We get it. The thought of a typical holiday dinner party full of itchy sweaters, lame music and small talk is enough to make your head spin. You never imagined turning into a Scrooge, but it's that time of year again and you've had enough of The Nutcracker and cookie-cutter Christmas cheer. Luckily, we live in L.A. and there are things to do during the holiday season for just about everyone (even you counterculture millennials.) Here is a list of some cool and alternative ways to celebrate (or survive) the holidays.
Cinespia The Shining screening and holiday party: You're invited to a party at the Overlook Hotel, where you can explore three floors of this historic theater and enter one of Stanley Kubrick's thrilling masterpieces. Dance in the ballroom, check out the children's play room, take photos in the photo booth and watch this classic on the big screen. Dec 17; $24-60
SparkleBlob presents The Snowglobe of Progress: This all-ages show will be bustling with plenty of radical puppets, live music, satire and sarcasm. Head over early for their pre-show reception before meeting your new favorite puppet family, and be prepared for flying gelt. Dec 9-11, 16-18; $17-25
The HM157 Christmas Extravaganza: Christmas tunes sound a whole lot better inside a Victorian-era historical landmark. See for yourself at HM157's Christmas Extravaganza, where more than 15 local bands will be playing their weird takes on Christmas music. Dec 18; $10
Horse Thief BBQ movie screenings: BBQ and a holiday movie sounds like a mighty fine upgrade from the usual holiday dinner. Spend your Wednesday nights out on the patio of Horse Thief BBQ for a holiday movie while you dine on a beef brisket sandwich with a side of mac & cheese and cornbread. All eyes will be on the flick, so no one will notice if you go back for seconds, and thirds, and.... Nov 23, 30, Dec 7, 14; Free
A Christmas Carol at Riley's Farm: Experience A Christmas Carol like never before during a lively evening in a colonial-era packing shed at Riley's Farm. Guests will enjoy a grand feast, hayride, live music, caroling and vignettes of the classic holiday story throughout the night. Dec 1-3, 8-10, 15-17, 22, 23; $38-43
The Groundlings Holiday Show: This special holiday-themed Groundlings show will be full of sketches and improv. As with every Groundlings show (and most holiday gifts), you never know what you're going to get, but you do know that it will be great. Dec 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 17, 30; $20
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