Wednesday, December 10, 2025

Shogun Santa Dec 20-21, 11am-3pm

 

Shogun Santa returns to Little Tokyo later this month. We just wanted to give you a heads up because you only have one weekend to take photos with the jolly samurai warrior. You only have Dec 20-21, 11am-3pm at the Village Plaza to get pics with Shogun Santa.


 

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Weekly What To Do: Game Awards Or Not It's Still The Holidays

 
Holiday Happenings: 
 
Dec 10 from 8pm to 11:30pm
Killer Fitness
822 N Hollywood Way
$13

Deathcember is an anthology horror film structured like a cinematic Advent calendar, featuring 24 short films from different international directors, with one released each day leading up to Christmas. The shorts explore the darker side of the festive season through various subgenres of horror, including splatter and black comedy. The segments are connected by animated segments about the advent calendar itself.

HORROR MOVIE SURVIVAL GUIDE PRESENTS: DEATHCEMBER
SPECIAL GUESTS IN PERSON:
BARBARA CRAMPTON
TIFFANY SHEPIS
MATT MERCER
MARC GOTTLIEB
JIM OJALA
SAM WINEMAN
 
Friday, December 12, 7pm - 11pm
Saturday, December 13, 7pm - 11pm
Janss Marketplace
285 N. Moorpark Road
Thousand Oaks, CA 91360 
$42.99 and up
 
The haunt you love returns for a chilling dose of holiday spirit! Step inside Reign of Terror as it's transformed with festive lights, eerie carols, and sinister holiday surprises lurking behind every wreath. It's the same massive, award-winning haunted house—just wrapped in tinsel, snow, and screams.
 
Dec. 12–23
San Pedro Fish Market
Two locations
 
Taking place December 12–23, guests can celebrate the season with 12 days of festive World Famous Shrimp Trays, holiday offerings and exclusive seasonal specials available at the Long Beach location and the newly opened Landing in San Pedro. The family-friendly celebration is the quintessential SoCal holiday experience, featuring fresh seafood, sparkling coastline views and live music—the perfect backdrop for gathering with loved ones.
 
December 12 – 14 The parade begins nightly at 6:30 p.m. 
Dana Point Harbor 34571 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, CA
 
Free
The highly anticipated 50th Annual Boat Parade of Lights returns this holiday season from December 12 - 14. The parade starts at 6:30 p.m. nightly near the Wharf and features the theme Golden Jubilee - Carol of the Boats. Boaters will deck out their vessels for a chance to win $10,000 in cash prizes across different award categories courtesy of Dana Point Harbor Partners. Award categories include Best Use of Theme, People’s Choice, Supervisor’s Cup, Mayor’s Cup and more. The public is welcome to view the parade from the boardwalk and parkscapes, reserve a table with a view from one of the harbor’s waterfront restaurants, or hop aboard a special boat parade charter.
 
Saturday, December 13, 2025
Santa Monica
Tickets start at $20 for GA or $40 for VIP Route Hopper and $15 for Sober Santa (N/A - designated driver route). Wristbands include $6-9 drink specials, discounted food items, 1 free drink (while supplies last), priority entry, free cover charges, DJs and live entertainment, and entry into Santa's official after-party. A portion of all proceeds benefits the Westside Food Bank. 

More than 20 bars and restaurants across the city will come together to offer exclusive $6-$9 drink specials and discounted food items to those with the official pub crawl wristband. In addition, the ticket also includes free entry into all locations, 1 free drink (first 500 ppl), DJs, beer gardens, costume contests, prizes, and entry into Santa's Official After Party at 1212 when both routes collide for one epic dance party and holiday celebration. This year, in celebration of the City of Santa Monica's 150th anniversary, there will also be a Block Party on Third Street Promenade in the new "Entertainment Zone "with outdoor stages, DJs, beer garden, and winter-themed pop-up bars. 

Sat • Dec 13, 2025 • 5:00 PM
Kia Forum
3900 W. Manchester Blvd., Inglewood 90305
$tarts at $78

Featuring bands like Evanescence, Papa Roach, Social Distortion, Rise Against, The All-American Rejects, Third Eye Blind, Yellowcard, Wet Leg, and The Paradox. Proceeds benefit two youth education charities: the Al Wooten Jr. Youth Center and Para Los NiƱos.
 

Join us on Saturday 12/13 for SANTA VILLAGE!! Vendors! Pinball! Tattoos! FREE cookies and cocoa! AN MORE!! 
 
