Toy giveaways. Neighborhood gatherings. Holiday parades. Volunteer opportunities. There are plenty of events to get you in the holiday spirit this season.
We’ve rounded up a list of events happening in and around Boyle Heights this December.
Ascot Hills Park Nursery Volunteer Effort
North East Trees is hosting a morning of planting and seed processing at Ascot Hills Park in El Sereno. The star of the event is the heteromeles arbutifolia plant, commonly known as toyon and referred to as the Christmas berry. At the event, you’ll learn the best conditions for it to grow and blossom. Snacks will be provided. You can register to attend here.
- Location: 4371 Multnomah Street
- Date: Saturday, Dec. 7
- Time: 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Lincoln Heights Holiday Parade
Presented by the local Holiday Committee, the Annual Lincoln Heights Holiday Parade and Festival is on for its 19th edition. The parade will start on Lincoln Park Avenue and go toward the Lincoln Heights Recreation Center. Here you’ll find a festival full of fun activities from group games and arts and crafts to free photos with Santa Claus. There will also be a toy giveaway, too.
- Parade Route: Lincoln Park Avenue to Workman Street
- Festival Location: 2303 Workman Street
- Date: Sunday, Dec. 8
- Time: 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Boyle Heights Christmas Parade
The neighborhood’s Christmas parade is back! Starting at Mariachi Plaza, the parade will make its way toward Chicago Street and feature local figures, organizations and of course, Santa. This year’s grand marshal is muralist and Boyle Heights native Robert Vargas. East L.A.-born actor Edward James Olmos will be the night’s special guest. Following the parade, a festival featuring music, performances, vendors and more will light up 1st Street in celebration of the holidays
- Parade Route: 1st Street from Boyle Avenue to Chicago Street
- Festival Location: 2200 E. 1st Street to 2322 E. 1st Street
- Date: Sunday, Dec. 8
- Time: 3 to 8 p.m.
Posada Celebration at the Wellness Center
The Wellness Center Los Angeles is hosting a posada holiday celebration in partnership with For The Need Foundation, a volunteer organization that helps disadvantaged youth. There will be a toy giveaway, entertainment and other activities for all ages, plus resources from many local organizations. You must RSVP by Dec. 6 to attend by calling (213) 784-9191 or registering online.
- Location: 1200 N. State Street
- Date: Friday, Dec. 13
- Time: 4:00 to 7:30 p.m.
Six Heights Toy Drive
Six Heights, a new bar on 1st Street in Boyle Heights, is working with the group Healing Urban Barrios for a holiday celebration and way to give back. Bar admission for the evening is an unwrapped toy or Visa/Mastercard gift card valued at $10+.
- Location: 1846 ½ E. 1st Street
- Date: Friday, Dec. 13
- Time: 7:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m.
All City Toy Ride
For all the cycling enthusiasts, Midnight Ridazz is hosting a late night toy drive for those looking to give back to the community. The ride will start off at the iconic Placita Olvera and will take a unique route through the city. Those interested in participating are encouraged to come with an unwrapped toy to donate. There will be an afterparty for those who attend.
- Location: 125 Paseo de la Plz
- Date: Friday, Dec. 13
- Time: 9 p.m.
Noche de Krampus
Don Quixote, one of the Eastside’s premier event venues, is hosting a “Noche de Krampus” bash. It’s a one-of-a-kind mashup of live music, lucha libre matches and a goth variety art show. There will be food, drinks, merch vendors, and even a tattoo artist for those looking to get inked up. The event is 21+ and tickets are available online.
- Location: 2811 E. Olympic Boulevard
- Date: Friday, Dec. 13
- Time: 7 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Plaza de la Raza Community Holiday Celebration
Plaza de la Raza will host its free annual holiday celebration with live performances, food, local arts vendors, face painting and a visit from Santa Claus. Bring the family to enjoy hands-on workshops including papel picado and charcoal drawing, led by community artists.
- Location: 3540 N. Mission Road
- Date: Friday, Dec. 13
- Time: 5 to 8 p.m.
Miracle on 1st Street Toy Giveaway
The Hollenbeck Youth Center is hosting its 43rd annual “Miracle on 1st Street” toy giveaway. Those interested in participating must RSVP ahead of the event, and children must be present in order to receive a gift. Identification will also be required. Please note that registration does not guarantee you’ll receive a donation, as toys will be handed out on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Location: 2015 E. 1st Street
- Date: Saturday, Dec. 14
- Time: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Latte Art “Throwdown” and Toy Drive
Picaresca Barra de Cafe is hosting “El Throwdown,” a latte art competition. Those looking to compete must bring a packaged toy donation with a $10+ value. You’re also welcome to attend as a spectator. The nonprofit Border Kindness will be accepting warm clothing and amenities. There will be food, drinks, vendors and cash prizes for the competition winners.
- Location: 2931 E. 4th Street
- Date: Saturday, Dec. 14
- Time: 6 p.m.
Sueños de Navidad
In the spirit of the holidays, King Taco #2 is hosting a “Sueños de Navidad” event, featuring King Taco himself and of course, Santa Claus. There will be live music, performances, giveaways, raffles, arts and crafts activities and more to enjoy.
- Location: 4501 E. 3rd Street
- Date: Saturday, Dec. 21
- Time: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
If you’re looking for local businesses to support this season, we’ve got the perfect guide for you: 9 places to shop for gifts in Boyle Heights
