The Bucket List • December 2016 • L.A. Edition 

Amanda Nolan

December in Los Angeles is full of holiday treats for all tastes. Whether, taking in a stage show or catching one of this month’s music-filled events, “The Bucket List” will help you end your year in style. From KIIS FM’s Jingle Ball and KROQ’s Almost Acoustic Christmas to wrapping up your year with one of L.A.’s top New Year’s Eve parties there’s enough to ensure that 2016 goes out with a bang.

Irving Berlin’s White Christmas at Pantages Theater | Nov.29 – Dec. 4
Get into the holiday spirit with “White Christmas” at the Pantages Theatre. The live version of the comedy musical is based on the classic Bing Crosby / Danny Kaye film that follows two veteran buddies-turned entertainers who team with a knockout sister act to save a Vermont Inn.  

KIIS FM Jingle Ball w/ Justin Bieber, Bruno Mars, Britney Spears, Meghan Trainor at Staples Center | Dec. 2
Top 40 radio station KIIS FM is throwing its annual Jingle Ball with some of the year’s hottest pop stars. The slate also includes Daya, Fifth Harmony, and a special appearance by Niall Horan; and the audience is usually gifted with a surprise celebrity presenter or two. A dollar for each ticket sold will go to the Ryan Seacrest Foundation.

LA Weekly Sips & Sweets | Dec. 2
Bakers and mixologists gather for this treat-filled event at the Peterson Auto Museum. Attendees are able to sample the goodies and get some of their holiday shopping done at the same time. Now in its third year, “savories” have been added for purchase on the Peterson rooftop. Must be over 21.

Charles Dicken’s A Christmas Carol at A Noise Within | Dec. 2 – Dec 23
See the Dicken’s Christmas classic live at this stage production directed by Geoff Elliott and Julia Rodriguez-Elliott. The story of a curmudgeonly miser visited by  spirits on Christmas Eve has warmed even the iciest of hearts for generations. Post-show, the costumed actors will take pictures with audience members.

Artisanal LA Holiday Market | Dec. 3
Support the local economy at this pop-up weekend event in Arcadia. Take your pick from almost 100 foods and beverages. Meet with local food artisans and crafters, stop by chef-led demos and panels, take advantage of samples, and participate in hands-on workshops.

Los Angeles Ballet: The Nutcracker at Multiple Venues Throughout LA | Dec. 3 – Dec. 24
The Los Angeles Ballet will make stops at the Alex Theatre, Dolby Theatre, Royce Hall, and the Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center. The Christmas Eve tale follows the young Clara who meets a prince and is whisked away to a land of sweets and dancing snowflakes. Santa Claus will make an appearance at each performance.

Picasso and Rivera: Conversations Across Time at LACMA | Dec. 4
This exhibition explores the parallels between Pablo Picasso and Diego Rivera. Although from different lands and cultures, the contemporaries and rivals both had big personalities and were chief among artistic innovators of the 20th century. See paintings, etchings and watercolors from these notable artists.

A John Waters Christmas at The Comedy Store | Dec. 5
The incomparable John Waters will perform at The Comedy Store with his subversive brand of humor. In this one-man show, Waters delivers a fast-talking monologue about what he loves and hates about the holidays. The creator of “Pink Flamingos” and “Hairspray” promises to put “the X in Xmas.”

Alt 98.7 December 2 Remember w/ The Lumineers, Empire of the Sun, Fitz & the Tantrums, Cold War Kids, Miike Snow, Glass Animals, and Kaleo at Multiple Venues Throughout LA  | Dec. 5 – 12
Radio station Alt 98.7 is putting on a series of shows all over Los Angeles. Come to the Roxy, the El Rey, the Novo and more to check out a strong lineup of alternative / indie / rock acts. The second annual series showcases established bands at local venues for an intimate experience.

