By Charlotte DeFazio
DECEMBER 1-10
Los Angeles Auto Show
Founded in 1907 and spanning more than 870,000 square feet, the LA Auto Show is one of the most-anticipated and attended events each winter. Visitors will participate in test drives and discover the latest vehicles from the world’s leading automakers, including more than 50 vehicle debuts like the eco-friendly, all-electric BMW i Vision Dynamics and the 2018 Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid Sport Turismo. Child tickets from $5, adults from $15. Los Angeles Convention Center, 1201 S. Figueroa St.; laautoshow.com
DECEMBER 8-JANUARY 21
Cirque du Soleil’s Luzia, A Waking Dream of Mexico
Enter a waking dream state at Luzia where light (“luz” in Spanish) and rain (“lluvia”) beautifully entwine with surrealistic visuals and acrobatic performances. The introduction of water adds a level of complexity for the performing artists that has never been done before at Cirque du Soleil. Get ready to see hoop-diving (a traditional circus move from China), trapeze-flying through pouring rain showers and two giant treadmills used to generate speed. Tickets from $50. Dodgers Stadium, 1000 Vin Scully Ave.; cirquedusoleil.com
DECEMBER 10
Stevie Wonder’s House Full of Toys Concert
Stevie Wonder is hosting his 21st annual benefit concert for the We Are You Foundation with special guests Tony Bennett, Andra Day, Savion Glover, Dave Matthews and Pharrell. House Full of Toys helps children, people with disabilities and families in need as concertgoers are expected to bring an unwrapped toy or “gift of joy.” Tickets from $159.50. Staples Center, 1111 S. Figueroa St.; staplescenter.com
JANUARY 6
The Yoga Expo
This one-day yoga extravaganza offers a wide array of classes from kid- and beginner-centric to advanced. You can custom-make your schedule, leaving time to visit the sound-healing stage and marketplace of yoga apparel, accessories and nourishing vegan food. All-day pass from $35, free for children under 12. Pasadena Convention Center, 300 E. Green St.; theyogaexpo.org
JANUARY 10-14
L.A. Art Show
Art aficionados, collectors and galleries come together to view, purchase, exhibit and contribute to the evolving and thriving art market of Los Angeles. This is one of the world’s largest shows with leading galleries from more than 18 countries taking over 200,000 square feet of exhibition space. Tickets from $25. Los Angeles Convention Center, 1201 S. Figueroa St.; laartshow.com
FEBRUARY 24-25
Chinatown Firecracker
Get fired up and celebrate the Lunar New Year with a charity run for local elementary schools and community nonprofit organizations. Festivities kick off with the 10th anniversary bike ride on the 24th followed by a 5K, 10K and Kiddie Run on the 25th. Registration from $35. 943 North Broadway; firecracker10k.org
MARCH 10
Enormous Elephant Run
Suit up in your best “ellie” outfit and join the herd for the West Coast debut of Enormous Elephant, which supports conservation programs of The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. It is a 5K run or walk through scenic Griffith Park and while you won’t see a 4-ton gray animal stomping the grounds, you’re bound to come across some interesting getups and entertainment. Child registration from $20, adults from $44. Crystal Springs Trail and Picnic Area, Griffith Park, 4730 Crystal Springs Drive; enormouselephantrun.com
MARCH 17-18
Nature Fest
The beauty of L.A. is in its topographical diversity of city streets, desert mountains and Pacific Ocean beaches. Visit the Natural History Museum foran in-depth exploration of the city’s varied wildlife population, where scientists will be available to answer all your flora and fauna questions. The festival will have more than 30 exhibitor booths, hands-on activities, live animal presentations, nature walks and more. Child admission from $5, adultsfrom $12. Natural History Museum of LA County, 900 Exposition Blvd.; nhm.org
MARCH 18
Los Angeles Marathon
Thousands of athletes from more than 63 countries will race to the finish line in five divisions: Wheelchairs, Handcycles, Elite Women, Elite Men and Full Field. In addition to marathon registration, you can better prepare by signing up for the L.A. Road Runners training program ($100). Entry fee from $190. Dodger Stadium, 1000 Vin Scully Ave.; lamarathon.com
MARCH 25
Vegan Street Fair
Everyone from strict vegans to foodie explorers will enjoy this bustling fair of local restaurants and vendors set up to serve $4 bite-size tastes of vegan cuisine. Free admission. Chandler Boulevard between Tujunga and Vineland Avenues; veganstreetfair.com
