Los Angeles' Largest Multicultural Holiday Celebration
The annual L.A. County Holiday Celebration—presented by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors—provides Angelenos of all ages an opportunity to come together on December 24, and both experience and honor the dynamic, rich cultures of the County. During the free event, many diverse L.A.-based artists and community groups showcase their talent, artistry and traditions on The Music Center’s iconic Dorothy Chandler Pavilion stage. Founded in 1959 by the late Kenneth Hahn (supervisor of the Second District of Los Angeles County from 1952-1992)—who was an advocate for access to the arts—the free three-hour live production features instrumental music, choral music and dance performances. The program is broadcast live in Southern California on PBS SoCal (KOCE), live-streamed on pbssocal.org and kcet.org and presented live at The Music Center. The program also repeats twice on KCET Christmas Day. Make it your tradition to “Celebrate LA” this holiday season with the L.A. County Holiday Celebration. Watch it on PBS SoCal, see it at The Music Center, or stream it live on pbssocal.org.
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Wristband Distribution
New this year, the FREE L.A. County Holiday Celebration requires wristbands for entry. Wristbands are available only on-site at the event.
Upon arrival to The Music Center, please proceed to either the general admission line on the Hope Street side of the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion or to the “wristband table” on the Grand Street side of the Mark Taper Forum to receive your wristband. Once you have your wristband, you are free to enjoy the Plaza Wonderland on The Music Center’s brand-new Plaza.
Each wristband will include a specific group letter (A-Z). When seating for your group begins, your group letter will be announced and projected on the Plaza LED screens. At that time, please proceed to the general admission line on the Hope Street side of the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion. You will then be ushered into the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion and seated in a timely manner.
Thank you for following this process and enjoy the show!
Plaza Wonderland
New this year is The Music Center’s Plaza Wonderland, which invites guests to explore a family fun zone with games, coloring and face-painting, a photo booth and numerous art-making workshops where kids and adults can create paper poinsettias and lanterns to take home. Visitors to The Music Center Plaza can watch holiday favorites on the Plaza screens, including Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964) and The Grinch (2018), taste the holiday tradition of tamales from four local tamale makers, watch the Holiday Celebration, and more.
2019 Holiday Celebration Performers
Awards
The 59th Annual L.A. County Holiday Celebration was named the winner of a 2019 Gold Telly Award for Television Craft, Use of Live Video; a Silver Telly for Television Entertainment; and a Silver Telly for Television Craft/Directing.
The 58th Annual L.A. County Holiday Celebration was named the winner of a 2018 Silver Telly Award for Television / Live Event and a Bronze Telly for Television / Craft Director.