While Southern California might lack a traditional winter climate, restaurants and bars across Los Angeles routinely bridge the gap with aggressive amounts of tinsel, seasonal tequila drinks, and thousands of holiday lights. As documented by Time Out Los Angeles, ten local establishments stand out this year for their dedicated holiday transformations, spanning high-end hotel lounges, neighborhood cocktail bars, and unpolished dives.
For pop-up fans, the White Rabbit Sky Lounge inside The Valorian in West Hollywood is hosting a 21-and-over Mariah Carey-inspired wonderland running from November 19 through December 27. Located at 8440 Sunset Boulevard, the ticketed experience features photo opportunities and themed drinks crafted with the singer's Black Irish cream. Operating hours run from noon to midnight Monday through Thursday, noon to 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Sunday.
In Beverly Hills, Culina at 300 South Doheny Drive is launching a seasonal Dinner & A Movie series on select dates, including December 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, and 19. The event features family holiday films alongside unlimited popcorn, with admission set at $95 for adults and $75 for children.
Hollywood hosts its own annual 21-and-over ticketed holiday spectacle at 6555 Hollywood Boulevard, with an entrance situated off Whitley Avenue. The event is known for filling its space with thousands of lights, costumed characters, and festive cocktails. Organizers suggest checking for updated dates and session details as schedules are finalized.
Over in the San Fernando Valley, Casa Vega remains a go-to seasonal destination. Located at 13301 Ventura Boulevard in Sherman Oaks, the long-standing Mexican restaurant drenches its dining room in lights, garland, and ornaments to complement its regular menu of enchiladas and margaritas. The restaurant opens weekdays at 11:30 a.m. and weekends at 11 a.m., running through midnight daily with a weekday happy hour from 2:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Along the coast, Shore Hotel at 1740 Ocean Avenue in Santa Monica is offering the Sand Chalet, a seasonal dinner pop-up set on its Sunset Terrace. The oceanfront experience substitutes Alpine mountain trips with alpine-inspired decor, fondue, s'mores, and winter fare.
In Beverly Hills, the Polo Lounge inside the Beverly Hills Hotel at 9641 Sunset Boulevard continues its traditional December culinary program. The restaurant's past celebrations have featured a 12 Days of Soufflés menu with seasonal flavors like gingerbread, eggnog, and hot cocoa.
For an old-world aesthetic, The Tam O'Shanter at 2980 Los Feliz Boulevard in Atwater Village brings holiday tradition to its 1922 Tudor-style space. The Scottish pub offers prime rib, a broad Scotch selection, and tableside Victorian carolers. Reservations are strongly advised for indoor seating, as outdoor dining relies on temporary gravel-and-tent setups. The restaurant opens daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., though it will remain closed on Christmas Day.
In Little Tokyo, nautical cocktail bar The Siren at 428 East 2nd Street offers a darker spin on the season. Its recurring holiday takeover, The Siren Who Stole Christmas, draws inspiration from mythical sea creatures with a menu of rum-heavy cocktails amidst nautical kitsch.
For a more understated neighborhood atmosphere, Big Bar inside Alcove Café & Bakery at 1927 Hillhurst Avenue in Los Feliz serves seasonal drinks without ticketed entry or elaborate displays. Their holiday offerings focus on hot toddies, Irish coffees, and gingerbread-inspired cocktails. Hours run from 11 a.m. past midnight most nights, opening earlier at 9:30 a.m. on weekends.
Finally, the Bounty at 3357 Wilshire Boulevard brings a dive-bar ethos to Koreatown's holiday landscape. Packed with faded tinsel, drooping garlands, and multiple Christmas trees, the unpolished neighborhood staple opens daily at noon, offering cheap drinks, a jukebox, and a place to gather throughout December.
