Tis the Season to be Fabulous
The events, the shopping, the food, the magic, there's no place like Beverly Hills for the holidays.
It is the most wonderful time of the year, and our season kicks off on Saturday, November 21 with a multitude of afternoon activities along Rodeo Drive prior to the spectacular Holiday Lighting Ceremony on the 200 block of Rodeo.
3:00 - 7:00 PM
Visitors to this famed dream drive will enjoy free entertainment - from balloon artists to jugglers, caricature artists to musicians. The streets are ripe with photo opportunities as well, with striking new holiday décor, lights and banners throughout the Golden Triangle and complimentary pics with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
7:00 PM
The lighting ceremony itself is always a sight to behold. Of course, Santa will be on hand along with carolers and special celebrity guest and UNICEF supporter, Rebecca Mader. Mader, previously a regular on the immensely popular TV series, Lost, also co-stars in the soon-to-be-released feature film, Men Who Stare at Goats (starring George Clooney, Ewan McGregor, Kevin Spacey and Jeff Bridges). Mader will flip the switch on thousands of twinkle lights on Rodeo Drive and on the pièce de résistance, the brilliant UNICEF crystal snowflake soaring over the Beverly Wilshire hotel. A grand fireworks finale caps off the evening as skyrockets will again arc across the sky above the hotel.
AFTER
The evening is still young, and just a few steps away, the Two Rodeo Drive "after party" gets underway. Enjoy more time with Santa and Mrs. Claus as snowflakes float effortlessly to the ground along the cobblestone Via. Indulge in holiday sips and bites at the chic boutiques and cozy restaurants lining this European-inspired shopping complex as holiday music from the live steel drum band captivates passers-by.
Come back and visit throughout the holiday season. The UNICEF snowflake will continue to sparkle through New Year’s Day, and visitors to Beverly Hills will also enjoy two hours of free parking at City parking garages along Rodeo, Beverly and Canon Drives (look for the turquoise blue parking signs).ANGIE & BRAD, WHO? THE HOTTEST COUPLE IN BEVERLY HILLS- SANTA & MRS. CLAUS
Keep your eyes peeled! The dynamic duo is back – Santa and Mrs. Claus will make several appearances around town again this year.
TWO RODEO DRIVE
Be the first to check in with Santa on Saturday, November 21 just prior to the Beverly Hills Holiday Lighting extravaganza at 7:00 pm. Santa and his better half are anxious to reconnect with you – it’s been a LONG year! And everyone has a ticket to the Two Rodeo After Party immediately following the Lighting Ceremony. You’ll have direct access to the big guy for a little Q&A and your very own photo op, all while enjoying a nibble or two as you get an early start on your Christmas shopping along the Via amidst a dusting of snow.
THE PALEY CENTER FOR MEDIA
The famous pair will also appear on the Beverly Hills Trolley and at The Paley Center for Media. Join Mrs. Claus on the trolley the Sunday before Thanksgiving and every Saturday and Sunday between Thanksgiving and Christmas. She'll enchant all with a few stories and songs and then lead her guests right to St. Nick at The Paley Center for some one-on-one time. While there, fans can share their deepest secrets and fervent desires with Santa from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm each weekend – oh, and also take in a show (free holiday screenings are offered at the Center throughout the holiday period). The pair appear live on the following dates:
November 22
November 28 & 29
December 5 & 6
December 12 & 13
December 19 & 20
So – join Mrs. Claus aboard the 11:00 am, 12 noon, or 1:00 pm Beverly Hills trolley tours (pick up is at the southeast corner of Rodeo Drive and Dayton Way). She’ll set you up with the guy in the big red suit! Trolley tickets are $10/adult and $5/child (under 12). Regular trolley tours run at 2:00, 3:00 and 4:00 pm – call (310) 285-2442 for more information.
Oh by gosh, by golly, it’s time for mistletoe and holly! Don’t miss all that Beverly Hills has in store when the holiday festivities get underway in November.
