Happening Friday

EVENTS

L.A. County Holiday Celebration For six hours on Christmas Eve, more than 40 musical groups representing the diversity of Los Angeles will host a free (even parking!) performance downtown. That should warm the cold, tuneless hearts of any Grinch. Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, 135 N. Grand Ave., L.A. 3 to 6 p.m. Free. lacountyarts.org.

FAMILY

Strand Ice Rink The Strand shopping center turns into an unlikely winter wonderland for two weeks. Next to the Pacific Coast Highway and the ocean, it will still host an ice rink that will rival Rockefeller Center for its views. The Strand, 155 5th St., Huntington Beach. Daily through Jan. 5. 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. $5 and $7. (714) 465-4528.

STAGE

The Nutcracker Now in its fifth season, the Los Angeles Ballet returns with its unique interpretation of Tchaikovsky’s holiday favorite. The show, which is set in 1912 Los Angeles, features original choreography by Thordal Christensen and Colleen Neary, set design by Catherine Kanner and costumes by Mikael Melbye. Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center, 1935 Manhattan Beach Blvd., Redondo Beach. 2 p.m. $24 to $95. (310) 998-7782. losangelesballet.org.