DOES this weather remind you of home?
It’s raining as I write this, quite heavily in fact. Whilst the wet weather is a welcome relief to many of us, sadly it also means that mudslide warnings have been issued to our neighbors in Malibu. As if they haven’t suffered enough with the horrific Woolsey Fire, and now to receive news that they may have to contend with another battering. Thank goodness for our supportive community, who are brilliant at coming together at times like this.
I think we are all more than ready to get into the holiday spirit and prepare to embrace the new year with open arms. Last year I compiled a list of Christmassy pop-up places to visit, which many of you seemed to appreciate. However, I did get told off by a few of our readers, who were annoyed that I had left it so late. To be fair it did go out a couple of days before Christmas, the main complaint being, was that everything was pretty much over or sold out. I welcome a bit of constructive criticism, and have to concur that the start of December is a much smarter choice.
So back by popular demand, (but in a more timely fashion) are a few of our favourite places to get your festive feelings started:
If you want to have a picture with Santa AND meet his reindeer then we recommend LA Zoo’s ‘Reindeer Romp 2018’ Runs through till January 6th. (lazoo.org/reindeerromp).
The Grove at Third and Fairfax and its sister mall, The Americana at Brand (in Glendale) both have gorgeous grottoes complete with Santa & Mrs Claus, as well as spectacular Christmas lights and REAL FAKE SNOW every evening at 7 & 8 pm, through December 25th. There is no admission charge for this Winter Wonderland event but if you want a photo with Santa there is a fee for that (americanaatbrand.com + thegrovela.com).
ICE SKATING RINKS are now in session! The popular Pershing Square in Downtown LA runs through till January 21st – they have also scheduled some Silent Disco Nights. For those not in the know, this is where you put headphones on, listen to music and dance like no one is watching! For info visit:
Westside readers, don’t worry I haven’t forgotten you; ICE at Santa Monica is back, located at the corner of 5th Street and Arizona Avenue, a short walk from the Promenade. You have plenty of time, as they are open until January 21st, and don’t close until midnight on weekends. If you are a bit unsteady on your skates you can even book a lesson. (downtownsm.com/ice-at-santa-monica).
I saw a few of our members visited the Queen Mary in Long Beach last weekend, I think it’s definitely top of my list as I quite fancy skating on an historic ship. I am not sure how true it is, but according to queenmary.com “legend states that the Cunard directors went to ask King George for his blessing of the ship’s proposed name saying, “We have decided to name our new ship after England’s greatest Queen,” meaning Queen Victoria, the King’s Grandmother. Upon which the King is reported to have stated, “My wife (Queen Mary) will be delighted that you are naming the ship after her.”
Honorable mentions go the LA Kings holiday ice rink and the Rink in Burbank, as I hear they are both excellent. Let us know your thoughts if you’ve been to any.
The famous Hollywood Christmas Parade was last weekend, but don’t despair as there are plenty of other cities who have yet to host theirs, including the 51st Annual Pacoima Holiday Parade on December 8th. It runs along Van Nuys Blvd. between Laurel Canyon Blvd. and Herrick Avenue. I hear they are still looking volunteers, so if you want to give a hand email fescobar@pacoimabeautiful.org.
Also a lot of fun are the holiday boat parades put on by local marinas. One favorite for Westsiders is the Marina del Rey Holiday Boat Parade, scheduled for December 8th, (with a fireworks show), starting 5:55 p.m., followed by “Holiday Water Wonderland”, featuring holiday theme-decorated boats circling the main channel of MDR from 6-8 p.m. I’m sure our sailing-mad editor will be in attendance for that one! Visit mdrboatparade.org for details. Naples Island, Redondo Beach, Long Beach (Shoreline Marina) and Newport Beach also have holiday boat parades during the next few weekends, so google them for details if the location is closer to you.
There are so many more than we can fit on this page, so make sure to visit us at www.Britsin.la to keep in the loop. If you want to help me compile the list please email your suggestions to info@britsin.la.
Will be back with updates in a couple of weeks…
Cheers!
Eileen
