LA Insider | Week of December 21, 2023: Cartoon Madness, Holiday Affair, The Nutcracker & Panettone!
The fall art season is winding down and a lot of galleries are closed over Christmas and New Year's, so this week we highlight other happenings, from the Nutcracker ballet to Christmas themed films and fun goings on about town. Need a last minute hostess gift? Check out our food section for a round-up of delicious panettone, the Italian holiday treat! LA Insider is on hiatus next week but check your inbox for a special mailing. Happy Holidays!
Film, Music, Theatre & Festivals & Dance
LA Ballet's The Nutcracker @ Dolby Theatre, Hollywood
FILM: Holiday Cartoon Madness!
The Art Theatre of Long Beach | Long Beach
Sunday, December 24, 2023 | 11am
A selection of classic holiday shorts produced by Fleischer Studios. Tickets: $12
FILM: Holiday Affair / The Shop Around the Corner
Aero Theatre | Santa Monica
Saturday, December 23, 2023 | 7:30pm
A double screening of two holiday romantic comedies from the 40s. Holiday Affair focuses on the relationship between a young widow and a department store clerk, while The Shop Around the Corner centers on anonymous pen pals who happen to be bickering co-workers. Tickets: $13
FILM: Jonas Mekas Celebration
Zebulon | Frogtown
Thursday, December 21, 2023 | 8pm
Celebrate filmmaker and poet Jonas Mekas (1922-2019) with this screening of the 2022 documentary, Fragments of Poetry. Free with RSVP.
FILM: Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
Vidiots Eagle Theater | Eagle Rock
Thursday, December 21, 2023 | 7pm
This brilliant and imaginative 2004 science fiction romance centers on a man who decides to erase memories of his ex-girlfriend from his mind. Starring Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet, directed by Michel Gondry. Tickets: $12
DANCE: LA Ballet's The Nutcracker
Dolby Theatre | Hollywood
December 21 through 24 & December 26, 2023 (Check times)
This production stays true to the traditions of the classic tale, with a twist. Set in 1912 Los Angeles with a Spanish style home, calla lilies, bougainvillea, the snowy forests of the Sierras, the archways of Venice Beach and a moonlit view of the Pacific Ocean. Live orchestra. Tickets: $50–$143
THEATRE: Holiday Spectacular
Pasadena Playhouse | Pasadena
Through Saturday, December 23, 2023
From the minds of Tony nominee Sam Pinkleton and Randy Blair, this new production features holiday classics with music, dance, improv and unexpected holiday hijunks. Ages 6 and up. Tickets: Starting at $35
Fine Foods, Quick Bites + Bars
Panettone at Eataly
A traditional Milanese Christmas treat, Panettone is part bread, part cake, flavored with dried or candied fruit, chocolate chips, nuts and other ingredients. It's a great hostess gift, but grab one for yourself and enjoy it spread with butter while sipping your morning coffee or tea. For a super indulgent breakfast, use it instead of bread for your French toast! If you happen to be at Trader Joe's, pick up a Trader Giotto's panettone imported from Italy, good ingredients and accessibly priced.
Eataly | Century City
The fave Italian market and eatery at Century City has four different panettone: the original flavored with raisins and orange peel, an indulgent orange and chocolate variation with dark chocolate, Piemontese hazelnuts and whole almonds, a pistachio cream version and the star-shaped pandoro dusted with snow-like powdered sugar.
Bianca | Culver City
This Italian bakery offers panettone made in-house by executive pastry chef Federico Fernandez.
Pasta Sisters | Culver City & Mid City
Pasta Sisters offers two panettone Imported from Fraccaro Spumadoro in Veneto, Italy. Choose from a classic version or the panettone with limoncello cream.
Monsier Marcel | Farmer’s Market/Third & Fairfax
This gourmet specialty market has the Fiasconaro Dolce & Gabbana panettone with citrus fruit and saffron, combining the flavors of Sicilian lemon, orange and mandarin. It comes in a limited edition Dolce & Gabbana tin and gift bag.
Angelini | Hollywood
Imported from Milan, choose between Galup’s amaretto, peach and chocolate panettone, or Loison Classico with raisins, orange and citron. For a special gift presentation, limited edition panettone in vintage hat boxes also available.
Literary, Readings & Book Launches
Sentience Book Release and Talk
Tiny Splendor Studio (3352 N. Fernando Road) | Atwater
Friday, December 22, 2023 | 6–8pm
Tiny Splendor presents an open studio to celebrate the release of Carolina Hicks' book. There will be an outdoor artist talk and prints/drawings for sale.
Things To Do & Workshops
L.A. County Holiday Celebration @ The Music Center, DTLA
L.A. County Holiday Celebration
The Music Center | DTLA
Sunday, December 24, 2023 | 3–6pm
The 64th annual L.A. County Holiday Celebration will feature performances by choral groups, dance troupes and local artists. Free with RSVP.
Luna Luna
1601 E 6th St, Los Angeles, CA 90023 | Boyle Heights
Through December 30, 2023
An art amusement park first opened in Hamburg in 1987, Luna Luna has been restored (under the vision of performing artist Drake) with the theme, Forgotten Fantasy. View rides, games and attractions envisioned by artists like Basquiat, Haring and Hockney. Although the rides aren't open for riding, visitors may access the Dalídom and the Hockney Enchanted Tree. Timed entry. Tickets and parking: $20–$85
Happy Holidays!
Brought to you with ❤️ from the Fabrik team in Los Angeles.
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