Virgin America

First there was Southwest, then JetBlue, and now to try the low fare route comes Sir Richard Branson's Virgin. Virgin America, with service from Los Angeles, Las Vegas, San Francisco, New York City, Washington DC, and soon San Diego. Check out some great rates and cool extras. virginamerica.com

Reindeer Romp

Lasting into the New Year, reindeer will be paying the L.A. Zoo a visit. A flurry of festivities and holiday entertainment will accompany this popular annual event. All events except the Santa photos are free with paid Zoo admission, and if you show your Ralph's Club Card you'll save $2 off adult and $1 off child admissions! Nov 22-Jan 1 lazoo.org

Atlanta The Musical

A world premiere. Filled with stunning bluegrass and soulful country music, Atlanta is unlike any musical you have seen. Grammy ® award winner Marcus Hummon, a true Nashville star, and Adrian Pasdar, star of NBC’s Heroes, have taken on an epic subject and infused it with intimacy and spirit. Nov 20- Jan 6 geffenplayhouse.com

Ray Charles Live- The Life, The Loves, The Music

A world premiere musical featuring a spectacular ensemble of Broadway talent! Pulitzer prize-winning playwright Suzan-Lori Parks charts the deepest parts of The Man in a moving and triumphant story laced with his greatest hits including “Georgia on My Mind,” “Hit The Road, Jack,” and “I Got a Woman.” Oct 31-Dec 9 pasadenaplayhouse.org

Charles Phoenix-Retro Slideshows and Tours

From the kitsch to the classic, Charles Phoenix loves the world of mid-century design and American Culture. He is known for his live comedy retro slide shows, school bus field trip tours and colorful coffee table books. Retro Holiday Slide Show-Brea Nov 16-18The Charles Phoenix Holiday Jubilee-Redcat Theater Dec17-20 charlesphoenix.com

Cirque de Soleil

After a successful stint at the Forum, the circus moves on to the O.C. The latest touring show, is Corteo- an entertaining story about a clown who imagines a festive parade and brings the audience to a theatrical world of fun, music, comedy and magic.Orange County Fairgrounds, Costa Mesa- Nov 8- Dec 23

The History Boys

Winner of 6 Tony Awards including Best Play in 2006 arrives at the Ahmanson Theatre. A hugely successful, sold-out hit at the National Theatre of Great Britain and on Broadway, The History Boys explores the anarchy of adolescence, the nature of history, and the methods and aim of education. Nov 7-Dec 9 centertheatregroup.org

American Cinematheque

The Cinematheque presents the best of film and video - ranging form the classics to the outer frontiers of the art form. Special screenings and events celebrating the art of movie making. Check schedule for current events. Aero Theatre in Santa Monica and the Egyptian in Hollywood.americancinematheque.com

Birth of the Cool: California Art, Design, and Culture

Orange County Museum of Art exhibit examines the broad cultural zeitgeist of “cool” that influenced the visual arts, graphic and decorative arts, architecture, music, and film produced in California in the 1950s and early 1960s. Through Jan 6 2008, Newport Beach ocma.net

Dali: Painting and Film

A traveling exhibition organized by the Tate Modern in London, just opened at Los Angeles County Museum of Art. Oct 14-Jan 6 2008Other current exhibits at LACMA: The Arts in Latin America 1492- 1820 ends Oct 28, SoCal: Southern California Art of the 1960s and 70s ends Mar 30 2008 Los Angeles, lacma.org

Holiday on Ice Skating Rink

Orange County's premiere dining, shopping and entertainment destination gets into the holiday spirit with ice skating fun for all ages. Skating time is on an hourly basis with skate rentals available. Dates and times vary, so check the schedule. Nov 1-Jan 21 2008 Irvine Spectrum Center scatespectrum.com

LA Downtown on Ice

Tis the season for a winter wonderland. Yes, Downtown LA will have ice skating for the 10th year. The annual event brings affordable family fun to Pershing Square. The Southland’s largest holiday outdoor ice skating rink will be open everyday starting November 15- January 21, 2008. laparks.org

Mammoth Mountain

Mammoth is California's favorite mountain resort, located in Central California on the Eastern slope of the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range. Mammoth is a four-season destination resort with world class activities, lodging, amenities and services. Winter orientation now through Dec 21with special events and deals. mammothmountain.com

Arizona- Spring Training 2008

While the MLB Winter Meetings are about to start, why not plan for a road trip to Arizona for Cactus League baseball in March 08. While most of the country still is freezing, imagine yourself in a warm sunny day watching your team get ready for the upcoming season. After the game check out what Phoenix has to offer. arizonaguide.com

CityRace Urban Adventure Hunts

Teams of 2 to 4 players must utilize all their mental skills to solve a challenging series of clues leading them on a 3-hour hunt through one of L.A.'s many diverse neighborhoods. The first team to reach the finish line with the highest number of points is the winner! Check the December schedule at racela.com Dec 8, 15

