openfist.org

Set at the end of the 19th century in the small town of Gray, Indiana, “The Wizard of Oz” meets “Our Town” in “Anatomy of Gray,” a funny and touching “children’s story for adults.” Following the death of her father, 15-year-old June prays for a “healer” so no one in town will ever have to suffer again. When a man literally blows into town in a hot air balloon, she thinks her prayer has been answered. At first, the new doctor cures anything and everything; but soon his presence leads to a clash between faith and science.

Anime Pasadena

Pasadena Convention Center | 300 E. Green St., Pasadena, CA 91101 | Nov. 19-20 | animepasadena.com

Anime fans will have the opportunity to meet cast members from “Dragon Ball Super,” “Attack on Titan,” “My Hero Academia,” and many others. There will also be panels on topics like Pokemon and Kingdom Hearts, screenings, vendors, and contests.

The Science Of Gingerbread Exhibit & Winter Wonderland 

Discovery Cube LA or OC | 11800 Foothill Blvd., Sylmar, CA 91342 | 2500 N. Main St., Santa Ana, CA 92705 | Nov. 19-Jan. 1 | discoverycube.org

Registration is now open for Southern California’s largest gingerbread competition. Drop off your creation at either Discovery Cube location from Nov. 19 to Dec. 4. Visitors will have until Jan. 1 to experience the winter wonderland featuring a gingerbread village with all the competition entries, cookie decorating, story-time, holiday lights and sounds, and Santa. 

Long Beach Symphony Classics: Tchaikovsky And Rachmaninoff

Terrace Theater | 300 E. Ocean Blvd., Long Beach, CA 90802 | Nov. 19 | longbeachsymphony.org

Add some entrance romance to date night with classical music from two romantic Russian composers. The program includes Rachmaninoff’s “

Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini” and Tchaikovsky’s “Swan Lake Suite” and “1812, Overture.”

‘The Nightmare Before Christmas’

Will Rogers State Historic Park | 1501 Will Rogers State Park Road, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272 | Nov. 19 | streetfoodcinema.com

Enjoy this Tim Burton classic outdoors. Groove out to the musical stylings of the  Wizard Puffs before the movie starts and grab a bite to eat from one of the featured food trucks. 

Venice Winter Fest

Mar Vista Arts District | 12257 Venice Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90066 | Nov. 19 | eventbrite.com

Shop from local brands and artists, then check out different food trucks and beer gardens, and a vintage car show. Musical performances and activities will set the mood for a visit from Santa. 

Jackalope Art Fair

Central Park | 275 S. Raymond Ave., Pasadena, CA 91105 | Nov. 19-20 | jackalopeartfair.com

This free festival features over 200 local artisans selling original fashion, jewelry, paper goods, home decor, housewares, art, photography, food and much more. 

Nov. 20

Enchanted Forest Of Light

Descanso Gardens | 1418 Descanso Drive, La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011 | Nov. 20-Jan. 8 | descansogardens.org

Enchanted Forest of Light is an interactive, nighttime experience featuring a one-mile walk through unique lighting experiences. Popular returning favorites include an entire town of magical “stained glass” creations built in the Rose Garden by contemporary sculptor Tom Fruin; sparkling geometric installations from HYBYCOZO on the Main Lawn; Flower Power on the Promenade; and exquisite lighting effects in the Ancient Forest.

Abstract Expressionism Workshop: Mindfulness Through Painting

Museum of Latina American Art | 628 Alamitos Ave., Long Beach, CA 90802 | Nov. 20 | molaa.org

Cosponsored by the Long Beach Immigrant Rights Coalition, this bilingual workshop,inspired by the works of Carlos Cruz-Diez and Joaquin Torres-Garcia, explores abstract expressionist painting as a path to mindfulness.

Long Beach Antique Market

Long Beach Veterans Stadium | 4901 E. Conant St., Long Beach, CA 90808 | Nov. 20 | longbeachantiquemarket.com 

Find a new treasure from over 800 vendors selling collectibles, home decor, vintage clothing, jewelry, food and beer. 

