Happy Holidays!
We made it to the final weekend before Christmas.
Hopefully, you’ve made it out to some of the many events in Southern California that we’ve highlighted for you here. This will be the final edition of the Holidays & Nights newsletter for 2023 and it has been a pleasure to share seasonal movies, books, music, recipes, cocktails, decorating tips and more with you all.
☃️ But wait, there’s more!
Our hardworking team also rounded up a ton of things to do for New Year’s Eve, including fancy dinners and shows at Southern California casinos, various concerts and music festivals happening throughout the area and stuff to do with your family, including elaborate ball drops and fireworks displays.
🎊 20 events to ring in 2024 in Southern California
Whether you’re looking for a glamorous black-tie affair, all-night parties or a kid-friendly celebration, there are plenty of ways to celebrate the New Year in the area.
Reporter Richard Guzman rounded up 20 events to go to on Dec. 31.
Some of the standouts include Prohibition NYE at Union Station in Los Angeles. It’s an annual Roaring ’20s themed event with burlesque dancing, jazz music, themed cocktails and more.
There’s also the First Night in Fullerton, where families and friends can gather for an evening of fun, an early fireworks display, food and drinks from local businesses and a family fun zone with games and more.
Redlands hosts its annual Orange Drop, which falls at 9 p.m. for families to enjoy. There’s also live music, food vendors and more.
Get the full list of New Year’s Eve happenings here.
🎉 22 concerts and music festivals to rock into 2024
Looking to really shake off 2023?
How about raving well into the early morning hours of 2024 with thousands of friends at one of Insomniac Events‘ elaborate year-end festivals?
Not your jam?
That’s OK, you can also grab a cocktail and swing dance into 2024 with Pink Martini at Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles.
Music and festivals reporter Holly Alvarado compiled a list of 21 live music events to ring in the New Year.
🥂 How Southern California casinos are celebrating New Year’s Eve
Casinos are really a one-stop-shop for New Year’s Eve.
Most of the restaurants offer some pretty impressive spreads, there’s a ton of live entertainment options on site and a lot of these spots offer special room rates and hotel packages for the holiday.
Casinos reporter Charlie Vargas has rounded up what each local casino is doing on Dec. 31 as they host everything from elaborate parties and concerts to more relaxed evenings with jazz music and hearty dinners. Get his full list here.
🍿 Immersive holiday fun at Yuletide Cinemaland
On Friday, Dec. 15 my friends and I went to Heritage Square Museum in Los Angeles for Street Food Cinema’s holiday Yuletide Cinemaland. Having never been before, we had no idea what to expect, but it was super fun.
They screen holiday films on two large blowup screens (typically with two screening times) outdoors and they sell popcorn, hot cocoa and all kinds of other treats. There are food trucks and other vendors selling gooey cinnamon rolls, vegan cookies, candies, woodfired pizza, loaded hot dogs and more.
There’s also a full bar with holiday-themed cocktails, a holiday marketplace, photos with Santa Claus, trivia, piano singalongs and tours of the historic homes on the property. Everything is covered with lights and holiday decorations. Check out the photo ops, carnival-style games and even some snow, too.
There aren’t too many events left this season, but on Friday, Dec. 22 there’s a double feature of “Die Hard” and “Krampus” for those 21-and-older only and “Elf” is screening for all-ages on Saturday, Dec. 23. Tickets are $39.99 at streetfoodcinema.com.
Get previous editions of Holidays & Nights online or subscribe to the newsletter for additional seasonal content sent directly to your inbox.
❄️ Holidays & Nights: Christmas movies, albums and books to check out this season
❄️ Holidays & Nights: How Southern California theme parks are going all out for the season
❄️Holidays & Nights: How local bars and restaurants are transforming into Winter Wonderlands
❄️Holidays & Nights: Family-friendly events to celebrate the season
