Getting out for New Year’s Eve can become one of the priciest nights of the year, but thankfully DTLA’s Grand Park continues to offer an affordable and family-friendly option for the holiday. Flanked by the Music Center and City Hall, every inch of this three-block green space and three other surrounding blocks are covered in celebration, including City Hall, which will be used as a 22-story canvas for a countdown projection. Crowds can dance the year away to a soundtrack of DJ-driven tunes and live bands across a pair of stages while hitting up a selection of food trucks. Admission is free, and for more information, click here. 200 N Grand Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90012 Dec. 31

Have lots of holiday fun with “Grinchmas” and on the streets of Hogsmeade through Jan. 1, 2024. For California residents, general admission can be purchased online for $109 and up, depending on the date; check the link for other admission options and passes. 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA 91608 Dec 1 – Jan 1

Experience this timeless holiday tradition through American Contemporary Ballet’s “The Nutcracker Suite.” Created by Lincoln Jones and music by Tchaikovsky, the performances run through Dec. 24 and tickets cost $85 and up. Two California Plaza, 350 S. Grand Ave., 28th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90071 Dec. 1 – Dec. 24

If you’re making a list and checking it twice, consider this annual shopping event for unique kitchen, pantry and tabletop finds, plus all sorts of foodie goodies. The market hosts a bazaar-style setup most days in the downstairs basement event space, and on select evenings you’ll find visits from Santa (Dec. 3, 10, 17 and 24) or concerts (Dec. 16 and 23). Admission is free. 317 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90013 Dec. 3 – Dec. 23

Far less deadly than the fictional competition it’s based on, this real-life adaptation of Squid Game lets you compete in six challenges inspired by the Netflix series. Over the course of 70 minutes, you’ll rack up points in a series of games presented to you by the Front Man himself. They’re largely inspired by familiar childhood games such as marbles, Battleship and Operation, with some pulled straight from the series like Red Light, Green Light. 200 N. Fairfax Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90036 Dec. 6 

This musical adaptation of the 1983 holiday movie based on the book “In God We Trust: All Others Pay Cash” recreates its best-loved sequences including a tongue stuck to a frozen flagpole, a fragile leg lamp and a cynical department store Santa. Playing now through the end of the year at the Ahmanson Theatre, you can get tickets for as low as $20! 135 N. Grand Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90012 Dec. 5 – Dec. 31

L.A. doesn’t typically seem like much of a winter wonderland – until, that is, you create an ice skating rink right in the midst of Downtown’s skyscrapers. Go glide around and pretend there’s snow on the ground at Pershing Square’s outdoor holiday skating rink. Skate rentals are included in the $20 admission, though lockers and skating aids cost a few dollars extra. 532 South Olive Street Los Angeles, CA 90013 Nov. 16 – Jan. 7

Each year from Dec. 16 until Christmas Eve, Olvera Street merchants and their families walk through El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument in a ceremonial re-enactment of Joseph and Mary’s nine-night search for sanctuary. The tradition features a procession with sing-alongs and piñata breaking, and is one of the oldest events in the city. Dec 16 – Dec 24

We all like showing off to our neighbors, but the homeowners behind Candy Cane Lane take it to the extreme. You can drive around eight blocks blanketed in lights, centered around Lubao Avenue and Oxnard Street. Expect to see plenty of homeowners put up decorations and switch on their lights for the six-decade-old tradition. Viewers are free to walk around or drive, and purchase food or light up toys from one of the vendor carts. Lubao Avenue and Oxnard Street Dec. 1 – Jan. 1

No need to camp out in the cold to see the annual Rose Parade firsthand this New Year’s Day. Instead, watch the classic tradition from home, and afterwards, head on over to Sierra Madre and Washington Boulevards in Pasadena to view the floats post-parade. This is the best opportunity to view the floats close up. The stunning float showcase is a unique opportunity to see the intricate floral handiwork in person, from just a few feet away. Admission is free! Sierra Madre and Washington Boulevards in Pasadena Jan. 1