Circa Celebrates 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. Get your glow up with holiday light shows at Enchanted Forest of Light, Astra Lumina, and the whimsical LA Zoo Lights. Sparkle DTLA at The Bloc is presenting one of LA’s largest multi-colored interactive experiences, right in the heart of the city!  Ice skating enthusiasts can show off their glides and spins at LA Kings Holiday Ice and Pershing Square outdoor rinks. To cap off the merriment, take in a festive holiday performance at Walt Disney Concert Hall. Check websites for details.

Circa Party holiday celebration at Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Santa’s Workshop Social & Toy Drive

Circa residents are invited to enjoy a night of live entertainment, a festive photo op, and seasonal hors d’oeuvres & libations at Santa’s Workshop Social & Toy Drive. Look out for a special visit from Santa and his elves as they team up with us for the Salvation Army Toy Drive. We kindly ask each guest to bring one unwrapped toy to support our Toy Drive and to enter the raffle. No cash accepted. December 9, 7:00pm to 9:30pm on the 8th Floor.

Winter Hour at Golden Hour holiday celebration at Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Winter Hour at Golden Hour Level 8 1254 S Figueroa St. Los Angeles, CA 90015

This season, Los Angeles gets its very own winter wonderland in the sky. Step into Winter Hour, the holiday transformation of Level 8’s stunning rooftop bar, Golden Hour, where cozy firepits, private igloos, and sweeping skyline views set the stage for an unforgettable night under the stars. Sip, savor, and celebrate the most wonderful time of the year with craft cocktails, gourmet s’mores, and immersive holiday moments brought to life by the whimsical minds of Houston Hospitality.

Sparkle DTLA holiday celebration near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

SPARKLE DTLA 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. SPARKLE is free to attend and is open to all ages. Furry friends are also welcome.

Enchanted Forest of Light at Descanso Gardens holiday celebration near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

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

By day, Descanso blossoms and chitters with cheerful and welcoming sunlit landscapes. By night, Enchanted Forest of Light transforms the gardens into an entirely different realm of magic, mystery, and incandescence. Expect to see popular returning installations, including an entire town of magical “stained glass” houses by contemporary sculptor Tom Fruin; sparkling geometric installations from HYBYCOZO; Flower Power on the Promenade; and exquisite lighting effects in the Ancient Forest.

LA Zoo Lights holiday celebration near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

L.A Zoo Lights 5333 Zoo Drive Los Angeles, CA 90027

L.A. Zoo Lights is L.A.’s wildest holiday tradition. Immerse yourself in a dazzling world of lantern sculptures and lights through a holiday-themed wonderland. Discover the weird and wonderful world of plants and pollinators, featuring larger than life birds, butterflies, insects and flowers; glowing lanterns depicting wildlife of Southeast Asia; and an African landscape that includes representation of the continent’s iconic regions and wildlife, all illuminated by spectacular sculptural lights. In addition, the Zoo is returning some of last year’s fan favorites, including the interactive displays, a giant walk-in kaleidoscope, seasonal treats and cocktails, and photo-ops through the park.

Astra Lumina holiday celebration near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Astra Lumina South Coast Botanic Garden 26300 Crenshaw Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90274

We’ve always been told to reach for the stars, but what if the stars could reach for us? The stars are descending from the night sky. Set off across mysterious grounds to discover a celestial pathway of lustrous light, cosmic visions, and astral song. Immerse yourself in illuminating encounters of lighting, projection and sound, and connect with the stars before they return to the sky above. Astra Lumina at South Coast Botanic Garden is the 17th experience in the Lumina Enchanted Night Walk series.

LA Master Chorale holiday celebration near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

LA Master Chorale Walt Disney Concert Hall 111 S Grand Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90012

LA Master Chorale is presenting a festive line-up of holiday concerts including Handel’s Messiah, Carols on the Plaza, and the ever popular Messiah Sing-Along. Founded by the legendary Roger Wagner in 1964, the Los Angeles Master Chorale is “the finest-by-far major chorus in America” (Los Angeles Times) and a vibrant cultural treasure. Hailed for its powerful performances, technical precision, and artistic daring, the Chorale is a founding resident company of The Music Center and choir-in-residence at Walt Disney Concert Hall. 

LA Phil Deck the Hall holiday celebration near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

LA Phil Deck the Hall 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. The festivities include A Chanticleer Christmas, Home Alone in Concert, Arturo Sandoval ’s Swinging Holiday, and a Holiday Sing-Along. Make sure to arrive early for drinks and merriment in the fun-filled Winter Wonderland. Snowshoes not required!