‘Here Comes The Funny Tour’ w/ Adam Sandler, David Spade, Nick
Swardson, Norm Macdonald, Rob Schneider and Tim Meadows at Microsoft Theater | Dec. 6
Take a break from the stress of the holidays with a few laughs. Adam Sandler and David Spade bring a few pals along to the Microsoft Theater for their Netflix comedy tour, reliving their days together on Saturday Night Live.

KROQ Almost Acoustic Christmas w/ Blink 182, Green Day, Kings of Leon, Beck, Weezer, and more | Dec. 10 – 11
This annual December show gathers together two nights of rock music at The Forum. The legendary radio station brings its DJs up to the stage between sets to introduce the performers and wish the audience happy holidays. Proceeds this year will benefit local charities Para Los Niños and the Al Wooten Jr. Heritage Center.

Renegade Craft Fair | Dec. 10 – 11
Want to go beyond the big box stores for your holiday shopping? The Renegade Craft Fair at Grand Park is an opportunity to purchase handmade goods from more than 275 artisans. It’s not your grandma’s crafts either; the curated show brings together modern DIY, music and cooking.

Rodgers & Hammerstein’s The King and I at the Pantages | Dec 13 – Jan. 21
Get to know this Rodgers & Hammerstein classic in December and January. A British teacher and the King of Siam form a relationship despite their different cultures and headstrong ways. The show won a Tony Award for “Best Musical Revival” and features songs “Shall We Dance” and “Something Wonderful.”

Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker at The Wiltern | Dec 16 – 17
This is a stage spectacle of the “Nutcracker” presented by the Moscow Ballet troupe, featuring a 60-foot lighted Christmas tree and Russian-made costumes. There will be Saturday and Sunday night performances and a Sunday matinee.

Cinespia presents ‘The Shining’ + Holiday Party | Dec. 17
True to their unconventional spirit, Cinespia is putting together a holiday party with “The Shining” as its theme. The Los Angeles Theatre will be transformed into the Overlook Hotel. After exploring the three floors, visiting the photo booth, dancing in the ballroom, and partaking at the bars, attendees can view the screening of the Stanley Kubrick horror film. Elegant/Formal attire required.

Trans-Siberian Orchestra at Citizens Bank Arena | Dec. 27
The Trans-Siberian Orchestra presents “The Ghosts of Christmas Eve.” The group blends classic music and amped up rock. “Christmas Canon” and “Christmas Eve (Sarajevo 12/24)” are among the most-downloaded holiday songs of all time. There will be two shows on Dec. 27, with a matinee and evening performance.

Snowglobe Music Festival | Dec. 29 – Dec. 31
See The Chainsmokers, Flume, Major Lazer, Odesza, and many more at the Athletics Field at the Lake Tahoe Community College campus. With the increasing popularity of electronic music, the festival has doubled in size since its inception. When not watching the stage, concertgoers can visit the art and food vendors.

Chinese Theater Massive New Years 2017 | Dec. 31
The fourth annual event will take place at the TCL Chinese Theatres in Hollywood. Guests can dance until midnight with seven Los Angeles DJs. Multiple VIP packages are available; some of the extra perks available are access to three exclusive party rooms, five-hour open bar and bottle service.

Gatsby’s House NYE Party at W Hotel Hollywood | Dec. 31
Come in your swankiest roaring ’20’s garb to celebrate New Year’s Eve in style. Multiple DJs are set to spin the hits in three music rooms. Premium packages are available for open bar access and VIP rooms.

Prohibition NYE at Union Station | Dec. 31
Celebrate New Year’s Eve with glitz and glamour at the Prohibition NYE. The Roaring ’20’s event will feature music and dance, plus entertainment provided by jazz ensembles and burlesque performers. At midnight, a countdown and 60-foot ball drop will ring in 2017.

New Year’s Eve Aboard the Queen Mary | Dec. 31
Come aboard the Queen Mary for the Auld Lang Shine New Year’s Eve event. The party will feature live music, food, drink, and multiple rooms transformed with classic movie themes. Entertainment includes firework show, magic tables, salsa instruction, and dance areas with Top 40, country and EDM.