January 2020 events calendar for Los Angeles

L.A.’s star-studded lecture series has outdone itself this season with a lineup of writers, artists, performers, scientists and business leaders, who, for as little as $20 per Live Talk, will graciously blow your mind. Venues around the city will host guest speakers to tickle a variety of Angeleno brains—from those interested in technology to those who fancy literature. Check the Live Talks website for individual event details, and snag your tickets before word spreads.

The first Rose Parade in 1890 was staged to show off California’s sun-kissed climate. The tradition is still going strong, complete with elaborate floral floats, musical performances and marching troupes (not to mention the crowning of the fresh-faced Rose Queen and her court), but the celebration now draws more than a million spectators who line the streets of Pasadena. The big Rose Bowl football game follows the parade. Later in spring, the event is spoofed with a day of costumed mayhem at the Doo Dah Parade. The parade kicks off at 8am at the corner of Green Street and Orange Grove Boulevard before making its way east onto Colorado Boulevard. Near the end of the route, the parade turns north onto Sierra Madre Boulevard and concludes at Villa Street, where you can see the floats showcased.  Bleacher seats are available—about $110 in the TV zone and closer to $60 farther east—but you can grab a spot on the sidewalk for free. People traditionally camp out overnight, but if you’d rather show up the morning of, head east of Lake Avenue and you’ll have an easier time.

No need to camp out in the cold to see the annual Rose Parade firsthand this New Year’s Day. Instead, watch the L.A. tradition from home and mosey on over to Sierra Madre Boulevard and Washington Street in Pasadena to view the floats post-parade. Though the thick crowds can rival the parade itself, this is the best opportunity to view the floats close up. The stunning float showcase is a unique opportunity to see the intricate floral handiwork in person, from just a few feet away.

Swimmers across the city will take to the not-so-icy waters for the annual Polar Bear Plunge. Water and air temperatures on New Year’s Day typically 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.

As a wise chief of staff once said, there’s two things in the world you never want to let people see how you make ’em: laws and sausages. Thankfully, podcasting is fine for the public to witness—and you can witness the final recording of the world’s favorite West Wing-focused podcast here in L.A. when the recap show draws to a close on January 17. Since 2016, The West Wing Weekly has broken down every episode of Aaron Sorkin’s cult-classic political drama, and all of the rapid-fire dialogue, information leaks, government espionage, campaigning and interpersonal (and sometimes interoffice) relationships therein. The podcast is a dive into the plot of each episode, sure, but when coupled with behind-the-scenes knowledge from the show’s hosts—composer Hrishikesh Hirway and The West Wing’s own Will Bailey, played by actor Joshua Malina—plus guest appearances from West Wing creators and real political pundits and officials, it’s an hour or so of insider insights not just into Sorkin’s White House, but our country’s actual innerworkings.  Head to DTLA’s Theatre at Ace Hotel to see The West Wing Weekly off as it ends its final term, and witness a live recording of the last podcast episode with some seriously impressive guests: Martin Sheen, Bradley Whitford and Mary McCormack. The doors open at 7pm, while the show starts at 8; maybe give the podcast a salute at its end, or at least a firm handshake and a very President Bartlet-level “What’s next?”

The botanical garden’s nighttime experience masterfully mixes hands-on art installations with atmospheric, luminescent forests, all against a background of uplit trees and shimmery sound effects. Enchanted is intuitively immersive: You can tap columns that change color according to your touch; spin a dizzying swirl of kaleidoscopic patterns with HYBYCOZO’s “Celestial Shadows” pendants; and stomp your way across Jen Lewin’s “Aqueous,” a serpentine Candyland-like path that changes colors as you meander along its winding walkway. And, true to its botanical garden location, most of the installations highlight the natural beauty of Descanso’s flora. Enchanted is L.A.’s most magical holiday lights experience L.A.’s most whimsical light-up experience is back. http://bit.ly/2PBqpqK Posted by Time Out Los Angeles on Tuesday, November 19, 2019 This year, “Celestial Shadows” has been upgraded with even more shapes (last year saw the addition of a particulalrly mesmerizing disco-ball–like one) while sculptor Tom Fruin’s kaleidoscopic stained-glass–like house is anchored in the Mulberry Pond. The event has also added Enchanted with Entertainment evenings (Dec 6, 7, 13, 14) with student performances as well as ambient DJ sets on the main lawn. Also, note that the dates around Christmas are for members only this year (Dec 20–23, 26–28). Some of last year’s chances stuck around: “Aqueous” if flanked with glowing benches around the perimeter. At “Lightwave Lake,” you can no long

Cozy up—and make sure to bring your jacket—to the Queen Mary for its annual Christmas makeover. It’s the time of year when the iconic ship is transformed into a winter wonderland, which this year is decking out every facet with classic Christmas decor. Slip on some skates and glide across the rink and around a 26-foot-tall Christmas tree with views of the Long Beach waterfront. The event also includes meet-and-greets with Santa, musical performances, light displays and more. RECOMMENDED: The best places to go ice skating in Los Angeles