The Nutcracker Suite holiday celebration near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

The Nutcracker Suite Bank of America Plaza 333 S Hope St. Los Angeles, CA 90071

American Contemporary Ballet presents an immersive experience of the Tchaikovsky classic that delights children and adults alike. A world of wonders so mysterious and magical it appears only once a year. 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. 

LA Kings Holiday Ice holiday celebration 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. Skate your way into the holiday season and enjoy the rink until January 10, 2026. Bring your friends, family, date or enjoy the ice before and after a sports game or concert. 

Holiday Ice Rink Downtown Los Angeles holiday celebration near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

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

Glide into the holidays for ice skating in Pershing Square! The 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, the outdoor ice rink lets you enjoy entertainment and ice skating under the sun and stars. Open daily through January 11, 2026.

Union Station holiday celebration near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

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

Throughout the season, visitors can soak in Union Station’s must-see holiday décor – from the glistening exterior, where palm trees twinkle with lights and the iconic clocktower is crowned with a festive wreath, to the majestic interiors adorned with oversized wreaths, ornaments, and gleaming lights from the Waiting Room and South Patio trees – plus a beautiful menorah on display during Hanukkah, all creating perfect photo opportunities inside and out. 

Photo credits:

Photo #1: Descanso Gardens

Photo #2: Circa 

Photo #3: Winter Hour at Golden Hour / Level 8

Photo #4: Sparkle DTLA

Photo #5: Descanso Gardens

Photo #6: L.A. Zoo

Photo #7: South Coast Botanic Garden

Photo #8: LA Master Chorale

Photo #9: LA Phil

Photo #10: American Contemporary Ballet

Photo #11: LA Kings

Photo #12: Holiday Ice Rink Pershing Square

Photo #13: Los Angeles Union Station

Dine with a View: Circa’s Favorite Rooftop Oases

Soar over the cityscape and dine with a view on DTLA’s glamorous rooftop oases. Enjoy craft cocktails, chef-driven menus, and shareable dishes served high in the sky at iconic venues, such as LEVEL 8, Cabra at The Hoxton, Cara Cara at Downtown LA Proper Hotel, LA Cha Cha Chá, and Perch. Some of our favorite rooftop spaces are also offering festive summer events, including pool parties, DJ sounds, vintage markets, and dive-in movie nights, many not far from Circa. Whatever your vibe, there’s an elevated table waiting for you. Check websites for hours and reservations.


LEVEL 8 Golden Hour rooftop oasis near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Golden Hour at LEVEL 8 AC/Moxy, 1254 S Figueroa St. Los Angeles, CA 90015

Perched high above the pulse of Downtown LA, Golden Hour is where the city comes to exhale. Nestled atop the Moxy at Level 8, you’ll find a rooftop pool and bar experience that blends sun-soaked leisure with late-night energy. Start at the iconic rotating carousel bar, where every spin offers a fresh perspective and a perfectly balanced drink. Then retreat to a poolside cabana for the best views in town, as you sip craft cocktails by world-class mixologist Juan Martinez.

LEVEL 8 Golden Daze Pool Parties rooftop oasis near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Golden Daze Pool Parties LEVEL 8 AC/Moxy, 1254 S Figueroa St. Los Angeles, CA 90015

By day, Golden Hour is your hideaway in the sky; a place to swim, sip, and soak in panoramic views of the cityscape. This summer, Golden Hour is hosting two weekly pool parties: Sunset Sessions, featuring house music on Fridays from 5pm-10pm; and Golden Daze on Saturdays and Sundays from 2pm-10pm. As the sun dips low, the vibe shifts and Golden Hour glows into a nightlife escape where DJs spin, cocktails flow, and golden memories are made under the stars.

Broken Shaker at Freehand rooftop oasis near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Rooftop Market Freehand Los Angeles, 416 W 8th Street, Los Angeles, CA  90014

Vintage aficionados take note! Freehand Los Angeles hosts a Rooftop Market at Broken Shaker rooftop bar and pool deck on the first Sunday of every month. Taking place from noon to 4pm, the Rooftop Market supports small businesses and features a selection of jewelry, vintage clothing and other one-of-a-kind items.

InterContinental Hotel rooftop oasis near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Dive-in Movie Nights InterContinental Los Angeles Downtown, 900 Wilshire Blvd. Los Angeles, CA  90017

Splash, relax, and enjoy the show! Bring the whole crew for Dive-In Movie Nights at the pool, featuring your favorite flicks and snacks under the stars. Dive-In Movie Nights are held on the seventh-floor pool deck every other Friday through August 29. Selected screenings include The Parent Trap, Moana and, of course, La La Land.