The Cheese Store of Beverly Hills Holiday Tasting EventNovember 10, 11 and 12, 2009 (7:00 – 9:00 pm)
Join proprietor, Norbert Wabnig, and manager/wine buyer, Tony Princiotta, at The Cheese Store’s annual Holiday Spectacular Tasting Event. The event is known for its festive, non-regional approach, focusing on an excellent selection of champagnes, gourmet cheeses and all the extras you would want to serve at your own holiday celebrations. Previous events have included ports, caviar, foie gras and truffles along with guest appearances by artisanal producers. The event will be held on Sharkey’s Patio (435 N. Beverly Drive) on three nights – November 10, 11 and 12 (7:00 – 9:00 pm). The cost is $100/person – reservations must be made in advance at (310) 278-2855 or at info@cheesestorebh.com.
Beverly Hills Lighting Ceremony
November 21, 2009 (7:00 pm)
This not-to-be-missed annual extravaganza is chock full of surprises and amazing entertainment. The fun gets underway mid-afternoon on Saturday, November 21 with tons of family activities and entertainment including balloon and caricature artists, jugglers, musicians and carolers. Santa and Mrs. Claus will also be milling about later in the afternoon, ready to review and discuss any and all wish lists. At 7:00 pm, prepare to be mesmerized when the Mayor and special celebrity guest and UNICEF supporter, Rebecca Mader, flip the switch on the stunning 12,000-crystal UNICEF snowflake floating over the Beverly Wilshire hotel and the thousands of twinkle lights along Rodeo Drive. The grand finale? An awe-inspiring fireworks display overhead, synchronized to the music of the season. The UNICEF crystal snowflake will remain illuminated until January 1, 2010.
Holiday Tea at Montage Beverly Hills
November and December 2009
Relax after the rush of holiday planning and shopping with a gracious afternoon tea in the Lobby Lounge of the exquisite Montage Beverly Hills hotel (225 N. Canon Drive). The cherished tradition is in full bloom from 2:30 – 5:00 p.m. daily throughout November and December. Expert tea specialists will guide you through the tea service which features exclusive artisan tea varieties in custom china inspired by the joyful wildflowers of California’s foothills. A harpist adds to the soothing environment. For reservations, please call (310) 860-7800.
The Organic Pharmacy Holiday Celebration
November and December 2009
On Friday, November 27, The Organic Pharmacy will kick off the holidays and celebrate their one-year anniversary in Beverly Hills with an in-store party. Enjoy cake and beverages, a free gift with purchase and an opportunity to win a fabulous four-night stay at the fabulous Capella Pedregal in Cabo. Also, in November and until December 14, prepare to look your best at upcoming holiday parties when you indulge in a Rose Crystal Facial ($160 for 1½ hrs.), voted one of the top 50 facials by Harpers Bazaar, and receive a complimentary vitamin and mineral scan (worth $75). Call (310) 272-2725 to book your appointment – available at the Beverly Hills location only (453 N. Beverly Drive).
| Two Rodeo Drive November 18 through December 24, 2009 Celebrate the holidays in style at Two Rodeo in the heart of Beverly Hills. Beginning November 18, see Two Rodeo dressed in holiday splendor with a 25-foot holiday tree and decorative penguins swimming in the Wilshire fountain.  Carolers and live musical entertainment will set the shopping mood on the Via Rodeo every Thursday – Saturday evening from 4:00 – 7:00 pm (Nov. 27 – Dec. 24). With gift items galore, Two Rodeo’s diverse luxury offerings are sure to please even those with the most discerning taste. Visit www.tworodeo.com for the latest from their luxury retailers and for information on how you can join Two Rodeo in supporting UNICEF. |
Holiday Champagne and Dessert Tea at Greystone Mansion
December 6, 2009 (2:00 – 3:30 pm)
Celebrate the holiday season with an afternoon tea at historic Greystone Estate (905 Loma Vista Drive) on Sunday, December 6 from 2:00 – 3:30 pm. This traditional tea will include finger sandwiches, scones, tea, champagne and dessert, served using fine china and fresh linens. Weather permitting, the tea will occur on the terrace with a view of the city; in the case of inclement weather, the tea will take place inside the mansion. Holiday related musical entertainment as well as a tour of the first floor of the mansion is included. There is limited seating, so advanced reservations are recommended. Tickets are $50/person – they may be purchased by calling (310) 285-6850.