A Christmas Card from John C. Reilly in Los Angeles
A Holiday Toast to Peace and Tom Waits
Saturday, Dec 13, 2025 
Largo at the Coronet
366 N La Cienega Blvd, Los Angeles, CA, 90048
$50.00

Dec 13 at 7pm
Don Quixote
2811 East Olympic Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90023
$17.85
 
Lucha Goth Haus - Noche De Krampus - Lucha Libre, Live Music, Dark Arts Performance, Toy Drive and After Party

 
12 Guests of Xmas - Doug Loves Movies
Monday, Dec 15, 2025, 7:30 PM PST - 9:00 PM PST
Dynasty Typewriter
2511 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90057
doors: 6:30pm | 18+ General Admission
Tickets: $20 General Admission / $25 Day of Show
 
Comedian Doug Benson hosts a special holiday edition of his podcast Doug Loves Movies where he invites 12 (or more) guests to join him on stage for a massive Xmas movie trivia competition. Bring a movie themed name tag for a chance to win a sackful of presents!
 
 
 

Oh. What. Fun. with The Bird and the Bee & Friends
Monday, Dec 15, 2025 
Show: 8:00PM
Largo at the Coronet
366 N La Cienega Blvd, Los Angeles, CA, 90048
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Normal Stuff: 
 
 
December 11, 2025
Event Starts 4:30PM Doors Open 3:30pm 
Peacock Theater
1111 S. Figueroa Street.
 $376 - $2,510
 
Tickets went way up this year for the world's leading video game trailer event. Yes, you can see it for free online everywhere or you can pay to...enjoy L.A. Live. Oh, so tack on parking.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
THE END IS NEW
Calla Henkel and Max Pitegoff
DEC 11-13, THU-SAT, 8 PM
Redcat 
631 W 2ND ST,
LOS ANGELES, CA 90012
$27*

This new play follows a film editor who is hired to take over the project of a recently deceased documentary filmmaker. Alone and haunted by the material, the editor attempts to navigate endless footage in hopes of finding meaning in a dramatic collective of once united characters. When the composer arrives, ready to score the film, the entire narrative begins to tilt – and the uneasy truths of the past lash out.
 
Dec 13 from 10am to 3:30pm
Million Dollar Theater
307 South Broadway
Los Angeles, CA 90013
$8 – $16
 
10a BARBARELLA (1968, dir by Roger Vadim, w/ Jane Fonda, John Phillip Law, David Hemmings, Anita Pallenberg, Paramount 98mns, USA, 35mm)

1p DANGER DIABOLIK (1968, dir by Mario Bava, w/ John Philllip Law, Michell Piccoli, Paramount, 105mns, USA, 35mm)

*SPECIAL NOTE: This is a Secret Movie Club holiday party! Come in costume. Come ready to celebrate the holidays with two 60's psychedelic classics. On 35mm. In a movie palace. We'll make it fun. You just bring yourselves and your love of cinema. 
 
Dec 14 from 4pm to 11:45pm
The Million Dollar Theater, 307 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90013
$8 – $21
 
3 vampire movies. 3 lim edit posters just for SMC by phenom Frederick Cooper. 4p Coppola's DRACULA 7p UNDERWORLD 930p INTERV W/ A VAMPIRE
 
December 14, 2025 - April 18, 2027
NHM 900 Exposition Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90007 
 Free with general admission or for Members. 
 
Join us at NHM to experience our newest exhibition showcasing some of the rarest and most spectacular mineral specimens ever discovered. Unearthed reveals the beauty of minerals and crystals in their natural state, with some on view for the very first time.

Visitors will descend into a world of mystery and wonder to learn about the science behind minerals, crystals, gems, and rocks, emerging with a deeper understanding that minerals are everywhere—from distant caves to our homes and even our bones.  
 
 

 Like art, animation & pop culture? On December 14th, Sunday, 2025, come visit our ARTIST ALLEY EVENT at @GameRealms in Burbank California!

Event Date: December 14th, Sunday, 2025
 
 
 Even More To Do:
 
Oct 5, 2025 – Mar 1, 2026
HAMMER MUSEUM
10899 Wilshire Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA
90024
Free for good

Made in L.A. 2025 is the seventh iteration of the Hammer’s signature biennial exhibition that showcases artists practicing throughout the greater Los Angeles area. The 28 participants in the exhibition present work not only made in the city but also grounded in its complex and unfolding terrain. Neither myth nor monolith, Los Angeles is many things to many people, and its dissonance is perhaps its most distinguishing feature. The works presented in this year’s biennial include film, painting, theater, choreography, photography, sculpture, sound, and video. Attitude draws them together: Each engages with this city in ways alternately literal, formal, material, and metaphoric. Conceived or made in Los Angeles, they are of this city and nowhere else.
 