Smorgasburg Record Fair

Row DTLA | 777 S. Alameda St., Los Angeles, CA 90021 | Nov. 20 | la.smorgasburg.com

Pick up some new vinyl and music merchandise as you pick up some delicious foods from Smorgasburg vendors. 

Nov. 21

Los Angeles Youth Orchestra Fall 2022 Concerts

Ambassador Auditorium | 131 S. Saint John Ave., Pasadena, CA 91105 | Nov. 21 | losangelesyouthorchestra.org

The Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Russell Steinberg, will perform Copland’s An Outdoor Overture; Beethoven’s Leonore Overture; and the World Premiere of Russell Steinberg’s Diminished Resistance. The Ruth Borun Concert Orchestra, conducted by Jorge Padrón, will perform Handel’s Overture to Samson: the first movement of Haydn’s Symphony No. 4 in D Major; Borodin’s Polovtsian Dances from Prince Igor; and Saint-Saens Bacchanale from Samson and Delilah.

Trans Day Of Remembrance Vigil

The Village At Ed Gould Plaza | 1125 N. McCadden Place, Los Angeles, CA 90038 | Nov. 21 | eventbrite.com

The Los Angeles LGBT Center honors the lives of those taken due to ue to transphobia, anti-transgender hatred, and prejudice at a vigil offering community support and raising awarenes. This is a free event but RSVPs are recommended. 

Patton Oswalt

Irvine Improv | 527 Spectrum Center Drive, Irvine, CA 92618 | Nov. 21-22 | improv.com

Award-winning actor, comedian and writer Patton Oswalt is bringing his new standup show “Patton Oswalt Live: Who’s Ready to Laugh?” to the Southland. 

Nov. 22

Mexico v. Poland & Su Majestad Mi Banda El Mexicano

Santa Fe Springs Swap Meet | 13963 Alondra Blvd., Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670 | Nov. 22 | eventbrite.com

Watch Mexico take on Poland during their debut game at the World Cup. After the game, enjoy a free concert from Banda el Mexicano.

Lancer Jazz Big Band Directed By Jonathan Richards

Center for the Arts – Room: West Patio | 1570 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91106 | Nov. 22 | pasadena.edu

Part of Pasadena City College’s Free Outdoor Concerts, the public is invited to this showcase of student talent.

Nov. 23

Holiday Ice Rink At Pershing Square

Pershing Square | 532 S. Olive St., Los Angeles, CA 90013 | Nov. 23-Jan. 1 | holidayicerinkdowntownla.com 

Back after a two-year hiatus, the Holiday Ice Rink Pershing Square is the city’s largest outdoor rink at 7,200 square feet. General admission to the rink, including skate rental, is $20, locker rental is $5, and skate helpers are $6. 

Lola Boutée Presents TRiPTease Burlesque

TRIP Santa Monica | 2101 Lincoln Blvd., Santa Monica, CA 90405 l Nov. 23 l eventbrite.com

Lower your inhibitions and see what’s hot at LA’s longest running weekly burlesque and variety show. Every Wednesday features a fresh new lineup of talent hosted by the original dame herself, Lola Boutée.

Nov. 24

‘Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery’

Alamo Drafthouse Cinema | 700 W 7th St., Unit U240, Los Angeles, CA 90017 | Nov. 24 | drafthouse.com

Catch the next chapter of Rian Johnson’s “Knives Out” on the big screen for one week only before it hits streamers. Can Benoit Blanc solve a murder on the private island of a tech billionaire?

Thankful To Give On Thanksgiving Day 2022

Pershing Square | 532 S. Olive St., Los Angeles, CA 90013 | Nov. 24 | fb.me/e/20PvcJCLE 

Meet Socks4Souls at the corner of 6th and Olive to pass out hygiene kits and a little kindness. 

