Say goodbye to pumpkins and hello to holiday lights. It’s the month when Halloween simmers down and we begin to gear up for the winter holidays — and L.A. is still brimming with exciting events to keep you busy this month. Whether it’s watching the greenery turn different shades of orange, yellow, and brown, seeing festive lights, or heading to an incredible multisensory experience, November 2023 is set to be a month to remember.
1. Celebrate Los Angeles through music and food at LA3C
LA3C is a Music & Food Festival taking place across DTLA celebrating the rich culture and creativity of our city. Over three days, November 10 — 12, 2023, Angelenos can enjoy the best of LA’s musical acts along with incredible art installations, and food that represents the diverse flavors of L.A. Get your tickets here!
2. Have a naughty and nice time at Santa’s Secret
Come dashing through the snow at Santa’s Secret! Explore a winter wonderland with eight immersive installations in search of Santa’s vintage speakeasy (shh, don’t tell Mrs. Claus). Along the way, you’ll find everything from naughty gingerbread girls and rugged lumberjacks to living snow globes. Then, once you stumble into Santa’s speakeasy, enjoy Christmas cocktails, delicious food, and a live band. The night concludes with a variety show with a mix of ballet, burlesque, and unique, jaw-dropping acts in which all of Santa’s wildest secrets are revealed! Whether you’re naughty or nice, — get your tickets to Santa’s Secret here!
3. Witness thousands of Lanterns illuminate waters at s stunning location
The roving Water Lantern Festival is making its way to Whittier Narrows Recreation Area on November 17 to November 19, 2023. This spectacular celebration of light has been voted the top Cultural Festival in 2019 & 2020 by USA Today, and it’s easy to see why. Residents gather at scenic locations to write their heartfelt messages and create unique designs on paper lanterns. Each one is lit with LED candles before they set sail, illuminating the dark waters as participants reflect upon their hopes, dreams, struggles, and losses in a shared moment of tranquility. Find out more here.
📍Location: 750 S Santa Anita Ave, South El Monte, CA 91733
4. Enjoy An Enchanting Candlelight Concert
The wildly popular Candlelight Concert series has never ceased to captivate audiences across the globe. The series brings you talented musicians who perform live concerts in beautiful settings — all bathed in Candlelight. Check out the closest concert near you below:
- November 30, 2023: Calabasas – A Tribute to Abba
- November 17, 2023: Koreatown – A Tribute to Coldplay
- November 18, 2023: Koreatown – A Tribute to Taylor Swift
- November 29, 2023: Koreatown – A Tribute to Adele
- November 29, 2023: Sherman Oaks – The Best of Hans Zimmer
- November 29, 2023: Koreatown – Selections of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons
- November 30, 2023: Sherman Oaks – Sci-Fi and Fantasy Film Soundtracks
- November 30, 2023: Santa Monica – A Tribute to Coldplay
- November 30, 2023: Sherman Oaks – The Best of Joe Hisaishi
5. Enjoy the perfect fall escape at one of these adorable A-frame cabins
Wake up to the sound of hummingbirds and water rushing and watch sunsets from a hot tub in the mountains without traveling too far from the city. Here are three of our favorite spots with adorable A-frame homes to stay in. See the full list of cozy homes here!
6. Go on a foodie adventure full of picnic treats and picturesque views
Foodies and adventure seekers alike — go on a culinary quest with Mystery Picnics! You and your friends will indulge in a self-guided foodie adventure where delectable bites await at every clue you solve. Along the way, you’ll collect gourmet picnic treats and unlock the door to a hidden, picturesque picnic spot far from the hustle and bustle. Download the Fever app and join in Mystery Picnics here!
7. Get tickets to Astra Lumina and discover a mythical realm of brilliant lights, sound, and astral pathways
This enchanting nighttime experience is illuminating the South Coast Botanic Garden. Astra Lumina pulls the solar system down to earth to create a magical galaxy of lighting displays, soundscapes, and motion graphics to immerse yourself in. This night walk series has already blown audiences away around the globe and it promises to be a truly out-of-this-world experience for all. Book your visit here and see what it’s like to roam amongst the stars.