La Lo La Rooftop rooftop oasis near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

La Lo La Rooftop AC Hotel Downtown Los Angeles, 1260 S Figueroa St. Los Angeles, CA 90015

La Lo La Rooftop is an ethereal, sophisticated oasis high above the heart of DTLA, located on the 34th floor of the recently debuted AC Hotel Downtown LA. The expansive wraparound rooftop, which spans almost 4,000 square feet, is designed by the award-winning design studio Yabu Pushelberg, providing an intimate setting for visitors and locals alike. Guests are invited to enjoy specialty cocktails, shareable dishes, and a rotating program of live music and DJs, all with commanding 270 degree views of the city. 

The Rooftop at The Wayfarer rooftop oasis near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

The Rooftop at The Wayfarer 813 Flower St. Los Angeles, CA 90017

Revel on The Rooftop veranda at The Wayfarer Hotel, your hidden oasis in the heart of Los Angeles, serving lunch, brunch and dinner with a full bar and delicious cocktails. Sip, eat and chill on the 12th floor with friends, family or solo. Hang  every Saturday and Sunday for their weekend brunch from 10am – 4pm, which will take you on a wild ride fusing together delicious culture, local fare, and a touch of nostalgia.

LA Cha Cha Chá rooftop oasis near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

LA Cha Cha Chá 812 E 3rd St. Los Angeles, CA 90013

The sister location of Terraza Cha Cha Chá in Mexico City, LA Cha Cha Chá is located in a chic outdoor rooftop space in the Arts District. The restaurant offers gorgeous views of DTLA and a notable menu. Begin with traditional starters like guacamole, frijoles refritos, and empanada de calabasa, and move on to expertly prepared mains such as grilled fish and other seafood dishes, charcoal roasted chicken, and pork shoulder confit carnitas. Be sure to check out the margarita and mezcal offerings from the bar.

Perch restaurant rooftop oasis near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Perch 448 S Hill St. Los Angeles, CA 90013

Perch Los Angeles is a French-inspired rooftop bistro offering unobstructed views of Downtown Los Angeles that will make you feel as if you’re floating over the skyline. The elevated spaces offer outdoor fireplaces, fir pits, and lounge and table seating. Enjoy classic French dishes with a twist from the menu for dinner, or sip beer, wine or Parisian-inspired cocktails at any one of the bars. Perch also offers a unique and an elegant list of rare Cognacs, Armagnacs, Calvados and French Cordials to pique your palate.


Cara Cara at Proper Hotel DTLA  rooftop oasis near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Cara Cara Downtown LA Proper Hotel, 1100 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90015

Set above the city with sweeping skyline views, Cara Cara is Downtown L.A. Proper’s rooftop destination for golden afternoons and starlit evenings. Chef Suzanne Goin’s menu is bright, bold, and unmistakably Californian, layered with the season’s freshest ingredients, vibrant flavors, and a just-right sense of indulgence. Lush landscaping, fire pits, and comfortable alcoves set the scene, while James Beard Award winner Caroline Styne curates a spirited mix of organic wines, craft cocktails, and low-proof pours. 

La Casita at Hotel Figueroa rooftop oasis near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

La Casita Hotel Figueroa, 939 S Figueroa St. Los Angeles, CA 90015

An intimate retreat from the bustle of downtown Los Angeles, La Casita at Hotel Figueroa lends homage to the Mediterranean coastal lifestyle where art meets fashion amidst a serene backdrop. A Spanish & Mediterranean-inspired two-story villa and cocktail lounge, La Casita is a quintessential haven featuring a world-class hand-crafted beverage program replete with an expansive agave list accompanied by coastal Mediterranean fare and shareable small plates. The menu offerings will be accompanied by ongoing programming including eclectic poolside vibes with live DJs, musicians and performance art, and a series of daytime and nighttime events.

Photo Credits:

Photo #1: Cara Cara at Proper Hotel DTLA 

Photo #2: LEVEL 8 / Houston Hospitality

Photo #3: LEVEL 8

Photo #4: Broken Shaker at Freehand

Photo #5: InterContinental Hotel 

Photo #6: La Lo La Rooftop

Photo #7: The Rooftop at The Wayfarer

Photo #8: LA Cha Cha Chá

Photo #9: Perch 

Photo #10: Cara Cara

Photo #11: La Casita at Hotel Figueroa