Celebrate on Cañon Drive
December 10, 2009 (4:00 – 9:00 pm)
Eat, drink and be merry as you stroll Cañon Drive and enjoy the “open house” vibe up and down the street . . . pop into shops and restaurants for holiday sips and treats and, along the way, enjoy family-oriented activities, live entertainment and special performances from Beverly Hills’ own Madrigals and Minnesingers. Bring your gift list and listen for Santa’s announcement of the Cañon Drive holiday drawing winners! Sponsored by the Cañon Drive Association.
Who doesn’t need a little down time, especially during the holidays. We make it easy for you to slip into a booth and linger over light bites, a cocktail or a full-on holiday feast:
Nips, Sips and Bites
The Beverly Hills Hotel & Bungalows, 9641 Sunset Blvd.Under the direction of Executive Chef Alex Chen, the hotel will feature gourmet prix fixe holiday dinner menus on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve in the world-famous Polo Lounge restaurant. And whether it’s before, during or after the feast, imbibe in one of six holiday cocktail concoctions created especially for this time of year. Try the Pilgrim Iced Tea or Pumpkin Pie Hot Cocoa on Thanksgiving, get a little naughty with Mrs. Claus’ Little Secret or Rudolph’s Red Light at Christmas and break out the party hats on New Year’s Eve with a Twisted Sparkling Lemonade or Up All Night beverage. For reservations, call (310) 887-2777 or log on to www.beverlyhillshotel.com for more information on the hotel.
Dickens’ Dining at Lawry’s the Prime Rib, 100 N. La Cienega Blvd.Lawry’s the Prime Rib whisks you back in time to Yuletide in Victorian England with their Dickens’ A Christmas Carol lunch and dinner. Festively costumed actors and carolers will perform scenes from the Charles Dickens’ classic as you feast on Lawry’s famous cuisine. The Dickens’ dining experience is available either at lunch (12 noon) or dinner (7:00 pm) on Sunday, December 6. Enjoy Lawry’s famous Spinning Bowl Salad, Roasted Prime Ribs of Beef served with Mashed Potatoes, Yorkshire Pudding and Creamed Spinach OR Fresh Grilled Salmon served with Vegetables. Top it off with Apple Pie drizzled in Caramel Sauce, a sweet ending to this truly special meal. (A children’s menu is also available.) Reservations are necessary and may be made by calling (310) 360-6281, Ext. 4, Monday through Friday, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm. Visit the Lawry’s website at www.lawrysonline.com.
Luxe Hotel Rodeo Drive, 360 N. Rodeo Drive
Chocolate lovers – you may have just died and gone to heaven! Luxe Hotel’s Bar 360 has whipped up a rotating menu of chocolate-inspired cocktails, available during the bar’s famous $3.60 Martini Happy Hour from mid-November through the end of the year. Honestly, do you really think you can you resist the Chocolate Martini, Chocolate-Covered Cherry Cocktail or Minted Hot Chocolate accompanied by chocolate-covered strawberries and chocolate chip cookies? We think not! Chocolate is the perfect pick-me-up during the often exhausting holidays as it offers a shot of sugar and caffeine – and yet the caffeine boost is just 1/10th of what you’d get from a regular cup of coffee. It’s a win/win! Visit the Luxe website at www.luxehotelrodeodrive.com to explore your options.
