New Year’s Day is Time to Play in LA!

Happy New Year! Another year has come and gone. Let New Year’s Day bring in 2012 with fun for everyone with some great activities going on around Los Angeles. From Sports to Movies, entertain your family, friends and out of town guests to all LA has to offer.

Grinchmas

Experience the true meaning of the Holidays with Universal Studios Grinchmas. Visit the Grinch this New Year’s day and play in the snow, see some shows and enjoy the theme park inspired by some of your favorite flicks. Open 10am to 5pm daily.

Citywalk Dance Party

Celebrate 2012 with Citywalk Dance Party. With special guest “DJ Larg3″, the lazer light show, and fine dining restaurants, you can make the most of New Year’s Day. The party starts at 7pm till 10pm.

Holiday Gold Rush

The Autry National Museum invites you to pan for gold this Holiday season. Discover the myths and realities of the California Gold Rush with their recreation on a minor camp. Open 11am to 3pm.

LA Kings Holiday Ice

Ice skate in the beautiful California sunshine at the LA Kings Holiday ice skating rink located inside the beautiful Nokia Plaza next to LA LIVE> Open weekedays till Jan 2nd from 3pm to 11pm

Holiday Wonderland at the Hollywood Museum

Holiday decorator to the stars, Dr. Christmas is transforming the Hollywood Museum into a Holiday Winter Wonderland. There will be Hollywood memorabilia and 18 Christmas trees throughout the museum decorated in the spirit of Hollywood’s greatest holiday inspired movies. Open 10am to 5pm daily.

Los Angeles Clippers vs. Portland Trail Blazers

Cheer on our home team, the LA Clippers, at the Staples Center on New Year’s Day. Game starts at 6:30pm

Disney’s Most Sensational Muppets Party

Experience the Muppets new movie in the historical El Capitan Theater. Join the party and Sing-a-long with Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy before each movie. Show times very so see official site for more details.

New Years Day Champagne Brunch in Universal City

Celebrate to 2012 with a champagne brunch at Cafe Sierra. Culinary treats will delight your palette and warm your heart. The buffet begins at 11am and continues on to the dinner buffet till 10:30pm. For reservations call Cafe Sierra at 818-509-2030.

However you chose to spend the first day of 2012…We want to wish you a wonderful New Year!

Universal Hilton Wedding [Esther + Mike]

Wedding are simply a magical time. Ester & Mike’s wedding was just that. We wish them all the best. We want to reblog their story from Pirouette Photography.

Esther and I met online. Lol. Through our countless email exchanges, she was already no stranger when I met her. I always love reading Esther’s emails, and when I finally got to meet her PLUS Mike, it was no different. They are the type of couple everyone and their parents love. They are so great for each other, and are super perfect together! I know, too cheesy? But so true! Esther + Mike = funny faces, silliness, and lots and lots of love. To say their love oozes out of their pores is probably an understatement?

Thanks, you two, for sharing your special day with me and Amy!
These are just a few moments from your wedding day that I love. The rest will surely follow

For those of you who know me and my addiction, you know why I couldn’t help myself with this next one…

And finally, the moment Esther had been waiting for…shark fin soup!

New Years Eve Glitters Gold In LA

New Year’s Eve is a magical night in Los Angeles. Bring in your New Year with all the glitz and glam only the Motion Picture Capital of the world can offer. Party at countdown bashes or dance the night away  and ring in the New Year Los Angeles style.

Wherever you go, remember to be safe and Go Metro for free from 9 p.m. on December 31st to 2 a.m. on January 1st. Or let someone else do the driving and catch a ride from Yellow Cab.

Universal CityWalk Hollywood’s New Years Eve Countdown Bash

Be amazed with a firework show at midnight.  The party goes from 9pm to 12:30am and is free to all. Parking  before 6 pm, $15 general/$20 preferred, after 6 pm $40 general, $45 valet. Go early for dinner at one of the many restaurants located on Citywalk.

Black and White Ball at Grauman’s Chinese Theater

Make your New Years Eve like a movie at Grauman’s Chinese Theater.  New 3D movie screens will play black & white movies all night long. The party gets started at 9pm to 2am. General Admission tickets are $65 in advance, including open bar. VIP tickets: $155 include separate entrance.

