L.A.>today

Garage Comedy's weekly mix of sketch comedy, vaudeville, film, music, performance art and freak acts is followed by a lively after party. With the writers strike taking TV's comedy scribes out of action, this will be a good place to hear new material.
Garage Comedy: 8 p.m. El Cid, 4212 Sunset Blvd. Free. (323) 668-0318.

Hollywood>today

Israeli duo Astral Projection, Ukraine-born record spinner Loli, and Ami O's mix of live percussion and trance-pop set the mood at this dance party. The bash goes till 4 a.m., so you can get home to open your presents before anyone else.
Avalon Christmas Eve: 10 p.m. Avalon Hollywood, 1735 Vine St. $20. (323) 462-8900.

Chatsworth>today

Lee Harper had planned on disbanding after recording its first single, "Dry Land," much like its (sort of) namesake Harper Lee retreated from the public eye after penning the Pulitzer Prize-winning "To Kill a Mockingbird." But the British indie pop duo had a change of heart. "He Holds a Flame" on Matinee is its latest EP.
Lee Harper: 8:30 p.m. Cowboy Palace Saloon, 21635 Devonshire St., Chatsworth. (818) 341-0166 or www.cowboypalace.com.

L.A.>daily

Glide across the ice amid L.A.'s towering skyscrapers and historic landmarks at Pershing Square for "Downtown on Ice." The vast ice rink is open daily through Jan. 21, including holidays. Admission is $6 per session, plus $2 for skate rentals.
Downtown on Ice: Noon to 10p.m. daily. Pershing Square, 532 S. Olive St., Los Angeles. (213) 847-4970 or www.laparks.org.