December offers many special seasonal events which highlight the richness of where we live. Read on and mark your calendars, but please check suitability for family members and confirm dates and times before heading out.

The season of Scandinavian Christmas fairs is wrapping up but not before the SWEA Los Angeles presents its 39th annual Swedish Christmas Fair on Sunday, December 2, in Torrance. It’s a big one that welcomes about 3,000 visitors during the one-day event. Highlights of the fair include a multitude of vendors selling Scandinavian gifts, books, music, handmade crafts, traditional holiday foods, and baked goods as well as traditional entertainment with folk dancing and Lucia pageants.

The Norwegian Church hosts its annual Christmas luncheon on Tuesday, December 4, at 12:00 p.m. Suggested donation is $30 and you have to sign up, but as of November 29, there was still availability. Please contact the church if interested in attending.

This year the Norwegian Church is also hosting Julekonsert, a Christmas concert, on Sunday, December 9, at 2:00 p.m. They are proud to present artists from far and near and even their own band.

And so you can plan ahead, one of my favorite Scandinavian events returns next month. The Scandinavian Film Festival LA opens the weekend of January 5 & 6 in Beverly Hills and continues the weekend of January 19 & 20.

How will you explore the richness of Los Angeles this month?

* THROUGHOUT DECEMBER *

Plaza Film Nights, ICE Skating Rink, Downtown Santa Monica, Wednesdays, until January 16. This films series is driven by the desire to foster a deeper connection between the people of this city and the cultural histories of Santa Monica and Los Angeles at large. With the same spirit of celebration as a holiday movie marathon, Plaza Film Nights will honor the diverse histories of Los Angeles, featuring films rooted in the city’s identity and geography, from Hollywood to Watts, Mulholland Drive to Chinatown, South Central to Beverly Hills and every freeway in between. Plaza Film Nights will take place every Wednesday with an 8:00 p.m. LA-centric film and a 6:00 p.m. family-friendly movie celebrating seasonal traditions.

DTLA Holiday Lights Walking Tour, Meeting Point: Union Station, Downtown LA, Sundays, Wednesday, & Fridays at 6:30 p.m. until December 28. Explore the richness of Downtown LA with the annual DTLA Holiday Lights Tour offered by DTLA Walking Tours. It is a two-hour evening tour of the festive holiday decorations and traditions in Downtown LA. The tour begins at Union Station and highlights include Las Posadas at Olvera Street, Grand Park with its illuminated fountain and Winter Glow (new month-long, immersive nighttime art experience), Walt Disney Concert Hall, Broad Museum, and Pershing Square festivities. Adults $20, children ages 5-12 $5, and children 4 and under free. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit website.

* WEEKEND OF DECEMBER 1 & 2 *

Undiscovered Chinatown Walking Tour, Chinatown, Downtown LA, Saturday, 12/1, 10:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Visit a temple, an herbal shop, art galleries, antique stores, and more! The 2 1/2 hour walking tour will take visitors to a number of off-the-beaten-track points of interest and will guide those interested in shopping to some of Chinatown’s best bargains and its trendiest shops. Wear comfortable walking shoes and be prepared to wind your way through a myriad of alleyways, plaza stalls, and classical courtyards to discover the charm of LA’s Chinatown. Cost $20. Buy tickets at their website.

Origami with Ruthie Kitagawa: Holiday Wreaths and Cards, Japanese American National Museum, Little Tokyo, Downtown LA, Saturday, 12/1, 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Get ready for the holidays and learn from JANM’s resident origami expert Ruthie Kitagawa how to make a holiday-themed origami card and a wreath. Space is limited to 15 participants. Advance ticket purchase is required. $12 non-members, free for JANM members. Museum admission included.

Los Angeles International Children’s Film Festival, Lincoln Heights, Saturday, 12/1, 1:00 pm. – 5:00 p.m. The 14th annual Los Angeles International Children’s Film Festival opens December 1 in Lincoln Heights. See short films and animation from around the world. No advance tickets required. Free admission for everyone. (Next festival date is December 29 in Santa Monica.)

CicLAvia: Heart of LA, Downtown LA, Sunday, 12/2, 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. The annual Heart of LA route is here. CicLAvia returns to DTLA, Chinatown, Little Tokyo, and Boyle Heights. Streets will be closed to cars and open for cyclists, pedestrians, runners and skaters to use as a recreational space. You will enjoy the sights, music, food, and culture that make LA such a vibrant city.

Ancient Greece: Shields and Swords with Greek God Symbols (Barnsdall Art Sundays), Junior Arts Center at Barnsdall Art Park, Hollywood/Los Feliz, Sunday, 12/2, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Experience inspiring, innovative workshops that enrich lives and teach basic visual art skills with highly qualified artist-educators. Each workshop focuses on a global culture, and different media are explored weekly including painting, textile art, printmaking, clay, sculpture, collage, and 3D constructions. Many of the projects celebrate holidays of the diverse community in LA. The program is open to all ages, including children, families, and adults.

39th Annual Swedish Christmas Fair, Torrance Cultural Arts Center, Torrance, Sunday, 12/2, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. The fair features artisans and stands presenting the best of Swedish fine art, handicraft, books, jewelry, toys, decorations, and much more. Enjoy a traditional Swedish lunch or “fika” (coffee break) with delicious home baked sweets. You can even enjoy an invigorating glass of hot glögg (mulled wine). The radiant Lucia Pageant is performed twice during the day, at noon and at 3pm. There’s also a children’s corner with crafts, games, and a possible visit with Santa.

