The festive tradition of the candle-lighting ceremony (a highlight of the year in tony Beverly Hills) - and a round of upbeat yuletide soirees to put holidays shoppers in a fanciful good-hearted yuletide mood - kick off this weekend in the upscale enclave amidst a lot of spirited local enthusiasm and media hoopla.
Last year's blow-out opening ceremonies - hosted by Nicole Richie and toy-boy pal Joel Madden (Ambassador to UNICEF & lead singer for the pop band Good Chalotte) - wowed the locals who packed the streets with barely standing-room-only to catch the festive holiday extravaganza.
The 2009 festivities are going to be bigger and better!
The Holiday LightingThe partying gets underway on Saturday November 21st!
For starters, there will be a multitude of afternoon activities along Rodeo Drive just prior to the spectacular Holiday Lighting Ceremony at the 200 block of Rodeo later.
3:00 - 7:00 PM
Visitors to tony Rodeo Drive will be treated to free entertainment by balloon sculptors, jugglers, caricature artists, and entertaining street musicians.
Strollers will be knocked out by the striking outdoor lights and banners strung throughout the Golden Triangle this holiday season.
There will also be plentiful opportunities to have photographs taken with Santa and Mrs. Claus, too.
The lighting ceremony blasts off just after the dinner hour.
Santa will be on hand along with carolers and special celebrity guest and UNICEF supporter, actress Rebecca Mader.
Mader, was a regular on the immensely popular TV series "Lost" and recently co-starred in the box-office hit "Men Who Stare at Goats".
Mader will not only flip the switch on thousands of twinkle lights on Rodeo Drive(with the help of the Mayor), but also - rev to life the pièce de résistance - the brilliant UNICEF crystal snowflake which will soar over the Beverly Wilshire hotel during the month of December.
A grand fireworks finale caps off the evening with skyrockets arcing in the mid-heavens above the hotel.
Spectacular, eh?
The Two Rodeo Drive "after party" gets underway after the initial candle-lighting ceremoney has commenced with a lot of fanfare.
Santa and Mrs. Claus will be on hand as snowflakes float effortlessly to the ground along the cobblestone Via Rodeo walkway.
Many shoppers will take advtage of the celebrated occasion to indulge in holiday sips and bites at the chic boutiques and cozy restaurants lining the European-inspired shopping complex as holiday music from a live steel drum band entertains passers-by.
Visitors who return to shop throughout the weeks leading up to gift-giving D-Day - will no doubt take advantage of the two hours of free parking provided at the Beverly Hills City parking garages - along Rodeo, Beverly and Canon Drives (look for the turquoise blue parking signs).
BH is known for its sparkle year-round, but particularly, throughout the high-spirited holiday (Holy) season.
The well-manicured streets will be shimmering with twinkle lights and a host of colorful banners adorning lamp posts.
THE PALEY CENTER FOR MEDIA
Santa and Mrs. Claus will make several appearances around town again this year as usual.
Join Mrs. Claus on the trolley the Sunday before Thanksgiving and every Saturday and Sunday thereafter between Thanksgiving and Christmas.
The Beverly Hills trolley pick up is at the southeast corner of Rodeo Drive and Dayton Way.
Mrs. Claus plans to enchant her captive charges with a few stories and songs first, then lead her guests over to hubbie (St. Nick) at The Paley Center for some one-on-one time with the jovial cookie-lover.
Well-wishers cans can share their deepest secrets and fervent desires with Santa on that occasion.
11:00 am to 2:00 pm (weekends)
The pair appear live on stage the following dates:
November 22nd
November 28th & 29th
December 5th & 6th
December 12th & 13th
December 19th & 20th
Trolley tickets:
$10 adults
$ 5 children (under 12)
Regular trolley tours:
2:00 pm / 3:00 pm / 4:00 pm
Info: (310) 285-2442 for more information.
Holiday Happenings
Many of the local boutiques & Hotels are hosting special events along the lines of those posted below that you may want to participate in.
The Cheese Store of Beverly Hills Holiday Tasting Event
November 10th, 11th and12th
(7:00 - 9:00 pm)
Join proprietor, Norbert Wabnig, and manager/wine buyer, Tony Princiotta, at The Cheese Store’s annual Holiday Spectacular Tasting Event.
The event is known for its festive non-regional approach focusing on an excellent selection of champagnes, gourmet cheeses and all the extras you would want to serve at your own holiday celebrations.
Previous events included ports, caviar, foie gras and truffles along with guest appearances by artisanal producers.
The event will be held on Sharkey’s Patio (435 N. Beverly Drive) on three nights.
(November 10th, 11th & 12th)
(7:00 - 9:00 pm).
The cost is $100 a person.
Reservations in advance at (310) 278-2855
Details: info@cheesestorebh.com.
Montblanc Pre-Lighting Ceremony Event
November 21st
(4:00 - 7:00 pm)
Pop into Montblanc (323 N. Rodeo Drive) on Saturday, November 21st!
This is a pre-official Beverly Hills Lighting Ceremony event.
Refreshments served during the shop UNICEF "Signature for Good" event.
10% of sales from this event (excluding Limited Edition items) will benefit UNICEF programs.
RSVP: rsvp.rodeodrive@montblanc.com.
Give Thanks at Luxe Hotel Rodeo Drive
November 26th
(12 noon - 9:00 pm)
Café Rodeo Restaurant at Luxe Hotel Rodeo Drive (360 N. Rodeo Drive) offers a traditional three-course Thanksgiving menu.