Carnevale di Venzia at Playhouse Hollywood

Cloak yourself in mystery this New Year’s Eve as you experience a grand transformation into Carnevale di Venezia. Party where Bohemian-chic meets mystery while a DJ spins some tunes.  The mystery begins at 9pm to 2 am. General Admission tickets start at $100 at the door, including open bar.

W Hollywood New Years Eve

Have a magical New Years at the Luxurious W in Hollywood and feel like a King.Tickets include open bar all night! This is a New Years Party you will not want to miss! This extravagant party starts at 9pm to 2am. General Admission tickets start at $100 and Open Bar included with general admission.

New Year’s Show with Shahram Solati and Helen

Start 2012 in style with a returning LA  favorite! Enjoy the finest Champagne following the New Year’s Eve countdown, dance all night, and celebrate with Shahram & Helen until early in the morning. Doors open at the prestigious Universal Hilton at 7:30 and the party ends at 1am.  General Admission tickets run from$135 to $175, including dinner buffet.

Las Palmas Avenue 2012 New Years Eve Block Party

3 of LA’s Hottest Clubs creating Hollywood’s Biggest Bash! When the countdown begins this New Years Eve, reward yourself with premier dance floors & Champagne Toasts. The most anticipated party in Los Angeles goes from 9pm to 2am. Tickets start at $75, including an open bar.

Cleopatra’s 2nd Annual 2012 New Year’s Eve Ball

Celebrate NYE along the Walk of Fame in the World Famous Grauman’s Egyptian Theatre with Hollywood’s Best DJs spinning Top 40, hip-hop mash-ups, balloon drop, confetti blast, giant & LED light show. The glamour continues from 9pm to 2am. Prices for this event start at $85, including an open bar.

Bootlegger’s Ball at The Edison

On New Years Eve, experience the unparalleled Cabaret Ball featuring an  electrifying performance by Lindsay and the All-Nighters. Allow aerialists, dancers and a host of gifted eccentrics for unique and unforgettable journey into 2012. Doors open at 7pm to 2am. Tickets start at $75.

RESTAURANTS

Gourmands have plenty of options on New Year’s Eve, with restaurants throughout the city offering a mouth-watering selection of menus and multiple seatings to welcome the new year.

New Year’s Eve Dinner Buffet at Cafe Sierra

Celebrate the Season at Cafe Sierra Restaurant. Culinary treats will delight your palette and warm your heart. A unique unparalleled buffet experience in Universal City, CA at Cafe Sierra Restaurant. So let the Champagne flow and pile your plate high as we say goodbye to 2011. Beginning at 5:30pm to 1:30am. Tickets are $79 and include Dinner Buffet and Champagne.

Meet The Staff- Theresa Ofstad

Theresa Ofstad
Sales Manager
5 years of service

“The best thing about being at the hotel are the team members and the feeling of family.”

http://bit.ly/CateringandSales

Master Carolers Serenade Our Cafe Sierra

The glow of the seasonal decorations gleam as you walk into Cafe Sierra. You will be greeted with a warm smile as you are escorted to your table. As you pass through the buffet, delicious aromas fill the air. Grab a plate and pile it high with culinary delights.

As you sit down to enjoy your delectable plate, Holiday Carols fill the air. Our Master Carolers serenade you with your favorite carols so sing along.

Sugar plums will dance in your head tonight after a trip to the dessert table. Cakes, pies, and holiday chocolate treats will bring your night to a sweet end.

Join us for Holiday cheer at Cafe Sierra’s Mater Carolers event on the 22nd thru 25th from 5pm to 10 pm. We would love to have your table waiting so contact us at 818-509-2030 and let the Holiday magic begin.

Holidays at 5 Towers

A great place to celebrate the holidays is Universal Citywalk. Decorated with festive Holiday decor,  CityWalk will also have live entertainment like the Mariachi Divas. The Grammy Award winning group will spice up your season with  Latin flair. They will perform on December 16th with time to be announced. Visit the official website for up to date details.