Hanukkah Festival: This Little Light of Mine, Skirball Cultural Center, Los Angeles, Sunday, 12/2, 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine! This celebration of the ancient Jewish festival of light explores the themes of justice, courage, and persistence at the core of the Hanukkah story and the current exhibition Notorious RBG: The Life and Times of Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Enjoy performances, storytelling, hands-on workshops, exhibitions, dining and shopping. Advance ticket purchase recommended.

Fowler Families: Printing with Purpose, Fowler Museum at UCLA, Westwood, Sunday, 12/2, 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Explore the legacy of independent publishing in Mexico City in the exhibition South of No North: Gato Negro Ediciones. Design an original art print to serve as the front cover of your very own booklet—ready to be filled with what’s most important to you!

* WEEKEND OF DECEMBER 8 & 9 *

Medieval France: Illuminated Letters (Barnsdall Art Sundays), Junior Arts Center at Barnsdall Art Park, Hollywood/Los Feliz, Sunday, 12/9, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Experience inspiring, innovative workshops that enrich lives and teach basic visual art skills with highly qualified artist-educators. Each workshop focuses on a global culture, and different media are explored weekly including painting, textile art, printmaking, clay, sculpture, collage, and 3D constructions. Many of the projects celebrate holidays of the diverse community in LA.

Traditional Clothing (Free Second Sunday), USC Pacific Asia Museum, Pasadena, Sunday, 12/9, 11:00 a.m. Explore the role of clothing throughout history and learn about the beautiful garments of Asian culture. Textile experts explain the history of traditional garments from different countries and demonstrate the proper context and wearing of hanbok, kimono, and sari. Enjoy artmaking activities, storytime for kids, and docent tours.

* WEEKEND OF DECEMBER 15 & 16 *

Austria: Klimt Inspired Holiday Cards – Printmaking (Barnsdall Art Sundays), Junior Arts Center at Barnsdall Art Park, Hollywood/Los Feliz, Sunday, 12/16, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Experience inspiring, innovative workshops that enrich lives and teach basic visual art skills with highly qualified artist-educators. Each workshop focuses on a global culture, and different media are explored weekly including painting, textile art, printmaking, clay, sculpture, collage, and 3D constructions. Many of the projects celebrate holidays of the diverse community in LA.

Las Posadas at Olvera Street, El Pueblo Historical Monument, Downtown LA, Sunday, 12/16 – Monday, 12/24, 6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Las Posadas has been a part of Olvera Street since its founding in 1930. Every evening beginning December 16 and continuing through Christmas Eve, the journey of Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem is reenacted with traditional songs, colorful costumes, and vibrant music. Festivities begin with a children’s piñata breaking. Free sweet bread and champurrado are given to all in attendance afterwards. While the event is rooted in Christian and Catholic traditions, it is attended by people from all religious backgrounds, and all are welcome to participate.

Los Angeles Brazilian Film Festival, Hollywood & Santa Monica, Sunday, 12/16 – Thursday, 12/20. The Los Angeles Brazilian Film Festival is recognized as the most prestigious Brazilian film festival outside Brazil. It showcases the best in new Brazilian cinema. Opening Night Gala is in Hollywood, but festival screenings will take place in Santa Monica. See website for details and schedule.

* WEEKEND OF DECEMBER 22 & 23 *

Las Posadas at Olvera Street, El Pueblo Historical Monument, Downtown LA, Sunday, 12/16 – Monday, 12/24, 6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Las Posadas has been a part of Olvera Street since its founding in 1930. Every evening beginning December 16 and continuing through Christmas Eve, the journey of Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem is reenacted with traditional songs, colorful costumes, and vibrant music. Festivities begin with a children’s piñata breaking. Free sweet bread and champurrado are given to all in attendance afterwards. While the event is rooted in Christian and Catholic traditions, it is attended by people from all religious backgrounds, and all are welcome to participate.

Little Tokyo Walking Tour, Japanese American National Museum, Downtown LA, Saturday, 12/22, 10:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. Learn about past and present-day Little Tokyo on a walking tour led by an in-the-know JANM docent. From murals to monuments, explore both the popular and lesser-known gems of this bustling neighborhood. Weather permitting. $12 members, $15 non-members. Museum admission included. Limited to 20 participants.

59th Annual LA County Holiday Celebration, Dorothy Chandler Pavilion of the Music Center, Downtown LA, Monday, 12/24, 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Community and professional choirs, music ensembles, and dance companies representing the diverse cultures and holiday traditions of the region celebrate the season during this free three-hour holiday show. Doors open at 2:30 p.m. First come, first seated. People begin lining up early. The show is also broadcast live in Southern California on PBS SoCal (KOCE) and live streamed on pbssocal.org.

* WEEKEND OF DECEMBER 29 & 30 *

Little Tokyo Walking Tour, Japanese American National Museum, Downtown LA, Saturday, 12/29, 10:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. Learn about past and present-day Little Tokyo on a walking tour led by an in-the-know JANM docent. From murals to monuments, explore both the popular and lesser-known gems of this bustling neighborhood. Weather permitting. $12 members, $15 non-members. Museum admission included. Limited to 20 participants.

Los Angeles International Children’s Film Festival, Santa Monica, Saturday, 12/29, 10:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. The 14th annual Los Angeles International Children’s Film Festival continues at Santa Monica Public Library with more short films and animation from around the world. No advance tickets required. Free admission for everyone. (Festival returns March 29-31, 2019, at WonderCon in Anaheim.)

Feel free to add events for the current month in the comments below. If you have suggestions about future events and celebrations to include in upcoming months, please email the details. Thank you!