Montage Beverly Hills, 225 N. Canon Drive
Montage Beverly Hills is presenting a culinary tour de force this season with a selection of festive holiday menu options at their two restaurants, Parq and Muse. Parq offers elegant family-style dining on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day and multi-course prix fixe tasting menus on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. Or enjoy a more intimate setting at Muse where a sumptuous five-course tasting menu will be featured on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve. To reserve your space, call (310) 860-7800. Food connoisseurs looking for a private and exclusive dining event may reserve a Couples Culinary experience with Executive Chef John Cuevas. You and your culinary companion will meet with the chef to select your perfect holiday menu and then join him in hands-on cooking classes and demonstrations to prepare the dinner together. Return later that evening with your guests (8-12) to savor the feast. Reservations for this one-of-a-kind experience are available by calling (310) 860-7891. For more information on these and other activities, visit www.montagebeverlyhills.com.
Sprinkles Cupcakes, 9635 S. Santa Monica Blvd.
Sprinkles Cupcakes, purveyor of the yummiest baked treats and a regional fan favorite, has something special up their sleeve for the holidays. In addition to their regular mouth-watering cupcake flavors (peanut butter chip, lemon coconut and red velvet, for example), they’ll be seducing customers with unique seasonal flavors during November and December. Look for pumpkin cupcakes during the entire month of November, ginger maple and orange cranberry temptations from November 20-29 and eggnog spice, chocolate peppermint and vanilla peppermint selections in December (through the 24th). Visit www.sprinklescupcakes.com for details.
The Peninsula Beverly Hills, 9882 S. Santa Monica Blvd.
Positively sparkling with holiday decorations inside and out, The Peninsula Beverly Hills is the perfect spot to enjoy the season. In the Living Room, a third Afternoon Tea seating has been added to accommodate shoppers looking for respite from the throes of consumerism. And the Club Bar serves holiday inspired cocktails – the Candy Cane Martini or Hot Cocoa with Amaretto – sure to warm you from the inside out. The Belvedere restaurant has planned gala dinners for Christmas and New Year’s Eve, and also serves a full-on holiday feast on Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm. Make your reservations by calling (310) 975-2736 or visit http://www.beverlyhills.peninsula.com.
Shop Talk
Keep your spirits high and the shopping fun with the following holiday shopping tips:1. Create a gift recipient list with possible gift ideas for each person before you head out on your shopping adventure.
2. Don’t “panic” shop. A getaway at our hotels will give you plenty of time to shop casually – AND you’ll get an additional night free when you stay two nights. Now that’s a holiday special!3. Enjoy two hours of free parking at the public parking structures on Rodeo, Beverly and Canon Drives (look for the turquoise blue parking signs).
4. Step inside the Christian Audigier boutique on Camden Drive, and you’re one step ahead of the pack. The tattoo-inspired artwear (T-shirts, hoodies and even sequined dresses) turns heads and makes a statement – one that doesn’t say you’re trying too hard.
5. If it’s sweet things you’re after, make sure Asweet is on your list. This South Beverly sweet shop, decorated in pastel hues reminiscent of cotton candy, is an eclectic collection of chocolate and gourmet candy treats, baubles for your wrists and fingers and adorable tops, pants and separates to satisfy your cravings for “sugar and spice and everything nice.”
6. While you’re on SoBev, break from the shopping madness and feed your body (and soul) with a bite of lunch. Try the Roasted Baby Beets salad or Grilled Cheese sandwich at Cabbage Patch or the Famous Roast Beef and Provolone sub sandwich at Jersey Mike’s Subs.
7. Select gift items you know your family will use – or shall we say “consume.” We suggest any of the gorgeous chocolate gift boxes from Madame Chocolat, your favorite California wine from the Wine Valet or a basket of domestic and international cheeses from The Cheese Store of Beverly Hills.
8. Seems you’ve yet to fill your “shimmer and shine” quotient for the day. A stop at Judith Leiber at Two Rodeo will solve that problem. Enter the Crystal Room at this opulent accessories boutique and choose from several exclusive-to-Beverly Hills crystal minaudière clutches in that unmistakable Judith Leiber style.
9. Christopher Guy recently opened his first and only U.S. furniture gallery in Beverly Hills. From seductive, yet gracious tables and chairs to sculptural candlesticks and other decorative accents, any selection from Christopher Guy will stand out in your home this holiday season.
