The Bucket List • December 2017 • L.A. Edition

The Holiday season is officially upon us, and Los Angeles is full of yuletide flare. From Jingle Ball to Grinchmas at Universal Studios, you can find a full list of all the seasonal happens over on our 2017 Holiday Guide. December also marks the final month for “Hamilton” at the Hollywood Pantages before it exits the iconic theater to make room for “Aladdin.” Your Instagram page will have plenty of trendy additions as both Museum of Ice Cream and Yayoi Kusama’s Infinity Mirrors continue the final Los Angeles runs of their mesmerizing installations. But if you can’t make it to either of those installations, fear not as Candytopia begins its three-month run at the LA Hanger Studios. Whatever you’re looking for, The Bucket List has you covered.

Museum of Ice Cream Los Angeles | Through Dec. 17
Enter a world of swimming pools filled with rainbow colored sprinkles, life-size popsicles emerge from the walls, and giant versions ice cream toppings dawn the floor. This highly popular exhibition ends soon. Tickets for the month of December drop on Nov. 30 – and are expected to go fast. Don’t miss your chance to witness the whimsy while you can.

Hamilton at Hollywood Pantages | Through Dec. 30
Broadway’s most expensive and hottest ticket finally comes to the West Coast. “Hamilton” is the story of America’s founding father, Alexander Hamilton, and features a mix of hip-hop, jazz, rap, and R&B. Don’t miss your opportunity to witness what is sure to become a contemporary stage classic.

Yayoi Kusama: Infinity Mirrors at The Broad | Through Jan. 1
Yayoi Kusama’s Infinity Mirrors exhibition at The Broad includes aluminous visions that play with the vortexes of lights and mirrors. Explore six different rooms filled with visually stimulating splendor, large-scale installations, and key paintings. This is the final month to visit the traveling exhibition by the Tokyo based artist.

iHeartRadio’s Jingle Ball at The Forum | Dec. 1
iHeartRadio presents the ultimate concert series to get you grooving into the holiday spirit. The all-star line-up of performers includes Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran, The Chainsmokers, Sam Smith, Demi Lovato, Cheat Codes, Logic, Kesha, Niall Horan, Halsey, Charlie Puth, and Liam Payne.

Chris Rock’s “Total Blackout” Tour at Dolby Theatre | Dec. 1 + Dec. 2
The legendary comedian is finishing the last two nights of his four-night stop at The Dolby Theatre for his “Total Blackout” tour. Recently, the comic made a guest-appearance on the Fox hit, “Empire,” and he stood behind the camera to direct “Amy Schumer: Live at the Apollo” for HBO.

L.A. Auto Show at Los Angeles Convention Center | Dec 1 – Dec. 10
Cruise the convention floor as you check out the latest, greatest, and sharpest, vehicles to hit the marketplace. Browse through dozens of vendors, dealers, and exhibitions – and get an exclusive inside look at the newest toys that haven’t even hit the streets yet. Car enthusiasts greatly encouraged.

A Christmas Carol at A Noise Within | Dec. 1 – Dec. 23
The iconic story of Ebenezer Scrooge returns to the stage at A Noise Within. The Pasadena based stage show has been hailed by the Los Angeles Times as “a yuletide treat” that only “a die-hard humbug could remain unmoved (by).” Geoff Elliott plays the Scrooge himself and co-directs along with Julia Rodriguez-Elliott. Frederick Stuart narrates.

Holiday Rooftop Cinema at The Montalban | Dec. 1 – Dec. 23
The Rooftop Cinema Club presents a special yuletide curation for the month of December. Enjoy outdoor screenings atop The Montalban in the heart of Hollywood. Dawn a lawn chair for Holiday classics including “Elf” (Dec. 1 + Dec. 23), “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” (Dec. 9 + Dec. 17), “A Christmas Story” (Dec. 15), “Edward Scissorhands” (Dec. 17) and “It’s A Wonderful Life” (Dec. 23).

Cultivate LA at The Lawn at Century Park | Dec. 2
There is nothing greater than mixing tasty food with a great cause. Join Cultivate LA presented by the United Friends of the Children in support of Los Angeles Foster Youth. The evening features local chefs preparing dishes from over 60 of the city’s best restaurants and wineries. The event also includes a silent raffle and auction. So come ready to bid.

South Lake’s 2017 Holidayfest ft. Warbly Jets, James Supercave, and Jessica Childress | Dec. 2
Pasadena’s South Lake Avenue celebrates the season with Holiday-centric scavenger hunts, crafts, horse and carriage rides, and special in-store promotions. Don’t miss your chance to grab a photo with Santa while you enjoy live performances by Warbly Jets, James Supercave and Jessica Childress. The fun-filled day runs from noon to 5 p.m.

Festival of Carols at Walt Disney Concert Hall | Dec. 2 + Dec. 9
The ever-talented performers of the Los Angeles Master Chorale sing holiday favorites from a selection conducted by Artist-in-Residence Eric Whitacre. The show features an array of festive treats, combined with a few seasonal surprises. The night caps off with a visit from Santa himself.

Grinchmas at Universal Studios | Dec. 2 – Dec. 31
Universal Studios becomes Whoville this time of year. Home to The Grinch Who Stole Christmas, the green holiday giant and his beloved four-legged companion Max roam the park. Grab a selfie with the green guy, decorate ornaments, and enjoy a Whoville themed musical show.

Bill Murray, Jan Vogler & Friends: New Worlds at The Wiltern | Dec. 5
The iconic world-class comedian, who starred in the hits such as, “Ghostbusters,” “Zombieland,” “Groundhog Day,” and many more makes a rare appearance with German cellist Jan Vogler & Friends. For one night only, the duo team up to present a unique evening of music and literature.

