Your Christmas plans and holiday travel arrangements are already set, but there are plenty of free things to do in December before it’s time to check underneath the tree. From waterfront Christmas lights to a massive New Year’s Eve party, these are the best ways to make the most of your month without breaking into your wallet.
Dec 2, 3
Grand Central Market Holiday Marketplace; Grand Central Market
Head to GCM for unique kitchen, pantry and tabletop finds from retail and culinary pop-ups , plus cookie decorating, love local music and tons of tasty eats.
Dec 2
Los Angeles Harbor Holiday Afloat Parade; Port of L.A.
Sailboats and harbor craft of all kinds will light up the waterfront during this annual tradition.
Dec 2
Union Station Holiday Festival & Market; Union Station
Stroll through Union Station’s handsome south patio as this inaugural holiday market rolls into the historic train station.
Dec 9
Marina Del Rey Boat Parade; Fisherman’s Village
Feel as though you’ve escaped to a small-town fishing village at this illuminated boat parade and fireworks show.
Dec 9, 10
Renegade Craft Fair; L.A. State Historic Park
Stroll through one of the country’s top craft fairs.
Dec 16
Bergamot Station Holiday Open House; Bergamot Station
Celebrate the holiday season with an art sale and open house at the 30 galleries in this Santa Monica arts complex.
Through Dec 17
Damaged - Shepard Fairey; 1650 Naud St
This massive solo exhibition assembles 200 politically charged, beautifully colored works from artist Shepard Fairey.
Dec 24
L.A. County Holiday Celebration; Dorothy Chandler Pavilion
Gather up your friends and family to hear more than 20 choirs, music ensembles and dance troupes from all over the city.
Through Dec 31
Radical Women: Latin American Art, 1960–1985; Hammer Museum
Feminist and radical artists from Latin America and the U.S. get their due with this survey of more than 100 artists from 15 countries.
Dec 31
N.Y.E.L.A.; Grand Park
Usher in 2018 with thousands of other Angelenos as a countdown clock is projected onto City Hall.
Ongoing
Free concerts; Various locations
Listen to some tunes without breaking the bank with free shows at the Echo, the Satellite and more.
Ongoing
Free museum days; Various locations
Make the most of free days at LACMA, the Natural History Museum and more, plus always-free museums like the Hammer, Getty and Broad.