Get Inspired For Holiday Shopping in DTLA

Looking for some inspiration for your holiday shopping? This season, think local. All around Circa, downtown Los Angeles is brimming with a sleigh full of options to play Santa, and help support independent shops, entrepreneurs and artisans as well. From family to foodies, pet lovers to plant parents, culture connoisseurs, and even your most eccentric friends, we’ve compiled a unique and eclectic guide to inspire your holiday shopping in DTLA.

Grand Central Market Bazaar holiday shopping near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Grand Central Market Bazaar 317 S Broadway Los Angeles, CA 90013

See the latest and greatest from the very best independent merchants, artisans, and makers in LA. The Grand Central Market Bazaar takes place Thursday through Sunday beginning at 11 AM every day. Grand Central Market will be closing early at 7pm for Christmas Eve on December 24 and will be closed for Christmas on December 25.

Poketo holiday shopping near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Poketo ROW DTLA777 S. Alameda St. B1 Suite 174 Los Angeles, CA 90021

No time like the present to buy gifts for everyone on your list. Poketo makes it easy to find everything you need with their holiday gift guides. Since its foundation in 2003 by husband-and-wife team Ted Vadakan and Angie Myung, Poketo has grown from a small startup into a creative hub and online destination for design-driven goods infused with aesthetic intentionality. Collections include everything from furniture & lighting to apothecary, tabletop, books & prints, and apparel.

The Last Bookstore holiday shopping near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

The Last Book Store 453 S Spring St. Los Angeles, CA 90013

A true DTLA treasure, The Last Bookstore is California’s largest used and new book and record store, housed in a stunning 22,000 square-foot space in the Spring Arts Tower. According to owner Josh Spencer, the name was chosen with irony, but seems more appropriate with each passing day, as physical bookstores die out like dinosaurs from the meteoric impact of Amazon and e-books. In addition to over 250,000 new and used books on two floors, including the Arts & Rare Book Annex, you’ll also find tens of thousands of vinyl records and graphic novels. 

Healthy Spot holiday shopping near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Healthy Spot 1000 S Grand Avenue Suite A Los Angeles, CA 90015

Give your furry friends something to bark about this holiday season. Healthy Spot is a pet care retail company that offers pet owners a full range of nutritional foods and eco-friendly products, along with award-winning, personalized grooming, daycare and training services. Founded in 2008 by Andrew Kim and Mark Boonnark, the company prides itself on assuring that every stocked product contains premium-quality ingredients and is procured and manufactured safely and ethically. 

Rolling Greens Nursery holiday shopping near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Rolling Greens Nursery 1005 Mateo St. Los Angeles, CA 90021

For the plant parents on your list, Rolling Greens Nursery is Los Angeles’ premier home and garden retailer with an extensive assortment of faux and live plants, containers, and unique home accessories. Rolling Greens also carries handmade holiday decor made by LA artisans. Shop in-store for decor items, plants, gifts, and fresh holiday greens or online for local delivery or pickup.

Flask & Field holiday shopping near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

Flask & Field Row DTLA 767 S Alameda St. Ste 180 Los Angeles, CA 90021

Flask & Field is a modern destination for the discovery of wine, spirits, art and design, offering a selection of quality goods for house, home and adventure. The eclectic establishment was founded by entertainment attorney Miriam Yoo, who created Flask & Field out of her lifelong passion for wine, hospitality and design. Flask & Field is offering speciality gifts sets, including hard-to-find, small-batch indie products with interesting stories and beautiful labels. Gift sets are made to order, using eco-friendly materials and custom packaging.

August Uncommon Tea holiday shopping near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

August Uncommon Tea 

August is a small, family-run company based in Los Angeles, committed to making better tea, and to making things better in our world. August is designed to please all five senses, with wild and intense flavors inspired by cocktails, pastry, perfume, and modern cuisine. One of the only companies in the US to focus on super-premium blended flavored teas, whenever you drink August, you’ll always drink something unique. Alongside tasting notes, you’ll find mood notes inspired by art, music, cinema and natural landscapes. August also offers unique teaware.