📍Location: South Coast Botanic Garden, 26300 Crenshaw Blvd, Palos Verdes Estates, CA, 90274
8. Make story-tale memories at The Dr. Seuss Experience
Grab the kiddos and dive headfirst into the playful world of the beloved author at this imaginative adventure! With this experience, Dr. Seuss’s beloved storiesc come to life with epic Seussian surprises around every bend. Don’t miss out and grab your tickets to The Dr. Seuss Experience here!
📍Location: 395 Santa Monica Place, Santa Monica, 90401
9. Discover legendary airbrush art at BEYOND THE STREETS & CONTROL Gallery
BEYOND THE STREETS & CONTROL Gallery is 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 — UNDER PRESSURE takes into account the historical significance and evolution of airbrush. Learn more here!
📅When: November 3 — December 23, 2023
📍Location: 434 N La Brea Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90036
10. Step aboard the most iconic ship in history at this breathtaking Titanic Experience
You can walk across the promenade deck of the most famous ship to ever sail the seas. Titanic the Exhibition dives 2 ½ miles below the Atlantic’s surface to uncover the liner’s captivating story like never before. Get your tickets to Titanic the Exhibition here!
📍Location: 4327 Beverly Boulevard, Los Angeles, 90004
11. Step into this Bubble World experience near L.A.
This Bubble World experience is a multi-sensory adventure, transporting you to another universe to explore every imaginable kind of bubble. Step into over 10 immersive rooms, each with its own imaginative theme, and see why it’s one of the best immersive experiences in L.A. Sadly, it leaves early December, so get your tickets to Bubble World now!
🗓 When: Now through December 2023
📍 Location: 1345 N. Montebello Blvd, Montebello, CA 90640
12. Watch it all play put on ice at a Kings game
Whether you’re a sports fan or not, the buzz of a full crowd in the City of Champions cannot be missed. It’s fall after all, which means catching a Kings game is a must! Go Kings, Go — check out their schedule here.
📍Location: Crypto Arena, 1111 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90015
13. Re-discover Tim Burton’s classic film Edward Scissorhands as a jukebox musical with this one-of-a-kind theatrical experience
SCISSORHANDS: A Musical Tribute returns to Los Angeles this holiday season with a six-week run that you don’t want to miss. Featuring the story we all know told in a whole new light, this jukebox musical features music from Lady Gaga, Taylor Swift, Madonna, and more! Click here to learn more about SCISSORHANDS.
📍Location: The Bourbon Room, 6356 Hollywood Boulevard 2nd floor, Los Angeles, 90028
14. Test your tastebuds and elevate your senses at Dining In The Dark
Heighten your senses as you embark on a unique culinary adventure at Dining In The Dark. Studies show that 80% of people eat with their eyes — and with that sense eliminated, the theory is that your other senses (namely, taste and smell) take over to elevate your meal to a whole new level. Get your tickets now to Dining in the Dark and immerse yourself in a mysterious and interactive experience! Grab your seat here to Dining In The Dark.
🗓 When: November 17, 2023
📍 Location: City Club Los Angeles, 555 Flower Street 51st Floor, Los Angeles, 90071
15. Experience Christmas in November at the Hollywood Christmas Parade
Lights, camera — Christmas! Get ready for a glitz-filled extravaganza as the Hollywood Christmas Parade makes its grand return to town. Get swept away by the magic of floats, dazzling performances, and a star-studded spectacle that will make your holiday season truly unforgettable. Don’t miss out on this glamorous celebration of joy, cheer, and Hollywood holiday spirit! Find tickets here.
📍Location: Crypto Arena, 1111 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90015
16. Give the gift of giving by helping out or donating to a local charity
Whether you donate to the LA Food Bank, the LA Mission, or volunteer to help — you can make sure there’s enough cheer, warmth, and food to go around this holiday. You could even gift someone with a donation to give to the charity of their choice. Let’s be honest nothing feels better than helping others.
17. Discover a new kind of dating at Love Isn’t Blind
Love Isn’t Blind is a new dating experiment, where men compete on stage in front of an audience for one lucky bachelorette—but there’s a twist. The men can’t speak. Through a series of competitions—like calling the boys’ moms and looking through their phones—it’s narrowed down to two final men. Finally, you’ll hear their voices, and the lucky winning man and bachelorette are sent to the bar for an immediate date. That isn’t the only love going on either! Audience members are wearing wristbands according to their relationship status, and a wing person (who wears actual wings) helps those of you who are too shy to make a move. Get more info and your tickets here!
