Festive and Free: Holiday and Wellness Events around Los Angeles and Beyond This Season.
As December unfolds, it’s the perfect time to embrace the holiday spirit, support small businesses, and explore a variety of unique events. From cozy speakeasies to health and wellness workshops, and festive experiences in and around Los Angeles, here’s your ultimate guide to making the most of the season.
Restaurant Events
Holiday Drag Bingo
On Monday, December 9 from 6:30 - 10:00pm,
Details: Host Roxy Wood, "The Bingo Babe,” leads 10 thrilling games of bingo with fabulous prizes, including a gift certificate for a two-night stay at the hotel. Complimentary bingo cards, daubers, and markers. RSVP via Eventbrite
Holiday Espresso Martinis at ALK (About Last Knife)
The Godfrey Hotel Hollywood’s signature restaurant ALK will offer three new flavors of Espresso Martinis in time for the winter season. Martini lovers can dine at ALK to enjoy a choice of S’mores Espresso Martini, Peppermint Espresso Martini, Amaretto Espresso Martini and the classic Espresso Martini ($19) or available in a flight of three ($28). Reservations can be made via exploretock.
Santa-Approved Movies on the i|O Rooftop
Holiday movie nights continue on The Godfrey Hotel Hollywood’s i|O rooftop,
Friday evenings at 8:00 pm, with a Santa-approved line-up, guests and visitors can cozy up over consisting of
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (Dec 6),
Elf (Dec 13),
Love Actually (Dec 20)
The Grinch (Dec 27)
Monday Pairings Menu – Perch Rooftop, Los Angeles
Location: Perch Rooftop, Downtown LA
Details: Indulge in a luxurious $300 experience with mussels, escargot, and caviar, all paired with wine for two. Enjoy breathtaking views and live music while treating yourself to this decadent experience.
Website: perchla.com
Step into speakeasy YNK’s
holiday transformation, a ski chalet ambiance tucked inside Irvine Marriott’s cozy bar filled with snowy decor and seasonal craft cocktails inspired by destinations across the globe. Also at Irvine Marriott,
Visit year-round camping-themed speakeasy CozyPine,
a wood-clad cabin ambiance complete with owls, birds and Big Mouth Billy Bass; campfire-themed cocktails, fiery tableside presentations and upscale bites.
FLOE Lounge's spacious patio and Jumbotron are perfect for Christmas Day football and enjoying their special Christmas Day menu (12/25, 11 AM - 9 PM).
Stick around for a midnight toast on New Year's Eve when FLOE is open until 1 a.m.
Frosty Pop-Up Bar – Hollywood, CA
Experience a magical winter wonderland at the Frosty Pop-Up Bar, happening now through December 30th. This Christmas-themed bar brings festive drinks, holiday music, and a jolly atmosphere for all!
Dates: November 29 – December 30, 2024
Location: Hollywood, CA
Details: An immersive, holiday-themed pop-up bar with festive cocktails and photo-worthy decor.
Tickets: Get Tickets Here
Health, Fitness, and Wellness Events
Yoga + Sound with Harper Being
Mat Pilates Sculpt with Toniann Monaco
When: December 7, 10 AM
Where: Manhattan Village
What: A dynamic pilates session led by Toniann Monaco, known for her work with Alo, Hume, and The Heated Room.
Mat Pilates Sculpt with Toniann Monaco
When: December 8, 10 AM
Where: RUNWAY Playa Vista
What: Another opportunity to tone and sculpt with Toniann Monaco, featuring expert techniques to challenge and empower your body.
Holiday Hotel Deals
Hyatt Regency Irvine – Holiday Magic Suite
Treat yourself to a luxurious stay in the Holiday Magic Suite at the Hyatt Regency Irvine. With festive decor, a private s'mores experience, and exclusive holiday offerings, this suite is perfect for a cozy and magical staycation.
Dates: Dec. 1, 2024 – Jan. 6, 2025
Price: $459++ per night (Code: HS24)
Location: Hyatt Regency Irvine, 17900 Jamboree Rd, Irvine, CA 92614
Hyatt Regency Irvine's Holiday Magic Suite:
Available as a bookable package, the Holiday Magic Suite is fully outfitted with Christmas lights, wreaths, an in-suite Christmas tree, cozy plaid blankets and other seasonal decor to create a warm, festive atmosphere. The suite includes a large living room and kitchen, a primary bedroom, a bunkbed room, two bathrooms and a private balcony. To make the experience extra memorable, guests will also receive a cookie welcome amenity, perfect for a "Night Before Christmas" celebration ahead of Santa’s arrival on Christmas morning. To complete the experience, Holiday Magic Suite guests will enjoy a complimentary one-hour private S’mores experience at Hyatt Regency Irvine’s outdoor firepit and patio.