These Days holiday shopping near Circa apartments in Downtown Los Angeles

These Days 118 Winston St, Los Angeles, CA 90013

Another DTLA treasure, These Days is a gallery, store, and publisher located in the Historic Core. Owned and operated by Stephen and Jodi Zeigler, Los Angeles natives and longtime residents of Downtown, These Days focuses on a diverse range of work including painting, photography, drawings, and fiber art. The store also features new and out-of-print photography books, zines, art and design objects.

Photo Credits:

Photo #1: Rolling Greens Nursery

Photo #2: Grand Central Market Bazaar

Photo #3: Poketo 

Photo #4: The Last Book Store

Photo #5: Healthy Spot

Photo #6: Rolling Greens Nursery

Photo #7: Flask & Field

Photo #8: August Uncommon Tea

Photo #9: These Days

Your Ultimate Guide to Last Minute Holiday Shopping

Holiday shopping got you stumped? If you’re looking for unique and eclectic gifts, DTLA is brimming with options to play Santa – and please everyone on your nice list. From family to fashionistas, bookworms, culture vultures, pet lovers, tiny tots, and even your geekiest friends, we’ve compiled the ultimate guide to last minute holiday shopping in DTLA!

Artists & Fleas

Artists & Fleas Holiday Pop Up Grand Central Market 317 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90013

Dec 21-22 Artists & Fleas introduces a brand-new marketplace just in time for the holidays, bringing together the finest LA makers at Grand Central Market in DTLA. Spend the day checking all those gifts off your list and finishing off with one of our tasty recommendations in the market. Artists & Fleas Grand Central Market is located on the lower level. Walk the center of the market and head down the stairs to shop local makers.

A Little Tokyo Christmas

A Little Tokyo Christmas & Holiday Boutique Aratani Theatre 244 San Pedro St, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Dec 21 A Little Tokyo Christmas is back! Come enjoy music, laughter, and dancing by talented performers, celebrity guests, and beloved community members in this one-of-a-kind holiday show! Shop for unique crafts and gifts at the Holiday Gift Boutique and enjoy a fun-filled time for friends and family as Little Tokyo celebrates the holidays.

Poketo

Poketo ROW DTLA 777 S. Alameda St. B1 Suite 174 Los Angeles, CA 90021

No holiday shopping spree would be complete without a trip to Poketo! Since its foundation in 2003 by husband-and-wife team Ted Vadakan and Angie Myung, Poketo has grown from a small startup into a creative hub and online destination for design-driven goods infused with aesthetic intentionality. Collections include everything from furniture & lighting to apothecary, tabletop, textiles, books & prints, and apparel. If you can’t the perfect gift at Poketo, it probably doesn’t exist!

The Library Store

The Library Store 630 W 5th St, Los Angeles, CA 90071

The Library Store is operated by the Library Foundation of Los Angeles, which provides critical support to the Los Angeles Public Library resulting in free programs, resources, and services available to the millions of adults, children, and youth in Los Angeles. Through fundraising, advocacy, and innovative programs, the Library Foundation strengthens the Los Angeles Public Library and promotes greater awareness of its valuable resources. Shop the carefully curated collection of books, tees, totes, stationery and much more. All sales benefit the Los Angeles Public Library.

Last Book Store

The Last Book Store 453 S Spring St, Los Angeles, CA 90013

A true DTLA treasure, The Last Bookstore is California’s largest used and new book and record store, housed in a stunning 22,000 square-foot space in the Spring Arts Tower. In addition to over 250,000 new and used books on two floors, including the Arts & Rare Book Annex, the shared space includes tens of thousands of vinyl records and graphic novels, and a huge mezzanine level featuring the Labyrinth Above the Last Bookstore, Gather Yarn Shop, and the Spring Arts Collective gallery shops.

Rolling Greens

Rolling Greens 1005 Mateo St. Los Angeles, CA 90021

Rolling Greens is Southern California’s premier destination for unique home + garden, featuring the finest live and artificial plants, home decor, containers, antiques and one-of-a-kind accents. The Arts District location includes a showroom, greenhouse, outdoor deck, and 25,000 square feet of multi-use event space, continuously curating a lifestyle outside creative bounds. Want to decorate your Christmas tree like a professional? Rolling Greens has an enormous selection of beautiful and high-quality decorations and their staff can show you how to expertly layer and style your tree to ensure wow factor!

