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.

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.

Hollywood Christmas Parade 2011

The Hollywood Christmas Parade has been an American tradition, celebrating it’s 80th year in 2011.

Tinsel Town glitters with stars again this year as we kick off the Holiday season with The Hollywood Christmas Parade. This years grand marshal will be Marie Osmond. Marie has performed for five continuous decades on stage, television, film and recording. As co-founder of the Children’s Miracle Network, Marie has helped over 17 million kids every year in its 170 Children’s Hospitals. The event will be hosted by Laura Mckenzie, from the Laura Mckenzie traveler and Erik Estrada, a.k.a. Ponch from the 70′s series Chips. These two are no strangers to co-hosting. They worked together 10 years ago on American Adventurer and recently reunited in 2010 with a brand new series World’s Funniest Moments.

The parade will feature high school marching bands, classic cars, horse riding teams, balloons and of course celebrities of all ages. Some of the celebrities slated to be in the parade are: Tiffany Thorton, From So Random, Lea Thompson, known for her role in Back to the Future, Allisyn Ashley Arm, from Sonny With a Chance, Jason Earles, from Hannah Montana, and so much more.

No Christmas parade would be complete without Santa Clause. Children of all ages line the streets of Hollywood, each year, eagerly anticipating the arrival of Santa Claus and the official start of the Holiday Season. For those lucky bystanders, a wink and wave from St. Nick is an added blessing!

So grab your family and come out for the Hollywood Christmas Parade on November 27th beginning at 6:00pm. Parade route begins at Hollywood Boulevard and Orange right in front of Graumen’s Chinese Theater. It makes a U-shape and ends at Sunset and Orange. Click here for a printable map of the parade route.  Parking is available at Hollywood & Highland or metered street parking. For more information visit the official website.

Thanksgiving in LA

Are you looking for something to do after you gobbled up the Thanksgiving turkey and pumpkin pie that doesn’t involve going to the mall? Los Angeles glitters gold this time of year.

Ice at Santa Monica

Enjoy an oasis of winter wonderland in the heart of Santa Monica. Once a year, 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, a premier outdoor ice skating rink. Celebrating its 5th Anniversary, the 8,000 square ft. rink by the beach offers residents and visitors a little taste of winter without the bite.

Turkey Trot

Want to work up an appetite for your Thanksgiving feast? Then head to Long Beach for the annual Turkey Trot. This charity 5K/10K run (or walk) offers four different start times (between 7:30am to 10:30am), depending on how early you want to get up. There’s also a half-mile “Wingding” for kids 8 and younger. Lucky random participants will be rewarded with a holiday pie. If running isn’t your thing, enter the free Chicken Chucking Championship and see how far you can fling a rubber chicken.

Thanksgiving Buffet

 Or skip the cooking all together and let us do the cooking for you this Thanksgiving Holiday. Our Cafe Sierra is hosting a Holiday Champagne Brunch Buffet and Seafood & Prime Rib Dinner Buffet in the Sierra Ballroom of Hilton Los Angeles / Universal City hotel… and you are invited! Join us for a feast of Thanksgiving classics and and varied array of chef specialties. Entrees will include:Roast Turkey and Giblet Stuffing,Mashed Potatoes,Candied Yams,Biscuits and Cornbread,Roasted Ham,Fresh Fruit, Cake, and Tarts,Chocolate Fondue Fountain and much more! For more information and reservation visit http://bit.ly/CSThanksgivingBuffet

Thanksgiving Travel

Friends and family visiting Los Angeles for Thanksgiving? Leave your couch empty and let them stay with us. Book early and save with rates starting at $135/night.  Reserve your room today by visiting http://bit.ly/HUCReservations.

Staying in Los Angeles This Season? Check Out the Top 6 Things to do in LA for the Holidays

by F. Ron Smith on December 6, 2010 (TRAVEL TUESDAY)

“Stuck in LA for the Holidays?” You hear that phrase all of the time because people assume the best way to spend the holidays is back east where it is snowing or somewhere in a log cabin with a working fireplace.

The truth is, you can find many things to do in Los Angeles to get that good old holiday spirit while staying warm!  If you don’t want to make the drive to Anaheim and pay the admission price to celebrate the Holidays at Disneyland, check out six things to do in the local Los Angeles area that are just as fun and exciting.

1.  Grinchmas at Universal Studios Hollywood- Sing along with the Whos of Whoville in this musical festival full of holiday cheer. Experience Universal’s winter playground of real snow,celebrity readings of Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas, live performances and a spectacular tree lighting ceremony. Universal Studios Hollywood knows that the holidays are a time for giving, so they are currently offering a deal where if you buy a day, you get a 2nd day for free! For hotel packages, visit HiltonUniversal.com

2.  Outdoor Ice Skating- This is the 13th season for the LA“Downtown on Ice” skating rink at Pershing Square which is the heart of Los Angeles. You can ice skate in this beautiful outside skating rink every day through January 17th, 2011 for the amazingly low admission cost of $6.

3. The Grove- Enjoy the beautiful Holiday lights, enormous lit Christmas tree and Santa’s house at The Grove Shopping Center. Visit and take pictures with Santa (right in front of Barnes and Nobles) and listen to Christmas Caroling at the LA Farmers Market. This will help put you in the mood to do all of your Holiday gift shopping!

4.  Los Posada on Olvera Street- From December 16th to December 24th, you can participate in this historic and beloved Mexican Indian fiesta on Olvera Street. This is the perfect event for your entire family or a group of friends as you indulge in multiple cultures while enjoying a variety of holiday displays and entertainment. If you have children, make sure you do not miss the children’s piñata breaking, which begins at 6 p.m every night.

5.  Christmas Boat Parades- The cool thing about the holidays in LA is that we have more than just our houses to decorate…we have boats! Enjoy extravagant fireworks and amazing holiday light displays on the evening of December 11th at either the King Harbor Boat Parade in Redondo Beach, the Naples Christmas Boat Parade in Long Beach, or the annual Marina Del Rey Holiday Boat Parade where the theme for the boat parade is Christmas in Paradise.

6.  Bob Baker Marionette Theater- This is the perfect event to take your youngsters to during the holidays. Located in Silver Lake, the Bob Baker Marionette Theater has been operating since 1963 and is considered to be a true Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Landmark. Bob Baker, the ultimate puppet master, has been crafting his marionettes since the 1930s all over Hollywood and the big screen.  The show has been called the “Best Children’s Live Theatre.”

Now, why would you want to spend your holidays anywhere else besides LA when we have it all here? What are some of your favorite LA holiday activities and events? Please share your opinions below and share with us some other great ideas you may have. Cheers!

Photo courtesy of Kevin Cole’s Flickr and Falling Sky’s Flickr

F Ron Smith is a founding partner at Partners Trust Real Estate and lives with his family in Brentwood. He can be reached at Fron.smith@thepartnerstrust.com.