It’s the last pre-holiday week stretch with Kwanzaa, Hanukkah and Christmas ahead of us.  Here are a few ways to celebrate with family and friends in L.A.

Saturday, December 21

A pre-Kwanzaa Celebration takes place at noon at maaala.org. Parenting for Liberation is hosting the celebration to honor and celebrate the African-American cultural holiday. The event focuses on the history, teaching and celebration of Kwanzaa, providing black families with the info and materials to practice Kwanzaa at home once it begins on December 26, through January 1. There will be plenty of food, African drumming, dancing, kids arts and crafts activities, and other vendor.

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Kwanzaa at the Museum of African American Art

Sunday, December 22

The Milky Way kicks off the eight-day Jewish festival of Hanukkah, also known as the “Festival of Lights,” by offering a latke and salmon special entree, plus a latke platter available for take-out and Hanukkah gelt for the kiddos. Available December 22-29.

  • Latke and salmon entree: – Three crispy potato latkes and smoked salmon served with house-made apple compote and sour cream ($20)
  • Latke platter: Dozen latkes with house-made apple compote and sour cream ($40)
    • Takeout only, 24 hours notice required
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Hanukkah Gelt (Courtesy The Milky Way)

Akasha Richmond and partner Alan Schulman’s Culver City restaurant, AKASHA, presents three holiday dinner events, including “Vodkas & Latkes” for Hanukkah from December 22-29 and a Christmas Eve “Feast of the Seven Fishes” classic dinner on Tuesday, December 24.

For Hanukkah, celebrate Vodkas & Latkes, served nightly from December 22-29, with the exception of Christmas Eve. Guests can choose from small plate selections of Yukon gold potato latkes served with choice of Fairhill Farms applesauce and sour cream; smoked salmon and horseradish crème fraiche; or duck confit and cranberry chutney. Big Plate offerings include old school brisket with potato pancakes, applesauce and Tutti Frutti Farms carrots; citrus- braised Chicken with tangerines, date syrup, olives and onions and cauliflower couscous with dried fruit and roasted vegetables. In addition to the regular dessert menu, guests can complete their Hanukkah feast with Apple Fritters with Cinnamon Ice Cream.

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Yukon gold latkes (Courtesy Akasha)

Tuesday, December 24

‘Tis the Season at Drago Centro this Christmas Eve with owner and executive chef Celestino Drago’s The Feast of the Seven Fishes Prix-Fixe Menu ($100 per person plus tax.)  The sumptuous seafood offering features the panna cotta, ricci di mare, crudo di ventresca di tonno, sea urchin panna cotta, toro and tuna tartar;and much, much more. For dessert guests can choose their individual sweet treat directly from the Drago Centro dessert menu.

Wednesday, December 25

This year’s festive four-course holiday menu  at Shangrila on Christmas Day includes a white asparagus soup starter, a choice of poached pear salad or wild mushroom ravioli, followed by choices of boneless ribeye with cauliflower puree, sauteed seasonal vegetables and Bordelaise; John Dory served with heirloom fingerling potatoes, roasted shiitake mushrooms and a blood-orange Bearnaise; or duck paired with fondant potato, roasted Brussels sprouts and a cherry glaze. Sweet endings include a gingerbread crème brûlée, chocolate lava cake or plum cobbler. Following the meal, diners are invited to take a stroll to view the four decorated Christmas trees around the property or join the party upstairs at ONYX, Santa Monica’s first indoor/outdoor rooftop bar. Reservations can be made by calling the hotel at (310) 394-2791. Adults $85 and children aged 6-12 $49, plus tax and service charge.

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Courtesy Viviane

Holiday happenings poolside at Viviane include Hanukkah, December 22-30, offered from 3-9 p.m. for $55 per person, plus tax and gratuity. The regular dinner menu will also be available.

Menu highlights include horseradish-pistachio crusted salmon, potato latkes and matzo ball soup.

Christmas Eve, 3-9 p.m. for $65 per person, plus tax and gratuity, includes menu highlights such as bass crudo, wild mushroom and vegetable risotto, and steak tartare.

On Christmas Day, 3-9 p.m. for $75 per person, the menu features crab toast, chicken schnitzel and toasted farro garganelli.

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