When I first moved to LA from a state that had four seasons, to the Mediterranean climate, I was homesick for Wintery feels. I didn’t notice the subtle changes of the trees, leaves and weather. I thought it all felt the same.

Au contraire. Now that I’ve lived her more than a decade, I can 100% tell LA seasons apart; you just have to know what to look for. For example, fall and winter come late. This year, I distinctly noticed the leaves dropping on the ground in late November when the rest of the country has already moved on to full blast winter , LA is still catching up to fall. Summer as well - the water stays cold until peak summer in August, September, and lingers with heat waves as late as October.

Not to fear, you do not have to be a weather aficionado like myself, to enjoy a festive, LA holiday, Christmas, Hanukkah or Kwanza. LA has plenty of opportunities to get those sleigh bells ringing. Read on to see my top 9 picks.

Ice Skating

Go ice skating in Downtown Santa Monica or Pershing Square (DTLA). Pershing Square is a bit more limited with 1 hour for $20 and Santa Monica more generous for $20 all day skate (admission includes the skate rental). It used be there was only a rink in Santa Monica and this became my annual tradition as I stayed in LA through the holidays - so it brightened up my day to do a little whirl on their outdoor rink.

In the past, Santa Monica sadly chose a plastic rink instead of ice and it was definitely not like the real thing so I’m glad they have reverted back to a true ice rink. And now, we have more options like Pershing Square (which can be romantic with the high rise, skyline of downtown).

In Santa Monica, once you’re done - wander the Promenade and snap some photos at their Christmas Tree. Wander the shops and window shop at any number of joyous window displays (tip - check out the displays at the high end stores at the Santa Monica Place Mall. Or skip the retail therapy altogether and walk along the narrow Palisades Park, which hugs the cliffs overlooking the ocean and PCH. Watch the sunset and easily find dinner and/or drinks at the nearby Water Grill (great seafood with a sleek, steak house feel), Blue Plate Oysterette (for a smaller, establishment but still casual, date-worthy), or the Misfit Bar (for the best bar and happy hour).

Ice Skate in Downtown Santa Monica or Pershing Square (DTLA)

Here and Now DTLA

Now a holiday tradition, the Here and Now DTLA bar and restaurant turns into a winter wonderland call Blitzen! I get a joy of out reading the menu. There’s hot, mulled spiced cider with whiskey and bourbon in the I Believe. The Happiest Christmas Tree cocktail includes Finlandia vodka, pine liqueur and is topped with pine foam (wow, right?). And yes, if you’re feeling extremely jolly - there is rum and sherry spike egg nog! This annual themed bar with fake snow, lights, pajama parties, and carolers was so popular, they brought it back in the summertime (I’m impressed). Get that snow falling, without having to leave LA.

Here and Now DTLA, 300 S. Santa Fe Ave. Suite N, Los Angeles, CA 90013

Tam O’Shanter’s

Built in 1922, when fairy-tale and themed architecture was all the rage - Tam O’Shanter’s is top amongst LA’s most quintessential restaurants. There’s no better time to go than in December. Get merry with cottage-core: exposed wooden beams, low ceilings, exposed stone details, vintage plates and European paintings grace the wall. Come on a night when they have carolers and when the fireplace is roaring, warm and cozy.

Try the Fruitcake Sidecar (cognac, ginger cranberry syrup, lemon and curacao) looks especially rocking. And their version of Hot Buttered Rum (rum, butter, water) is speaking to me.

Dine amongst the garland lined decorations, and absorb all the homey holiday feels. Reservations are required so make sure to ask to be seated inside for the full, gleeful experience.

For more class, less kitsch - try Lawry’s The Prime Rib (same owners), and equally as festival and perhaps even more fancy (they also have caroling, lights and trees)!

Tam O’Shanter’s, 2980 Los Feliz Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90039 (Los Feliz)

In & Out [for Hot Chocolate]

In and Out is good year-round, but when it drops below 60 degrees F, sweater weather,, it’s time to order In and Out Hot Chocolate! When it first got added to the menu ins 2018; the first menu addition over a decade (so it must be iconic)! Chocolate is a powder mix with freeze-dried marshmallows mixed and water; it hits the spot. You can see a light foaming action it still manages to be creamy. Stop by and get your good, cheap chocolate fix.

See’s Candies

This 100-year old icon, See’s Candies with their striped awning and black and white colors is an LA landmark and gem . Lucille Ball spent time in their La Cienega shop, dipping chocolate to train for their famous chocolate production line gone-wrong episode in I Love Lucy (IYKYK).

See’s Candies is unlike any other big name. They are old-fashioned, quaint, and the chocolates are sweet! Their truffle boxes make excellent holiday gifts (I like of think of it as the Forest Gump chocolate box). My good friend, a former flight attendant, asks for See’s when I visit her in NYC, so don’t doubt the power of nostalgia.

For the holidays, I recommend the Nuts and Chews, or if you’re a marshmallow lover pick up the Scotchmallows (caramel and marshmallow dipped in chocolate). There’s plenty of seasonable flavors to impress the whole family including Marshmints (marshmallow, mint jelly topped with chocolate), and Bordeaux (sugar cream center wrapped in white chocolate). I’m definitely drooling as I type this and am adding this to my digital shopping cart!

See’s Candies , 3431 S La Cienega Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90016 (and many other LA locations and kioks)

Little John’s Toffeehouse and Fine Candies

On a smaller scale, if you frequent the Original Farmer’s Market (next to the Grove), then you know of Little John’s Toffeehouse and Fine Candies. With one other location in San Francisco, this one is legit handmade!

Absolutely the best toffee on the planet (each batch is handmade in store). Plus they have something called “marshmallow delights” which is the best thing to ever happen to a marshmallow: it is dipped in soft buttery caramel and individually wrapped. - raves Laura Arnold on Google

Little John’s, 6333 W 3rd Street, Stall 432, Los Angeles, California 90036

Holiday Lights

If you still want to go out at night and gaze upon twinkle-y lights - then check out my Holiday Lights blog post. Perhaps the only addition for the 2022 year would be to include Altadena’s Christmas Tree Lane, which is set up by a team of volunteers who decorate 100 trees. This tradition started in the 20s and word spread via postcards - and then it is now a thing “Christmas Tree Lane” indeed! (Wow, I love merry traditions).

Where to Find Holiday Lights in LA

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