Five Holiday Experiences To Make Your Season Sparkle

Discover the city’s top events, festive pop-ups, and happenings that make the City of Angels shine bright this winter. The holiday season means sparkling light dis-plays, seasonal markets, and fun community celebrations for all ages. Los Angeles comes alive during the holidays, offering unforgettable experiences for everyone looking to cele-brate, explore, and bask in the winter magic.

The Maybourne Beverly Hills

THE LUXE HOTEL transforms into a winter wonderland, offering a curated calendar of festive experiences. From December 12 to 23, sip champagne at an indulgent Festive Afternoon Tea, in which seasonal sweets and freshly baked scones take center stage, or gather at The Terrace for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day dining with a special menu that includes whole duck for two, roasted Jon Dory, buche de noel, and warm spice-bread pudding. Ensuring the holidays are as creative as they are celebratory, interactive workshops add a playful touch, such as a Wreath & Wine Masterclass and hands-on Gingerbread House Decorating Classes led by executive pastry chef Brooke Martin. 225 N. Canon Drive Beverly Hills. maybournebeverlyhills.com

South Coast Plaza

CREATE HOLIDAY MEMORIES, share your wish list, and kick off the season with festive fun! Meet Santa at Santa’s Village in Carousel Court or the North Pole near Crate & Barrel and Macy’s Home Store. Little ones can ride Santa’s Express Train—a complimentary train ride included with any Santa photo purchase. For beautifully wrapped gifts, visit The Wrap- per for custom gift wrapping, decorations, gifts, and unique holiday wreaths to brighten the season. Don’t forget to check off your shopping list at some of the newest retailers, including Mango, Alo, Manolo Blahnik, Botte-ga Veneta, Skims, Zara Man, Ugg, Piaget, Fueguia 1833 Patagonia, Harry Winston, Stone Island, and Tory Burch. 3333 Bristol Street, Costa Mesa. southcoastplaza.com

Terranea Resort

THIS POP-UP FEATURES a 7-by-7-foot gingerbread house adorned with gumdrops, candy canes, and royal icing, revealing a functional bar and a charming gingerbread village made from over 1,000 pounds of house-made gingerbread. Guests can enjoy holiday cocktails, non-alcoholic drinks, and sweets. Children can write letters to Santa and enjoy complimentary treats. Live music plays in the resort’s lobby, daily from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. On December 13 and December 20 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., you can decorate your own gingerbread house ($150 per house) in the Marineland 3 ballroom. 100 Terranea Way, Rancho Palos Verdes. terranea.com

The Portofino Hotel & Marina

THE LIVING ROOM Lounge and Craft Cocktail Bar welcomes the beloved caroling group The Voices of Christmas. The talented ensemble has appeared on “The West Wing,” “ER,” and Comedy Central specials. The group performs holiday classics in the lounge while guests can partake of mulled wine, cider, cookies, and other treats. Donations for a local toy drive benefiting area shelters are welcome. 260 Portofino Way, Redondo Beach. hotelportofino.com

2nd & PCH

IN LONG BEACH, the 2nd & PCH shopping center transforms into a festive playground for all ages. On December 6, Dreamer’s Market becomes the place where island-inspired holiday vibes and local makers come together. On December 13 and 14, from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m, celebrate Hanukkah with 714 Market and Shul by the Shore for an evening of community, light, and treats. On December 21, head to the Maker’s Hive Market, a dreamy holiday experience filled with vendors selling artisan gifts and comforting eats. 200 N. Pacific Coast Highway, Long Beach. 2ndandpch.com

Peninsula Beverly Hills

GET IN THE holiday spirit with Afternoon Tea service at the hotel’s Living Room, where entertainment features musical selections from The Nutcracker and dancers from Westside Ballet performing numbers from Tchaikovsky’s classic ballet. The traditional tea service for two features holiday-inspired pastries, Champagne by Laurent-Perrier (or unique varieties of tea, and a tower of sweet and savory treats. Consider asking for an upgrade for bottomless bubbles. 9882 S. Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills. peninsula.com

Read the rest at: ARRIVED L.A. December 2025 Issue

Photo credits: Photos courtesy of ARRIVED L.A. Other photos courtesy of business/venue.

Share

Sign up for FREE to receive our exclusive Weekend Roundup!

Get the best things to do in our favorite SoCal spots delivered to your inbox every week

Los Angeles

Orange County

San Diego