John Mulaney at Orpheum Theater | Dec. 6 – Dec. 10
Join the former “Saturday Night Live” staffer and star of the former sitcom “Mulaney” for a special four-night engagement at the Orpheum Theater. The funny-man has been selling-out his stand-up shows all over the country and recently starred in Netflix’s “Oh, Hello on Broadway.”

Refinery 29’s 29Rooms at ROW DTLA | Dec. 7 – Dec. 17
Explore the crafty spirit of the Refinery29 brand as you enter an interactive funhouse blending style with culture and technology. Venture through 29 individually curated rooms presented by various artists across several mediums.

Cirque du Soleil: LUZIA at Dodger Stadium | Dec. 8 – Jan. 21
Experience an imaginary Mexico through a completely visual and breathtaking acrobatic performance. The show blends together classic traditions and contemporary elements of Mexican culture in an intriguing, colorful, and eye-catching show.

KROQ Almost Acoustic Christmas at The Forum | Dec. 9 – Dec. 10
The two-night holiday celebration kicks off with performances by Muse, Thirty Seconds To Mars, Queens of the Stone Age, Rise Against, and others. But the party continues on night two with special guests Morrissey, The Killers, Weezer, The Lumineers, Foster The People, Phoenix, Walk The Moon, Franz Ferdinand, X Ambassadors, and Vance Joy.

Los Angeles Ballet Presents The Nutcracker | Dec. 9 – Dec. 31
The theatrical show “The Nutcracker” has been a holiday staple of the stage for decades. The esteemed Los Angeles Ballet brings Tchaikovsky’s triumph to the various theaters around the city. Dates and venues include Alex Theatre (Dec. 9 + Dec. 10), Royce Hall (Dec. 15 – Dec. 17), Dolby Theatre (Dec. 23 + Dec. 24), and Redondo Beach PAX Dec. 29 – Dec. 31). The visual show is the company’s most complex production to date, which is surly not want to be missed.

Stevie Wonder at Staples Center | Dec. 10
The legendary performer hits the stage for the 21st Annual House Full of Toys Benefit concert. Wonder will be singing from his popular works “Talking Book” and “Innervisions” alongside Rickey Minor. Special guests of the evening include Andra Day, Dave Matthews, Pharrell, Savion Glover & Tony Bennett.

American Ballet Theatre Holiday Benefit at The Beverly Hilton | Dec. 11
This year’s benefit, sponsored by Harry Winston Inc., is set to honor Judy Morr, Executive Vice President of Sergerstrom Center for the Arts. The evening kicks off with a special performance by the extraordinary dancers of American Ballet theatre, followed by dinner and dessert with the dancers. It’s your chance to mingle with the stars.

CHILL at The Queen Mary | Dec. 13 – Jan. 7
Show-off your skating skills on the outdoor ice rink overlooking the world famous Queen Mary ship. If skating isn’t your forte, don’t worry. The adventure park also includes a 300-foot long Alpine zip line, ice shuffleboard, and DJ’s spinning fresh seasonal beats.

Carol Burnett’s An Evening of Laughter and Reflection at Dolby Theatre | Dec. 15
The award-winning actress and best-selling author comes for an engaging evening at the Dolby Theatre. The show will feature a collection of video clips from Burnett’s career and will allow audience members to ask Burnett questions. Her spontaneous answers will provide audience members with a one-of-a-kind night that they surely won’t forget.

Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker at The Wiltern | Dec. 15 – Dec. 16
The award-winning principal dancers of the Moscow Ballet bring lavish costumes and life-sized Matryoshka Dolls to the stage at The Wiltern. Helping to bring the classic Christmas show to life is “La La Land” set concept designer Carl Spragua at the helm of Tchaikovsky’s score.

Candytopia at LA Hanger Studios | Dec. 15 – March 15
If you didn’t get the chance to make it to the giant candy creations at Museum of Ice Cream, Candytopia is a sweet and colorful alternative. The three-month installation celebrates your favorite sugary treats through various interactive art installations in over a dozen different set-ups. Snag your tickets fast, as they are quickly selling-out.

Power 106 Cali Christmas ft. Chance the Rapper and Travis Scott at The Forum | Dec. 16
Dance your way into the holiday zone with a line-up of performers including Chance the Rapper, Travis Scott, Majid Jordan, Joey Bada$$, and G4SHI. Tickets are selling out very fast, so if you plan on attending be sure to nab your spot quickly.

Lady Gaga at The Forum | Dec. 18
If you didn’t get to catch the Grammy and Golden Globe-winning performer at Coachella this year or her earlier tour dates that plowed through Los Angeles, now is your chance. Catch the singer, who recently nabbed several Grammy nominations for her latest album, on her final date of the “Joanne World Tour.”

Jay-Z at The Forum | Dec. 21
The tidal artist brings his “4:44 Tour” to Brooklyn for two-nights only. The Grammy Award Winning rapper ends his tour in December, so you won’t want to miss this show, which supports his 13th studio album. Joining the iconic rapper on stage is Vic Mensa.

Taste of Grand Central Market at Grand Central Market | Dec. 27
Hot tip: bring your stretchy pants. Navigating through the 38 mouth-watering stalls at Grand Central Market can be a tricky feat. But that’s what Secret City is for. The 90-minute feast provides you with a cheat sheet to discover all the best treats.

New Year’s Eve in L.A. | Dec. 31
The City of Angels has plenty of great events to ring in 2018. Say goodbye to 2017 in style at the Prohibition NYE at Union Station. Or enjoy Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox show at Walt Disney Concert Hall. If you are looking for a party variation, Cleopatra’s New Year’s Eve Ball at the Egyptian Theatre has plenty of rooms, DJ’s, and ticket options to explore. For even more events you can visit our New Year’s Eve bucket list.