Weekend Forecast

TODAY

A walk (or drive) in the park

It’s the holiday season once again and nothing says “Christmas in L.A.” better than the annual Griffith Park Holiday Light Festival, which kicked off Wednesday. The festive drive-through, mile-long stretch of lighted displays with various holiday themes depicted with a distinctively SoCal flair can also be viewed by foot. Shuttle service from the zoo parking will be available on weekends only through Dec. 17 and nightly thereafter until Dec. 30. Weekends can be crowded, so Mondays through Thursdays are the best nights to go.

Griffith Park Holiday Light Festival. For drivers, enter the park at Los Feliz Boulevard and Crystal Springs Drive and follow signs. For pedestrians, park at the L.A. Zoo, 5333 Zoo Drive, L.A. 5 to 10 p.m. daily. Free. (323) 913-4688.

* Ends Dec. 30.

FRIDAY

Fogerty’s sense of ‘Deja Vu’

John Fogerty’s new album, “Deja Vu,” includes some powerful moments, notably the title track, reminiscent of “Who’ll Stop the Rain.” But even if it’s not consistently impressive, his live shows usually are, thanks to generous samplings from one of the most rewarding catalogs in rock, which he created during his years with Creedence Clearwater Revival.

John Fogerty, Pantages Theatre, 6233 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood. 8 p.m. $42 and $52. (213) 480-3232.

* Also 8 p.m. Saturday, the Grove of Anaheim, 2200 E. Katella Ave., Anaheim. 8 p.m. $45. (714) 712-2700.

Grinch is ever golden

The furry green meanie is back, but not to worry -- this year, as always, Christmas will be saved in the Old Globe Theatre’s lavish holiday production of “Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas!” It’s directed by Jack O’Brien, with book and lyrics by Timothy Mason and music by Mel Marvin.

“Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” Old Globe Theatre, 1363 Old Globe Way, Balboa Park, San Diego. Opens 7:30 p.m. Friday. Runs 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturdays, 2 and 7 p.m. Sundays, 7 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays; except 5:30 p.m. Dec. 3 and 2 p.m. only, Dec. 24. 1 and 5:30 p.m. Dec. 6 and Dec. 31, 2 and 7 p.m. Dec. 22-23, 7 p.m. Dec. 27. Dark this Tuesday, Dec. 7, Dec. 14 and Dec. 25. Adults, $49 and $59; ages 17 and under, $25 and $29. (619) 234-5623.

* Ends Dec. 31

Can’t steal the remote?

If football isn’t your idea of holiday TV viewing, there’s something good on at the Museum of Television & Radio. The “Thanksgiving Family Favorites” daily screenings include “A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving,” “The Mayflower Voyagers” and “A Winnie the Pooh Thanksgiving,” followed by one of four “Friends” Thanksgiving episodes. Call ahead for screening schedules.

“Thanksgiving Family Favorites,” Museum of Television & Radio, 465 N. Beverly Hills Drive, Beverly Hills. 12:30 p.m. Friday. Free.

(310) 786-1000.

* Also 12:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

A journey of faith

Audrey Tautou reteams with her “Amelie” director, Jean-Pierre Jeunet, for the World War I romantic drama “A Very Long Engagement.” Tautou stars as Mathilde, a young French woman whose fiance, Manech (Gaspard Ulliel), has reportedly been court-martialed and turned out into a no man’s land between the French and German trenches. Resolute in her belief that Manech is alive, Mathilde sets out on a journey in pursuit of the truth. Based on the novel by Sebastien Japrisot.

“A Very Long Engagement,” rated R for violence and sexuality, opens Friday at the Regent Showcase, 614 N. La Brea Ave., L.A., (323) 934-2944; and Laemmle’s Royal, 11523 Santa Monica Blvd., West L.A., (310) 477-5581.

SATURDAY

‘Vanessa,’ meet Kiri

Based on one of Danish author Isak Dinesen’s finely crafted “Seven Gothic Tales,” Samuel Barber’s “Vanessa” had its premiere at the Metropolitan Opera in 1958. Despite winning a Pulitzer for music, it failed to gain a foothold in the standard repertory. Los Angeles Opera mounts a new production of the wistful work, with Kiri Te Kanawa making her company stage debut in the title role. Lucy Schaufer sings the role of Vanessa’s niece, Erika, and John Matz is Anatol, the son of Vanessa’s long-gone lover. Simone Young will conduct. John Cox is the stage director.

“Vanessa,” Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, 135 N. Grand Ave., L.A. 7:30 p.m. Saturday. $25 to $190. (213) 972-8001.

* Runs through Dec. 18.

A chance to interact

L.A. Freewaves takes its new media event to the streets of Chinatown and asks, “How Can You Resist?” The monthlong festival, which ends Saturday, explores issues of politics and diversity through art and film. Tonight’s temptations include interactive videos, music and karaoke along Chung King Road and throughout its businesses. Art shows and openings at 4-F, Acuna-Hansen and LMAN galleries are also part of the festivities.

“How Can You Resist?” Chinatown Arts District, Chung King Road, L.A. 7 to 11 p.m. Saturday. Free. (323) 664-1510.