We love their adorable faces, quirky behavior and unwavering loyalty. We bring them everywhere—particularly here in L.A. And they may very well make us better people. It’s no surprise then that dogs would get an entire exhibition dedicated to their canine skills and unique relationship with humans. “Dogs! A Science Tail” takes a colorful, hands-on approach to its subject and mainly targets kids. But dog lovers of all ages will delight in the displays at the California Science Center: You can squeeze between two pointed ears to listen to how dogs perceive the sounds of a street scene different than humans; you can put your face up against a dog-shaped viewfinder that simulates canine vision; and you can test your knowledge in a game of Jeopawdy! Kids will particularly love seeing how fast they are compared to dogs and sniffing scents that a dog might encounter—from coffee and bubblegum to, yes, poop and farts. The exhibition also includes a selection of dog-featuring works of art, mostly Norman Rockwell paintings and Charles Schulz Peanuts strips, on loan from the upcoming Lucas Museum of Narrative Art. Make sure to catch daily live demonstrations of dogs’ rescue, agility, sensory and service skills (i.e. a guide dog walking a sightless trainer through an obstacle course). You’ll find the demo area near the exhibition’s exit, just before the gift shop.

L.A.’s star-studded lecture series has outdone itself this season with a lineup of writers, artists, performers, scientists and business leaders, who, for as little as $20 per Live Talk, will graciously blow your mind. Venues around the city will host guest speakers to tickle a variety of Angeleno brains—from those interested in technology to those who fancy literature. Check the Live Talks website for individual event details, and snag your tickets before word spreads.

The first Rose Parade in 1890 was staged to show off California’s sun-kissed climate. The tradition is still going strong, complete with elaborate floral floats, musical performances and marching troupes (not to mention the crowning of the fresh-faced Rose Queen and her court), but the celebration now draws more than a million spectators who line the streets of Pasadena. The big Rose Bowl football game follows the parade. Later in spring, the event is spoofed with a day of costumed mayhem at the Doo Dah Parade. The parade kicks off at 8am at the corner of Green Street and Orange Grove Boulevard before making its way east onto Colorado Boulevard. Near the end of the route, the parade turns north onto Sierra Madre Boulevard and concludes at Villa Street, where you can see the floats showcased.  Bleacher seats are available—about $110 in the TV zone and closer to $60 farther east—but you can grab a spot on the sidewalk for free. People traditionally camp out overnight, but if you’d rather show up the morning of, head east of Lake Avenue and you’ll have an easier time.

No need to camp out in the cold to see the annual Rose Parade firsthand this New Year’s Day. Instead, watch the L.A. tradition from home and mosey on over to Sierra Madre Boulevard and Washington Street in Pasadena to view the floats post-parade. Though the thick crowds can rival the parade itself, this is the best opportunity to view the floats close up. The stunning float showcase is a unique opportunity to see the intricate floral handiwork in person, from just a few feet away.

As a wise chief of staff once said, there’s two things in the world you never want to let people see how you make ’em: laws and sausages. Thankfully, podcasting is fine for the public to witness—and you can witness the final recording of the world’s favorite West Wing-focused podcast here in L.A. when the recap show draws to a close on January 17. Since 2016, The West Wing Weekly has broken down every episode of Aaron Sorkin’s cult-classic political drama, and all of the rapid-fire dialogue, information leaks, government espionage, campaigning and interpersonal (and sometimes interoffice) relationships therein. The podcast is a dive into the plot of each episode, sure, but when coupled with behind-the-scenes knowledge from the show’s hosts—composer Hrishikesh Hirway and The West Wing’s own Will Bailey, played by actor Joshua Malina—plus guest appearances from West Wing creators and real political pundits and officials, it’s an hour or so of insider insights not just into Sorkin’s White House, but our country’s actual innerworkings.  Head to DTLA’s Theatre at Ace Hotel to see The West Wing Weekly off as it ends its final term, and witness a live recording of the last podcast episode with some seriously impressive guests: Martin Sheen, Bradley Whitford and Mary McCormack. The doors open at 7pm, while the show starts at 8; maybe give the podcast a salute at its end, or at least a firm handshake and a very President Bartlet-level “What’s next?”