Pull out your Christmas wish list and get your family Christmas pictures with their ”Rockin” Santa! The light and music show will run every 20 minutes, and will continue throughout the month of December. If you want to dance off some stress, there’s also a CityWalk DJ Dance Party from 7 to 10 on Friday & Saturday nights. Let Universal Studios Citywalk Hollywood cheerfully party you through this season.

Where to Spend the Holidays in Los Angeles

Holidays in Los Angeles are all about getting out and enjoying some festive cheer. With warmer temperatures than most states this time of year, we want to encourage you to see the lights and soak in all the fun activities LA has to offer. Allow us to highlight a few events and activities that will keep you busy during this jolly season.

Caroling & Holiday Music

Dec. 15: A Chanticleer Christmas
Walt Disney Concert Hall
The Grammy-winning “orchestra of voices” returns with a fresh take on seasonal classics, from serene chant to vibrant spirituals, for a uniquely radiant holiday experience.

Dec. 16: Music Center Holiday Sing-Along
6:30-8pm, Music Center Plaza
Active Arts at the Music Center presents an annual holiday tradition that’s not to be missed! Sing along and have fun under the crisp, cool skies. Free admission, donations welcome. Tickets are distributed beginning 30 minutes prior to the event, while supplies last. One ticket per person to those waiting in line. First come, first served. No reservations necessary.

Dec. 24: LA County Holiday Celebration
Dorothy Chandler Pavilion
Each year since 1959, the Arts Commission has produced a free Holiday Celebration on Dec. 24th on behalf of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors. With the theme of “Celebrating Your LA,” the 52nd edition of LA’s biggest holiday celebration features 24 groups and nearly 800 performers, representing the diverse cultures and holiday traditions of LA County.

Original Farmers Market

Dec. 20: Hanukkah Celebration
Celebrate Hanukkah with the Miracle Mile Chabad, Temple Israel of Hollywood, Zimmer Children’s Museum and The Jewish Journal on Tuesday, December 20th from 2:30-5 p.m. on the Market Plaza. Free activities include dreidel-making, card-making, building of a giant Lego Menorah, music, games and more. A special Menorah Lighting Ceremony will take place at 4:30 p.m.

Dec. 26 – Jan. 2: Rose Bowl Fan Headquarters
The holidays will be capped off with an annual Farmers Market tradition, the arrival of thousands of Rose Bowl revelers who turn the Market into Fan Central. There will be hundreds of fans dining, strolling and celebrating; expect banners, beer and braggadocio galore!

Outdoor Ice Skating

Downtown on Ice at Pershing Square
Pershing Square
The original Los Angeles outdoor ice rink features a 4,500 square foot rink of real ice, set up on Pershing Square in front of the historic Biltmore Hotel. Framed by skyscrapers and adorned with festive holiday lights, the rink unites communities and welcomes more than 350,000 spectators and enthusiasts annually. $8 for one hour, including skate rental.

LA Kings Holiday Ice at L.A. LIVE
L.A.LIVE
The third annual LA Kings Holiday Ice brings outdoor ice skating to NOKIA Plaza at L.A. LIVE. The Holiday Ice skating area has grown by leaps and bounds every year, accommodating hundreds of skaters at once in the festive setting of the L.A. LIVE district.

ICE at Santa Monica
Santa Monica
Downtown Santa Monica brings a little skate to the surf and transforms the corner of 5th Street and Arizona Avenue into ICE at Santa Monica. Celebrating its 5th Anniversary, the 8,000 square foot rink by the beach offers residents and visitors a little taste of winter without the frosty bite. $12 for all-day skating, includes skate rental.

Whatever activity you chose this Holiday, we hope it fills you with all the cheer this season can bring. Happy Holidays from Hilton Universal.

Holiday Travel Time Is Here!

The holidays are steeped in family traditions like opening presents on Christmas Day, Lighting the menorah during Hanukkah, and spending time with our loved ones. Maximize your holiday travel and minimize coal-in-the-stocking grief  with a few secrets to make getting there half the fun.

