Let it Glow: LA’s Brightest Holiday Celebrations

’Tis the season to sparkle and shine, and no one does razzle-dazzle quite like LA! Descanso Gardens, LA Arboretum, and South Coast Botanic Garden are lighting the night with brilliant illuminations and interactive displays. You’ll find seasonal entertainment galore, including holiday concerts, a live production of Love Actually, and a mesmerizing ballet performance of the beloved Nutcracker Suite. Ice skating enthusiasts can show off their glides and spins at LA Kings Holiday Ice, and if you prefer to do some shopping while soaking up the holiday vibe, Sparkle DTLA at The Bloc is presenting one of LA’s largest multi-colored immersive experiences. Check websites for tickets and other details.

Circa Holiday Celebration at Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Circa residents are invited to join us for The Great Holiday Celebration on December 13 from 7PM to 10PM in the 8th Floor Lounge. Revel in a Great Gatsby themed evening, and be sure to dress to impress! Enjoy live music, hors d’oeuvres, and specialty cocktails. If you would like to give back, please bring an unwrapped toy for our holiday toy drive.

Astra Lumina holidays near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Astra Lumina South Coast Botanic Garden 26300 Crenshaw Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90274

We’ve always been told to reach for the stars, but what if the stars could reach for us? Embark on an enchanted night walk across mysterious grounds to discover a celestial pathway of lustrous light, cosmic visions, and astral song. Immerse yourself in illuminating encounters of lighting, projection and sound, and connect with the stars before they return to the sky above. Astra Lumina at South Coast Botanic Garden is the 17th experience in the Lumina Enchanted Night Walk series.

Sparkle DTLA holidays near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Sparkle DTLA The Bloc 700 W 7th St. Los Angeles, CA 90017

Experience the season of joy with a magical holiday light show as 18 million hues of lights illuminate the night and synchronize to festive tunes. Sparkle DTLA at The Bloc will take you through an unforgettable nighttime journey that includes one of LA’s largest multi-colored interactive holiday displays. Capture your perfect photo-op moments at this ultimate holiday experience. Sparkle DTLA is free to attend and is open to all ages. Furry friends are also welcome!

Descanso Gardens holidays near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Enchanted Forest of Light Descanso Gardens 1418 Descanso Dr. La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011

Enchanted Forest of Light is an interactive, nighttime experience unlike anything else in Los Angeles, featuring a one-mile walk through spectacular lighting displays in some of the most beloved areas of Descanso Gardens. Don’t miss popular returning illuminated favorites, including an entire town of magical “stained glass” creations on the Main Lawn by contemporary sculptor Tom Fruin; sparkling geometric installations from HYBYCOZO in the Rose Garden; Flower Power on the Promenade; and exquisite lighting effects in the Ancient Forest.


Lightscape at LA Aboretum holidays near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Lightscape at LA County Aboretum 301 N Baldwin Ave. Arcadia, CA 91007

Escape into a world of color, imagination and sound. The internationally acclaimed Lightscape has been reimagined for 2023 with brand new installations from around the world. Wander through captivating illuminations that dazzle the senses and celebrate the holidays with joy and good cheer. Whether with friends, family or a date, enjoy a memorable evening of art and nature.

Love Actually Live holiday performance near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Love Actually Live The Wallis 9390 N Santa Monica Blvd. Beverly Hills, CA 90210

Love Actually Live, the critically acclaimed theatrical experience, makes a triumphant return to commemorate the film’s 20th anniversary. Set within a picturesque London cityscape, iconic scenes from the film are displayed on screens alongside all-star singers and a live orchestra. L.A.’s quintessential holiday tradition brings together friends and loved ones in an awe-inspiring winter wonderland, where film and live action seamlessly intertwine. Love Actually film Director Richard Curtis will donate his royalties from this production of Love Actually Live to Comic Relief, a major charity based in the UK.

Harry Potter Christmas at Universal Studios Hollywood near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Wizarding World of Harry Potter Universal Studios Hollywood 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA 91608

Celebrate the season in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter™. Join in the fun as Hogwarts™ castle lights up for the holidays and festive decor brightens up the streets of Hogsmeade™ in Universal Studios Hollywood. Enjoy a hot Butterbeer™ while the Frog Choir puts a holiday spin on its performances. Then shop for delightful seasonal merchandise, sure to please everyone on your holiday gift list.

