Weekend: Yuletide Cheer

Get info on Las Posadas, the LA County Celebration, and more go-outs. 

By Alysia Gray Painter •Published December 22, 2011•Updated on December 23, 2011 at 9:35 am

LAS POSADAS: Join the song-filled, traditional-beautiful processional at Olvera Street through Saturday, Dec. 24.  Treats -- think pan dulce -- and piñatas are part of each night.  The search for the inn starts at 7:30 p.m., but we recommend arriving early for activities and more. 

LA COUNTY HOLIDAY CELEBRATION: It's marking its 52nd year -- certainly some big fan has to have attended every single one -- and it is filling, once again, the Dorothy Chandler with an afternoon of song, dance, and musical, merry, and oh-so-free enjoyment.  It happens on Christmas Eve -- you know this -- from 3 to 6 p.m. If you can't make it down you can still listen in. 

THE BALL: It's described as one of the biggest Jewish singles events in the nation, and it happens each Dec. 24.  This year the LA party is headed for MyHouse, and money raised from the night will help The Guardians of the Los Angeles Jewish Home for the Aging.  A ticket is $35 ahead of time, $45 at the venue. 

HOLIDAY SIPS: Where will you take your nog?  We're liking the Cranhattan at The Cantina at Border Grill Downtown (fresh cranberry puree with a tequila kick).  It's available through mid-January, say the Border Grillers.  City Tavern in Culver City has been spotlighting seasonal suds (how intriguing that Craftsman Holiday Spruce looks).  And the $90, serves-10-friends Vintage Seasonal Punch at Seven Grand?  Call it an insta-party (and be sure to call a cab, too). 

WHAT'S OPEN: Universal Studios is in the thick of Grinchmas -- so much so the park is opening early on Christmas Day, at 8 a.m. Disneyland is also open on Dec. 25 and the Christmas Fantasy Parade is on (the castle is also looking quite glittery).  Downtown on Ice is open from noon to 10 p.m. on Dec. 25 and ICE in Santa Monica is going 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Given the toasty-for-December temps ahead, we expect several skaters out in shorts.  72 degrees!  Even Santa'll be breaking out the sunblock.