By: Abigail Pacheco By: Abigail Pacheco | December 7, 2022 | Food & Drink, Lifestyle,
Mezzanine Sushi opens at Palihouse West Hollywood.
December is finally here, and there’s so much fun to keep you busy! Get into the holiday spirit with pop-ups, events, new restaurants and more happening in Los Angeles. Mark your calendars and buy tickets today to ensure a fun-filled month. See everything happening below.
Through Jan. 29, experience Astra Lumina LA at the South Coast Botanic Garden. The mile-long walk transports you through an enchanted experience of music, lighting, elaborate projections and astra energy that transforms the garden into a celestial path. Tickets
Beginning Dec. 21, Desert 5 Spot is adding Bootloose to their weekly Wednesday programming. The evening will feature line dancing experts, music by DJ Short Shorts, a two-step moment and cowboy karaoke. RSVP
Celebrate the holidays with ocean views and seasonally inspired cocktails by bar director Julien Calella. The new lineup includes the Let Go (Nosotros Reposado, Lemon, Hibiscus, Cynar, Mint), Shipwreck (Rum, Lime, Almond Orgeat, Nutmeg, Amari Float), Fireside Chat (Toki Japanese whiskey, lemon, mulled wine float) and more. Website
On Dec. 14, Future Gin ambassador Gaby Mlynarczyk and Genever beverage director Kelso Norris are creating special cocktails featuring the California-inspired, women-owned gin. Stop by Genever from 8 to 11 p.m.
One Dec. 20, The Groundlings Theatre & School debuts the one-night, one-man show One! starring Mitch Silpa and created and directed by Deanna Olicer. Tickets
On Dec. 15 at 7 p.m., Madre in Torrance will host its second annual blind mezcal tasting for $95 per person. Featuring some of Madre’s most exclusive bottles, the tasting includes 10 mezcales and the guidance of owner (and mezcal expert) Ivan Vasquez. Also, Oaxacan photographer Fernando Arce will be selling his collection of Mezcal photography.
Through Dec. 22, West Hollywood’s Melrose Rooftop Theatre is screening a number of Christmas-favorite movies, including Home Alone, Love Actually, A Christmas Story and The Nightmare Before Christmas. Learn More + Tickets
Coinciding with the debut of the Beastie Boys exhibition, the Beyond the Streets gallery is hosting The Monty’s Treats pop-up until Jan. 23. Come in for vanilla and chocolate soft serve in a cup or waffle cone and plenty of toppings. 434 N La Brea 90036
In partnership with Moët & Chandon, the Pendry West Hollywood has welcomed the Champagne Winter Garden for the season. From 5 to 9 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, stop in for curated bites and a selection of fine cuvées from Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessy. Also, the hotel is hosting Festive Tea at Bar Pendry until Jan 1. Every Saturday and Sunday from noon to 3 p.m., you can experience a spirited rendition of afternoon tea and a menu of sips with classic profiles like pumpkin, chestnut, and cranberry; champagne pairings; Salmon & Trout Roe Eclairs; King Crab & Seaweed Roll; Foie Gras Mousse and seasonal pastries. Reservations
The Culver City restaurant has debuted its new winter menu. Head in for cocktails like Fur COat (Fernet Francisco, green chartreuse, sweet vermouth, mint, bitters) Mekong Sour (Rittenhouse Rye, tamarind, lime, Thai basil) and The Hall Decker (rum, Benedictine, pineapple, rosemary, allspice), among others. Menu
Every second Thursday of the month, Vinovore will now take over the Silverlake Pool & Inn bar to highlight a rotating lineup of guest winemakers. Evenings will include $10 tasting flights, wines by the glass and bottle and free corkage at onsite restaurant Marco Polo Trattoria and Bar with purchase of a bottle.