Hauser & Wirth

Hauser & Wirth 917 E 3rd St. Los Angeles, CA 90013

Occupying a former flour mill in DTLA’s Arts District, Hauser & Wirth Los Angeles is a vibrant communal space that links art and architecture with a dynamic events program. In addition to supporting and collaborating with many local and international cultural organizations, nonprofits, and universities, the Los Angeles gallery fosters public dialogue with the arts through a range of activities that engage the city’s diverse population. Manuela, the onsite restaurant, offers seasonal, locally-sourced produce, a chicken coop, and an open-air courtyard and garden. Additionally, the site is home to the first ARTBOOK store in Los Angeles, the Gallery Shop, which offers a curated selection of hand-crafted products, and Hauser & Wirth Publishers’ Book Lab.

Mr. G's for Toys

Mr. G’s for Toys The Bloc 750 W 7th St #G720 Los Angeles, CA 90017

Mr. G’s for Toys is a real classic DTLA gift shop with a fun little twist. Explore their unique toy collection, from some of the latest toys and retro games – sure to please tiny tots and geeky friends alike! The gift shop also features trendy DTLA swag and souvenirs, as well as some good ol’ novelty merch, like mugs, postcards and more.

Pussy & Pooch

Pussy & Pooch Pethouse and Pawbar 564 S Main St. Los Angeles, CA 90013

You lead a stylish, progressive life and your pet companion should, too. That’s the thinking behind Pussy & Pooch, an adventurous destination where convenience meets community in a design-forward, social experience for pets and people. With a focus on nutrition and green living, the store is dedicated to providing a playful and edgy twist to the traditional pet store experience. Services include pet grooming, pet dental, and pet parties, along with an insane array of boutique pet toys, furniture and accessories. Pussy & Pooch offers convenient local delivery, and in-store and curbside pick-up for online orders.

Galerie.LA Gift Shop

Galerie.LA Gift Shop ROW DTLA 767 S Alameda St. Suite 192 Los Angeles, CA 90021

GALERIE.LA presents Gift Shop – a rotating holiday pop-up marketplace at featuring all ethical and local designers. Every Saturday & Sunday until December 22nd from 11am to 6pm. GALERIE.LA believes that supporting local is immensely important, so they’ve hand-selected a few of their favorite designers to make buying a thoughtful gift effortless. Whether you’re shopping for a loved one or a co-worker, Gift Shop will have something for everyone!

Celebrate the Season in Spectacular DTLA!

It’s your time to sparkle and shine – and DTLA is all aglow with fabulous festivities to make your spirits bright! Join in song with hundreds of fellow revelers – plus a jazz combo, a choir, and the mighty pipe organ at the LA Phil Sing-Along. Thrill to the music of Mozart in LA Opera’s final performance of The Magic Flute. Immerse yourself in brilliant holiday light displays and ice skate under the glittering LA skyline. There’s np end to the holiday magic when you celebrate the season in spectacular DTLA!

Deck the Hall

Deck the Hall – LA Phil 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 guest artist performances, sing-alongs and more – snowshoes not required!

LA Opera

The Magic Flute LA Opera Dorothy Chandler Pavilion 135 N Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Dec 15 True love is never easy. Especially when there’s a giant spider chasing you. And she’s your mom. LA Opera presents The Magic Flute, composed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and conducted by James Conlon / Grant Gershon. A dazzling celebration of love conquering all, The Magic Flute transports you into an enchanted world where good battles the forces of darkness. With the seamless interaction between onstage performers and projected hand-drawn animation, this inventive and charming interpretation brilliantly captures Mozart’s delightful blend of high comedy and adventure.

Grand Park

Grand Park Winter Glow DTLA 200 N. Grand Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90012

Expanded across Grand Avenue to include the newly renovated Music Center Plaza, Grand Park’s Winter Glow returns for its second annual nighttime public art display, offering an immersive experience that spans two county locations this holiday season. As the days shorten and darken, the park celebrates light as a giver of warmth, a source of beauty, and the key component to bringing people together during the fall and winter months. In this interconnectivity, guests and families can share thoughts, identity, and space, making new holiday memories as they stroll through an illuminated and interactive art installation. Familiar pathways and historic fountains will lead to exciting new discoveries as the latest in light and projection technology transform spaces on The Music Center Plaza and in Grand Park.

