5 Things To Do This Weekend
Gifting, caroling, eating, more eating, redistributing
QUICK UPDATE FOR KCRW MEMBERS: We have a 15% discount code for LA Zoo Lights (15% off) and Bob Baker Marionette Theater’s Winter Wonderland show. The best way to access the discount code is through the KCRW app, where you can see all current member discounts.
Visit a local holiday market this Saturday, Dec. 20th
Still need to get gifts and want to avoid Amazon? KCRW’s Frances Anderton mentioned three makers markets in her Design & Architecture newsletter this week that are worth checking out:
Sunshine Makers Market at the Helms Design District, 11:00 AM–4:00 PM
Holiday Artisan Market at The Chocolate Dispensary in Echo Park, 4:00–8:00 PM
MAUM at ROW DTLA, 11:00 AM–4:00 PM
See Carols for Kids at the Walt Disney Concert Hall this Saturday, Dec. 20th
Specially designed for kids under six, the inaugural family-friendly Carols for Kids is for both singers and wigglers. The performance features favorite childhood carols sung by a 62-person choir and Youth Chorus LA in an iconic LA venue. The event also has holiday-themed activities, including photos with Santa, which will take place in BP Hall at Walt Disney Concert Hall prior to the concert. Tickets are still available!
Carols for Kids is at 11:00 AM.
Festival of Carols is at 2:00 PM.
Eat at one of LA Times ‘100 Best Restaurants’
Sneak in a last-minute date night or say eff it, we’re bringing the kids — either way, take advantage of the fact that we live in one of the best food cities in the world. Check out the list, which includes many casual, non-reservation spots, and try something new. If you don’t have an LA Times subscription, a nice person posted the list on Reddit. I personally love RVR Venice for dates, and it looks like there are some avails this weekend on Resy.
Or just focus on getting really good pancakes
Khushbu Shah, writer of the newsletter Tap Is Fine! and contributing editor to Food & Wine, went on KCRW’s Good Food podcast to talk about where to get the best pancakes in Los Angeles. Give it a listen and plan accordingly.
Create an exit ramp for old toys and clothes
In LA, gift overload is both emotional and spatial. Many of us in smaller homes, apartments, and shared spaces with limited storage may experience an overwhelming feeling of “WE HAVE TOO MUCH STUFF” during the holidays. Consider some redistribution before acquiring new gifts. Ideas from parent friends:
Post on neighborhood Buy Nothing groups — stuff usually moves fast.
Keep a “next family” box in the trunk of your car. Makes transfers to a friend, coworker, or a Buy Nothing pickup easy.
Build a hand-me-down pipeline with a friend whose kid is younger than yours. If you don’t know anyone, I bet I can find one for you!
Create a “purgatory” box for toys that aren’t used and keep it out of sight. If your kid has not asked for it in a month (or whatever duration you choose), pass it on to a new family.
Ask grandparents or other regular caretakers if they have space, and the toys can now be a “special Nonna’s house” item.
Maybe we could use Substack chat to help with some redistribution? I have a lot of 0-12M clothes and baby toys to pass along.
It’s the last newsletter of the year! I appreciate you all for coming along for the ride. We’re planning more family-friendly KCRW events (perhaps another Summer Nights Jr.), and would love some input. What kind of family activities would be most entertaining and useful for you?
Give it some thought. And I’ll see you next year. Happy holidays!
Nathalie
Mother, Team KCRW
PS: If you haven’t yet, subscribe and forward this to a fellow LA parent. :)
 | A guest post by
|
Best pancakes in LA? Yes, puh-lease. Great ideas all around!