This week boasts a myriad of ways to get into the merry spirit as various organizations and community members will be gathering for celebrations, toy drives and dance parties.
Ring in the holigays with Adelita’s Revenge at Viento y Agua Friday night with a party that will feature poetry, open mic performances, music and more.
There are multiple chances to get help during the holidays as food distributions and toy giveaways fill up the weekend for families in need. Saturday there will be food distribution for our neighbors experiencing homelessness and a toy giveaway hosted by Centro CHA for children under 12 years old. Food and toy distributions continue Sunday, as well as a night market and a fundraiser for a local furry friend.
Residents can also celebrate Christmas traditions Filipino-style at Saturday’s Parol Lantern Festival or take part in a holiday dance party that night at Clancy’s Irish Pub. Celebrations continue Monday night at the Alpert Jewish Community Center, where residents can watch the lighting of the first candle on the menorah by Rabbi Perelmuter.
As always, your local libraries have free events for residents of all ages including film screenings, a holiday wreath workshop and a holiday-themed story time for children and parents.
Friday 12/16
Arts Film Series: 1:30 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. The public is invited to the Billie Jean King Main Library (200 W. Broadway) for a screening of the 1971 film “Fiddler on the Roof,” which tells the story of a Jewish milkman trying to find husbands for his three daughters in 1910 among the anti-semitism and oppression of czarist Russia. Free.
Holigays: 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Speak Out LA and Adelita’s Revenge invite the public to enjoy poetry, music, an open mic, performances and more at Viento y Agua (4007 E 4th St.). Free.
Saturday 12/17
Bread and Oil: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Volunteers are needed to help distribute food to their neighbors experiencing homelessness during this event by Sharifah Hardie and other nonprofits. Volunteers should meet at 1127 Olive Ave. Free.
Parol Lantern Festival: 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. A holiday celebration honoring the Christmas traditions of the Filipino culture at 345 E Carson St. Attendees will be able to purchase Filipino food from vendors, admire an installation of parols (traditional lanterns made around Christmas), enjoy live entertainment and more. Free to attend.
Dalmatian Meet Up: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dalmatians and their humans are invited to socialize together at Rosie’s Dog Beach (5000 E Ocean Blvd.). Free.
A December to Remember: Noon to 4 p.m. Toys will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis to children under 12 years old by Centro CHA and other nonprofits. COVID-19 and flu vaccines will be available for those 5 years old and up. Free.
La Posada Del Oeste: 3:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. West Coast Glass Gallery invites the community to 1329 W 14th St. to enjoy live music, local vendors, giveaways and more. To enter, pay a $20 fee or donate a $20 toy.
Clancy’s Christmas Dance Party: 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Those 21 and over are invited to Clancy’s Irish Pub (803 E Broadway St.) to enjoy drink specials, dancing, music, raffles, giveaways and more. Admission is free.
Sunday 12/18
Cavalier King Charles Meet Up: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Cavalier King Charles and their humans are invited to socialize together at Signal Hill Dog Park (3100 California Ave.). Free.
4th Annual Toy Giveaway: Noon to 3 p.m. Children in need are invited to 5919 Atlantic Ave. to receive holiday toys. Free.
Food Distribution: 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. The Puente Latino Association will distribute toys and food to 150 individuals or families in need at Ramona Park (3301 E. 65th St.). Attendees are asked to bring their own shopping bags. Free.
Dani and Dave’s Fundraiser Event: 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. This fundraiser will help pay for the vet bills of a local dog named Dave who was recently diagnosed with cancer. The Executive Suite (3428 E Pacific Coast Hwy) will charge $5 for entry and a raffle will be held inside with all the proceeds going towards Dave’s vet bills.
Winter Solstice Night Market: Local storefront ReCircle Home (501 E Broadway) will be hosting multiple small business vendors selling art, plants, soap, teas, incense and more. Live music will be provided by local artist Joy Shannon. Free to attend.
Monday 12/19
Research for Starting, Managing, and Growing Your Business: 11 a.m. to noon. Entrepreneurs and business owners are invited to learn how to use Reference Solutions, a free program available at the library, to help them start, manage and grow a business. Registration is required for this event. To register, visit https://register.gotowebinar.com/rt/6932781878054041870. Free.
Chanukah Candle Lighting: 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. The public is invited to watch the lighting of the first candle on the menorah by Rabbi Perelmuter at the Alpert Jewish Community Center in honor of Chanukah (3801 E Willow St.). Free.
Tuesday 12/20
Citizenship 101: 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Centro CHA will give a presentation on the process to become a United States citizen at the Burnett Neighborhood Library (560 E. Hill St.). After the presentation, attendees will be able to ask questions. Free.
Book Club Film Series: 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. The public is invited to the Billie Jean King Main Library (200 W. Broadway) for a screening of the 2017 British biographical dramedy “The Man Who Invented Christmas,” which tells the story of Charles Dickens writing his book “A Christmas Carol.” Free.
Wednesday 12/21
Holiday Story Time: 11 a.m. to noon. Parents and caregivers are invited to bring children to the Los Altos Neighborhood Library (5614 Britton Dr.) to enjoy holiday-themed stories and crafts. Free.
Winter Wellness Event: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. People and families in need are invited by Project CAN to receive free personal protective equipment, toys, household items, food and more at 2025 E 7th St. To receive a toy, each child must be present. Attendees are asked to wear a mask and register for this event. To register, call (562) 732-3201. Free.
Thursday 12/22
HIV Testing: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. HIV testing will be provided at the intersection of 52nd St. & Atlantic Ave. Free.
Holiday Wreath Workshop: 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Sheena Langub of Rooted Harmony will teach a workshop on how to create holiday wreaths using flowers at Los Altos Neighborhood Library (5614 Britton Dr.). Participants are asked to register for the workshop as space is limited to 15 participants. To register for the event, visit the city’s website. Free.
This article was updated on Dec. 19 to correct an image for the Chanukah Candle Lighting from a kinara, which is used to celebrate Kwanzaa, to a minorah, which is used to celebrate Hanukkah.