Best things to do this week in LA and SoCal: Dec. 15-18

by Rachel Morgan News Editor

Los Angeles offers a packed line‑up of holiday‑season events, from Ben Platt’s Broadway‑styled runs at the Ahmanson to a Hanukkah party with brass bands, pop‑culture trivia nights and a benefit vinyl launch supporting fire‑relief efforts.

Key Highlights

Ben Platt: Live at the Ahmanson

Through December 21
Ahmanson Theatre, 135 N. Grand Ave., Downtown L.A.
Cost: from $44.85More info

The musical‑theatre star will perform a week of shows featuring Broadway favorites and surprise guest appearances, following a 2024 residency that included Cynthia Erivo, Jennifer Hudson and Sam Smith.

4 Non Blondes

December 15‑16, 8 p.m.
The Roxy, 9009 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood
Cost: not listedMore info

Fronted by Linda Perry, the band reunites for two shows; their 1993 hit “What’s Up” has resurfaced on TikTok, driving renewed interest.

Broadway Brass Band Hanukkah Party

Tuesday, December 16, 8 p.m.
The Venice West, 1717 Lincoln Blvd., Venice
Cost: $20More info

Musician Benny Lipson blends showtunes, Hanukkah melodies and New‑Orleans brass, with happy hour ending at 7:30 p.m.

Read to a Rescue Dog

Tuesday, December 16, 4 p.m.
Wilshire Branch Library, 149 N. Saint Andrews Place, Mid‑Wilshire
Cost: FreeMore info

All ages are invited to read aloud to therapy dogs, offering a playful exchange between literature lovers and rescued canines.

Jane Lynch’s A Swingin’ Little Christmas

Wednesday, December 17, 7:30 p.m.
Broad Stage, 1310 11th St., Santa Monica
Sold out; waitlist availableMore info

The “Glee” star teams with Kate Flannery, Tim Davis and the Tony Guerrero Quintet for comedy and classic holiday songs.

Gimme Shelter: Songs for LA Fire Relief – Launch Party

Tuesday, December 16, 5 p.m.
Amoeba Hollywood, 6200 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood
Cost: FreeMore info

Flood Magazine hosts a listening party for a double‑vinyl benefit album featuring rare tracks from Elliott Smith, Flaming Lips, Rilo Kiley, Local Natives, Chromeo, Norah Jones and others; the cover art is by Shepard Fairey.

Robert Therrian: This is a Story

Through April 5
The Broad Museum, 221 S. Grand Ave., Downtown L.A.
Cost: $19More info

The exhibition presents over 120 works, including gigantic hanging beards and stacked dishes that create optical‑illusion installations.

Jeopardy! Bar League

Tuesday, December 16, 8 p.m.
Brennan’s, 4089 Lincoln Blvd., Marina del Rey
Cost: FreeMore info

Trivia fans can test their knowledge with members of the Jeopardy! team, who will also answer questions about the contestant process.

Hammer Museum: “MoMA Contenders” Screenings

December 15‑18
10899 Wilshire Blvd., Westwood
Cost: $10 members, $20 general admissionMore info

The series showcases potential awards nominees: George Clooney’s drama Jay Kelly, art‑heist film The Mastermind, Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere and Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another.

ShrimpMas

Through December 23
San Pedro Fish Market, 760 S. Harbor Blvd., San Pedro
and 6550 E. Marina Dr., Long Beach
Cost: variesMore info

The market highlights 12 days of World‑Famous Shrimp Trays, holiday specials and seasonal offerings at both locations.

Hanukkah at Miznon

Through December 22
Grand Central Market, Downtown L.A.
Cost: $16More info

Miznon serves four golden potato latkes with tangy Runover Cream as its Hanukkah feature.

Did You Know? The 1993 hit “What’s Up” by 4 Non Blondes has resurfaced on TikTok, prompting the band’s reunion tour dates at the Roxy.
Expert Insight: This array of performances and community events illustrates how Los Angeles’ cultural scene blends holiday tradition with contemporary trends—offering residents and visitors a chance to celebrate, support local charities and experience new artistic collaborations.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does Ben Platt perform at the Ahmanson?

Ben Platt’s shows run through December 21 at the Ahmanson Theatre, 135 N. Grand Ave., Downtown L.A.

How much does it cost to attend the Broadway Brass Band Hanukkah Party?

Tickets are $20 for the Tuesday, December 16 event at The Venice West, 1717 Lincoln Blvd., Venice.

Where is the Gimme Shelter benefit album launch taking place?

The launch party is at Amoeba Hollywood, 6200 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, on Tuesday, December 16 at 5 p.m.

Which holiday event are you most excited to try, and why?

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