It’s The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! And there are so many marvelous ways to celebrate the holidays in LA, many not far from Circa. Put some sparkle in your season with holiday light shows at Descanso Gardens and LA Arboretum. Ice skating enthusiasts can show off their glides and spins at LA Kings Holiday Ice and Pershing Square outdoor rinks. Or take in a holiday performance at Walt Disney Concert Hall. And if you’re looking for some gift giving inspiration, Sparkle DTLA at The Bloc is presenting one of LA’s largest multi-colored interactive experiences. Check websites for health & safety protocols. 

Enchanted Forest of Light at Descanso Gardens holidays near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

Enchanted Forest of Light Descanso Gardens 1418 Descanso Dr. La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011

Enchanted Forest of Light is an interactive, nighttime experience unlike anything else in Los Angeles, featuring a one-mile walk through unique lighting experiences in some of the most beloved areas of Descanso Gardens. This iconic show runs until January 8, 2023. Tickets must be purchased in advance.

Lightscape at LA Arboretum holidays near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

Lightscape LA Aboretum 301 North Baldwin Ave. Arcadia, CA 91007

Lightscape is an internationally acclaimed extravaganza of light, art and music that transforms the Arboretum into an illuminated night experience! Wander along stunning new installations on an expanded trail that includes the magnificent Winter Cathedral. Due to high demand, they highly recommend you purchase tickets in advance to ensure your entry.

LA Zoo Lights holidays near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

LA Zoo Lights: Animals Aglow 5333 Zoo Drive Los Angeles, CA 90027

L.A.’s brightest winter tradition has been reimagined for the 2022/2023 season! Explore an immersive landscape filled with spectacular lantern sculptures of animals among blooming flowers, towering trees, and more, for a wildlife-centered experience that’s as inspiring as it is breathtaking. Nature is something we all share, and this celebration of nature’s wonders is meant for all to enjoy.

LA Kings Holiday Ice holidays near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

LA Kings Holiday Ice L.A. LIVE 800 W Olympic Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90015

Skate Like A King! The annual LA Kings Holiday Ice brings outdoor ice skating to L.A. LIVE on Xbox Plaza right out front of Crypto.com Arena. Skate your way into the holiday season and enjoy the rink until January 8, 2023. Bring your friends, family, date or enjoy the ice before and after a sports game or concert.

Holiday Ice Rink Pershing Square holidays near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

Holiday Ice Rink Pershing Square 532 S Olive St. Los Angeles, CA 90013

The hottest place to chill during the holidays, Holiday Ice Rink Pershing Square is back for a season of outdoor ice skating in the heart of downtown LA. Plan a night out with your friends and get on the ice. Open daily through January 8, 2023.

Deck the Hall Holiday Concerts at Walt Disney Concert Hall holidays near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

Deck the Hall Holiday Concerts Walt Disney Concert Hall 111 S Grand Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90012

A treasured L.A. tradition, Deck the Hall offers outstanding holiday programming for a wide variety of tastes at Walt Disney Concert Hall. Make sure to arrive early for drinks and merriment in the fun-filled Winter Wonderland. The program includes The Nutcracker with Dudamel: Tchaikovsky & Ellington, Home Alone in Concert, A Chanticleer Christmas, and more. Snowshoes not required!

The Nutcracker Suite ballet performance holidays near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

The Nutcracker Suite Two California Plaza 350 S Grand Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90071

American Contemporary Ballet presents an immersive experience for all five senses, of the Tchaikovsky classic that delights children and adults alike. American Contemporary Ballet was founded by choreographer Lincoln Jones and dancer Theresa Farrell to produce original contemporary classical ballets. The company performs over 60 shows each season, spanning a repertory which includes works by George Balanchine, Fred Astaire, Lincoln Jones, and reconstructions of seminal ballet works.

Sparkle DTLA at The Bloc holidays near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

Sparkle DTLA at The Bloc 700 W 7th St. Los Angeles, CA 90017

Experience a magical holiday show as 18 million hues of lights illuminate the night and synchronize to festive tunes. Sparkle DTLA at The Bloc will take you through an unforgettable nighttime journey that includes one of LA’s largest multi-colored interactive holiday displays. Capture your perfect photo-op moments at this ultimate holiday experience. Get in some holiday shopping, then grab a bite and beverage at the eclectic line-up of restaurant offerings. 

