This Week's Picks: Guilty Pleasure and Lights, Lights, Lights December 1-5

12/1/14 - By Jacqueline Stansbury

'Tis the season. Christmas is officially a fall holiday these days, and Black Friday was really Thanksgiving Thursday. The madness has begun. I say mom deserves a break in the form of a Monday Morning Mommy Movie. If you cooked last week and start shopping this week, give yourself a break on Monday. 

For those of you who love holiday cheer but refuse to celebrate on the merchants’ accelerated schedule, your patience has been rewarded. Though much of the Southland started lighting up in November, there are still a few tree lighting events for those of us who prefer to celebrate Christmas in December. Sherman Oaks, Culver City, Hermosa Beach, Burbank and Long Beach all illuminate this week. What else is on the calendar? Read on for our picks.

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1. Horrible Bosses 2 – Monday

Disclaimer up front: this is an R-rated movie and not appropriate for little ones old enough or awake enough to be focusing on the screen. But for moms who are home with babies, Mommy Movies can be a godsend. Pacific Theatres (The Grove, Culver Stadium, etc) offers a Monday Matinee at which babies are welcome, the sound is quieter, and the lights brighter. If this is when your baby nurses or naps, it’s the perfect opportunity to catch a fun adult flick (with a great cast!), where no one will make you feel bad if your baby wakes up. If your Monday outing needs to be more about the kids, though, try the Reindeer Romp at the LA Zoo.

2. Mary Marionettes – Tuesday

Take a break from shopping Tuesday at this free and festive holiday show for kids at the South Bay Galleria. Also, even though I pick it pretty much every every month, don’t forget that the first Tuesday of the month is LEGO Model Build and giveaway day at the LEGO Store.

3. Tree Lighting – Wednesday

Parking is $20, but admission to CHILL in Long Beach (excluding skating, tubing, and ice kingdom) is free for the 21st lighting of the town's Christmas tree. Entertainment includes magic shows, an ice show, singing, dancing, and Santa Claus. For Valley girls and guys, there is also a holiday tree lighting at the Sherman Oaks Galleria.

4. Create a Craft Snow Globe – Thursday

Kids can create and take home a winter wonderland at the Ocean Park Branch of the Santa Monica Library. Enjoy a quiet craft break during this season of hustle and bustle and check out some books for down time by the fire.

5. Boat Parade of Lights – Friday

The free annual event at the wharf in Dana Point is a treat for the eyes. Orange County boat owners light up and compete for prizes awarded by kids.

There's plenty more fun to be found on our daily events calendar. Have a wonderful week!