From Dec. 9 to 11, visit Sized Studio for a chance to see In Motion: Andy Warhol 1974 - 1986, an exhibition of Andy Warhol photography hosted in partnership with O’Gara’s Rolls-Royce Beverly Hills. Featuring over forty photographs, the collection includes never-before-seen pieces and insight into Warhol's daily life. Website
Due to a 2,000-person waitlist, the Chili’s Grill & Bar x Chain Pop-Up series has added three more nights: Dec. 9, 10 and 13. Lucky Angelenos who snag a reservation get to experience Michelin-starred Chef Tim Hollingsworth’s take on popular Chili’s favorites. Reservations
Based on the Rian Johnson movie, travel to Greece via an escape room experience where those aspiring to be like detective Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig) will test their investigative skills. In the world of Glass Onion, you will be tasked with a series of challenges that must be solved or you risk losing a member of your group. Reservations are available until Dec. 23. Tickets
On Dec. 14 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., the West Hollywood restaurant will host an Italian Bespoke showcase with luxury brand LodenTal. The afternoon will kick off with a welcome cocktail and bites and will be followed by a three-course lunch and an exclusive showcase of LodenTal’s made-to-order collection of wool loden outerwear. Tickets
Adapted from Octavia E. Butler’s novel Kindred, FX is set to release a show of the same name on Dec. 13. You can celebrate the premiere with a time-traveling experience. From Dec. 8 to 9, visit Band of Vices in the West Adams Arts District where you begin by seeing work by emerging Black artists and designers, which is followed by a second room that transports you to the 19th century Southern U.S. After, guests are encouraged to dine at Post & Beam, which will feature a special pre-fixe menu inspired by the show from Dec. 9 to Dec. 11. Tickets
The Venice Beach spirit-free bottle shop has a jam-packed month. On Dec. 8, it welcomes Katy Perry’s De Soi for Spritzing in Wonderland. On Dec 8 from 6 to 9 p.m., enjoy an evening of bites, beats and bubbly from De Soi, Lady & Larder and Bottega Louie. Be sure to RSVP. Then on Dec. 9 from 4 to 7 p.m., stop in for a tasting of a variety of Non's intricately layered wine alternatives. RSVP here. Finally, on Dec. 15 from 4 to 8 p.m., join The New Bar for Lincoln Boulevard Bazaar. The holiday shopping event features local vendors, artisans and purveyors and will be serving up fresh handmade pizza, cold drinks, warm drinks and giftable goods. 1821 Lincoln Blvd 90291
Through Dec. 8 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Seeds of Happiness is bringing to Melrose happiness through art, one smile at a time. The movement’s mission is to create a chain reaction of positivity by creating a community around artists and their projects that brighten the world. This time, they are doing that through Jimmy Paintz’s The Genesis Collection, a set of 8,888 custom spray-painted and hand-cut paper happy faces that live as NFTs on the Flow blockchain. Happy hour with cocktails and live music runs 5 p.m. to close. 8254 Melrose Ave 90046
801 North Fairfax Ave #101 90046 / Website
Madre Oaxacan Restaurant and Mezcaleria has released its new brunch menu. Brunch will be served every Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., featuring traditional favorites like chilaquiles and huevos con chorizo. The mezcal flights, mimosas, margaritas and delicious new cocktails are the perfect addition to your meal!
3008 Santa Monica Blvd STE A 90404 / Website
Please Enjoy is now open! This sleek new modern spot's coffee bar and café is a great place to grab a cup of joe and socialize with friends. Drinks like The Maple Horchata Latte, Matcha Cubano and Coffee Slushy will start your day deliciously. Highlights for those wanting a crave-worthy meal include Overnight Oats, Chia Seed Pudding with Matcha and Fluffy PB&J.
11647 San Vicente Blvd 90049 / Website
Beloved Los Angeles steakhouse Baltaire offers live music every Thursday and Friday. The lounge will act as a stage for talented musicians from around the city for two days a week. Enjoy your delicious meal alongside live music this holiday season!
