Guide To Los Angeles For The Holidays
During the upcoming holidays, Los Angeles is a magical wonderland to behold. Sunny skies and sublime climates mean that our weather factor gives you ample opportunity to enjoy the soothing Southland's enviable weather in many joys of the season on offer as 2013 comes to a close. We've picked the best places to visit:
Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows Holiday Festivities
101 Wilshire Blvd
Santa Monica, CA 90401
(310) 576-7777
www.fairmont.com
Date: Dec. 14 from 2-5pm
On Sunday, December 14th, join others for a day of holiday festivities under the Moreton Bay FIG Tree at the Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows for a good cause. With live entertainment, the chance to take a photo with Santa Claus, gingerbread houses, seasonal crafts, snow, and a bounce house for kids, you're encouraged to bring nonperishable food items to help make a difference to the largest canned food drive on the Westside. Admission is free.
On Monday December 22 to Wednesday December 24, you can also take part as holiday carolers sing in the seasons at the hotel lobby as you sip hot cocoa. Carolers will be singing 'Deck The Halls,' 'Jingle Bell Rock' and many others.
For all hotel guests and FIG Restaurant patrons, you can take part in the delight of holiday cookie decorating on Sunday, December 14 and 21 from 11am to 2pm.
Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel
7000 Hollywood Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90028
(323) 466-7000
www.thompsonhotels.com
Snow may not be falling outside in Hollywood, but inside arguably the most festive hotel in the vicinity, flakes are out in full force. In fact, you could be showered upon arrival in the lobby of the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel as this part of the property is decked out for the season in winter splendor not typically found in Southern California. Mix in the glamour of this urban retreat's place of business and you'll be sure to feel very Christmas-y before your visit is over. That will happen whether you are on the spot to enjoy a specialty drink in the Tropicana Bar overlooking the famous David Hockney pool or in the Library Bar for a Christmas cocktail creation, the toast of the season.
Christmas Tree Lane
Santa Rosa Ave. at E. Mariposa St.
Altadena, CA 91001
(626) 403-1123
www.christmastreelane.net
Snow is not on the agenda this Christmas or any Christmas in the City of Angeles. Well, not the real kind anyway. But for faux flakes as well as scenes of holiday magic made primarily through the magic of lights, haul your crew over to Christmas Tree Lane to partake in a lot of spender and yes, some overkill too. This experience in Altadena is billed as "the oldest large-scale Christmas lighting spectacle in the United States," an 80-year-old tradition that should not be missed if only to put everyone in the ho ho ho spirit. More oohs and ahhs than are heard at the most extravagant Fourth of July fireworks are heard from your car as you pass through this veritable mile of lights where some 10,000 are strung with care, glowing bright for an excursion that's best done in the dark of night.
Disneyland Park
1313 Disneyland Drive
Anaheim, CA
(714) 781-4636
www.disneyland.disney.go.com
At Christmas time, some like a parade. Others opt for the awesomeness of a firework display. Others are into the decorations. All of this and more is on hand at Disneyland, a veritable feast of Christmas delight that runs through the beginning of the year to come. With extended hours and special activities on the agenda for what is called the Disneyland Christmas Fantasy, you'll have no excuse but to go to the Happiest Place on Earth to see for yourself how this Magic Kingdom celebrates the season in style.
The Grove
189 The Grove Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90036
(323) 900-8060
www.thegrove.com
Visiting with Father Christmas at the Grove is a big deal for little ones (and adults) who love this outdoor shopping environment filled with fanciful aspects like giant snowflakes. In addition, The Grove Christmas Tree is a sight to be seen with its astounding array of 15,000 lights and its 10,000 shiny ornaments. The main attraction is Santa Claus himself however. In fact, he even has his own cottage on the premises where he sits and waits for the children to come to him for picture taking as he listens to everyone's wishes.
Pershing Square
532 S. Olive St.
Los Angeles, CA 90013
(213) 624-4289
www.downtownla.com
Sure, it may be balmy outside, but that doesn't mean you have to miss out on one of the best activities winter has to offer: ice skating. Pershing Square puts a rink into place every year that stays put until the third week in January, giving you plenty of time to head downtown for the chance to glide and glow during this holiday season while getting in some exercise in the shade of the lighted skyscrapers this part of the city provides on a permanent basis.
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