With the ongoing pandemic, 2020 will be a year to create some new holiday traditions. Sure, you can still chop your own tree and admire Christmas lights around town. But some of our other favorite festive events and activities are going virtual. From Santa Zooms to at-home Nutcracker fun, read on for all the virtual holiday fun coming your way.

Virtual Visits with Santa

Santa
RichLegg via iStock

While plenty of our favorite shopping centers are offering timed, contactless visits with Santa, you can also be opt for an online alternative. Here's all the info on scheduling a virtual one-on-one with the man in red. 

Pawliday Kids Party

Courtesy of Wallis Annenberg PetSpace

On Sat., Dec. 12, join the pets (both real and the puppet kind) of Wallis Annenberg PetSpace for an hourlong Zoom celebration. Party guests will enjoy watching Wally the Dog's latest adventure, meeting adoptable pets and cute critters, and participating in a variety of games and activities. More info. 

Online: eventbrite.com/e/pawliday-kids-party-tickets-128550653465

Skirball Hanukkah Celebration

Ron Almog via flickr

Celebrate the Festival of Lights with this one-of-a-kind live event from the Skirball Cultural Center, on Sun., Dec. 13. There will be a community candle lighting, followed by music, a retelling of the Chanukah story and more. Kids will love grooving to the klezmer beats of Mostly Kosher, and jamming to the psychedelic funk of Israeli superstar Gili Yalo. More info.

Online: skirball.org

Clara's Nutcracker Tea Party

Scott Moore via flickr

Bring the Los Angeles Ballet's The Nutcracker into your home with this live virtual event on Sun., Dec. 20. Join Clara for a Nutcracker Tea party with friends, Marie, Columbine, Snow and her Prince! Kids can also participate in interactive play with dancing, magic, music, crafts and more. Proceeds from this event will support Los Angeles Ballet.

Online: losangelesballet.org

Dance Dreams: Hot Chocolate Nutcracker

Netflix via imdb.com

Sadly, this year Debbie Allen Dance Academy will not be putting on its Hot Chocolate Nutcracker. But Netflix is here to bring some holiday cheer with its upcoming documentary on the performance, Dance Dreams: Hot Chocolate Nutcracker, arriving on Nov. 27. This event may not be live, but we want to make sure you don't miss it. The film follows Debbie Allen and a group of young dancers as they prepare for the annual Hot Chocolate Nutcracker production.

Online: debbieallendanceacademy.com

Hollywood Christmas Parade

The Hollywood Christmas Parade

This year's Hollywood Christmas Parade may be cancelled, but you can still enjoy the most memorable moments from years past. On Dec. 4, The Hollywood Christmas Parade – Greatest Moments airs on The CW network. The TV special will also feature celebrity appearances and brand-new performances from your favorite stars. 

Online: thehollywoodchristmasparade.org

LA County Holiday Celebration

Courtesy of The Music Center

The 61st annual L.A. County Holiday Celebration, which takes place on The Music Center’s iconic Dorothy Chandler Pavilion stage, will go on this year, according to organizers, though the details are still being sorted out. Stay tuned for more details on the free three-hour production featuring instrumental music, choral music and dance performances, set to air on Dec. 24. 

Online: musiccenter.org

–Shannan Rouss

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