Holiday Activity Choices for West Los Angeles Seniors

The holidays are here, and our thoughts are turning towards sugar plum dreams and stockings hung by the chimney with care. If you or your senior family member are in the mood for some holiday fun, we have selected some of the best holiday activities in West Los Angeles this season.

To enjoy the time together and be family and not just caregivers, be sure to consider help from individually registered and background-checked in-home caregivers from Accredited Home Care, a state-licensed West-Los Angeles home care organization.

Create timeless memories or start new traditions at these magical outings for the whole family.

1. Hanukkah Celebration Event at Two Rodeo
   Date:  Tuesday, December 27, 2016,
   Time: 7:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m
   Location: 210 North Rodeo Dr, Beverly Hills 90210
   Cost: Free
   
   Two Rodeo has partnered with the Chabad of Beverly Hills to host this annual Hanukkah Celebration on Via Rodeo. This traditional Jewish festival celebrates the rededication of the second Jewish Temple in Jerusalem. Each night of the eight nights of Hanukkah, one candle is lit in remembrance of the events of the second century BCE. This year, Hanukkah runs from sundown December 24, 2016, through January 1, 2017. This event will feature delicious food, live music, and the spirit of the season in one festive evening.
   
   

2. Holiday Carolers at Greystone Mansion
   Date: Sunday, December 11th
   Time: 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
   Location: 905 Loma Vista Dr, Beverly Hills 90210
   Cost: $60 for members, $70 for non-members
   
   The Friends of Greystone host this lovely afternoon event, featuring seasonal music from the Christmas Matters Holiday Carolers. This is the third annual holiday performance in the Grand Living room, though the Christmas Matters Holiday Carolers have been performing their classic a cappella arrangements for over 25 years. Their repertoire includes classic and contemporary secular and sacred songs and runs the gamut from jazz to classical. Their impeccable harmonies and detailed costumes will transport you to holidays of years gone by, carried on the wings of beautiful seasonal classics.  Following the performance, enjoy a delectable dessert buffet, meet the performers, and do some Christmas shopping in the Greystone Gift Shop.  The performance is open to attendees aged 13 and up; advanced registration is necessary. For more information, call (310) 286-0119 or email friends@greystonemansion.org.
   
   

3. The Nutcracker (UCLA Royce Hall)
   Date: December 16 through December 18
   Time: Varies
   Location: Royce Hall at UCLA 10745 Dickson Ct, Los Angeles 90095
   Cost: Varies
   
   For an authentic Christmas experience, this seasonal classic is a must-see. Join the Los Angeles Ballet for a  gorgeous production featuring some of the most talented dancers in the nation. Immerse yourself in the time-honored beauty and magic of the world of Clara, her Uncle Drosselmeyer, and, of course, the brave and valiant Nutcracker. Travel with Clara to the Palace of the Dolls and experience the majesty of this show as if you are viewing it for the first time. This is a perfect excursion for the whole family, especially young granddaughters, and a wonderful way to create new family traditions.
   
   

4. Holiday Concert in Beverly Gardens Park
   Date: December 4, 2016
   Time: 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
   Location: Beverly Gardens Park, Santa Monica Blvd. between N. Canon Drive and N. Beverly Drive, Beverly Hills, CA 90210
   Cost: Free
   
   Featuring performances by Golda Berkman, Beverly Hills High School Madrigals, BHUSD Middle School Choir, and BHUSD 4th & 5th grade Honors Choir, this holiday concert is presented by the Friends of Beverly Gardens Park. Get ready for a festive afternoon of seasonal classics, and enjoy complimentary refreshments provided by talented culinary students from Beverly Hills High School, chefs  Annette Saleh, Deborah Frank, and Franny Rennie. Bring the whole family for a special appearance by Santa himself! For more information, call (310) 551-5458.

5.  Los Angeles Master Chorale Festival of Carols
   Where and When: Saturday, December 3, 2016 at 2 pm, and Saturday, December 10, 2016, at 8 pm
   Location: Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012
   Cost: Varies
   
   The Festival of Carols is the perfect way to ring in the season. Curated by Artistic Director Grant Gershon, the Los Angeles Master Chorale presents a collection of traditional favorites, new arrangements, and undiscovered masterpiece sung by one of the greatest choirs in the world. This unprecedented performance features 110 singers accompanied by piano and organ, followed by a visit with Santa in BP Hall. Be ready to be a part of the magic—participate in the performance during the “Santa Claus is Coming to Town” sing-along!
   
   

6. Los Angeles Master Chorale 36th Annual Messiah Sing-along
   Date: Sunday, December 18, 2016
   Time: 7:30 pm
   Location: Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012
   Cost: Varies, Special Vip Tickets: $125
   
   Handel’s masterpiece comes to life during the 36th annual Messiah Sing-Along. The composer’s best-known work is one of the most performed classical works in history and has captivated audiences for centuries.
   
   Featuring the Master Chorale, four soloists, and an orchestra, join Artistic Director Grant Gershon as he conducts the audience in this epic oratorio performance. The addition of the Master Chorale ensures that this holiday classic will fill the season with joyous noise! Scores can be purchased in the lobby or feel free to bring your own treasured copy from your collection.  
   
   Take advantage of a limited quantity of VIP tickets. Perks include:

   • Backstage entrance, warm-up with the Master Chorale singers

   • Perform onstage alongside singers of the Chorale during the Messiah

   • Enjoy complimentary champagne during intermission

To purchase tickets, call 213-972-7282 or buy in-person at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion Box Office. Box office hours are 10am – 6 pm, Monday-Saturday. Will-Call tickets are also available, or purchase online any time.

Photo by Hades2k