Vacationing in Southern California During the Holidays

StubDog.com :: Event Information And Articles :: Vacationing in Southern California During the Holidays

As the Holidays progress and we come to the end of a very long and expensive season, we will all have to take a look at our pocket book and find ways to cut back. Cutting back does not mean having to stay home and stop spending money. There are many things to do in Southern California on a dime. From Theatre, Comedy, Sporting Events and things to do with the whole family, this can be a time to spend some quality time with those you love.

We have put together a small list of great entertainment that can be had for a steep discount and most of which can be great for the whole family. So if you're coming to Southern California, here are a few can't miss tickets to peruse while making your decision.

The Beverly Hills Hi-Def Film Festival will be running from December 26 - January 4th 2009 and offers a wide variety of films. Obviously, you should go to their website to find out more information about the films and their content. Filmmakers have the opportunity to screen their films in Southern California at the historical landmark Fine Arts Theatre. With each film being screened there are also short films running prior. Having been a part of many short film festivals, you have an opportunity to see some great up and coming filmmakers.

Speaking of films, you may remember the movie Old School where the Dan Band exploded on the scene with the 80's rendition of your favorite hits. Entertainment Weekly calls it "one of the hottest tickets in town" and it's described by LA Weekly as "Smashmouth meets Wilson Phillips." The success of the band is still amusing to Finnerty, who says, "I only started this to promote my lame acting career." Dan Band will be performing 2 shows at the Hollywood club Avalon on Friday, January 16 and Saturday, January 31.

You can also check out one of the most renowned improv companies of all time... The Groundlings. Three shows are currently offering half price tickets. The Crazy Uncle Joe Show, which is one of the longest running long form improv shows in Los Angeles. Cookin' With Gas has been a top choice for comedy enthusiasts for years. Featuring the Groundlings Main Company, Alumni and Sunday companies, the show is based entirely on your suggestions. Voyage To the Bottom of Sunday features the Sunday Company and is a hilarious medley of sketches and improv.

Sleeping Beauty will be performing at Theatre West located in Hollywood throughout the entire month of January. This Saturday afternoon show is a great one for the whole family. Storybook Theatre's award-winning Sleeping Beauty is a rollicking version of the famous story. The audience gets to participate in this production by trying to hide Sleeping Beauty from the wacky fairy as the prince tries to find her. Sleeping Beauty is an interactive musical with a message for children 3-9 years old. The Los Angeles Times says they are the "best in the City for the squirmy set." Most importantly, LA Parent Magazine's recent parent survey ranked us as the No. 1 children's theatre in Southern California.

We have mentioned this one before, but feel as though its good enough to mention any time you talk about unique things to do in Southern California. El Cid in Hollywood is a can't miss. Not only is the building itself a historical landmark, but also the entertainment only adds to your experience. From Live Flamenco every Wednesday through Sunday, to live music, comedy, burlesque shows and much more, El Cid seems to have something for everyone. Discounted tickets to some of these shows such as the Hollywood Pin-Up Girls Burlesque Revue, Victory Variety Hour and the world Famous Flamenco show can all be found on local discount websites such as StubDog.com. Even if you don't have time for one of the shows, you should pop in for a lovely glass of Sangria and tapas in the outdoor patio area.

The Lonny Chapman Group Repertory Theatre is currently running Inspecting Carol through January 11th. So if you happen to have missed the Holiday show in your hometown, consider stopping by for a great production. Not your usual Christmas Carol, Inspecting Carol is Daniel Sullivan's comical farce about a theater company rehearsing a problem-plagued production of the Dickens story.

So as you wrap up your Holiday Season or are only visiting Southern California, feel confident that there are many things to do for a fraction of the cost. Treating the whole family without breaking the back will go along way to an enjoyable trip.