Southern California always has something going on throughout the year, but if you’re looking for a focus on the holiday season, look no further. Here’s everything taking place this December and early January to help you celebrate the holiday season. From music to bowling, some of these are too good to miss!
But First, Be Responsible & Take in Holiday Lights with Alto
In the spirit of making memories without compromising safety, consider Alto as your luxurious designated driver for the night. This New Year’s Eve, enjoy a night of celebration without the worry of driving under the influence to or from your destination with background-checked drivers. Every Alto vehicle is B.Y.O.B so you don’t have to worry about ditching the red solo cup before hopping in your ride.
In addition, the elevated rideshare service is celebrating the season with the coziest holiday light tour you can book! See the best lights in your city from the back of your Alto on a 90 minute tour curated by the Alto team. From Sunday 12/10 – Thursday 12/21, between a 6pm and 8pm slot each night, take in the decorations in Brentwood, Pacific Palisades, and Venice Canals. Riders will be picked up at Brentwood Country Mart, and can purchase a ride on shop-alto.com at least 24 hours in advance
There are even some special surprises in store, where riders may receive 2-4 Alto tumblers for a holiday cheers and BYOB for the ride, and can expect a Holiday playlist for the ride!
Alto offers a fleet of modern, stylish, and spacious vehicles, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable ride every time. Sit back, relax, and let their drivers take care of everything while you indulge in a comfortable, luxurious and stress-free journey.
Experience Santa Monica Proper Hotel’s Reimagined Afternoon Tea
A beloved culinary tradition around the world, Santa Monica Proper Hotel is reimagining afternoon tea through a seasonal California lens and sensibility. Located at Palma Lounge (Santa Monica Proper, 700 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90401), an all-day enclave for craft cocktails and eclectic bites.
The intimate, inspiring Kelly Wearstler-designed first-floor lounge is wrapped with windows and original art, with thoughtfully designed enclaves throughout. Proper Tea serves fresh takes on the classics with local and organic farm-fresh ingredients to linger over.
Palma’s Afternoon Tea Reimagined features and amuse bouche and several courses, served with a glass of Veuve Clicquot or N/A cocktail, and tea selection, priced at $95 per guests. Officially launched December 15, 2023, this offer is available Friday-Sunday, 2 -4 p.m.
Highlights of the new menu include:
- Beetroot Tartlet with Herbs de Provence Goat Cheese and Pistachio Powder
- Persian Cucumber Tea Sandwiches with Herbed Cream Cheese and Pink Peppercorn Aioli on Brioche
- Drake’s Farm Aged Goat Cheese & Chive Scone with Devonshire Cream, Lemon Curd & Seasonal Farmer’s Market Jam
- Valrhona Chocolate Profiterole
For reservations, please visit https://www.properhotel.com/santa-monica/ or https://www.opentable.com/r/palma-santa-monica.
Experience the Best of Chef Nate McCoy on Christmas Eve & Party for the New Year at The Viv Hotel
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Courtesy of Top of the V
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Courtesy of Top of the V
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Courtesy of Top of the V
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Courtesy of Top of the V
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Courtesy of Top of the V
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Courtesy of Top of the V
If you’d rather have an outing for a different occasion, you can ring in 2024 at The Viv Hotel’s rooftop restaurant and bar, Top of the V, on Sunday, December 31, from 9 p.m. – 1 a.m. Voted as Readers’ Choice “Best Rooftop in Orange County” by Riviera Magazine, Top of the V’s New Year’s Eve celebration will feature the iconic SoCal sunset views and twinkling city lights as the midnight countdown begins.
- Passed hors d’oeuvres including:
- Jamon Serrano Croquetas
- Charred Octopus
- Caviar
- Food stations offering Spanish-inspired dishes expertly crafted by Chef Nate McCoy, including:
- Patatas Bravas
- Saffron Bomba Rice
- Spanish-style charcuterie spread
- Moet & Chandon toast at midnight
- Open bar (limited selections)
- Complimentary valet parking
- Live DJ music by @DJRhino562
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Courtesy of Top of the V
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Courtesy of Top of the V
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Courtesy of Top of the V
Chef Nate credits his passion for modernist cuisine to Chefs Steven Rojas and Edgar Beas. He attributes his ability to excel within the field to other renowned chefs he has worked with, such as Top Chef winners Michael Voltaggio of Ink and Mei Lin, owner of Daybird, as well as Michelin-star Chefs Tony Esnault, owner of Knife Pleat, and Jacob Kear, owner of LURRA in Kyoto, Japan.