The botanical garden’s nighttime experience masterfully mixes hands-on art installations with atmospheric, luminescent forests, all against a background of uplit trees and shimmery sound effects. Enchanted is intuitively immersive: You can tap columns that change color according to your touch; spin a dizzying swirl of kaleidoscopic patterns with HYBYCOZO’s “Celestial Shadows” pendants; and stomp your way across Jen Lewin’s “Aqueous,” a serpentine Candyland-like path that changes colors as you meander along its winding walkway. And, true to its botanical garden location, most of the installations highlight the natural beauty of Descanso’s flora. Enchanted is L.A.’s most magical holiday lights experience L.A.’s most whimsical light-up experience is back. http://bit.ly/2PBqpqK Posted by Time Out Los Angeles on Tuesday, November 19, 2019 This year, “Celestial Shadows” has been upgraded with even more shapes (last year saw the addition of a particulalrly mesmerizing disco-ball–like one) while sculptor Tom Fruin’s kaleidoscopic stained-glass–like house is anchored in the Mulberry Pond. The event has also added Enchanted with Entertainment evenings (Dec 6, 7, 13, 14) with student performances as well as ambient DJ sets on the main lawn. Also, note that the dates around Christmas are for members only this year (Dec 20–23, 26–28). Some of last year’s chances stuck around: “Aqueous” if flanked with glowing benches around the perimeter. At “Lightwave Lake,” you can no long

Cozy up—and make sure to bring your jacket—to the Queen Mary for its annual Christmas makeover. It’s the time of year when the iconic ship is transformed into a winter wonderland, which this year is decking out every facet with classic Christmas decor. Slip on some skates and glide across the rink and around a 26-foot-tall Christmas tree with views of the Long Beach waterfront. The event also includes meet-and-greets with Santa, musical performances, light displays and more. RECOMMENDED: The best places to go ice skating in Los Angeles

We love their adorable faces, quirky behavior and unwavering loyalty. We bring them everywhere—particularly here in L.A. And they may very well make us better people. It’s no surprise then that dogs would get an entire exhibition dedicated to their canine skills and unique relationship with humans. “Dogs! A Science Tail” takes a colorful, hands-on approach to its subject and mainly targets kids. But dog lovers of all ages will delight in the displays at the California Science Center: You can squeeze between two pointed ears to listen to how dogs perceive the sounds of a street scene different than humans; you can put your face up against a dog-shaped viewfinder that simulates canine vision; and you can test your knowledge in a game of Jeopawdy! Kids will particularly love seeing how fast they are compared to dogs and sniffing scents that a dog might encounter—from coffee and bubblegum to, yes, poop and farts. The exhibition also includes a selection of dog-featuring works of art, mostly Norman Rockwell paintings and Charles Schulz Peanuts strips, on loan from the upcoming Lucas Museum of Narrative Art. Make sure to catch daily live demonstrations of dogs’ rescue, agility, sensory and service skills (i.e. a guide dog walking a sightless trainer through an obstacle course). You’ll find the demo area near the exhibition’s exit, just before the gift shop.

If you’ll follow wherever Gilmore Girls leads, then you’re going to need to embark on the Warner Bros. Studio Tour this holiday season. The Burbank backlot is supplementing its regular tour with Gilmore Girls Holiday, a festive addition to the Star Hollow section that includes lunch in Lorelai’s yard (with some props on display at the house, plus exclusive merch), a photo op outside the freshly dressed-up Luke’s Diner exterior and a stop at Sookie’s front porch. For the meal, you’ll be able to purchase some very Lorelai-esque options, including pizza, hamburgers, chicken tenders, hot dogs, Pop-Tarts and coffee. You’ll find this from December 21 through January 5 as part of the larger three-hour tour—which is actually one of our favorites.

The first Rose Parade in 1890 was staged to show off California’s sun-kissed climate. The tradition is still going strong, complete with elaborate floral floats, musical performances and marching troupes (not to mention the crowning of the fresh-faced Rose Queen and her court), but the celebration now draws more than a million spectators who line the streets of Pasadena. The big Rose Bowl football game follows the parade. Later in spring, the event is spoofed with a day of costumed mayhem at the Doo Dah Parade. The parade kicks off at 8am at the corner of Green Street and Orange Grove Boulevard before making its way east onto Colorado Boulevard. Near the end of the route, the parade turns north onto Sierra Madre Boulevard and concludes at Villa Street, where you can see the floats showcased.  Bleacher seats are available—about $110 in the TV zone and closer to $60 farther east—but you can grab a spot on the sidewalk for free. People traditionally camp out overnight, but if you’d rather show up the morning of, head east of Lake Avenue and you’ll have an easier time.

Swimmers across the city will take to the not-so-icy waters for the annual Polar Bear Plunge. Water and air temperatures on New Year’s Day typically 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.

Dive into who leaves a mark on L.A. in this examanation of the Los Angeles Public Library’s 1,700-object autograph collection, on the occassion of a new book about it by Josh Kun. In 1906, librarian Charles Lummis started L.A.’s very own autograph collection, in which paintings, poems, speeches and music from the likes of L. Frank Baum, James Carroll Beckwith, Katherine Lee Bates, Langston Hughes, Isaac Asimov, Helen Keller and others were added to the Los Angeles Public Library’s permanent collection. Then in 2018, librarian John F. Szabo extended the collection to include all Angelenos who hoped to add something with a one-day event—which then brought along contributions from Roy Choi, Patt Morrison, Cheech Marin, Norman Lear and more.