 
Oct 21, 2025–Jan 25, 2026
Getty Center
Museum West Pavilion, Plaza Level
Free
All exhibitions are included in your free, timed-entry reservation to Getty. Reservations are available six weeks in advance. Please note, there is a fee for parking.
 
 Drawing is a skill, gained like any other through study and practice. Combining the movement of the hand with the dedication of the mind, drawing was considered the foundation of the arts of painting, sculpture, and architecture since the Renaissance. Proficiency in drawing was critical for exploring, inventing, and communicating ideas visually, but how was this foundational ability actually learned? This exhibition explores artistic training and the mastery of drawing in Europe from about 1550 to 1850.
 
  
Free Hours at the Autry
Every Tuesday and Wednesday from 1-4 p.m.
Update: During this Wildfire season, The Autry closes off, please check day of event

Let the Autry cover your next visit with Free Hours at the Autry. Every Tuesday and Wednesday from 1-4 p.m. will be free to all Autry visitors. Enjoy access to all the Autry's exhibitions including Imagined Wests, Reclaiming El Camino and more by reserving your spot today!
 

Thanks to the generous support of the Autry Foundation, Free Hours at the Autry* are every Tuesday and Wednesday from 1-4 p.m.
 
UCB, a cheapo comedy show almost every night, see comedians before they make podcasts and have
stories about the UCB and before they hit the big time.



 
Sat, Aug 30, 2025 - Sat, Dec 27, 2025
9:00 am - 2:00 pm every Sat
Isamu Noguchi Plaza
244 S. San Pedro Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Free
 
"Join us at the Little Tokyo Farmers’ Market, a vibrant new Saturday tradition in the heart of Little Tokyo. Presented in partnership by JACCC and Food Access LA, this weekly market brings together fresh, affordable produce, rich cultural experiences, and meaningful community connection."
 

 

American Cinematheque-A celebrated independent theater group that brings both the talent and catalog of films to make for some of LA's best movie nights.
 

Street Food Cinema-Outdoor cult or recent hits you'll love.

Check out classics and cult movies just a few stories above street level. Rooftop Movies at The MontalbƔn. & Rooftop Cinema Club

 New Bev-Tarantino owned independent theater with old school style
 
Brain Dead Studios-manages to fill its schedule almost every night
611 N Fairfax Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90036
 
Vidiots -A one-of-a-kind hub for film lovers, filmmakers, and everyone curious about cinema. A small theater is more than made-up for with the constant content and special screenings.
4884 Eagle Rock Blvd
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Tuesday, December 9, 2025

Mega 64 Christmas Cast Dec 14, 2025

Our favorite annual holiday event. The boys and their friends over at Mega 64 have a disgusting food eating contest for the holidays. And, it takes place this Hanukkah 1st night. 

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Adult Swim’s “The Elephant” Dec 19th & Jesus 2

The people who created Adventure Time and other cartoons you might have seen have a really weird  experimental cartoon coming out Dec 19th where they each did a part of a cartoon. Giving them total creative freedom, not usually the best idea as they can make utter nonsense. On that note.


 Adventure Time alumni, Jesse Moynihan's short JESUS 2 is on YouTube until Dec 12th. It's insane, crazy animation and NSFW.

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Monday, December 8, 2025

Anime Hype: Otaku USA Magazine Only 2 Issues A Year & Lupin the IIIRD: The Movie - The Immortal Bloodline

 

 
ANN is reporting..., and after I seem to be missing an issue, that Otaku USA Magazine is switching from four issues a year to two. There supposed to be two big issues, but still, not the greatest news. The web-site also stopped producing articles back in September.
 
Generally, I'm not happy how this is unfolding or how it switched to four issues a year or two ago. The web-site doesn't indicate anywhere what's going on or why it's stopped having new content and at the same time as a subscriber I was not informed of this.
 
Other than the ANN article, I don't see any information about the changes to Otaku USA. 
 
It's also weird that Joseph Luster, Editor and writer Patrick Macias, veterans of the anime industry haven't really shared any of this news via their social media channels. Not sure what this means or if they can't comment for some reason, but for long time fans of their work it's not the greatest way to go about connecting to them.
 
