Celebrate the winter season in L.A. with these festive events that are sure to get you into the holiday spirit.
Deck the halls with tinsel and trimmings at the Holly Jolly Holiday Bar popup at E.P. & L.P. Bask in hanging peppermint pinwheels and a light-up replica of Santa while sipping holiday drinks and sharing light bites. Our choice is the Milk And Cookies—a cocktail with Tito’s, Baileys, vanilla syrup and a sweet sprinkled sugar rim—for a twist on Santa’s favorite treat. But you can’t go wrong with the Santa Baby, an apple-forward drink served with Jack Daniels Apple and boba. Book your table here.
PHOTO BY BOTANIC HOSPITALITY GROUP
For the ultimate après ski experience sans snow, head to the Fairmont Century Plaza for a holiday chalet-themed dinner experience, complete with hot toddies and plenty of decadent fondue. Other alpine dining favorites include crispy pork schnitzel with dill-forward potato salad, tender braised beef cheeks and a warm cup of creamy butternut squash soup. Be sure to grab a boozy glass of housemade eggnog and pictures by the Veuve Clicquot snowmobile. Book your reservation here.
PHOTO BY MEREDITH SESTITO
Let Bar Pendry host you and your party for this beloved holiday tradition. Get in the spirit of the season with a personalized tea service and luxe accouterments, including smoked salmon eclairs, pastries and foie gas. Don’t forget to toast to the afternoon with a glass of Moët & Chandon Imperial Brut. Served only on Saturdays and Sundays; reserve your spot by emailing [email protected].
Shop small in a big way. At ROW DTLA, find meaningful gifts from Jean Pascal’s Florals and Flask & Field, grab a holiday-themed drink at Smorgabar or catch a Christmas movie at the Rooftop Cinema Club. Looking for fun and festive community activities? ROW DTLA is hosting holiday programming all season long, including family-friendly story time with books and cookies, beeswax candle rolling at DesignHive and holiday garland-making for the perfect take-home decor. Find the complete list of holiday events here.
This cozy holiday tradition is making its way to Hotel Bel-Air. Set up on the lawn under L.A.’s starry night sky, catch a Christmas movie classic projected on a massive outdoor screen—with film picks including Polar Express (family night), Scrooged, Elf and National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. Grab the blankets and pillows, and Hotel Bel-Air will take care of the rest, including snack bar favorites of buttery popcorn, chocolate and candy selections. To make a reservation, click here.
Tie up your aprons! This year, Hotel Bel-Air is hosting a sweet competition led by executive pastry chef Christophe Rull, who was featured on the Netflix series Bake Squad. Family and friends of all ages are encouraged to enter—there are dates for three different age groups. To book a spot in the contest, click here.
PHOTO COURTESY OF HOTEL BEL-AIR
Head to Hotel Figueroa’s historic lobby to shop this season while supporting women-owned and BIPOC small businesses. Throughout December, from Thursday to Sunday, browse booths with selections from SIMONE The Label—a socially conscious jewelry brand—LA’F.E.M’s luxury candles and floral arrangements by Mona Rosa L.A. Those choosing the Sip & Sleigh package will receive two festive cocktails and more!
PHOTO BY ROBIEE ZIEGLER
Take holiday shopping beachside this year at Shutters On The Beach’s holiday market. On two consecutive Saturdays, Dec. 9 and 16, sip all the eggnog and mulled wine your heart desires while perusing local treasures straight from Santa Monica boutiques. Get ready to shop till you drop!
Gather with friends and family Nov. 5 for Terranea’s annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony. Accompanied by live entertainment and sweet treats, this sure-to-be-memorable evening gives back, as guests are encouraged to bring an unwrapped gift as a donation to Toys for Tots in lieu of admission cost.
The Polo Lounge is serving the holiday sweets of the season. Head to the Pink Palace for 12 Days of Soufflés, provided with dinner service only. A few festive variations on this French classic dessert include cinnamony pumpkin pie, peppermint chocolate chip and eggnog, of course! Book a reservation from Dec. 12-23 here.
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE BEVERLY HILLS HOTEL
The kids are getting crafty this season at The Beverly Hills Hotel with this exciting cookie decorating class hosted by the pastry team experts. Icing and sprinkles are all the rage in the Polo Private Dining Room, and each child goes home with 24 cookies secured in a signature pink box so everyone can be a part of the holiday fun. Get the kids signed up here.
This holiday season, The Terrace is offering a festive tea with plenty of sweet and savory treats. Tiered serving stands will be decked out with chicken pate and Scottish smoked salmon finger sandwiches, and a selection of Christmas-flavored sweets with notes of chestnut, gingerbread and pistachio—the perfect pairings to a warm cup of wintery tea. Book your tea time here.
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE MAYBOURNE BEVERLY HILLS
Put your pinkies up this December at The Peninsula Beverly Hills for a festive afternoon tea complete with sweet treats, sparkling Champagne and more. Spend the afternoon with friends while supporting a great cause: A portion of each booking goes toward the Easter Seals Foundation, assisting individuals with disabilities throughout Southern California. For reservations, click here.
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE PENINSULA BEVERLY HILLS
‘Tis the season on Sunset Blvd. All December long, The Godfrey Hotel is hosting Winter Wonderland at the I|O rooftop bar, complete with the sinfully sweet gingerbread house bar and private igloos for rent. Sip on festive libations like a Cinnamon Old-Fashioned with rye whiskey and St. Germain, a fruity Sugar Plum cocktail made with pink grapefruit and plum sake or a cup of Hot Buttered Rum, which is sure to warm you up on a chilly California night. Find a table here.
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE GODFREY HOTEL
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