🗓️When: Saturday, November 18, 2023 · Doors open at 7:30 p.m. · Show at 8 p.m., after-party to follow
📍 Location: The Cat’s Crawl, 660 N Heliotrope Drive Los Angeles, CA 90004
18. Prepare to be mesmerized by gorgeous rides at the LA Auto Show
Founded in 1907, the Los Angeles Auto Show is one of the biggest and most respected auto shows globally — that brings auto pros and lovers together. Discover the rich automotive heritage and cutting-edge technology by grabbing your tickets here!
📍Location: Crypto Arena, 1111 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90015
19. Keep an eye out for festive lights going up around the city at one of these 10 spots
-
Image by Mission Inn
As we clear away the cobwebs of the spooky season, the holiday spirit is already rolling in the form of shiny baubles and twinkling lights. From as early as mid-November, you can catch the festive displays and lighting popping up around the city. Here are 10 of the best places to see them.
20. Have a cinematic experience at this Academy Museum exhibition
The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures is the world’s premier institution devoted to exploring the art and science of movies and moviemaking. Experience the magic of cinema through the lens of filmmakers, and legendary industry figures. Inside, the museum collection includes some of the most iconic and timeless movie memorabilia in history. Get your tickets to The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures + Significant Movies and Moviemakers Exhibition!
📍Location: 4327 Beverly Boulevard, Los Angeles, 90004
21. Head to this twinkling night market at a century-old lavender farm near L.A.
-
Image courtesy of Highland Springs Ranch & Inn
The picturesque 123 Farm, known for its beautiful swaths of violet flowers over the summer, has a stunning night market. Its towering trees and fields have been 1,000 years in the making and you can continue to enjoy its beauty post the summer blooms. From November 9, 2023 — January 7, 2024, you can stroll through the lavender fields and olive groves draped with lights to enjoy food, live music, games, and unique handmade goods. Find out more this Lavendar Farm here.
22. Head the music, fashion, and food haven at ComplexCon
Music and fashion heads this one’s for you. Every year, thousands from Los Angeles and across the world travel to attend ComplexCon in Long Beach. This perfectly curated festival brings brands and artists together for two days full of style, fashion, art, food, and music. That’s not all the First We Feast Lagoon will also return, bringing you the most delicious, “can’t get them anywhere else” fan-favorite First We Feast and Hot Ones dishes, hosts, and events. Learn more about what to expect at ComplexCon here!
23. Trot and gobble at this Thanksgiving 5K for a good cause
Step into the Thanksgiving morning with a heart full of gratitude and a stride of determination. Join the community for the annual Turkey Trot Los Angeles and be a part of the unforgettable stride where thousands of runners and walkers unite. Lace-up those sneakers and gobble up some miles together for a good cause — and fundraise for The Midnight Mission. Learn more here!
🦃Details: Participate in the 5k, 10k, or a .5 mile Widdle Wobble for kids. Everyone gets a race shirt, sparkly finisher medal, and bib. Register for your spot here!
🏃♂️When: Thanksgiving morning – November 23, 2023, from 8:00 a.m. to noon. Packet pickup opens at 6:30 a.m. on race day.
📍Location: Downtown Los Angeles. The race starts and finishes in front of City Hall at 200 N Spring St, Los Angeles, CA 90012.
24. Laugh it up at Chocolate Sundays at the Laugh Factory
The Laugh Factory is a chain of comedy clubs that can be found in Chicago, Las Vegas, Long Beach, Reno, Scottsdale, and of course, Hollywood. It’s one of the most famous comedy clubs, home to some of the biggest names in stand-up comedy today. We recommend going to the event Chocolate Sundaes which is held every Sunday. You can RSVP here — the entry is free, with the only requirement being a two-drink minimum per person.
📍Location: 8001 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90046
25. Explore these surreal places you won’t believe are in L.A.
-
Image by @thirdeyeshots via IG
Los Angeles is filled with enchanting places, from tiled gems to enchanting structures based on fairytales, every corner offers a new adventure. Many of which will transport you to another city and sometimes another realm. Explore some of our favorite weird and wonderful places across Los Angeles that will make you feel like you’ve stepped into another world here.
