Watch candy cane makers at work, skate under sun-kissed skies, walk under artful holiday lights and invest in local design talent. That’s all this week in design and architecture.
1) Made in L.A.
Have last minute gifts to buy or perhaps some gift money to spend on yourself? Tired of the Mall? Los Angeles County Store is dedicated exclusively to fine goods made in Los Angeles. From artisanal food to small housewares, apothecary to prints and stationery, it is a thoughtfully curated collection of beautifully crafted wares from across the county.
Also, check out this list by the LA Times of handcrafted gifts or consider supporting the Downtown Women’s Center with a purchase from Made by DWC. And see past 5 Things for many other local designer-maker gift options.
When: Tuesday-Friday 12:00-7:00PM, Saturday 11:00AM-7:00PM, Sunday 11:00AM-5:00PM
Where: Los Angeles County Store, 4333 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles 90029
Tickets: Open to the public; information here.
2) Find Your Light at the Downtown L.A. Walking Tour!
Lights, decorations, festivities and holiday cheer abound as you stroll through downtown right now and if you would like some guidance, join the Holiday Lights Special walking tour. Highlights include The Broad Museum, “Las Posadas” at Olvera Street, Grand Park Illuminated Fountain, Walt Disney Concert Hall, Nutcracker Village at California Plaza, Icicle Sheets in the Old Bank District, Pershing Square Festivities and Union Station.
If you need more lights after all that, head to Griffith Park and check out the spectacular LA Zoo Lights.
When: Thru December 30th, Meet at 6:30PM; tour lasts approximately two hours.
Where: Start at Los Angeles Union Station, 800 N. Alameda Street, 90012
Tickets: Adult $15, Children 13 and under Free. For more information, click here.
3) “It’s a Wonderful Life” screenings at the Cinefamily Silent Movie Theater
The Silent Movie Theater was opened in 1942 by Dorothy and John Hampton, who were responsible for resurrecting and restorating countless silent films.
The theater has had a tumultuous run, being closed in the 1970s and ’80’s, only to reopen in the ’90s and have its owner dramatically gunned down in the lobby in 1997. The theater reopened just before the turn of this century and has been fully restored to its original 1940’s Art Deco design, albeit with a larger screen, state of the art sound and comfortable seating.
The theater now continues the tradition of silent film screenings with live organ accompaniment, and on three evenings this week they will be screening the inimitable Christmas classic, It’s a Wonderful Life.
When: December 22, 24 and 25, 7:30PM
Where: 611 N. Fairfax Ave., Los Angeles 90036
Tickets: $12, free for Cinefamily members. Buy tickets here.
4) Candy Cane-making Demonstrations
Santa’s elves are working hard at Logan’s Candies in Ontario and you can see how they make the magic. According to folklore, the candy cane was originally created in 1670 as a diversion for keeping children quiet during church services.
Logan’s keeps the traditional handcrafted art alive with master candy-makers who you can watch with wide-eyes and wonder. They also give free samples!
When: December 21, 22, 23 at 5:30PM, 7:00PM and 8:30PM; December 28 at 1:00PM, 2:30PM and 4:00PM
Where: 125 W. “B” Street, Ontario 91762
Tickets: Open to the public, however demonstrations are limited to available space. Please show up 15-20 minutes prior to demonstrations to ensure availability
*Please note: public restrooms are not available; please plan accordingly.
5) Ice Skate in Historic Pershing Square
Yes, we know the ice is a little incongruous amidst blue skies and palm trees but you can still enjoy chilly holiday fun at downtown Pershing Square’s 28th annual Holiday Ice Rink (several sessions will benefit Children’s Hospital Los Angeles).
If you want to skate in Santa Monica, Woodland Hills, downtown Burbank or even on the Queen Mary ocean liner, check this listing.
When: Thru January 18, 2016; 10:00AM-11:00PM (detailed session times and holiday hours)
Where: Pershing Square, 532 S. Olive Street, Los Angeles 90012
Tickets: General Admission $9, Skate Rental $4. Buy tickets here.