Taste of Tamales

Tamales were a staple of Mayan culture, favored for their prewrapped portability — now we love them for their endless variety. The Taste of Tamales food festival in Placita Olvera expects to attract more than 20,000 people this year, who come to enjoy fresh tamales made with meat, cheese, fruit, hot chilies and more. The free festival also incorporates live music, craft booths, carnival games and a toy giveaway for the first 10,000 kids to show up.

WHAT: Taste of Tamales Food Festival

WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 15, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

WHERE: Placita Olvera, Main Street & Cesar Chavez Avenue, dwntwn; 818-734-2701.

COST: Free admission.

Indulge L.A.

The mission of Indulge Los Angeles is to persuade guests, just for one day, to abandon their balanced diets and have an éclair. Hosted by the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza, the pastry and chocolate show will feature some of the best confectioners in the business, including Stephane Treand, Lee Smith and Annette Starbuck. The master of ceremonies will be actor Owain Yeoman, star of The Mentalist and Kitchen Confidential. All guests are promised sweets, Champagne and a souvenir tasting glass.

WHAT: Indulge: Los Angeles Chocolate Festival and Pastry Show

WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 14, 1 to 5 p.m.

WHERE: Hyatt Regency Century Plaza, 2025 Avenue of the Stars, Century City; 213-915-8003.

COST: $40 general; $85 VIP.

Holiday Pub Crawl

Last year 5,000 pub crawlers put the Santa in Santa Monica with a festive Christmas-themed fundraiser, which raised more than $20,000 on behalf of the Westside Food Bank. This year's event features 30 bars and restaurants, from Wilshire to the Pier to the Third Street Promenade, offering discount snacks and drinks to everyone wearing an SMPC wristband. Establishments as diverse as the Albright, Hooters and the Border Grill Food Truck are participating, so grab your furry Santa hat and get ready to drink for a good cause.

WHAT: 5th annual Santa Monica Pub Crawl

WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 14, 5 p.m.

WHERE: Rusty's Surf Ranch, 256 Santa Monica Pier; Sonny McClean's, 2615 Wilshire Blvd., Enterprise Fish Co., 174 Kinney St., Wokcano, 1413 Fifth St, Santa Monica; 323-330-9559.

COST: $10 in advance, $15 on the day.

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