Thanksgiving Party 

Jaaaaan Restaurant | 145 N. Artsakh Ave., Glendale, CA 91206 | Nov. 24 | fb.me/e/2imF3sYnZ

Don’t feel like cooking this Thanksgiving? Switch it up with some Armenian, Mediterranean or Californian cuisine, and some hookah and cocktails in downtown Glendale. 

Rose Bowl Turkey Trot

Rose Bowl | 1001 Rose Bowl Drive, Pasadena, CA 91103 | Nov. 24 | rosebowlturkeytrot.com 

Kick off your Thanksgiving with this 5K family fun run, or walk. Entry fees are tax-deductible and go directly to the Rose Bowl Legacy Foundation, which helps preserve Rose Bowl Stadium.

Ongoing

‘Warrior Queen Anahit The Brave’

Colony Theatre | 555 N. Third St., Burbank, CA 91502 | Through Nov. 18 | imaginetheatreca.org 

Filled with song, multi-media, interactive elements and spectacle, “Warrior Queen” reinvents Ghazaros Aghayan’s 1881 fable “Anahit” to powerfully recount the transformation of a young, peasant rug weaver to sword-wielding Queen of the Armenian Highlands.

Pershing Square Building ART Show & Complimentary Cocktail Reception

Pershing Square Building | 448 S. Hill St., Los Angeles, CA 90013 | Through Nov. 18 | eventbrite.com 

Reserve a spot for this free art show featuring more than 30 local artists with a complimentary reception hosted by Mrs. Fish Japanese Restaurant and Whisky Bar.

Creative Talent Network Expo CTNX2022

Burbank Airport Marriott Hotel | 2500 Hollywood Way, Burbank, CA 91505 | Through Nov. 20 | ctn-events.com

Whether you’re just starting your journey in animation and visual storytelling or you’re a professional, the expo will have something to offer. The three-day expo will feature meetups, curated exhibitions, screenings, panels, intermediate and advanced master classes, networking opportunities with large and small studio professionals, portfolio reviews and more. 

‘Alice And The Wonderful Tea Party’

Santa Monica Playhouse | 1211 Fourth St., Santa Monica, CA 90401 | Through Nov. 20 | santamonicaplayhouse.com 

This lively show follows a grown-up Alice who goes back through the looking glass at the invitation of the Queen of Hearts to visit the wonderful Wonderland of her youth.

‘Snow White’

South Coast Repertory | 655 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, CA 92626 | Through Nov. 20 | scr.org

Snow White is finally telling her own story alongside Dwarf Four, as six of the seven dwarves are missing. Two actors take on 14 roles in this fast, humorous and imaginative twist on an old tale. 

‘2:22 – A Ghost Story’

Ahmanson Theatre | 135 N. Grand Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90012 | Through Dec. 4 | centertheatregroup.org

Starring Constance Wu, Anna Camp, Adam Rothenberg, and Finn Wittrock, this award-winning supernatural thriller mixes mystery, comedy and a little horror.

‘Smile’

Atwater Village Theatre | 3269 Casitas Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90039 | Through Dec. 5 | iamatheatre.com

“Smile” is set in 1992, the year a record number of women were elected to the U.S. Senate that was dubbed “Year of the Woman” by the media, but things haven’t changed much for 17-year-old Rachel Olivera. A kid from the inner city whose mother moved her in order to attend a white, affluent public school in Philadelphia’s Main Line, Rachel still dreams of her first kiss; she’s ill-equipped to navigate a world which defines her solely by gender, race and class. When an “incident” at school lands Rachel in the guidance counselor’s office, her situation sparks the young mother’s own questions and insecurities. Soon, Rachel and Helen find themselves developing a complicated relationship.

The Brothers Paranormal

David Henry Hwang Theatre | 120 Judge John Aiso St., Los Angeles, CA 90012 | Through Dec. 11 | eastwestplayers.org

After a nationwide increase in sightings of “Asian-looking ghosts,” two Thai brothers struggle to launch a ghost-hunting business. The two brothers–one born in Thailand and the other in the American Midwest–are called to investigate the paranormal hauntings at the home of an African-American couple displaced by Hurricane Katrina in this supernatural thriller. A suspenseful, humorous, and compassionate exploration of the trauma of leaving home, whether crossing the country, the globe, or over from the other side.