LA Master Chorale

Messiah Sing-Along Walt Disney Concert Hall 111 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Dec 18 LA Master Chorale conductor leads the popular do-it-yourself version of Handel’s Messiah, where the audience is the chorus.This will be the 39th annual Messiah Sing-Along and is sure to pack the house. Bring your own score or purchase one in the lobby. A limited number of VIP onstage tickets are available to bring you closer to the musical action. Hallelujah!

Pershing Square

Winter Wonderland Pershing Square 532 S Olive St. Los Angeles, CA 90013

Lace up your skates and glide into the holidays with ice skating in Pershing Square! The Bai Holiday Ice Rink Pershing Square offers the quintessential winter activity in the heart of beautiful downtown Los Angeles. Surrounded by art, lively activity, and the impressive city skyline, you can enjoy enjoy holiday concerts and other festive events under the sun and stars. Complete schedule HERE

The Bloc

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

Experience the world’s largest illuminated interactive holiday display at The Bloc in DTLA. Sparkle DTLA takes you through a magical nighttime journey of 16 million beautiful hues of lights that illuminate the city skyline and synchronize to your favorite holiday songs at the top of each hour. The display features a 16-foot larger-than-life ornament that you can walk through, and a 32-foot tree that you can enter to capture your perfect photo-op moments. The dazzling light display and interactive experience is the ideal holiday backdrop to creating special memories with your friends and family.

LA Kings

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

Skate like a King as the LA Kings bring the Ice Skating Rink back to L.A. Live. Skate around a huge Christmas tree, surrounded by the signature vibrant LED screens of LA Live. Go early or stay late after a concert or sports game to skate the night away.

Union Station

Holidays at Union Station 800 N Alameda St. Los Angeles, CA 90012

Explore one of L.A.’s most iconic gems – Union Station – during the most festive time of the year. Learn the history of this extraordinary Spanish Colonial Revival and Art Deco monument as you enjoy the sounds, and sights of the season. You’ll cover the majority of Union Station from the famous Waiting Room—seen in countless movies—to the Fred Harvey Restaurant, much of which has been beautifully decorated for the season. Stay after the tour on December tour dates for Union Station’s free Cocoa Concerts. Enjoy a concert, cocoa bar, holiday light display, and more from 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. on the South Patio.

DTLA Holiday Shopping: Big Brands, Hot Shops & Pop-Ups

This holiday season, DTLA is truly a shopper’s paradise! Big name brands are rubbing elbows with experiential stores, artsy concept shops, and an ever-passing parade of retail pop-ups. With so many options to choose from, it’s a good thing December has just begun!

Here are some ideas for Holiday Shopping that will bring good cheer to everyone on your list!

Dover Street Market

Dover Street Market 606-608 Imperial Street Los Angeles, CA 90021

Dover Street Market, one of the most exclusive and highly regarded retail trendsetters in the global fashion scene, recently opened DSMLA, its Los Angeles flagship store located in the Arts District just two blocks from the LA River. Housed in a 15,000 square-foot warehouse, painted a graphic white, DSMLA is the latest art-meets-retail concept from the Commes des Garçons label. Once inside, you’ll be greeted by a life-size hippo sculpture and there the fun begins! The interior is laced with a warren of arresting visual displays, art installations, chain link fencing, and galvanized metal, creating distinct sections for coveted brands like Gucci, Palace, noir kei ninomiya, Chanel Fine Jewelry, Marc Jacobs, and Comme des Garçons Women’s and Men’s. Holiday hours, parking and public transportation info here.

Jumpman LA Storefront

Jumpman LA 620 S Broadway Los Angeles, CA

Situated on DTLA’s “Sneaker Row,” a collection of athletic shoe and streetwear stores on South Broadway between 4th and 9th streets, Jumpman LA is a three-story 25,000 square-foot experiential retail space from Nike’s Jordan Brand–Michael Jordan’s shoe and athletic wear label, in partnership with footwear retailer Footaction. Serving as a hub for athletes, creatives and passionate Jordan fans,  Jumpman LA encourages customers to test drive their products in a sports-science-equipped Flight Lab weight training room and full regulation-size rooftop basketball court. After all that exertion, patrons can relax in the recovery lounge.