Holidays at ROW DTLA near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

Holidays at ROW DTLA 777 S Alameda St. Los Angeles, CA 90021

That winter wonderland you’ve been looking for is right here at ROW. Enjoy festive holiday decor, holiday markets, cozy winter workshops and expertly curated gift guides by some of LA’s best creatives. For Christmas movies, music, cookies, and cocktails, you’ll find everything you need to sleigh this holiday. Did we mention they will also be offering free gift wrapping? It’s true.


Holiday Wonderland at Grand Central Market near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

Holiday Wonderland at Grand Central Market 317 S Broadway Los Angeles, CA 90013

Celebrate a month of holiday spirit at Grand Central Market. There’s lots to see and enjoy with food, friends, family and fun from special appearances with Santa to Instagrammable photo moments, holiday workshops, live music and more.

Photo Credits:

Photo #1: Descanso Gardens

Photo #2: Descanso Gardens

Photo #3: LA Arboretum

Photo #4: LA Zoo

Photo #5: LA Kings / L.A. Live

Photo #6: Holiday Ice Rink Pershing Square

Photo #7: LA Phil

Photo #8: American Contemporary Ballet

Photo #9: The Bloc

Photo #10: ROW DTLA

Photo #11: Grand Central Market

The Season of Gratitude: Celebrate Thanksgiving in DTLA

Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and we’re dreaming of a fabulous feast with all the trimmings!  If cooking is not on your radar, your favorite DTLA restaurants near Circa are dishing up some delicious fare to share, from elegant dining to Thanksgiving meals to-go, and luscious desserts to cap it all off. This is the season of gratitude and giving back. Spread the holiday spirit by donating to a worthy cause like St. Vincent Meals on Wheels or work up an appetite at LA’s iconic Turkey Trot, which benefits The Midnight Mission. 

Mastro's Ocean Club Thanksgiving near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

Mastro’s Ocean Club DTLA 1200 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90015

For Circa residents, there’s no place like home! Mastro’s new Downtown L.A. location on the ground floor our of building is offering a lavish Thanksgiving dinner to-go with a $350 four-person spread. Each package includes a ready-to-grill wet-aged prime rib and side dish favorites like caesar salad, garlic mashed potatoes, creamed corn, green beans, and their signature bananas foster butter cake. If you’re feeling extra-indulgent, you can upgrade to lobster mashed potatoes for an extra $20. Or dine-in to enjoy the highest quality steaks and seafood, with exceptional service in a sophisticated atmosphere. 

San Laurel at Conrad Hotel Thanksgiving near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

San Laurel at Conrad Los Angeles 100 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012

San Laurel, a signature dining experience from Chef José Andrés, offers the flavors of Spain as seen through a California lens, highlighting the beautiful ingredients of the abundant Golden State. The restaurant is offering a pre-fixe Thanksgiving dinner for $140 a person, featuring traditional dishes with a Spanish twist. Heralded by the vision of legendary architect Frank Gehry, Conrad Hotel is an elegant oasis with 305 modern rooms, a rooftop terrace with private pool deck, a full-service spa, and locally inspired dining. Framed by dramatic views of the Walt Disney Concert Hall and downtown LA, discover energizing experiences that will ignite your inspiration.


Caldo Verde Thanksgiving near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

Caldo Verde DTLA Proper Hotel 1100 S Broadway Los Angeles, CA 90015

Commence the holiday season with friends and family for a memorable meal at the Proper Hotel’s casually elegant signature restaurant. Indulge in classic courses, a curated spread of desserts, and boutique wines as you celebrate Thanksgiving. The James Beard Award-winning team of chefs Suzanne Goin and restaurateur Caroline Styne blend local flavors and specialty wines with old California influences. LA-based artistry runs throughout, from Morgan Peck ceramics and lighting, to a pair of Judson Studios stained glassworks. Historic windows bathe the architectural space in natural light, while outdoor seating opens onto the bustle of Broadway. 

