There’s something so special about the holidays in SoCal. Between the palm trees strung up in twinkle lights, the Angelenos donning parkas when it’s 60 degrees out, and the visions of Santa on a surfboard, no place does the holidays quite like LA. And Universal Studios Hollywood gets especially festive for the holiday season — check out our Guide to the Holidays at Universal Studios Hollywood for proof of merriment.
And Universal CityWalk Hollywood does, too! At CityWalk, all that California holiday charm gets packed into one place. With seasonal drinks, treats, decor and live entertainment, CityWalk is the ultimate place to eat, drink and be merry during the holiday season.
Whether you’re a local Californian or just visiting the City of Angels, no holiday season in LA is complete without a trip to CityWalk at Universal Studios Hollywood. Here’s what you can expect to find at CityWalk throughout the holiday season.
DECOR & PHOTO OPS
Get your cameras out, because CityWalk gets dressed to the nines over the holidays. Stop to admire the gigantic wreaths welcoming you to the promenade and the festive garlands decking the walkway. And you certainly can’t miss the 40-foot Christmas tree strung up in 200,000 LED lights — it’s positioned right outside the Universal Cinema. If this twinkling centerpiece doesn’t get you excited for Santa’s arrival, we don’t know what will.
And don’t forget to look up! There are so many great decor details during this time of year. My personal favorite is the red Santa hat topping King Kong’s noggin, plus the mistletoe in his hand. You can catch him hanging off of IT’SUGAR, right across from Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. And just beyond King Kong is the dancing water fountain, which will be lit up in a red and green holiday light show.
FOOD & TREATS
If you’re not having dessert for every meal from Thanksgiving through New Year’s Day, I’m not sure what, exactly, it is you think you’re doing.
First things first: beeline for The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen for a milkshake. It always feels like a special occasion here, with an irresistible lineup of heaping, decadent milkshakes to choose from. Get your hands on the delightfully seasonal Wintermint Spice Shake. This perfectly over-the-top dessert is made with vanilla ice cream, peppermint and winter spice syrup, milk, raspberry syrup and white chocolate, capped with whipped topping and crushed candy cane. It’s basically Christmas in a jar. Get yours at the dessert foundry so you can take it to-go and keep on strolling CityWalk.
Voodoo Doughnut always delivers with the fun seasonal pastries, and this holiday is no exception. Throughout the month of December, the to-go eatery is serving up doughnuts as delicious as they are Instagrammable. This year, there are five limited-time doughnuts to dig into during the holidays: the Grandma’s Hot Cocoa, the Snowball, the Gingerbread Doll, the Present, the Eggnog Old Fashioned and the Peppermint Crunch. There just might be additional items for sale during the month, too —keep your eyes peeled, doughnut-heads.
The holidays are all about the sweets, but we love a special, savory feast, too. At VIVO, The Stromboli Boat — a savory baked turnover stuffed with three Italian cheeses, bell pepper, zucchini, and cherry tomato — is a delicious, decadent Yuletide treat. They also serve a delicious Minestrone Soup to warm you up during the chilly winter months.
DRINKS
Want to celebrate with a festive cocktail? Look no further than Universal CityWalk. Several restaurants along the strip have delicious holiday beverages available throughout November and December.
The holidays are a great time to do the most, and nothing says “extra” quite like a martini. Toast the holidays at NBC Sports Grill & Bar with the Peppermint Mocha Martini — that’s made with vodka, peppermint liquor, cold brew, and chocolate syrup. ‘Tis the season, right?
Of course, you can always escape the chilly weather and flee to warmer climates at Antojitos Cocina Mexicana. There,you’ll find Yuletide spins on classic Mexican cocktails: the Apple Cider Margarita (El Charro Reposado tequila, apple juice, lime juice, honey and agave) and the Chestnut Horchata (rum, kahlua, horchata, cinnamon, hazelnut whipped topping). You also can’t go wrong with Antojitos’ delicious Mistletoe Mule (vodka, ginger beer, cranberry juice, rosemary simple syrup, lime juice). The Champurrado is a delicious non-alcoholic option, made with Mexican chocolate, milk, cinnamon, piloncillo and masa.
ENTERTAINMENT
The holidays wouldn’t be the holidays without the music, right? That’s why CityWalk is putting all kinds of musical performers onstage throughout November and December. Whether you’re visiting with friends, family or a date, tap your toes to all the holiday classics at CityWalk this season. This year’s musical offerings include:
- A talented collection of local street performers bringing CityWalk to life throughout the holiday season. (December 1, 5, 8, 12, 15, 19, 20, 22; times vary by date)
- Local DJs spinning their favorite festive tracks at CityWalk all throughout the holiday season, starting the day after Thanksgiving. (November 29-30, December 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21; 7-10pm)
- “Christmas Rewind: The Circus Spectacle” by GLO, a holiday showcase featuring stunning circus and balancing acts, themes wardrobes and dance performances. (December 6, 13, 20; 7pm, 8pm, 9pm)
- A bilingual holiday show from La Mera Candelaria, a woman-fronted, Caribbean salsa/cumbia project. (December 7; 7-10pm)
- A swingin’ good time from Nat and her Tinsel Tigers Holiday Swing, who will get you on your feet with upbeat jazz tunes from the ‘20s, ‘30s and ‘40s. (December 14; 7-10pm)
- A live performance of holiday rock jams from pop singer Drake Bell. (December 21; 7-10pm)
That’s what CityWalk has to offer over this holiday season! What are you most looking forward to? Let us know in the comments below.
Please note that menus and shows are subject to change throughout the season.
Must be 21 years and older with valid photo identification to purchase or consume alcoholic beverages. Drink responsibly.
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