 

 

Didn't expect to see this in theaters, woah. 

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The Game Awards Staute Is Gone

 

Tried to see it for ourselves Sunday, Dec 7th and can tell you it's been removed. It would have been nice if there was some notice. It was apparently there until Dec 6th as the latest we can tell via social media.

What was nice was seeing other gamers looking for it. We came around 30 minutes before sunset and saw other fans combing the area. Everyone we met was friendly and helpful trying to figure out where this giant statue was.

Anyway, here's how utterly f'd the awards process is for The Game Awards. See it's nonsesne this Thursday.
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Friday, December 5, 2025

Hallmark Christmas Movies Are Insane This Year: 2025 Guide

 


Where do we event start this year? Oh, ladies, gentleman, it was fun, just going through Hallmark's, Lifetime's and now Netflix's calendar of pure cringe, utter nonsense holiday programming. We sat by our screens and looked through their guides and saw, well, some truly strange ideas that we're sharing with you now.

Now Streaming on Hallmark+ 

The Gist: So, two angels are in a fight over how to make a couple fall in love over Christmas. And, they might fall in love too...This might...I mean, it's just such an insane concept, something maybe that could have been made in the black and white days of movie pictures...with like one angel. Instead, I think it'll be meta commentary on how predictive Hallmark movies are as the angels battle it out with endless couples falling in love scenarios.
 
Real Synopsis: Monica (Ory) and Michael (Ayres) are Christmas Angels tasked with bringing destined soulmates together during the most magical season of all. Typically, Angels work alone, but when the Christmas Connection Department faces the threat of downsizing, Monica and Michael are unexpectedly paired to ensure Daisy and Patrick fall in love before Christmas. The partnership isn’t without its challenges: Monica is a by-the-book traditionalist who follows every heavenly rule, while Michael embraces spontaneity and delights in earthly joys like hot chocolate, snowball fights, and holiday dancing. Their clashing styles – and the undeniable spark growing between them – complicate their mission. As Christmas Eve draws near, Monica and Michael worry that their differences will keep them from completing their mission in time. But just when it seems all hope is lost, a surprising turn of events changes everything – leading to a Christmas connection no one saw coming. 

Now Streaming on Hallmark+ 
 

 
 
The Gist: A lady marketing executive might find love in New York when she takes co-ownership of a cat cafe with a sexy veterinarian man. An outlandish premise to get people into a cat cafe for a Christmas romance, yes.
 
Real Synopsis: Olivia Pierce (Cahill) is a marketing executive from Oakland, California who is this close to realizing her dream of purchasing a condo, but she’s a bit short on the down payment. When she learns that her late great aunt left her half of a cat cafĆ© in upstate New York she thinks it’s the Christmas miracle she needed – as long as she can sell and close the deal before the holidays. Olivia’s plan hits a bump in the road when she meets Dr. Ben Kane (Campbell), the veterinarian who owns the other half. The cafĆ© serves an important role in the town – helping homeless cats find forever homes – and he has no intention of closing up shop. Christmas is the most important time of the year as they plan many activities to help raise funds and get them into the black. Olivia and Ben strike a deal – she agrees to help him plan the fundraising events at the cafĆ© over the next three weeks in exchange for Ben promising not to drag his heels on selling at the end of that time. Unless, Ben notes, she ends up changing her mind – a lot can happen in three weeks, after all. As they work together and a spark between them grows, Olivia becomes part of the neighborhood, gains an appreciation for the cafĆ©’s adorable feline inhabitants and what it means to Ben, as well as to the entire community. And when she learns the surprising reason her great aunt opened the cafĆ© in the first place, that just might be the cat-alyst for change that will give them all a Merry Christmas.
 

Fan poster

Real poster

 

Streaming on Netflix 
 
 
The Gist: It's Mrs.Doubtfire, but it's a women pretending to be Santa at a ski resort. WHAT! It's over getting a good deal on ski lessons for her daughter, not even just seeing her kids like in Mrs. Doubtfire.
*Love the shadier fan poster 
 
Real Synopsis: 
A vivacious single-mom (Alexandra Breckenridge) in need of a job decides to disguise herself as a man in order to get hired as the seasonal Santa at a luxury ski resort. But when she starts to fall in love with the hotel manager (Ryan Eggold), complications develop that could ruin everything.