UNIQLO Bloc Opening Flyer

UNIQLO THE BLOC 700 S Flower Street Los Angeles, CA 90017

OPENING December 13, 2018

A Tokyo fashion and clothing company with locations in 12 countries, UNIQLO is one of the five biggest specialty fashion retailers in the world. Owned by Fast Retailing, a Hiroshima based company, UNIGLO is known for making accessible, affordable T-shirts, jeans, outerwear, and casual wear for women and men. One of UNIQLO’s main products is HEATTECH–a thin, anti-static, stretch fabric that keeps in heat and dries quickly–perfect for wearing layers of clothing. UNIQLO parent company Fast Retailing is a signatory to the UN Global Compact, that fosters responsible action among companies and organizations and aims to materialize sustainable growth for the international community. As a signatory, the company will contribute to ongoing social progress in keeping with its sustainability statement, which is Unlocking the Power of Clothing to create a force of social good.

Gentle Monster

Gentle Monster 816 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90014, USA

Korean eyewear brand Gentle Monster takes the concept of immersive, artful shopping to new heights–marrying their signature experimental visual style with unique, boundary-pushing sunglasses. The Los Angeles store brings a zen mood to the core of DTLA’s historic theatre district with Gentle Monster Harvest, inspired by the spirit, emotions and oriental traditions associated with harvesting. The space takes visitors on a journey through the stages of harvest from paddy fields through threshing with captivating kinetic installations and handmade visual objects to create a unique and never before experienced space.

Made by DWC presentation photo

Made by DWC  325 S Los Angeles Street Los Angeles, CA 90013

MADE by DWC is a social enterprise operated by the Downtown Women’s Center (DWC) to provide job training and transitional employment in product and retail environments for women transitioning out of homelessness. By purchasing from MADE by DWC’s signature line of products, you directly contribute to ending women’s homelessness in Los Angeles. Products include apparel, bags, candles, cards, gift sets, journals and soap. Want to give back this holiday season? Made by DWC’s volunteer program is run by Downtown Women’s Center. More details here.

Books on shelf at Marfa

Marfa Book Co Pop Up at ICA 1717 E 7th Street Los Angeles, CA 90021

Marfa Book Co. is an independent bookstore, publisher, and project space based in Marfa, Texas. After 20 years as a brick-and-mortar shop, Marfa Book Co. opened its first experimental pop-up at the Institute of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles in 2018. The store offers an eclectic catalog from publishers such as Gato Negro, an art and poetry press based in Mexico City; Dorothy, a publishing project, a St. Louis-based publisher dedicated to prose works by women; Haymarket, a publisher of progressive political theory and social history; and Primary Information, a specialist in facsimile reproductions of artists books and writings from the 1960s and 1970s. Marfa Book Co. is committed to the belief that bookstores can provide their communities with spaces for generative cultural encounters. They will be co-presenting a number of public programs during their time at ICA LA, and will also continue ICA LA’s exceptional partnership with local bilingual children’s bookstore LA Librería.

DTLA IRL red logo

DTLA//IRL Pop Up LA Athletic Club 431 W 7th Street Los Angeles, CA 90014

The Downtown Central Business Improvement District recently launched DTLA//IRL, a Holiday Pop-Up on the ground floor of the Los Angeles Athletic Club in the heart of DTLA. Curated by Handcrafted LA, the DTLA//IRL store features products from Handcrafted, LA Original, Sub-Urban Riot, LA Athletic Club, Skidrow Denim + Apparel, Downtown Women’s Center, Piece by Piece, Back2Garden, Cake Denim, Pocket Square and more. Need a break from shopping? Step into the Recharge Lounge, with furnishings and decor provided by partner West Elm, and enjoy free goodies to relax and refresh. DTLA//IRL is a permanent pop-up retail shop and an extension of downtown’s Pop-Up Connect Retail program, which aims to promote the retail experience and culture in Downtown Los Angeles and forge partnerships with retail owners.