10899 Wilshire Blvd 90024 / Website
The MoMA Contenders screening series is back at The Hammer Museum throughout December. The museum will feature ten of 2022's best and most exclusive Q&As with filmmakers and casts. Get ready for the award season and buy your tickets– $20 for the public or $10 for Hammer members– to watch some of year's most groundbreaking films. A schedule will be available via The Hammer Museum website.
8384 W 3rd St 90048 / Website
If you are craving sushi, Mezzanine Sushi is the spot for you. Located at Palihouse Hotel in West Hollywood, the electric bar and dining room are perfect for a memorable dinner and drinks with friends. Every Thursday through Saturday, the restaurant will feature Japanese bar food and sake served alongside upbeat music spun by nightly DJs. Make a reservation at this unique dining spot starting with its opening Dec. 2.
9815 National Blvd 90034 / Website
Zooies Cookie Cart is officially opening on Dec. 1 at Citizen Public Market. Stop by the cart to enjoy delicious cookies if you are in the area. The Culver City exclusive Espresso Crunch is a must-try cookie and is filled with chocolate-covered espresso beans, gooey milk and dark chocolate chips. Zooies will be open Thursday through Saturday from 2 to 10 p.m. every week.
4220 Coldwater Canyon Ave Suite #104 91604 / Website
Join the SALT Optics team and designers on Dec. 1 from 4 to 8 p.m. for a special holiday party. Enjoy a whiskey-tasting bar and raffle giveaway as you browse through a new pair of premium-crafted sunglasses inspired by California's coast.
611 N Fairfax Ave 90036 / Website
On Dec. 1 at 7 p.m., Brain Dead Studios is showing Green Day's 2017 documentary Turn It Around: The Story of East Bay Punk. What's more, Green Day WMX and Brain Dead have teamed up to create an exclusive merchandise collection. Guests can purchase the Brain Dead x Green Day collection at the screening. Starting Dec. 6, the collection will also be available online and in stores.
813 Flower St 90017 / Website
If you love bourbon, you must stop by The Wayfarer in DTLA on Dec. 1! For $110, you can enjoy a night full of whiskey at the Garrison Brothers event. Charlie Garrison himself will be guiding your night. A welcome cocktail and a three-course dinner expertly paired with Garrison Brother's expressions and a nightcap await you.
9850 Wilshire Blvd 90210 / Website
Jean-Georges' ongoing Sip and Savor dinner series highlights the beloved Newton Winery and Sweet Wheat Bakery at 7 p.m. on Dec. 2. The six-course tasting menu will include dishes like toasted egg yolk caviar, wagyu tenderloin and much more. All dishes are expertly paired with full-bodied wines from Newton Winery. Prices start at $315 per person.
1518 N Cahuenga Blvd 90028 / Website
In celebration of Grandmaster Recorder's one-year anniversary, Angelenos are invited to party alongside the culinary masterminds on Dec. 4 from 12 to 3 p.m. The rooftop party will feature $1 Schiacciata Style Italian Pizzas slices and $5 GMR Spritzes. No reservations are required to enjoy this memorable afternoon of pizza, music and cocktails.
See also: All The Holiday Events, Pop-Ups and Festivities Happening In Los Angeles This Year
7307 Melrose Ave 90046 / Website
The Westbrook Family presents "A Night of Family" at the Groundlings Theatre and School on Dec. 5. The one long-form improv show will star Tim Bagley, Michael Hitchcock, Annie Sertich and Mindy Sterling. Tickets are priced at $12 per person and be purchased via the Groundlings website.
2375 Alamo Pintado Ave 93441 / Website
Culinary masters and chefs Andy Doubrava and Tiffani Ortiz have announced an exciting two-day pop-up. The $200 collaborative dinner will be with Slow Burn and Bar Le Côte from Dec. 5 to the 6. The menu is inspired by sustainability efforts and offers multiple courses that allow guests to experience a variety of vibrant flavors.
