How L.A. Tastemakers and Their Kids Get Into the Holiday Spirit
No matter which part of the country you hail from, the winter holidays are among the most nostalgic of them all. That is why creating new traditions and lasting memories this time of year can be so important for families.
While you would be hard pressed to find snow-covered branches and roasting chestnuts on every L.A. street corner, the spirit of the season is still alive and well thanks to the myriad holiday events and attractions happening at joyful destinations such as The Grove and The Americana at Brand.
Take, for example, the twice-nightly snowfall, magically falling against Southern California’s beautiful backdrop of palm trees. Or the popular Santa Brunch at The Grove’s American Girl Place, where little ones can mingle with St. Nick while dining with their dolls.
Ryan Patterson, an L.A.-based television producer from South Carolina, is one mom who has been taking her family to The Grove during the holidays for several years. Patterson explains that Christmas time at The Grove is the closest thing to what she remembers from her childhood on the opposite coast. Similar to many guests seeking a winter wonderland experience, the Pattersons visit the Santa House every year and have created a special tradition the entire family looks forward to each December. “We love that throughout all these years,” says Ryan, “It’s been the same Santa, and that both our girls believe he is the one true Santa Claus.”
It’s the snowfall at The Grove that Penny Lovell and her daughter love to experience together. “We do it every year,” says the celebrity stylist, who counts Anne Hathaway and Rose Byrne as longtime clients. “We have pizza outdoors at La Piazza, then we go out into the snow when it starts to fall.”
Whether it’s a trip to Santa’s House or shopping under the falling snow, there’s plenty of holiday magic happening at both The Grove and The Americana at Brand for every family to enjoy:
The Americana at Brand
SANTA’S HOUSE
Open Now – December 24
Santa is here and taking appointments! Visit Santa and his elves for a magical experience, complete with a professional holiday photo for your family to treasure for seasons to come. Plus, enjoy a festive holiday atmosphere all month long, with twice-nightly snowfall, strolling entertainment, holiday characters and more.Visit AmericanaAtBrand.com for details on hours and photo packages.
SANTA’S WORKSHOP
December 6, 9 – 11 am
Join us for a morning of holiday crafts, Sprinkles cupcake decorating, story time with Mrs. Claus, and fun with Santa. Tickets are $40 per child and include a photo package, goodie bag and tons of activities. Visit AmericanaAtBrand.com for more details.
SANTA BRUNCH AT TRATTORIA AMICI
December 10 & 17 at 9:30 am
Experience a festive atmosphere at Trattoria Amici, featuring a visit from Santa and his friends, plus a selection of Italian classic cuisine and bottomless mimosas. Tickers are $34 per adult; $15 per child (11 years and younger), and include a complimentary Santa photo and goodie bag for kids. Visit AmericanaAtBrand.com for more details.
The Grove
SANTA HOUSE
Open Now – December 24
Visit Santa Claus at The Grove for an unforgettable experience, complete with a professional holiday photo. 5% of Santa House proceeds will be donated to Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. Visit TheGroveLA.com for details on hours and photo packages.
HOLIDAY STORY TIME WITH CHRIS PAUL
December 8
Help spread cheer to kids in need at a very special Feed the Children charity event in The Park. Enjoy holiday treats, entertainment, crafting and story time with NBA all-star player, Chris Paul, and a surprise guest from the North Pole. Plus, donate packaged personal care products to Feed the Children to receive complimentary valet parking.
LA KIDS FASHION FAIR HOLIDAY EDITION
December 10
The Grove will host its seasonal Kids Fashion Fair on December 10 with LA-based mommy group, Fashion Mamas LA. Guests can shop the latest and most coveted baby and kids brands, plus enjoy crafts, face painting, a fashion show and more.