Celebrate Big with Westfield Century City & Westfield Topanga
Westfield Century City and Westfield Topanga are no strangers to celebration! In fact, this December they are kicking off exciting festivities happening this season – from snowfall and photos with Santa, to ugly sweaters! Check out the list below for upcoming winter magic at Westfield Century City and Westfield Topanga:
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Ornament Making (Westfield Topanga) – Tis the season to Eat, Drink, and Be Merry at Topanga Social! Get your creative juices flowing and make beautiful ornaments to decorate your home or give as gifts.
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Weekend Brunch With Santa at Pinstripes (Westfield Topanga; Ends 12/17) – Indulge in the magic of the season at Pinstripes Santa Brunch, available on Saturdays and Sundays from 11am – 3pm. Elevate your brunch experience with a delicious buffet of brunch favorites, capture unforgettable memories with photos of Santa and loved ones, and enjoy a surprise gift at every table!
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Live Performances and Snowfall (11/24-12/24) (Westfield Century City) – You don’t need to trek to Big Bear to see snow this year – Westfield Century City has you covered with magical moments of snowfall right here in LA! Plus, enjoy a variety of live performances in the heart of the Holiday Village.
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Photos With Santa (Westfield Topanga) – Don’t be shy – break out your ugliest sweater for a pic with Saint Nick! Every Thursday from 11/30–12/21, Westfield Topanga invites you to put on your most heinous sweater and pay a visit to Santa Claus. If you’re looking for nostalgia, it doesn’t get better than this!
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Grinch Pop-Up (Now – 12/26) (Westfield Century City) – Get an immersive Grinch experience full of festive activities – write letters to The Grinch and his beloved furry companion Max, indulge in ‘Grinchy’ treats such as green cotton candy and matcha, and partake in must-have merch giveaways, engaging themed activities, and more!
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Blitzen’s Bar (11/24-12/26) (Westfield Century City) – Get cozy in a cabana and sip under the snow at Blitzen’s Bar, a festive pop-up oasis.
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Holiday Market (11/24-12/26) (Westfield Century City) – Explore curated gift shops, snack on holiday treats & enjoy photo opps at the Holiday Market.
- The Academy Museum – Film collectibles and products supporting the Academy Museum’s programming, exhibitions, access, and educational initiatives.
- Luna Lili Jewelry – Handmade precious gemstone jewelry
- Holy Moly Gifts – Giftable stationery and stocking stuffers
- B Sweet – Hot bread pudding, cheesecakes and more
Feast At Topanga Social
Topanga Social has just launched its special lunch program: “Lunch Crunch” weekdays from 11 – 4, guests will be able to order special lunch combos from LA’s finest eateries for only $15.00!
From Mondays to Fridays 11 p.m. – 4 p.m, Topanga Social visitors will be able order lunch combos from some of LA’s finest culinary destinations including Mini Kabob (a Chicken Thigh Plate, plus a drink), DTown Pizzeria (1946 Cheese Pizza, plus a drink), Katsu Sando (Classic Chicken Katsu Plate, and a drink), and so much more, all for $15.00. See the full list of offerings below:
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Amboy: Classic Double, fries, and a drink.
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Burrata House: Burrata Caprese Panini, Arugula Side Salad, plus a drink.
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DTown Pizzeria: 1946 Cheese Pizza, plus a drink.
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Dumpling Monster: Pan-fried Chicken Dumplings, Scallion Pancake, plus a drink.
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Fat Sal’s: Turkey Club, Seasoned Fries, plus a drink.
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Jay Bird’s: Jay Bird’s Chicken Sandwich, fries, and a drink.
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Katsu Sando: Classic Chicken Katsu Plate, and a drink.
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ManEatingPlant: Fried Shroom Bao, plus a drink.
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Mini Kabob: Chicken Thigh Plate, plus a drink.
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Shrimp Daddy: Shrimp Plate, plus a drink.
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Tail O’ the Pup: 1976 Pup, fries, and a drink.
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Temaki by Seaweed Handroll: Spicy Tuna Hand Roll and Salmon Hand Roll, plus a drink.
