Friday
Greet New Year's Day with a dip in LA's not-so-icy waters for the annual Polar Bear Plunge. Water and air temperatures should hover around 60 degrees, which is Arctic enough if you ask us. Spectate or dive in during meet-ups at Cabrillo Beach, Hansen Dam, Venice Beach and Huntington Beach, among others.
If you're away from the coast, consider a trip to Pasadena for the Rose Parade. Now in its 127th year, the sun-kissed tradition celebrates the new year with florally decorated floats. You'll have to buy tickets or camp out overnight for a prime spot near Old Town, but hop on the Metro in the morning and you'll find plenty of room east of Lake Avenue. While you're there, make sure to check out our favorite places to eat, drink and explore in Pasadena.
Head Downtown for a DJ set from Cut Copy. Frontman Dan Whitford and guitarist Tim Hoey will be spinning their sun-dappled electro-pop aesthetics at the Regent Theater.
Saturday
If you watched yesterday's Rose Parade from your PJs, consider a trip to the Post-Parade Float Showcase. Mosey on over to Sierra Madre Boulevard and Washington Street in Pasadena where you'll be able to view the floats and their floral handiwork close up.
Make your way to NerdMelt for the first Doug Loves Movies of the year. Comedian Doug Benson invites comedians, actors, writers and directors to geek out about films and play rousing matches of "the Leonard Maltin Game"—if they're not too busy trash-talking each other.
Cross over into the Valley for an untraditional take on a holiday classic. Santa Claus is Comin' to Motown tells the story of Kris Kringle's origin in the land of Smokey Miracles and Supreme Temptations. The parody of the 1970 Rankin-Bass classic runs at the Falcon Theatre through the middle of the month, but we think this is the last weekend before all things Christmas-related start to feel sad.
Sunday
Brush up on your improv skills at Second City Hollywood's Open House. The beloved tiny comedy theater and school is giving back to the LA community by opening its doors for a day full of free workshops, food and prizes. Not interested in performing? You can catch free sets throughout the day, from puppet improv to game shows.
Start the new year in a downward dog position at the Yoga Expo. Head to the LA Convention Center as local and national instructors lead over 150 classes and workshops. Just make sure to bring your own yoga mat.
Close out your weekend at the final night of LA Zoo Lights. The new Griffith Park tradition bathes the Los Angeles Zoo grounds in twinkly string lights and animal-themed displays; most of the real animals will be sleeping, though you can visit a herd of reindeer.
Find more things to do this weekend by clicking each day or by heading over to our weekend calendar.