347 N. Canon Dr 90210 / Website
Mulberry Street Pizzeria has been an iconic pizza destination for the past 31 years. In celebration of its 31-year anniversary, the authentic New York pizza joint will be dishing out 31-cent cheese slices on Dec. 6. Proceeds from this one-day event will be donated to the California Prostate Cancer Coalition.
1966 Hillhurst Ave 90027 / Website
Experience Brazilian music in a new way at Nossa Caipirinha Bar on Dec. 7 and 14. KCRW DJ Jeremy Sole will be taking up residency at the bar on Wednesdays to share his personal collection of Brazilian vinyl. From funk to jazz, tropicalia and more, Sole will be playing it all!
8162 Melrose Ave 90046 / Website
Sarah Silverman, Gina Yahsere, Erin Jackson and more invite you to an evening of laughter. Located at The Hollywood Improv Main Room, all proceeds from this exciting event on Dec. 8 support the nonprofit Comedy Gives Back in the spirit of Giving Tuesday. Buy your tickets before they sell out. Pricing starts at $75 per person. You must be 21 or older to attend.
26300 Crenshaw Blvd 90274 / Website
Get into the holiday spirit with the help of Astra Lumina's enchanted walk at South Coast Botanic Garden on Dec. 8. The outdoor experience will lead guests through illuminated pathways to eight different viewing zones and entertainment areas. Buy your tickets today for a memorable night that the whole family will love!
1821 Lincoln Blvd 90291 / Website
De Soi and The New Bar will host a magical, fun evening on Thursday, Dec. 8. The event will feature good music and even better apéritifs by De Soi. Founded by Katy Perry and Morgan McLachlan, De Soi is a new non-alcoholic apéritif brand that uses adaptogens and mind-mellowing botanicals to create a stress-free experience.
1245 N Spring St 90012 / Website
Celebrate Los Angeles culture, cuisine and art at LA3C new two-day festival from Dec. 10 through 11 at L.A. State Historic Park. Local favorites like Lil' Bobacita, Cena Vegan, Love Hour, Prince Street Pizza and more are available for festival goers to enjoy all in one place. Headliners for the festival include Megan Thee Stallion, Snoop Dogg, Maluma and so many more. The 21+ curated festival is a must-visit for L.A. foodies and music lovers alike. Buy your tickets at LA3C.com.
434 North La Brea Ave 90036 / Website
Calling all Beastie Boys fans! The Beastie Boys Exhibition hosted by Beyond the Streets and Control Gallery in partnership with Goldenvoice is coming to Los Angeles from Dec. 10 through Jan. 23. The comprehensive exhibit will tell the story of the beloved band's forty-year history. Tickets are complimentary, but need to be reserved via AXS.
1100 S. Broadway 90015 / Website
Stop by Caldo Verde on Dec. 11 for a night inspired by Neal Bodenheimer's first book, Cure. The recently released book tells a story of New Orleans history through its signature cocktails. As a part of Caldo Verde's ongoing events spotlighting renowned chefs, guests will have the chance to enjoy cocktails from Bodenheimer's book and a prix fixe menu of his favorite bar snacks.
9291 Burton Way 90210 / Website
Luxury hotel L'Ermitage Beverly Hills welcomes guests for an exclusive seven-course dining experience on Dec. 15. The meal by chefs Andrew Miller and Nicholas Muncy compliments the seven signature cocktails of the night. Inspired by the flavors of Hennessy X.O., the cocktails will help you reimagine Hennessy. Purchase your $500 tickets to unlock all seven worlds.
465 N Beverly Dr 90210 / Website
Mr. Brainwash has been creating art that has been breaking the rules and boundaries of contemporary art for over ten years. Starting Dec. 18, fans and Angelenos alike will experience everything Mr. Brainwash has to offer at the grand opening of his art museum. Guests will immerse themselves in Mr. Brainwash's multi-media art throughout the three-story building.
See also: The Best Restaurants For Christmas Dinner In Los Angeles
Photography by: Jakob Lyman