Le Petit Paris Thanksgiving near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

Le Petit Paris 418 S Spring St. Los Angeles, CA 90013

Le Petit Paris is offering a pre-fixe Thanksgiving meal priced at $85 per person and $40 per child.  Choices include turkey rolade, sea bass with herbs, mushroom risotto, and a decadent selection of sweets. Housed inside the historic El Dorado Building, Le Petit Paris is the vision of Cannes-based restauranteurs David and Fanny Rolland, bringing a quintessential brasserie dining experience to Downtown LA’s Historic Core.  

71Above Thanksgiving near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

71 Above 633 W 5th St. 71st floor Los Angeles, CA 90071

The highest restaurant west of the Mississippi is serving an elevated three-course Thanksgiving Dinner, featuring Mary’s Turkey Breast and family-style sides like pomme purée, mushroom stuffing, roasted carrots, and mac & cheese. For dessert choose between passion fruit curd and pineapple foam. Pricing is $95 for adults, with optional $54 wine pairing, and $45 for the Children’s Dinner.

LOAM at Ace DTLA Thanksgiving near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

LOAM at Ace DTLA 927 S Broadway Los Angeles, CA 90015

Enjoy a delicious seasonal three course pre-fix menu for $98 per person. Chef Josh Guarneri has prepared traditional dishes with a twist, such as chicory salad, roasted kabocha squash soup, cider brined turkey, wild mushroom risotto, pumpkin tart and mulled wine poached pear. LOAM is offering both dine in and takeaway options for everyone. 

H&H Brazilian Steakhouse Thanksgiving near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

H&H Brazilian Steakhouse 518 W 7th St. Los Angeles, CA 90014

H&H will be open all day on Thanksgiving, Thursday, November 24 offering their specially priced $65/per person AYCE churrasco menu that includes the usual 16 cuts of meat and sides, plus freshly carved turkey with all of the fixings – stuffing, gravy, sweet potato casserole and cranberry sauce – included for no additional cost.

Fat & Flour Thanksgiving near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

Fat & Flour Grand Central Market 317 S Broadway Los Angeles, CA 90013

Order your Thanksgiving pie from Fat and Flour, a tiny pie shop in Grand Central Market from Los Angeles chef and author Nicole Rucker. Rucker is known internationally for her rustic desserts and has won several awards for her homespun pies, including the 2012 National Pie Championship, KCRW Good Food Pie contest, and a Star Chef award for baking. Her first cookbook, Dappled: Baking Recipes for Fruit Lovers, was recently nominated for a James Beard Award for baking.

Turkey Trot Thanksgiving charity run near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

Turkey Trot 200 N Spring St. Los Angeles, CA 90012.

Nov 24 Don’t miss LA’s best Thanksgiving tradition! Run/walk a 5k or 10k before you feast and help fundraise for The Midnight Mission. Enjoy a historic course along Spring Street, referred to as the Wall Street of the West. You’ll pass by such notable buildings as the Continental Building (LA’s first skyscraper), the Walt Disney Concert Hall and more! What a great way to see the city without traffic. The race starts and finishes in front of City Hall. Packet pick up opens at 6:30 AM. Arrive early!


St. Vincent Meals on Wheels Thanksgiving charity near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

St. Vincent Meals on Wheels

Over 250,000 seniors in Los Angeles County are at risk of hunger. St. Vincent Meals on Wheels prepares and delivers nutritious meals to homebound seniors and other vulnerable residents throughout Los Angeles, regardless of age, illness, disability, race, religion or ability to pay. For many seniors, St. Vincent Meals on Wheels is a vital lifeline.

Photo Credits:

Photo #1: Baltaire Restaurant

Photo #2: Mastro’s Ocean Club

Photo #3: Conrad Los Angeles

Photo #4: Caldo Verde

Photo #5: Le Petit Paris

Photo #6: 71Above

Photo #7: LOAM at Ace DTLA

Photo #8: H&H Brazilian Steakhouse

Photo #9: Fat & Flour

Photo #10: Turkey Trot

Photo #11: St. Vincent Meals on Wheels