Christmas Eve is best spent downtown at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion at the 55th Annual L.A. County Holiday Celebration. This musical evening of choirs and dance is free—even the parking. If Christmas is your holiday, then you don’t need me to tell you what to do on Friday. If, however, it is not, there is one thing I find particularly enticing: I’ve still never been there and am dying to go to The Bunny Museum in Pasadena. Pack up some lettuce and carrots and hop on over to feed the bunnies a holiday meal!

Regardless of how or what you celebrate, Mommy Poppins has it covered in our Daily Events Calendar, December Go List, and Holiday Guide.

1. Back to Bethlehem – Monday
St. Stephen’s church in Chatsworth re-creates the birth of Christ in a lifelike setting that includes Romans collecting taxes, live animals in the manger, three wise men, and even a young couple with a baby.
See all Monday events

2. Las Posadas – Tuesday
On Olvera Street, Joseph and Mary’s search for shelter is re-enacted in a candlelight procession. Las Posadas is a nightly occurrence each of the nine days leading up to Christmas. Carols are sung in Spanish and English and Mexican hot chocolate and sweet bread are free and served to all. Restaurants close early, so don’t count on being able to get dinner.
See all Tuesday events

3. Cruise of Lights – Wednesday
It is possible to enjoy the holiday lights on the homes in Huntington Harbor for free, but there is something special about boarding a boat and gliding past all the glitter knowing that your ticket is supporting Youth Music Education.
See all Wednesday events

4. 55th Annual L.A. County Holiday Celebration – Thursday
‘Tis the season when we all just spend, spend, spend. How nice of our city to treat us to a free afternoon and evening of music and merriment that even includes free parking.
See all Thursday events

5. The Bunny Museum – Friday
The Bunny Museum is usually accessible by appointment only, but on Christmas and other holidays no pre-planning is required. If you don’t live near Pasadena, think about how quickly you will get there with everybody else home doing the Christmas thing.
See all Friday events

There are always plenty more activities on our Daily Events Calendar and in our monthly GoList. And if you don’t receive our newsletters full of suggestions for family fun, you really should subscribe…it’s free!