Dec. 24.The Dorothy Chandler Pavilion of the Music Center showcases the many neighborhoods and cultures of L.A. with holiday-inspired music and dance. From hip-hop music to hula dancing, 23 entertainment groups share their traditions in this Emmy Award-nominated show. Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, 135 N. Grand Ave., downtown, 213.972.3099 Map H16 www.lacountyarts.org/holiday.html
Through Jan. 2. Whoville comes to life on the Universal Studios backlot. Gather around for the nightly tree lighting ceremony and be a part of intimate celebrity readings of Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas. You can also have your photo taken with the Grinch and Max. Universal Studios Hollywood, 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, 818.622.3801 Map U20 UniversalStudiosHollywood.com
Dec. 25. The LeBron James/Dwayne Wade/Chris Bosh trinity makes the Miami Heat a worthy opponent for Kobe Bryant and the three-peat hopefuls. See how the teams match up when they face off at Staples Center at L.A. Live downtown. Staples Center, 1111 S. Figueroa St., downtown, 800.745.3000 Map I15
Magnificent décor, spectacular settings and impeccable service all combined to provide memories of a lifetime. Book now and receive luxurious room accommodations and Christmas brunch for two at Trés. Guestroom accommodations from $299 per night. Call 310.247.0400 and mention the * CHRBPKG for more details. 465 South La Cienega Blvd., 310.247.0400. www.slshotels.com
Through Dec. 31. Holiday Cocktail: Morton’s has created a special holiday cocktail available through New Year’s Eve named the Sparkling Sleigh Ride. This festive cocktail is created by combining Luxardo Maraschino Cherry Liqueur, Tuaca and Cranberry Juice in a champagne flute and topping it off with Prosecco and a fresh mint sprig. $14.50. 435 S. La Cienega Blvd., L.A., 310.246.1501; 3400 West Olive Avenue, Burbank, 818.238.0424; 735 South Figueroa St., downtown, 213.553.4566; 6250 Canoga Ave., Woodland Hills, 818.703.7272. www.mortons.com
Dec. 24. Offers its 27th annual Christmas Eve celebration, La Vigilia, or “Feast of the Seven Fishes. The festive menu follows the authentic southern Italian tradition of featuring seafood dishes, representing “All Things 7.” The ten-plate feast ($59 per person) will be served during lunch and dinner restaurant hours from 11:30 am to 3:00 pm, and dinner from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm. Reservations 323.466.8812. Marino Ristorante 6001 Melrose Ave., L.A. Los Angeles, 323.466.8812. www.marinorestaurant.net
Sundays through January. If you’re craving Cassoulet, chef Laurent Quenioux conjures up the slow-baked dish prepared with pork, lamb shoulder, duck leg confit, sausage and and Tarbais beans on a three-course menu that includes a field greens salad tossed with bacon and topped with a soft poached egg and a choice of dessert ($35). Vertical Wine Bistro, 70 North Raymond Ave. (upstairs), Pasadena, 626.795.3999. www.verticalwinebistro.com
Dec. 25. Whist’s Christmas menu features a 3-course menu of sophisticated holiday classics ($75). Start with a Smoked Sturgeon Salad; follow it with a choice of two whole roasted meats–Heritage Pork Rack, Mary’s Organic Turkey, Prime Rib of Beef and Wild European Turbot–and choice of sides; dessert brings a few options including a grand platter of Classic Sicilian Christmas Cookies, Truffles and Canele. Viceroy Santa Monica Hotel, 1819 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, 310.260.7511
Dec. 22-24. Menu highlights from new Executive Chef Harutaka Kishi will include Sharing Bites $39 featuring Pressed Hamachi Mole Sushi and Miso Cured Duck Breast to name a few of the dishes. A “La Cocotte” Surf n’ Turf menu for $65 will feature Black Winter Truffles Salad, special Risotto or shaved over Organic Eggs. www.thechaya.com
Dec. 22-24. Celebrate the season with festive holiday cocktails (available all season long) and a Christmas Black Truffle Menu. Cocktails include a Very Merry Tini and Ginger Joy ($12), while with the truffle menu you can indulge in Tamai Farms Winter Vegetable Shaved Black Truffle Salad ($21), Santa Barbara Abalone and Black Truffle Champagne Risotto ($45) and finish the evening with a traditional Bush de Noël ($10); www.thechaya.com
