BEST BETS Thursday 11/22

2:30-9pm

Leisure

Starting today, the holiday season is officially here. As a rule, Southern Californians do not encounter chilly winter holiday scenes unless they really want to. And if you do, two holiday ice rinks are an option. In downtown L.A., the open-air rink at Pershing Square is open today (and through January). On Friday, Universal CityWalk’s Dr. Seuss-themed rink opens with a free Grinch Gala featuring live entertainment, face painting and banks of real snow.

Downtown on Ice, Pershing Square Park, 532 S. Olive St., L.A., today, 2:30 to 9 p.m. Regular schedule: Fridays to Sundays, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Mondays to Thursdays, noon to 9 p.m. Ends Jan. 21. $6 per hour, $2 skate rental. (888) 527-2757.

Who-ville on Ice, Universal CityWalk, Universal City, opens with Grinch Gala, Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Regular schedule: Mondays to Thursdays, 5 to 11 p.m.; Fridays, 3 p.m. to 1 a.m.; Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 1 a.m.; Sundays 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Ends Jan. 6. $6.50 per hour, $2.50 skate rental. (818) 622-4455.

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Movies

The time-honored, time-travel premise of Mark Twain’s “A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court” is given yet another spin as Martin Lawrence goes medieval in “Black Knight.” Lawrence plays a fast-talking con man whose menial job at a theme park leads him to be transported to the time of jousting and use his street smarts to help fight an evil king. Tom Wilkinson co-stars.

“Black Knight,” rated PG-13 for language, sexual/crude humor and battle violence, opened Wednesday in general release.

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Movies

“Spy Game” reunites Robert Redford and Brad Pitt, who worked together on “A River Runs Through It,” as mentor and protege in an espionage thriller directed by Tony Scott. On the brink of retirement in 1991, Redford learns that Pitt is being held prisoner in China on charges of spying. And the clock is ticking, as he is scheduled to be executed in 24 hours.

“Spy Game,” R for language, some violence and brief sexuality, opened Wednesday in general release.

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10am-5pm

Leisure

Reindeer Romp, offering visitors a chance to get an up-close look at live reindeer, opens today at the Los Angeles Zoo and runs through Jan. 1. During the “romp,” the L.A. Zoo Choo Choo will be available to give young visitors train rides. And on December weekends until Christmas, holiday entertainment, crafts and Santa Claus also will be featured.

Reindeer Romp, Los Angeles Zoo, 5333 Zoo Drive, L.A., daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Ends Jan. 1. $8.25, general; $3.25, children 2 to 12. (323) 644-6400.