Now Streaming on Hallmark+ 

 

The Gist: From looking at the poster above without the title and just seeing a ghost that looks like Morpheus on the wing would you get it's a take on A Christmas Carol with a hot female Ebenezer Scrooge on a plane? No? Well, you aren't my friend who got it in one. 
 
Real Synopsis: When workaholic CEO Ella Neezer tries to skip Christmas by flying to Australia, she’s in for the flight of her life. Haunted by her past, present and future, she’s forced to confront the choices that led to her success yet left her flying solo. With the help of three quirky spirits and a surprise reunion with her ex, she might just rediscover the magic of Christmas – and the love she thought she’d lost.

Do You Fear What I Fear premieres Thursday, December 4 and should be available for steaming now

The Gist: Honestly, it's the name alone that makes me want to see it. A scary take on Do You Hear What I Hear. The director has a boat-load of murder/revenge movies for Lifetime, so y'know it's in the perfect cringe hands.
 
Real Synopsis: Claire's fresh start in the city turns chilling when eerie holiday decorations begin appearing in her apartment - each one a message from someone who knows her too well. Who is the dangerous "Secret Santa" watching her? 

 


Premieres Saturday December 6 8/7c On Hallmark Channel
Streaming on Hallmark+ next day
 
The Gist: It wouldn't be Christmas without Lacey Chabert and this year, she's a Naughty Accountant. She's literally in charge of checking Santa's Naughty or Nice List and somehow, some way that's gonna land here a single man.

Real Synopsis: Falling on Santa’s Naughty or Nice list used to be a call made by Santa and his elves. But with the number of kids worldwide skyrocketing, Santa has outsourced the job to the Naughty or Nice Group, a consulting firm that has cornered the market on determining a child’s niceness thanks to an airtight formula. As a top inspector with the group, it’s Isabel’s (Chabert) job to make the tough calls, by assessing the children on her list and assigning a verdict. When she is tasked with evaluating a mischievous 11-year-old Charlie Duncan, she expects a routine case. But things get complicated when Isabel unexpectedly falls for Charlie’s widowed father, Jason (Walker), and begins to question the rigid rules of her job. As Christmas approaches, Isabel must choose between following the holiday algorithm or following her heart. 
 
 
Sunday December 14 8/7c On Hallmark Channel, The First Night of Hanukkah
Streaming on Hallmark+ next day
 
The Gist: Hallmark has a Hanukkah movie...Well, kind of. Usually it's straight up just a Hanukkah romance, but this year it's interfaith when a Jewish due hooks ups with a Christian women over holiday songs. Frankly, it would have been nicer with a full Hanukkah based movie, why should we have to share it when there are so many Christmas movies.

Real Synopsis: When water lines break at Temple Beth Am, it leaves its members in need of a place to celebrate Hanukkah. Across the street, St. Joseph’s Episcopal Church is quick to open its doors and offer shared space for the holidays. With the last night of Hanukkah and Christmas Eve falling on the same day this year – something that rarely happens – the reverend and rabbi choose to offer a joint service for their congregations. But that means Nikki Roberts (D’Orsay), St. Joseph’s youth choir director, must team up with Jake Cohen (Epstein), the substitute youth choir director from Temple Beth Am, and put on a single music program. These two are old high school rivals and together, they’re ready to compete for the top prize. That’s not helping matters at a time when partnership matters most. To lead a successful fundraising effort for the temple, Nikki and Jake have to put aside their differences and learn how to work together. In doing so, they discover teamwork can move mountains and open hearts, including their own. On their big night, Nikki and Jake find a way to unite people through the power of song and prove that coming together is the best way for everyone to celebrate the holiday season. 
 
It's still so early for Liftetime, they don't have a poster

 
A Pickleball Christmas
Premieres Saturday, December 20th at 8/7c only on Lifetime
 
The Gist: Can you find love through pickleball on Christmas? Lifetime thinks so. And, since pickleball is a thing, it gets a Christmas movie.

Real Synopsis: Tennis star Luke Hollis heads home for Christmas and discovers his family's racquet club is about to be sold. Along with Caroline, the club's pickleball coach, Luke agrees to compete in a holiday tournament that could save the club.

Extra: 

 
Disney's Hulu's Family Guy's Hallmark Channel's Lifetime's Familiar Holiday Movie Available Now on Hulu/ Disney+ 
 

You have to give it to Family Guy this year, they're parodying all the above Hallmark Christmas and Lifetime movies into one bite-sized episode of the show. Does it look funny, yes. Is it appropriate for younger kids, nope.

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