Packing For  Your Trip

Packing light saves time and energy when it comes to filling the trunk with fragile bags packed with gifts or racing to fill the last empty space in the overhead bin. Some airlines place special restrictions during the holidays and allow only one carry-on, so less luggage is vital. If  you are carrying presents in your luggage, pack them unwrapped. The TSA agent will unwrap all presents to check their contents.

Booking Your Trip

Book your flight to avoid the Holiday rush. Christmas and New Year’s Day fall on Sundays this year, which means that the Friday before and the Monday after will be extremely busy. Remember when booking flights, check your search results carefully for sufficient time during layovers, and build in some time for flight delays and bad weather. Particularly during the winter months, peak travel times often bring peak travel delays, and your connection is more likely to be jeopardized. Avoiding really tight connections may save you a sprint through the terminal or a missed flight.

Transportation on Your Trip

During peak travel times, much of the trouble you’ll face lies on this side of the security check-in, from traffic jams and to full parking lots to absent shuttles and long lines. Rather than striving to “arrive at the airport early,” you may want to try to “leave for the airport early” to anticipate all the peripheral delays you may encounter.

Save on Your Trip

Stay with us if Los Angeles is your destination and save 25% with The December Sale. Book by January 1,2012 and stay by January 8,2012.

No matter your destination or the holiday you are celebrating, tis the season of joy and laughter. Kick your holiday off right with a happy flight.

The Grinch is Coming to Town!

Universal Studios Hollywood’s “Grinchmas” Celebration Universal City, California – is the theme park’s 18-day “Grinchmas” celebration, beginning December 11 and 12 and continuing daily from December 18 through January 2, 2011.  The Grinch and Max will be on hand to meet fans and take memorable holiday photos. Families will also be able to enjoy traditional winter fun, romping together in a playground of snow and building their own snowmen.

Grinchmas  at Universal Studios Hollywood, The Entertainment Capital of L.A., will enliven the holiday season with the Grinch, his faithful dog Max, tons of fresh snow and a “Whoville Whobilation” at the original movie sets where the classic “Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas!” was filmed. “Grinchmas” will immerse guests in a festive holiday atmosphere.

Celebrities from the worlds of film, television and music will help Universal Studios Hollywood guests celebrate the holiday season—and encourage families to read together—with nightly readings of “Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas!”

Among the first celebrities set to appear at the event are “True Blood” star Stephen Moyer on Dec. 11 and Jeffrey Tambor, who portrayed the Mayor of Whoville in the blockbuster film, “Dr Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas!” on Dec. 12. Other stars include recording artist Brandy on Dec. 18, actor Fred Willard and “Tonight Show” band musical director, Rickey Minor on Dec. 19, and Joey Lawrence and Tippi Hedren on Dec. 20.

A whimsical, curving “Grinchmas” tree will tower 60 feet above the center of a snow-covered “Grinchmas” winter wonderland and will be lit in a nightly tree-lighting ceremony that will feature a colorfully costumed “Whoville” choir caroling and spreading holiday cheer.

 “Grinchmas” will also provide fans of the blockbuster movie a close-up view of the original “Whoville” film sets, featured in the classic “Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas!” aboard the world-famous behind-the-scenes Studio Tour. As the tram rolls to a stop amid the fanciful “Whoville” buildings, guests will experience a one-of-a-kind performance by “Whoville’s” residents re-enacting favorite scenes and songs from the film. “Grinchmas” is included in the price of theme park admission. Guests who attend Universal Studios Hollywood’s “Grinchmas” celebration will be able to purchase the “Buy a Day and get 2011 Free” annual pass, a tremendous value allowing them to visit Universal Studios Hollywood throughout the coming year.

Stay with us and play in Whooville longer when you book the Grinchmas Package. Your package includes two tickets to Universal Studios Hollywood^® for Grinchmas with characters and a real snow event, Accommodation for two and Complimentary shuttle to Universal Studios.

Meet the Staff- Estella Segura

Estella Segura
Catering Manager

“Estella has been a wonderful new addition to the Catering Team this year. Her specialty – Dream Quinceaneras.”
http://bit.ly/HUCSalesAndCatering