The LA Public Library is partnering with The Princeton Review to present "Student Smart: Tools of Becoming a Better Student." Student Smart offers citywide seminars & new SAT, PSAT, & ACT Practice Tests, conducted by The Princeton Review Instructors in LAPL Branches/Central Library, helping middle school & high school students develop effective study & test strategies for college.To participate, sign-up as soon as possible - space is limited. For more info, call Young Adult Services at (213) 228-7510 or view schedule here. Made possible through the generosity of Linda Duttenhaver, with additional support from Sterling Foundation. Funding made possible by the Library Foundation of LA.

This magnificent display of lights along a one-mile segment of Crystal Springs Drive in Griffith Park has become a holiday tradition that attracts more than half million visitors each year. As part of a commitment to a greener LA, the Holiday Light Festival will be a pedestrian only and "vehicle free" event Dec 4-17. Visitors may park at the L.A. Zoo parking lot on a 1st-come, 1st-served basis. Walkers are encouraged to wear comfortable shoes and to dress warmly to walk the full one-mile route each way, as it can get chilly. To celebrate the "vehicle free" nights, there will be an educational mini fair area Dec 11, 12 & 13, with info on family activities, healthy nutrition & tasty treats. The traditional route of driving, walking & shuttles will run Dec 18-30. Shuttles will be available weekends and Dec 18-30. Walkers on these days will enjoy the walking path. Both options are accessible from the LA Zoo parking lot.

Don't miss David Archuleta's "Christmas From The Heart" tour, making a stop at the Grove of Anaheim on December 2.  Tickets and info are available at ticketmaster.com

The ultimate chill! A yuletide glide at the biggest LA holiday outdoor ice skating rink with the smallest admission price, Downtown On Ice celebrates its 12th spectacular season at Pershing Square, 532 South Olive St, LA, 90013, open every day from Thu Nov. 19 thru Mon, Jan 18, 2010. With a low admission price of only $6 (plus skate rental of $2), it's the coolest way to add a little winter chill to the holidays without spending a lot of money. Scheduled special events include a FREE concert series, a FREE Winter Holiday Festival with FREE Snow Zone, weekend Kid's Zone and more.

Kooza is a return to the origins of Cirque du Soleil that combines two circus traditions--acrobatic performance and the art of clowning. The show highlights the physical demands of human performance in all its splendor and fragility, presented in a colorful mix that emphasizes bold slapstick humor. Go here for info. Located at the Santa Monica Pier.

This awe-inspiring 60-piece orchestra plus a powerful chorus isn't your grandma's orchestra; this rock orchestra brings a visually stunning stange show and explosive music to the Nokia Theatre this December. Tickets

It's the debut of L.A. LIVE's spectacular holiday LED multi-media presentation, official tree lighting ceremony, grand opening of the LA Kings Holiday Ice at L.A. LIVE (L.A. LIVE's first-ever outdoor public ice skating rink) and special performances by GRAMMY award-winning singer LeAnn Rimes, and Shelia E. and the E Family featuring the Family Drum Core. The Holiday Tree Lighting ceremony will also kick off Season of Giving--AEG's initiative being launched to provide fundraising and awareness opportunities for charities and non-profits in the LA area. Throughout December, a different charity or non-profit will be honored at the skating rink each night. The evening will also mark the season's first lighting of the festive holiday lights displayed along the streets throughout the L.A. LIVE district featuring 75,000 lights that adorn 50 ten-foot angels and over 265,000 snowfall LED lights covering 150 trees.

This Thursday, Councilman Tony Cardenas rings in the season with the Holiday Tree & Menorah Lighting Celebration in Van Nuys. Set at the beautiful mission-style Marvin Braude Center, the annual celebration brings out families for an evening of inspiring choir music, warm treats, sparkling lights and a special visit from Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus. The event, sponsored by Cardenas, is free and kids in attendance will get a small gift. The Glenwood Elementary choir will perform songs and carols. Public parking will be available in the Marvin Braude Building. For more info, contact Cardenas' Van Nuys district office at 818-778-4999. 6262 Van Nuys Blvd., Van Nuys, 91401.

Visit a temple, an herbal shop, art galleries, antique stores and more when guided to the unique treasures--and great bargains--in Chinatown. The walking tour takes visitors to a bunch of off-the-beaten-track hidden gems, and will guide bargain hounds to Chinatown’s best bargains & trendiest shops. See why "The New Chinatown" is touted by Sunset and Los Angeles magazines as a hot new destination for urban adventurers.

See The Cranberries with Griffin House on December 4th at Club Nokia.  Click here for tickets and info.

See John Mayer with special guest Michael Franti & Spearhead on March 25.  Tickets go on-sale Saturday, December 5, at 10am at ticketmaster.com

Vibrant and sexy, the flamenco has captured imaginations around the world! The historic El Cid restaurant in Silver Lake has been offering lavish Spanish tapas and dinners with a flamenco floor show for decades. Enjoy this beautiful restaurant with its intricate details (it was one of LAs earliest movie studios) and belly up to the bar for a margarita or mojito while you're there.

Chocolate Sundaes has been cracking up crowds every Sunday in Hollywood for 6 years running. Featuring the hottest comedians like Dave Chappelle, Katt Williams, Chris Rock, Mike Epps and many others, the show, like wine, only gets better with age. Hosted by Tony Rock & David Arnold and music provided by THE DJ Sidekick. 21+.

This ain't your gramma's bingo! Play bingo for beer and other fun prizes at this cool, cozy bar decorated like a North Woods Lodge. DJ Cooter calls the cards and spins all his faves. Plus crack up at the Bigfoot's ever-growing library of 8 and 16mm retro home movies from the 40s to the 70s, from burlesque to silly fifties-era classroom education films!

Every Sunday bring your friends to El Cid for a casual afternoon of delicious sangria and Spanish tapas. Latin musicians on the beautiful outdoor garden patios make the lavish and historic El Cid even more fun! Watch out for that white sangria or you'll be drunk-texting your ex in no time flat.

The Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) is a fun destination even if you don't "get" art. Stroll around the beautiful buildings, explore the cool galleries, nibble on delicious food from the cafe, and enjoy music--yes, music! Every Sunday take in a super-classy performance of classical music that's sure to make you smarter just by listening. LACMA's a world-class destination, so grab the kids or a date and get your dose of culture.