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Weekday Event Picks for LA Kids: Happy Hanukkah & Downtown Sing-Along, December 15-19

12/15/14 - By Jacqueline Stansbury

The trees are lit; now it’s time for the menorahs. The eight crazy nights of Hanukkah commence Tuesday, and there are festive lighting ceremonies all over town. Meanwhile, on Olvera Street, the story of Joseph and Mary’s search for an inn is recreated nightly through Christmas Eve. This is the week to celebrate all beliefs and cultures. The kids love it because no matter which direction they turn, a present is involved. It may also be time to check out some giving opportunities. There are many holiday gift drives. While our kids may need a little prompting when it comes to giving, children usually enjoy an opportunity to be benevolent, particularly if it involves choosing a cool toy.

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1. LACMA Free Teen Art Workshop – Monday

The L.A. County Museum of Art brings teaching artists to Koreatown’s Pio Pico Library where they show teens how to create and appreciate art. No teens at your house? Little kids might want to know that Santa and Mrs. Claus are doing a meet and greet in Beverly Hills.

2. First Night of Hanukkah – Tuesday

Time to light the menorah! There are events at The Third Street Promenade, Sherman Oaks Galleria, Fashion Island, and even on Rodeo Drive.

3. Myth Busters – Wednesday

Jamie Hyneman and Adam Savage bust out of the TV and take their show live to the Nokia Theatre in DTLA. This is a two hour program for families that like science and silly. Appropriate for all ages, but possibly not all attention spans.

4. Las Posadas – Thursday

A celebration of Christmas on Olvera Street, Las Posadas is a nightly re-enactment of Joseph and Mary’s search for an inn. The evening begins at the historic Avila Adobe. Bilingual caroling, candles, and a piñata add to the festivities.

5. Music Center Holiday Sing-a-long - Friday

This annual carol singing spree is free, but you need a ticket. It’s first come, first served. Bundle up for some outside holiday singing. Lyrics are provided, so there are no excuses for closed mouths!

About the Author

Jacqueline Stansbury
A native Angeleno, Jackie enjoys revisiting her childhood as a mom and writer for Mommy Poppins. She did a lot of cool stuff as a kid and has newfound respect for her own mom who made that happen without the internet! Today in Los Angeles, some things are gone, some have changed and some, like the grunion, remain exactly the same. In her former life, Jackie was a development executive on the Fox Studios lot where she rounded up writer/director lists and covered screenplays. Mommy Poppins is much more fun. Jackie's kids, Benjamin and Juliet, agree.
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