During the holiday week surrounding December 23, 2025, communities across Los Angeles and Southern California immersed themselves in a diverse array of seasonal arts and entertainment offerings. From film screenings to live performances, festive club nights, and public ice skating under twinkling lights, the region demonstrated its ongoing commitment to celebrating the season through creativity and cultural expression.
One of the week’s highlights was a special screening of A Fiddler’s Tale at the Fine Arts Theater in Beverly Hills, drawing moviegoers seeking a blend of classical music and storytelling in an intimate cinematic setting. The film, which merges visual performance with Stravinsky-inspired composition, attracted a wide audience and underscored the area’s appreciation for niche programming during the holidays. The screening reflected a broader trend across the city’s theaters, many of which used the week leading up to Christmas to showcase holiday classics and unique cultural fare.
Live music and dance events filled venues across Los Angeles County, ranging from orchestral renditions of holiday favorites to contemporary dance recitals and experimental theater pieces. Local ballet companies staged traditional performances of The Nutcracker, while community chorales and jazz ensembles held concerts that infused familiar melodies with fresh interpretations. Independent theaters and art collectives also took advantage of the seasonal crowds to stage original works inspired by the themes of winter, family, and renewal.
For those seeking a more playful twist on the holidays, themed nightlife events drew large crowds. One standout was the “Christmas Hangover” party—a tongue-in-cheek celebration held in downtown Los Angeles featuring festive costumes, live DJs, and interactive performances. Such events blended satire with seasonal cheer, offering adults a chance to celebrate in a more unstructured and exuberant environment while still engaging with the spirit of the season.
Outdoor activities remained a strong draw, particularly for families and tourists enjoying Southern California’s mild winter weather. Ice skating rinks set up in public squares and mall courtyards offered scenic spots to enjoy festive music, hot chocolate, and decorative lights. Places like Pershing Square in Los Angeles and the Irvine Spectrum Center reported high foot traffic as visitors embraced the nostalgic charm of skating outdoors with loved ones.
Public art and cultural installations also played a central role. Artists and performers hosted open-air shows, puppet theater, and holiday-themed light displays in parks and on main streets. Many of these were produced by local nonprofits and community groups, aiming to keep the arts accessible and inclusive. From light projections on downtown buildings to street performers singing holiday standards, the atmosphere in cities like Santa Monica, Pasadena, and Long Beach felt alive with creativity and seasonal warmth.
Educational and family-friendly programming further rounded out the offerings. Museums and libraries across the region hosted craft workshops, story hours, and interactive exhibits centered on holiday traditions from around the world. These events not only entertained but also provided space for cultural learning, emphasizing Southern California’s diversity and commitment to community engagement.
As residents and visitors took part in this rich tapestry of seasonal events, it became clear that the arts remain a vital part of Southern California’s identity—especially during moments of communal celebration. The week leading into Christmas brought out a full spectrum of experiences: high art and pop culture, traditional and contemporary, whimsical and profound. Together, they offered opportunities for reflection, joy, and togetherness at the close of another year.
Ultimately, the 2025 holiday week reinforced Los Angeles and the broader Southern California region as a cultural destination where the arts are not only showcased, but actively lived. Whether through the quiet glow of an outdoor light display or the boisterous energy of a packed dance floor, these celebrations highlighted the ways in which artistic expression continues to unite people in meaningful and memorable ways.