Cinespace

Combining the world of film, food and nightlife, CineSpace attempts to reinvent the way Hollywood sees its movies. Dinner & A Movie, Friday & Saturday nights, is the foundation of what Cinespace is all about- Great entertainment with amazing food and cocktails. Nov 30, Inaugural Winnies Awards & Party (web videos). cinespace.info

Hollywood and Highland Holiday Celebration

The West Coast version of Times Square has about something for everyone to do on a Saturday night. Lucky Strike Lanes, movie theater, shopping, places to eat and a couple of nightclubs. On Dec 1 there is a tree lighting presentation to get into the holiday spirit. The Kodak Theatre also has events scheduled. hollywoodandhighland.com

Filter Magazine Presents

This great source of real music information motto is "good music will prevail". You can check the magazine out online or a hard copy at any good newsstand. Even better, is this newsletter that you can sign up for and keeps you informed on good music, live shows, movie and DVD releases in and around Los Angeles or other major cities. filter-mag.com

Nokia Theatre L.A. Live

Los Angeles's newest venue for live entertainment, anchoring the LA Live entertainment district adjacent to Staples Center. Opening Oct 18 with the Eagles and The Dixie Chicks. Upcoming Shows include; Neil Young, Queens of the Stone Age, John Fogerty, Anita Baker, and Tool. Downtown Los Angeles nokiatheatrelalive.com

Indie 103.1 Bands in Toyland

Local radio stations like to have holiday concerts. This is another good one to check out. To benefit Firefighter toy collection all over Southern California featuring Datarock, Spoon, Pinback and Sea Wolf at Avalon. You can include a toy donation in your ticket purchase or just bring a new non-wrapped toy to the show. Dec 5 indie1031.com

Temecula Valley Wineries

Just 90 miles southeast of Los Angeles and 60 miles north of San Diego lies Southern California's beautiful wine country. Rolling Hills covered with vineyards, shopping, antiquing, fine dining, golf, hot air balloon rides and Old Town combine to make Temecula Valley an exciting place to visit for a day or a weekend. temeculawines.org

San Antonio Winery and Maddalena Restaurant

A cultural historical landmark established in1917, The San Antonio Winery has added flair and flavor to celebrations of friends and familiesthroughout Los Angeles and the West. A popular restaurant, legendary banquet location, a comprehensive tasting room and an international wine shop. 737 Lamar Street, Los Angeles sanantoniowinery.com

Grand Central Market

Los Angeles' oldest and largest open air market. Offering fresh fruits, vegetables, meats and fish from California and around the world, the Grand Central Market has been a hub of bustling activity since 1917. A place where people from all walks of life come to shop for the best bargains or just a bite to eat. Downtown LA grandcentralsquare.com

Tokyo Delve's Sushi Bar

Not your ordinary sushi restaurant. Servers gyrate, diners dance on chairs and everyone sings along to the '80s classics between sake bombs. Packed with raucous groups starting a wild night out. Dinner theater type shows. Reservations are strongly recommended.5239 Lankershim Blvd, North Hollywood delve-sushibar.com

Café Sevilla

At Café Sevilla, it's as close to being in Spain here in Southern California. An authentic Spanish menu, the food is just as fascinating as the ambiance. All three locations feature Tango and Flamenco diner shows, full Tapas Bar, live flamenco guitar artists, dance club and don't forget the great pitchers of sangria. cafesevilla.com

DWP Holiday Light Festival

12th Annual Los Angeles Department of Water and Power Griffith Park Holiday Light Festival. This magnificent display of lights along a one-mile segment of Crystal Springs Drive has become a holiday tradition that attracts more than a half million visitors each year. Nov 22-Dec 30Free, walk or drive through. dwplightfestival.com

KROQ Almost Acoustic Christmas Shows

The annual holiday shows are always a tough ticket. This year the station has made it that you have to be a Street Team Member. Night one: Linkin Park, Angels & Airways, Bad Religon and more. Night two: Muse, Modest Mouse, Spoon, Silversun Pickups and more. Dec 8-9Gipson Amphitheater, Universal City Tickets on sale Dec 6 kroq.com

Rose Bowl Flea Market

The World's most unusual Flea Market the shopping place of the Stars. Featuring over 2,500 vendors and 20,000 buyers every month. Every second Sunday of the month. The Rose Bowl, Pasadena. Dec 9 rgcshows.com

Sawdust Art Festival's Winter Fantasy

17th Annual Winter Fantasy over four weekends Nov 17,18,23-25 December 1,2,8,9. Featuring 170 artists and craftspeople creating, demonstrating, and selling their original items. Admission includes art projects for children and adults, live holiday entertainment, artists demonstrations. sawdustartfestival.org

LA Opera-Don Giovanni and La Boheme

Don Juan's back and LA Opera's got him! Erwin Schrott returns as opera's greatest Lothario in the ravishing production that won LA Opera kudos in 2003. Don Giovanni - Nov 24-Dec 15. A backdrop of starving artists in the Latin Quarter engage in high jinks, high spirits and high romance. La Boheme- Nov 25-Dec 16 losangelesopera.com