Package Dates: December 1, 2024 – January 6, 2025 Pricing: starts at $459++ How to Book: Use Special Offer Code HS24 when booking a stay.
Hilton Irvine – Seasons to Stay Package
Book 2 nights at the Hilton Irvine and enjoy a 20% discount plus complimentary ice skating tickets at Irvine Spectrum Center.
Promo Code: Spectrum
Valid Through: Jan. 5, 2025
Location: Hilton Irvine, 18800 MacArthur Blvd, Irvine, CA 92612
Hilton Irvine’s Black Friday Deal:
From now through January 5th, 2025, guests can get up to 20% off on all 2-night stays with the Seasons to Stay package at Hilton Irvine! By using the code Spectrum, travelers can plan a winter-themed vacation to stay anytime now through April 21st, 2025 via this link HERE. For those who want to celebrate the Christmas season in Irvine, for all stays now through January 5th, this package also comes with TWO complimentary ice skating tickets at the Spectrum Ice Rink making it the best way to experience a SoCal holiday.
Fun Things to Do in LA (December)
Jazz Nights
Where: Delphi Bar
What: Enjoy intimate jazz performances that elevate your evening vibes.
Bar Lis (Tuesdays)
Where: Bar Lis, West Hollywood
What: Sophisticated rooftop jazz nights under the LA skyline.
The Irvine Spectrum Center will once again be a hub for the holidays.
Skate under the stars at the outdoor ice rink, shop, and stroll among the festive decorations,
watch the 75-ft Christmas tree light up nightly with choreographed light shows every 30 minutes, and ride the 108-ft Ferris wheel wrapped in holiday lights.
On Black Friday, shoppers will be treated to holiday discounts and music from a Cappella groups, DJs, pianists, and karaoke; plus, a live ice sculpture installation and festive treats like hot cocoa, a cotton candy cart, gingerbread cart, and Merry
Mocktail bars throughout
The Sippin
Santa Pop-Up Bar (open now) is a tropical holiday oasis featuring classic tiki drinks with a holiday twist brings island breeze and holiday cheer to Sauced BBQ & Spirits in Irvine.
Visit Santa’s Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops family friendly outdoors-inspired holiday activities, including a special
Yuletide Breakfast with Santa and his helpers (reservations required, Nov. 23 and Dec. 7), weekly Christmas tales told by Santa or Mrs. Claus (Tuesdays until Dec. 17, reservations required), interactive toy stations and complimentary gifts and activities throughout the holiday season while supplies last.
Shop for locally made, one-of-a-kind gifts at Irvine’s
Holiday Market (Dec. 7-8), featuring 25+ artisans offering handmade jewelry, holiday-themed ceramics, festive clothing, crafts and more.
Celebrate the season with Holidays at the Park featuring acres of photo opportunities, larger-than-life light displays in Palm Court, a Grinch-themed takeover, a pop-up holiday art museum, and the annual Illuminate Irvine tree lighting on Dec. 7, accompanied by holiday music and family-friendly activities
Winter Wonderland at The Grove (FREE)
Where: The Grove, Los Angeles
When: Throughout December
What: Experience snowfall, festive lights, and cheerful holiday displays.
Holiday Market at Grand Central Market (FREE)
Where: Grand Central Market, Downtown LA
When: Select weekends in December
What: Explore unique gifts, artisan vendors, and seasonal treats, all while soaking in the holiday spirit.
Free Holiday Fun: Marina del Rey Christmas Lights & More
Marina del Rey Holiday Lights
When: Ongoing throughout December, nightly 4pm-10pm
Where: Burton Chace Park, 13650 Mindanao Way, Marina del Rey, CA
Stroll along the waterfront and enjoy a dazzling display of holiday lights reflecting off the marina. Perfect for a festive, budget-friendly evening with family and friends or a romantic date night. The lights create a magical atmosphere ideal for holiday photos!
Closing Thoughts
Los Angeles offers countless ways to celebrate the holiday season without breaking the bank. From festive light displays to wellness activities, there's something for everyone this December. Don’t forget to support local businesses and embrace the season's magic!