LA Master Chorale holiday concerts near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

LA Master Chorale Walt Disney Concert Hall 111 S Grand Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90012

LA Master Chorale is presenting a festive line-up of holiday concerts including Handel’s Messiah, Carols on the Plaza, and the ever popular Messiah Sing-Along. Founded by the legendary Roger Wagner in 1964, the Los Angeles Master Chorale is “the finest-by-far major chorus in America” (Los Angeles Times) and a vibrant cultural treasure. Hailed for its powerful performances, technical precision, and artistic daring, the Chorale is a founding resident company of The Music Center and choir-in-residence at Walt Disney Concert Hall. 

LA Phil Deck the Hall holiday concerts near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

LA Phil Deck the Hall Walt Disney Concert Hall 111 S Grand Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90012

A treasured L.A. tradition, Deck the Hall offers outstanding holiday programming for a wide variety of tastes at Walt Disney Concert Hall. The program includes Chanticleer, Home Alone in Concert, Arturo Sandoval’s Swinging Holiday, and a Holiday Sing-Along. Make sure to arrive early for drinks and merriment in the fun-filled Winter Wonderland. Snowshoes and mittens not required!


The Nutcracker Suite holiday ballet performance near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

The Nutcracker Suite Two California Plaza 350 S Grand Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90071 

American Contemporary Ballet presents an immersive experience for all five senses of the Tchaikovsky classic that delights children and adults alike. American Contemporary Ballet was founded by choreographer Lincoln Jones and dancer Theresa Farrell to produce original contemporary classical ballets. The company performs over 60 shows each season, spanning a repertory which includes works by George Balanchine, Fred Astaire, Lincoln Jones, and reconstructions of seminal ballet works. 

LA Kings Holiday Ice at L.A. LIVE near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

LA Kings Holiday Ice L.A. LIVE 800 W Olympic Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90015

Skate like a King! The annual LA Kings Holiday Ice brings outdoor ice skating to L.A. LIVE.  Skate your way into the holiday season and enjoy the rink until January 8, 2024. Bring your friends, family, date or enjoy the ice before and after a sports game or concert. Grab a bite to eat or drink when you come to skate at L.A. LIVE. Present your LA Kings Holiday Ice receipt on the day you skate at participating L.A. LIVE restaurants to receive discounts and dinner deals.

Photo credits:

Photo #1: Sparkle DTLA

Photo #2: Circa 

Photo #3: Astra Lumina

Photo #4: Sparkle DTLA

Photo #5: Descanso Gardens

Photo #6: LA Arboretum

Photo #7: The Wallis

Photo #8: Universal Studios Hollywood

Photo #9: LA Master Chorale

Photo #10: LA Phil

Photo #11: American Contemporary Ballet 

Photo #12: LA Kings

LA’s Best Holiday Concerts & Performances

Live performances are back! And many of the hottest tickets are in DTLA, not far from Circa. LA Phil, LA Master Chorale, and LA Opera are decking the halls with festive programs guaranteed to get you in the holiday spirit. And what would the most wonderful time of the year be without A Christmas Carol and The Nutcracker. Looking for a unique way to spend New Years Eve? Check out Pink Martini at Walt Disney Concert Hall or MUSE/IQUE at The Huntington. We advise you to order your tickets how, as these coveted shows are selling out fast. Health protocols are in place for live performances. Check websites for details.

LA Opera Cinderella near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

LA Opera Cinderella Dorothy Chandler Pavilion 135 N Grand Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90012

Dec 12  In this comedy, true love conquers all – even a pompous stepfather and two self-absorbed stepsisters. Rossini’s delightfully entertaining spin on the ultimate rags-to-riches tale finds our spunky heroine (no damsel in distress here) with an opportunity to nab the most eligible bachelor in the land and outwit her social-climbing family in the process. Fast-rising operatic royalty Serena Malfi and Levy Sekgapane star as our fairytale lovers, alongside a bit of luxury casting with Ildebrando D’Arcangelo as Cinderella’s mysterious benefactor. Alessandro Corbelli portrays the stepfather who tries to foil the happy ending.