Through Dec. 24. If you want a taste of wine country in your own home Napa Valley Grille offers a wine country-inspired Christmas Eve take-out menu crafted by Executive Chef Joseph Gillard. Find festive appetizers, salads, and sides; hearth oven roasts and braises; and seasonal desserts. All orders must be placed with 24 hours advance notice and by 7 p.m. the night before to pick-up the next day. On Christmas Eve, Chef Gillard will serve diners the regular menu with special “holiday” additions, including Whole Roasted Duck and Amish Pork. You can also dine in on a special prix fixe menu Dec. 24 from 4-8 p.m. Napa Valley Grille, 1100 Glendon Ave., L.A., 310.824.3322. www.napavalleygrille.com
Dec. 25. Chef Mirko Paderno is proudly bringing his family’s Italian traditions to Oliverio for Christmas this year on a 4-course menu ($48). Start with marinated salmon, a light cauliflower souffle or a winter vegetable soup; move onto a pasta course; mains include a roasted Mediterranean sea bass or baked free range chicken; dessert brings a tart cranberry parfait drizzled with decadent dark chocolate sauce. Avalon Hotel, 9400 West Olympic Blvd., Beverly Hills, 310.277.5221. www.avalonbeverlyhills.com
Dec. 25. The Belvedere at The Peninsula Beverly Hills will serve a three-course menu prepared by James Overbaugh. The menu is inclusive of free-flowing Nicolas Feuillatte Champagne and will feature traditional specialties such as a Truffle-butternut Gnocchi with Parmigiano Reggiano, Roasted “Willie Bird” Free-range Sonoma Turkey and an Inspiration of Beef Bourguignon. Hours are 11 am to 9 pm and pricing is $105 per person and $39 for children under 12. (9882 South Santa Monica Boulevard, Beverly Hills, 310-975-2736, www.peninsula.com
Dec. 25. Coast at Shutters on the Beach will be serving breakfast from 7 am – 11 am, followed by brunch served from 11 am – 4 pm. From 4 pm –10 pm, guests can order off the regular dinner menu or order a special three-course dinner for $45 per person. The special three-course dinner menu includes Filet Mignon, Butternut Squash Bisque, and Striped Bass. (1 Pico Boulevard, Santa Monica, (310) 587-1717. www.shuttersonthebeach.com
Dec. 24-25. Delphine transports diners to the French Riviera for an exotic take on a traditional Christmas meal. The French brasserie inspired cooking from Executive Sascha Lyon (formerly of Balthazar and Pastis NYC) means guests can enjoy fresh seafood from the raw bar menu including a selection of Oysters with Caviar and Seafood Ceviche to start. Other stand-out menu items include Celery Root and Chestnut Soup, Prime Rib of Beef Au Jus and Gratin Dauphinoise, and last but not least Christmas Pudding Semi Freddo and Coconut Meringue Brownies. The 3-course menu is $45 per person for both holiday menus. www.restaurantdelphine.com
Dec. 24. Elements Kitchen offers a festive menu that features holiday traditions such as Prime Rib, Christmas Goose and homemade Linguine Tutto Mare. Sink into a brandy soaked fruit cake or Santa’s cookies and Milk for dessert. Elements Kitchen, 107 S. Fair Oaks Ave., Pasadena, 626.440.0100 $$ Map Q20 elementskitchen.com
Dec. 24. soak in the stunning ocean views from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. and enjoy fresh Dungeness Crab with festive accompaniments including Caesar salad, boiled new potatoes, steamed corn, asparagus, and eggnog golden raisin brioche bread pudding. In addition to enjoying the updated hopscotch courses and new sandbox, children can enter Gladstones Malibu’s “Snow Crab” coloring contest for a chance to win special holiday treats. $70/pp, $30/children 12 and under. 17300 Pacific Coast Hwy., Pacific Palisades, 310.454.3474. www.gladstones.com
Through Dec. 24. Stop into the the deli at Little Dom’s for a holiday to-go menu complete with lasagna, their famous meatballs and lots of sweet desserts. All orders must be placed at least 48 hours in advance. Deli hours on Christmas Eve are 7 am – 3 pm. 2128 Hillhurst Ave., L.A., 323.661.0088. www.littledoms.com
Through Jan. 17. Skate on LA’s largest outdoor ice skating rink under the sun and stars at festive Pershing Square downtown. Info + detailed session schedule www.laparks.org. Pershing Square, 532 South Olive St., downtown, 213.847.4970.
Through Feb. 15. Ice skate in Santa Monica on an 8,000-square-foot outdoor ice rink as well as a 400-square-foot kiddy rink, painted with designs by Ed Massey and area children. $10 includes rental skates. 1324 5th St. and Arizona Ave. in Santa Monica, 310.496.9880. www.iceatsantamonica.com
Continuing. Ice skate in the center of entertainment district L.A. Live. Skate with Santa on Dec. 22. Daily; call for hours. Admission and skate rental $12. 800 W. Olympic Blvd., downtown, 866.548.3452 Map I15 www.lalive.com/holidayice