The Empire Strips Back – the Unauthorized Star Wars™ Burlesque Parody

Montalbán Theatre | 1615 Vine St., Hollywood CA 90028 | Through Jan. 1 | empirestripsback.com

Combining striptease, song and dance, troupe routines and plenty of humor, audiences are transported into the world of burlesque to witness a menacing troop of seriously sexy Stormtroopers, a dangerously seductive Boba Fett, tantalizing Twi’leks, a delightfully lukewarm Taun Taun, a lady-like Skywalker, and of course, scantily clad and daring Droids. Even Darth Vader will explore her feminine side with a fantastical twist.

Sparkle DTLA

The Bloc | 700 Flower St., Los Angeles, CA 90017 | Through Jan. 1 | theblocla.com

Enjoy 18 million colored lights synchronized to holiday music as you grab dinner or get some shopping done at The Bloc. Light shows are scheduled for every hour from 5-9 p.m.

Lightscape

LA County Arboretum and Botanic Garden | 301 N. Baldwin Ave., Arcadia, CA 91007 | Through Jan. 8 | arboretum.org

The popular light display is back with 15 displays (including the very instagramable Winter Cathedral) and the U.S. premiere of three installations: Will-o’-the-wisp, Whole Hole and the biggest Laser Garden.

‘(Re)Inventing The Americas: Repeat. Erase, Construct’

The Getty | 1200 Getty Center Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90049 | Through Jan. 8 | getty.edu 

Challenging European interpretations and often racist versions of history, “(Re)Inventing the Americas: Repeat. Erase, Construct” analyzes the creation of the mythologies that arose during the conquest and exploration of the Americas and reveals the influence that those myths and visions have had on defining the two continents. The exhibition will feature a collaboration with Denilson Baniwa, a contemporary artist from the Brazilian Amazon region who will generate different artistic interventions throughout the show.

Christmas Nights

123 Farm | 10600 Highland Springs Ave., Cherry Valley, CA 92223 | Through Jan. 8 | 123farm.com

The festival includes festive foods and drinks (including a lavender-infused hot cocoa), horse-drawn carriage tours, a life-size gingerbread house, s’mores pits, a Christmas village, Santa and a display of over one million lights.

Holidays At The Disneyland Resort

Disneyland and California Adventure | Through Jan. 8 | disneyland.disney.go.com

The happiest place on earth is ready for the holidays with new tasty treats and drinks, performances highlighting different cultural celebrations for the holidays, World of Color – Season of Light at DCA, holiday decorations all throughout the park including at select attractions, a Christmas parade and fireworks show, and don’t forget snow. 

‘Open Flowers Bear Fruit’

USC Pacific Asia Museum | 46 N. Los Robles Ave., Pasadena, CA 91101 | Through March 12 | pacificasiamuseum.usc.edu

“Open Flowers Bear Fruit” features 10 photographs from Stephanie Shih’s ongoing series Asian American Still Life. Through her references to 17th-century Dutch still life paintings, Shih’s photographs challenge viewers to consider the complexity of the Asian American experience as it has manifested in the foods we eat and the things that remind us of home.

‘Regeneration: Black Cinema, 1898–1971’

The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures | 6067 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90036 | Through April 9 | regenerationblackcinema.org

The exhibition explores the achievements and challenges of Black filmmakers in the US in both independent production and the studio system—in front of the camera and behind it—from cinema’s infancy in the 1890s to the early 1970s. A survey of the films and filmmakers explored in the exhibition will be shown until Sept. 29 and will feature more than 20 screenings. The Regeneration Summit, Feb. 3–5, 2023, will be a two-day celebration of Black cinema featuring artists, scholars, and filmmakers participating in conversations, workshops, and activations throughout the museum.

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