The Best Things to Do in Los Angeles this Weekend: Dec. 5-7, 2025

From cultural events to superstar concerts and world-class sports, Discover LA is your go-to source for what's happening in Los Angeles. Be sure to follow @discoverla on Instagram to find out even more about what to do in LA. Read on for the best things to do in LA this weekend, including:

• LA Lakers vs. Dallas Mavericks - Crypto.com Arena
• Holiday Light Festival - Griffith Park
• USC vs. UCLA - LA Coliseum
• Queernissage Holiday Market - Frogtown
• LA Chargers vs. Las Vegas Raiders - SoFi Stadium

Find more events and nearby hotels at the DiscoverLA.com Events Calendar.

Come for the show, stay for the weekend!

Celebrate the holiday season at the SPARKLE DTLA Grand Debut, taking place at The Bloc on Saturday, December 6. Experience the magic of 18 million hues of lights synchronized to festive tunes, hosted by Ryan Manno from KOST 103.5 The Ellen K Morning Show. This event is FREE and open to the community, RSVP at Eventbrite.

• 5pm – 7pm: Festive retailer activations include nail art and live tote bag screen printing, photos with Santa and the Grinch, hot cocoa, face painting, a bracelet bar by the KOST 103.5 street team and more. Visit participating retailers to fill up your SPARKLE Discover Guide and turn it in to the Concierge for your chance to win a $700 gift card!
• 5:20pm: Performance by the Colburn Concert Choir
• 6pm: SPARKLE DTLA Holiday Show
• 6:15pm: Special holiday performance by Jillian Rossi
• 7pm: Winners announced for the $700 Bloc retailer gift card and retailer wreath decorating contest

'Tis the season for the annual holiday movie screening at Walt Disney Concert Hall! Written and produced by John Hughes, Home Alone (1990) stars Macaulay Culkin as Kevin McCallister, an 8-year-old boy who's accidentally left behind when his family leaves for Christmas vacation. Kevin must defend his home against two bumbling thieves (played by Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern) in this modern classic directed by Chris Columbus. The weekend of December 5-7, John Williams' Oscar-nominated score for Home Alone - featuring the signature song "Somewhere in My Memory" - will be performed live-to-picture at WDCH, conducted by David Newman with the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra. Evening and matinee performances each day.

It’s been seven years since Pachanga Boys last played Los Angeles. The esteemed DJ duo of Superpitcher and Rebolledo return on Friday, December 5, to play an open-to-close set under the 6th Street Bridge. Tickets at Dice.

With a string of new singles, including the infectious “Waiting for Love,” out now, Norwegian pop singer Anna of the North plays The Roxy on Friday, December 5.

Now in its tenth year, The Big Fat Broadway Show has become an annual holiday tradition that brings together Broadway performances for a one-night-only revue to raise funds for Hope the Mission.

Colombian rock greats Aterciopelados are touring in support of their latest album, Genes Rebeldes. Catch them at The Regent on Saturday, December 6.

Mexican ska favorites Tijuana No! head to Boyle Heights on Saturday, December 6 for an all-ages show at The Paramount. Tickets at Dice.

Physical media fest Analog Outlaw returns to 2220 Arts + Archives on Saturday, December 6, with three rooms full of vinyl, VHS, magazines and oh so many books. Vendors for the 18+ event include indie label Yoga Records, horror zine Midnight Companions, MutMuz Gallery and many more.

On Saturday, December 6, The Autry presents the Western Wonderland Holiday Extravaganza from 11am to 5pm.

Take a Photo with Santa Claus

• 1-3pm: Autry Members Only
• 3-5pm: General Public and Members

Santa's Christmas Village

• Kids Crafts and Games - Create your own holiday ornament
• Candy Playland bouncy house and slide on The Autry backlot
• Ice Castle bouncy house on The Autry backlot
• Holiday classics and Americana performed live by Michael Sullivan
• Hot cocoa, apple cider, holiday cookies and treats available for purchase

Glitterbox, the famed international house and disco party, heads to Los Angeles on Saturday, December 6, for a night at Avalon Hollywood with DJs Louie Vega, Heidi Lawden, Yasmin, Shaun Ross and more to be announced.

For holiday shopping in the San Fernando Valley head to the Village Holiday Market at Los Angeles Valley College on Saturday, December 6. In addition to 100+ vendors, the event will include plenty of photo ops with afternoon visits from Santa Claus, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and Frosty the Snowman.

Spanning Windward Avenue at Pacific, the Venice Sign is a modern-day replica of the original that was installed in 1905 by Abbot Kinney, the legendary founder of the "Venice of America."

Now in its 14th year, the Venice Sign Holiday Lighting has become a beloved tradition, when the Venice Sign's lights change from white to red and green for the holidays. Windward Avenue east of Pacific Avenue will be closed for the free, family-friendly event, which will take place from 6pm to 9pm on Saturday, December 6. The festivities start at 6:15pm on Windward and the holiday lighting is scheduled for 8pm.

Looking for the perfect holiday gift for your fur baby? Check out the local vendors at the Pawliday Pet Market, taking place at the Wallis Annenberg Petspace from 11am to 3pm on Saturday, December 6. Shop for everything from gourmet dog treats to eco-friendly pet care products to art and accessories. Santa will also be at the Petspace for photo ops.

For the best guide to what's happening in Los Angeles, visit the Discover LA Events Calendar and book your stay today!