10. Men, wind down at the end of your shopping trip and head into Gornick and Drucker at the Montage Beverly Hills for a customized traditional shave at this old world barber shop. Ladies can indulge in the female version – the “Wrapped in Luxury” La Prairie Caviar Facial and Massage at The Beverly Hills Hotel.
And to all a free night
The best things in life ARE free – especially when this year’s holiday budget is a little tighter than usual! When you stay two nights at any of the stunning hotel properties listed below between November 15, 2009 and January 10, 2010, we’ll give you an additional third night free. Still wanting more? The celebration continues as you also receive a complimentary cocktail, created especially for the holidays, at each of these exclusive addresses. Click on any of the links below to find out more about our gift to you:
 | AVALON BEVERLY HILLS 9400 W. Olympic Boulevard Seeking solace from the hustle of the holidays . . . discover The Avalon, arguably Beverly Hills’ best kept secret, offering cool surroundings and hot new dining choices at Oliviero, the finest in Italian cuisine. Cocktail: Candy Apple Martini |
 | BEVERLY HILLS HOTEL AND BUNGALOWS 9641 Sunset Boulevard Featuring special holiday packages and a festive cocktail menu, there’s no place like The Beverly Hills Hotel for the most wonderful time of the year. Cocktail: Mrs. Claus’ Little Secret or Rudolph’s Red Light |
 | THE BEVERLY HILTON 9876 Wilshire Boulevard Tis’ the season to toast and be merry at The Beverly Hilton with a warm Brandy Alexander and some hot cocoa too.... Cocktail: Warm Brandy Alexander |
 | BEVERLY WILSHIRE, A FOUR SEASONS HOTEL 9500 Wilshire Boulevard Located atop the Beverly Wilshire, the UNICEF Crystal Snowflake will illuminate Rodeo Drive and offers the perfect backdrop for guests and locals this holiday season. Cocktail: Melted Snowflake |
 | CRESCENT HOTEL 403 N. Crescent Drive The Crescent is perfectly situated three blocks from Rodeo Drive and close to Robertson for holiday shopping. Cocktail: Spiced Hot Apple Cider |
 | LUXE HOTEL RODEO DRIVE 360 N. Rodeo Drive As befitting its location on retail mecca, Rodeo Drive, each year Luxe Hotel Rodeo Drive festoons the lobby and public spaces with garlands and sparkling holiday lighting. Festive music evokes the spirit of the season. Cocktail: Chocolate Martini |
 | MAISON 140 140 S. Lasky Drive Wishing you could be in Paris for the holidays? Retreat and sip Absinthe cocktails whilst immersing yourself in the decadent ambience of Maison 140, an enchanting European haven just steps from Rodeo Drive. Cocktail: Absinthe |
 | MONTAGE BEVERLY HILLS 225 N. Canon Drive Celebrating our first anniversary, Montage Beverly Hills is fast becoming a tradition, a tradition perfectly suited for celebrating the holidays. Cocktail: Red & Butter |
 | PENINSULA BEVERLY HILLS 9882 S. Santa Monica Boulevard The Peninsula Beverly Hills offers families and friends a myriad of festive amenities and events with which to celebrate the season, its traditions and each other. Cocktail: Candy Cane Martini |
 | RAFFLES L’ERMITAGE BEVERLY HILLS 9291 Burton Way Raffles L’Ermitage Beverly Hills welcomes you to join us for a specialty cocktail inspired by the season. Our Holiday Cheerful Delight is what we think will make your holiday season even brighter! Cocktail: Raffles L’ Ermitage Holiday Cheerful Delight |
 | THOMPSON BEVERLY HILLS 9360 Wilshire Boulevard Wrap yourself in the warmth and graciousness of the season. Thompson Beverly Hills . . . come home for the holidays. Cocktail: Firecider |
For more information on the holidays, click on any of the links below or call the Beverly Hills Conference & Visitors Bureau at (310) 248-1015.
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