LA Master Chorale near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

LA Master Chorale Handel’s Messiah Walt Disney Concert Hall 111 S Grand Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90012

Dec 19 The Messiah is so much more than the Hallelujah chorus. Almost three centuries since its debut, Messiah still “strikes like a thunderbolt,” as Mozart put it. The dramatic arias and rousing choruses sweep us up in the mystery of the resurrection and convey all the heartbreaking sorrow and rapturous joy that we feel through this timeless story. Hear it like never before with the Los Angeles Master Chorale.

LA Phil Deck the Hall near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

LA Phil Deck the Hall Walt Disney Concert Hall 111 S Grand Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90012

A treasured L.A. tradition, Deck the Hall offers outstanding holiday programming for a wide variety of tastes at Walt Disney Concert Hall. Make sure to arrive early for drinks and merriment in the fun-filled Winter Wonderland. The program includes guest artist performances, and more. Snowshoes not required!

A Christmas Carol near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

A Christmas Carol Ahmanson Theatre The Music Center 135 N Grand Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90012

Winner of five Tony Awards, and the most awarded play of the season, this New York Times Critics’ Pick welcomes theatre goers of all ages into an immersive experience that is brimming with Christmas spirit, featuring dazzling staging, moving storytelling, and 12 cherished Christmas carols including Joy to the World, Silent Night, and It Came Upon the Midnight Clear. Entertainment Weekly says A Christmas Carol is “so infectious you’ll leave the theatre with a heart full of joy and light.”

Love Actually Live near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Love Actually Live The Wallis 9390 N Santa Monica Blvd. Beverly Hills, CA 90210

In a year that promises particularly joyful holiday reunions,Love Actually Live, the multimedia concert celebration of the beloved holiday film, is back by popular demand, as a not-to-be-missed Los Angeles tradition. Iconic scenes displayed on screens that travel throughout the set share the stage with an all-star cast of singers and live orchestra as they reimagine the film’s hit soundtrack including Christmas is All Around, Trouble With Love, and Both Sides Now.

Los Angeles Ballet The Nutcracker near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Los Angeles Ballet The Nutcracker Various Locations

The Nutcracker is the city’s perfect holiday tradition for celebrating the season. Set to Tchaikovsky’s iconic score, Los Angeles Ballet stays true to the traditions of the holiday story with some surprises! This production is set in 1912 Los Angeles. Throughout the five scenes in two acts you will find hints and tastes of Southern California – a Spanish style home, calla lilies, bougainvillea, the snowy forests of the Sierras, Venice archways, a moonlit Pacific Ocean and more. The Nutcracker appears in theaters across Southern California, including UCLA’s Royce Hall and the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood. More info HERE

LA Phil Pink Martini near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

New Years Eve with Pink Martini Walt Disney Concert Hall111 S Grand Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90012

Count down to 2022 in style with Portland’s celebrated “little orchestra.” Pink Martini, led by pianist Thomas Lauderdale, returns for another quintessentially eclectic New Year’s program that mixes Brazilian samba, party sounds of ’30s Cuban dance music, and a dash of Parisian cafe cool. There’s no classier way to ring in 2022! 

MUSEIQUE at The Huntington near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

New Years Eve at The Huntington 1151 Oxford Rd. San Marino, CA 91108

Inspired by the definitive blues of BB King and the pioneering rock ‘n’ roll of Chuck Berry, Artistic Director Rachael Worby and MUSE/IQUE’s team of roof-raising artists will send your spirits soaring into 2022. This incredible evening includes a pre-performance reception with tray-passed light bites and champagne and a viewing of original Bill Graham Fillmore Auditorium concert posters from San Francisco’s golden age of rock. The post-concert party will have heavy appetizers and bar service and will be timed to mark the New Year in New York’s Times Square (9 p.m. PST). Watch the ball drop as you toast friends and family.

Photo Credits:

Photo #1: LA Master Chorale

Photo #2: LA Opera

Photo #3: LA Master Chorale

Photo #4: LA Phil

Photo #5: Center Theatre Group

Photo #6: The Wallis

Photo #7: Los Angeles Ballet

Photo #8: Pink Martini

Photo #9: MUSE/IQUE