26. Catch a glimpse of fall at one of these 6 beautiful spots
Yes, fall does actually happen in L.A., if only for a brief moment. Celebrate the season in Los Angeles everywhere from the local mountains to botanical gardens. Everyone deserves to witness the vivid transition into (slightly) colder months, so check out our guide to the best places to catch a glimpse of fall foliage around L.A. Check out the full list of where to catch fall here.
27. Stock up on late summer reading at one of these 3 incredible libraries
-
Image by @books_cofe via Instagram
In Southern California, bookshops aren’t just about picking up a brilliant tale, they are a whole experience. Here are some of our favorite literary oases that make finding a book just as exciting as reading one.
28. Take a scenic night ride on an Echo Park swan boat
Echo Park Lake is a tranquil paradise, especially during the autumn — where the signature lotus beds and mesmerizing fountain await you. Immerse yourself in one of the best L.A. activities by hopping onto a swan pedal boat for a whimsical adventure on the shimmering water. Cross this off your fall bucket list in Los Angeles, and grab your tickets to the beautiful swan boat on the lake here!
29. Step into a winter wonderland at the Pershing Square Ice Rink
Grab your sweater and put on those ice skates because the Pershing Square Holiday Ice Rink is back! Glide under the twinkling lights, feel the cool breeze on your face, and create unforgettable memories on the ice. Grab your friends, and loved ones for a season filled with laughter, joy, and the magic of outdoor ice skating. Find more info here!
📅When: November 16, 2023 through January 7, 2024
📍Location: 532 South Olive Street, Los Angeles, CA 90013
30. Find yourself in a galaxy far, far away at The Fans Strike Back: A Star Wars Fan Exhibition
Calling all Jedi and Sith alike! Prepare to be immersed in a galaxy far, far away at The Fans Strike Back exhibition. Witness the force of fandom as over 600 cherished Star Wars treasures are showcased. May the ultimate fan experience be with you! Get your tickets to The Fans Strike Back Exhibition here.
📅When: Open now through December 2023
📍Location: 434 N La Brea Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90036, Hollywood
31. Shift your perspective of film at The Academy Museum
Shifting Perspectives: Vertical Cinema challenges the standard perception of creating and enjoying films. Found inside the museum’s double-height Hurd Gallery, Shifting Perspectives offers a unique vertical cinema viewing experience that also honors the spirit of experimentation in cinema. The exhibition also showcases and debuts three incredible works by Southern Californian filmmakers: Zaina Bseiso, Fox Maxy, and Walter Thompson-Hernández. Commissioned by the museum exclusively for this exhibition, these films use a vertical format to explore the topography of a region that is generally perceived to be horizontal—much like cinema itself. Learn more here!
📅When: November 12, 2023 — August 4, 2024
📍Location: 6067 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90036
32. Take up salsa or bachata and dance away in a Victorian club
At night, this ornate Victorian home becomes a vibrant club where you can learn salsa and bachata with incredible Latin music. Dancers of all levels are welcome to groove into the night. Find out more about these exciting classes here!
📅When: Now through December 2023
📍Location: 2640 Main Street, Santa Monica, 90405
33. Make the most out of fall with our bucket list
Contrary to popular belief, the fall season does visit Los Angeles — greeting us with cooler weather, crunchy leaves, and comfy sweaters. Get ready to opt for that warm latte and make the most of this season around the city by checking off our ultimate fall bucket list here!
34. Visit this glass chapel overlooking the Pacific Ocean
-
Image by Amy Theilig via The Wayfarers Chapel
Tucked away in the lush cliffside woods of Palos Verdes is this stunning glass chapel, designed by Lloyd Wright—son of famed American architect Frank Lloyd. It looks like it’s straight out of The Enchanted Isles from The Lord of the Rings, but you don’t have to nerd out to appreciate this stunning place. Find out all the details of this architectural masterpiece here.
35. Grab your tickets to L.A. Comic Con
L.A. Comic Con returns to the Los Angeles Convention Center this December – and we’re absolutely geeked! Every year, thousands of fans flock to the beloved convention to catch the ultimate mash-up of their favorite pop culture things. Don’t miss out by grabbing your tickets now. Find more info on L.A. Comic Con here!
📅When:
- Friday, December 1, 2023
- Saturday, December 2, 2023
- Sunday, December 3, 2023
📍Location: Los Angeles Convention Center, 1201 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90015