2023 is almost in the rearview, but make sure you don’t miss out on the best things to do in Los Angeles before they’re gone. These are 14 of the absolute best exhibits in LA, and there’s something for everyone. Whether you need something kid-friendly, 21+, or fun for the whole family, you’ll find it below!
Written by Sophie Len & William Barrios
1. Astra Lumina
The South Coast Botanic Gardens have been transformed into a cosmic haven of twinkling lights, falling stars, and childlike wonder. Returning for its second year in LA, this enchanted nighttime experience will have you walking through a tale of cosmic proportions. Moment Factory’s latest combination of art and technology is open now—get your tickets here!
2. UNDER PRESSURE Exhibition at BEYOND THE STREETS
BEYOND THE STREETS & CONTROL Gallery are back with another incredible exhibition. UNDER PRESSURE is a group exploration of contemporary airbrush. Curated by Mister CARTOON, the master of airbrush — along with a roster of eclectic artists, showcases the application of airbrush in refreshing and conceptual ways. The space highlights 16 artists from a wide range of backgrounds, ages, and career positionings — taking into account the historical significance and evolution of airbrush. Learn more here!
3. Titanic: The Exhibition
See the Grand Staircase, walk over an ocean floor strewn with real artifacts from the Titanic, and learn about this legendary ship’s life in Titanic: The Exhibition. Currently open for just a few more dates, the experience will take you through the lifespan of the ship, from design to recovery. Learn more about this exhibit and get your tickets here.
Embark on a pastel-filled adventure at ‘Bubble World: An Immersive Experience’! Explore over 10 sensory-packed rooms with a unique bubble theme and unleash your inner child. Hurry, this surreal journey is a limited-time event—grab your tickets now for unmissable holiday activities this month!
If you’ve ever seen Jurassic Park, you may have wished that there’d be an actual attraction featuring live dinosaurs. Well, Dinos Alive grants that wish (at least as close as science will allow). We may still be a few years from cloning velociraptors, but Dinos Alive will send you back millions of years to a land dominated by everyone’s favorite giants. Get your tickets to Dinos Alive here!
6. Made in L.A. 2023: Acts of Living at Hammer Museum
Made in L.A. 2023: Acts of Living is the sixth edition of the Hammer’s exhibition highlighting artists working throughout the greater Los Angeles area – and showcasing what our city means to them – whether it’s the culture, community, or mere life in L.A. The title of the exhibit is pulled from a quote by the renowned L.A. artist Noah Purifoy found on the Watts Towers, “One does not have to be a visual artist to utilize creative potential. Creativity can be an act of living, a way of life, and a formula for doing the right thing.” Visit the Hammer Museum here!
7. Santa’s Secret
A self-proclaimed “variety show to put you on the naughty list,” Santa’s Secret is a holiday show just for the adults! From gingerbread girls to rugged lumberjacks, this winter show is turning up the heat with burlesque, cocktails, drag, and more. The show is running now through December 31, so time’s running out to catch this steamy speakeasy show! Click here to learn more.
8. Dr. Seuss
The Dr. Seuss Experience brings to life the whimsical world of everyone’s favorite childhood author! Step inside the pages of The Cat in the Hat, The Lorax, The Grinch, and more at this kid-friendly exhibit you have to see to believe. Learn all about the Dr. Seuss Experience here!
9. The Sunday Company Show at The Groundlings
Some of the greatest actors and comedians have graced the halls and stages at The Groundlings. It’s a dream of many to join the Sunday Company at The Groundlings – and you can watch this legendary talent live! Get ready to laugh it up as as you catch the Sunday Company’s last show of 2023 this month. Grab your tickets here!
10. Yuletide Cinemaland
Street Food Cinema—which pairs the best food trucks in LA with outdoor movie screenings—has transformed itself into Yuletide Cinemaland for the holidays! As always, you’ll find tasty food and the best movies screened. But they’ve added treats like hot cocoa, Victorian house tours, a holiday market, live piano sing-alongs, festive photo ops, and much more!
11. Santa’s Circus
The fun of the circus meets the magical coziness of the holidays at this fun-for-all-ages show! Santa’s Circus combines theater, dance, gymnastics, and more to transport audiences to the most thrilling version of the North Pole you’ve ever seen! They’ve even partnered with local charities to give back to the community and visit children in hospitals who are not able to attend the show in-person. Learn more about Santa’s Circus here!
12. Grinch Pop Up at Westfield Century City
Have a Merry Grinch-mas full of festive activities at this Grinch pop-up! Bring the kiddos and write letters to The Grinch and his beloved furry companion Max. You’ll also get the chance to indulge in ‘Grinchy’ treats such as green cotton candy and matcha. It seems the Grinch’s heart has grew this season he’s offering must-have merch giveaways, engaging themed activities, and more!
13. Holiday Road
Pretty lights are one thing, but Holiday Road has brought even more holiday spirit to Los Angeles. Open through December 27, Holiday Road LA has lights, face painting, caroling, photo ops, toys, and new exhibits like lantern art and a special collaboration with the upcoming Eddie Murphy movie Candy Cane Lane! Learn more about this magical holiday celebration here.
14. Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience
Discover the work and life of legendary artist Vincent Van Gogh like never before. Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience displays the impressionist’s work as 360-degree, floor-to-ceiling exhibits that allow guests to feel as though they’ve stepped inside each piece. And be sure to check out the optional VR experience that teleports you to Arles, France! Learn all about the exhibit here.
15. Mytheresa X Flamingo Estate Pop-up
What’s the holiday season without gingerbread cookies? The historic Flamingo Estate is going all out this month with a gingerbread house Mytheresa pop-up. You’ll be able to stop by and shop the Mytheresa’s fashion showroom – which of course feature gingerbread replicas of Vivienne Westwood dresses, bags, and more. To sweeten the deal, you can alos purchase $6 gingerbread cookies where 100% of cookie proceeds will be donated to LAUSD schools.