Choose from a Roasted Turkey and Spring Vegetable Soup or Tenderloin Steak Salad appetizer Grilled and Stuffed Turkey Breast, Pan-Seared Atlantic Sea Bass or Braised Rosemary Short Ribs entrée selection (Chocolate Lava Cake, Pumpkin Pie or Bread Pudding for dessert).
The Thanksgiving Day menu is offered at $45/adult and $20/child (10 and under).
Reservations are strongly recommended at (310) 691-7584
Info: Victoria.haylock@luxehotels.com.
Holiday Tea at Montage Beverly Hills
(225 N. Canon Drive)
November and December
Relax after the rush of holiday planning and shopping with a gracious afternoon tea in the Lobby Lounge of the exquisite Montage Beverly Hills hotel.
The cherished tradition is in full bloom from 2:30 - 5:00 p.m. daily throughout November and December. Expert tea specialists offer up a tea service which features exclusive artisan tea varieties in custom china inspired by the joyful wildflowers of California’s foothills.
A harpist adds to the soothing environment.
Reservations: (310) 860-7800.
The Organic Pharmacy Holiday Celebration
November and December
On Friday, November 27, The Organic Pharmacy will kick off the holidays and celebrate their one-year anniversary in Beverly Hills with an in-store party.
Enjoy cake and beverages, a free gift with purchase, and an opportunity to win a fabulous four-night stay at the fabulous Capella Pedregal in Cabo.
Also, in November and until December 14th, prepare to look your best at upcoming holiday parties when you indulge in a Rose Crystal Facial ($160 for 1½ hrs.), voted one of the top 50 facials by Harpers Bazaar, and receive a complimentary vitamin and mineral scan (worth $75).
Info: (310) 272-2725
Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce On-Line Holiday Auction
November 23 – December 6th
Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce offers up a number of wonderful luxury products and services from both in and around the Luxury Capital of the world as part of its annual on-line holiday auction.
From spa treatments and massages to shopping and dining certificates, there is truly something for everyone during the holiday season!
Beverly Hills Online Auction (Holiday Edition) is the perfect way to grab a slice of luxury for yourself, a loved one, business associate, or client.
Indulge in items like a men’s suit from Brooks Brothers Beverly Hills, a $500 Mastro’s Steakhouse gift card or a three-night stay at the Hilton Los Cabos Beach & Golf Resort.
To bid, visit: www.beverlyhillschamber.com/auction and select ‘Register’ to set up a new account and start bidding.
View all auction items or select a specific category on the right side toolbar.
Bidding starts at 8:00am (PST) on Monday, November 23rd and closes at 10:00 pm Dec. 6th.
The last and highest bid at closing wins the item.
The winning bidder will receive an email once the auction on the item is closed.
Winning items can be picked up at the Chamber offices (239 S. Beverly Drive) or mailed.
Two Rodeo Drive
November 18th - December 18th
Two Rodeo will be decorated with a 25-foot holiday tree and decorative penguins swimming in the Wilshire fountain.
Carolers and live musical entertainment will set the shopping mood on the Via Rodeo every Thursday - Saturday evening (4:00 – 7:00 pm)
(Nov. 27 -- Dec. 24)
Info: http://www.tworodeo.com
Soolip Gift Wrapping Services at The Peninsula Beverly Hills
(9882 S. Santa Monica Blvd)
December 1st – 24th
The package is as lovely as the gift itself when you take advantage of Soolip's signature gift wrapping services at The Peninsula Beverly Hills.
Visit Soolip in the lobby:
December 1 – 11 (11 am - 7 pm) & December 12 – 24 (10 am – 8 pm) Drop off gifts and choose from an irresistible collection of Japanese silkscreened, tree-free and pattern-embossed papers along with a dizzying array of hand-dyed silk ribbons and nature-inspired gift toppers.
While you wait, treat yourself to The Peninsula's infamous tea service and return a couple hours later with all your gifts enhanced with the Soolip aesthetic.
Holiday Champagne and Dessert Tea at Greystone Mansion
(905 Loma Vista Drive)
December 6th
(2:00 – 3:30 pm)
Celebrate the holiday season with an afternoon tea at historic Greystone Estate.
This traditional tea will include finger sandwiches, scones, tea, champagne and dessert, served using fine china and fresh linens.
Weather permitting, the tea will occur on the terrace with a view of the city; in the case of inclement weather, the tea will take place inside the mansion.
Holiday related musical entertainment as well as a tour of the first floor of the mansion is included.
There is limited seating, so advanced reservations are recommended.
Tickets are $50/person
Info: (310) 285-6850.
The Beverly Hills Hotel & Bungalows
(9641 Sunset Blvd)
Under the direction of Executive Chef Alex Chen, the hotel will feature gourmet prix fixe holiday dinner menus on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve in the world-famous Polo Lounge restaurant.
And whether it’s before, during or after the feast, imbibe in one of six holiday cocktail concoctions created especially for this time of year.
Try the Pilgrim Iced Tea or Pumpkin Pie Hot Cocoa on Thanksgiving, get a little naughty with Mrs. Claus’ Little Secret or Rudolph’s Red Light at Christmas,and break out the party hats on New Year’s Eve with a Twisted Sparkling Lemonade or Up All Night beverage.
Reservations: ww.beverlyhillshotel.com
Dickens’ Dining at Lawry’s the Prime Rib
(1100 N. La Cienega Blvd)
Lawry’s the Prime Rib whisks you back in time to Yuletide in Victorian England with their Dickens’ A Christmas Carol lunch and dinner.
Festively costumed actors and carolers will perform scenes from the Charles Dickens’ classic as you feast on Lawry’s famous cuisine.
The Dickens’ dining experience is available either at lunch (12 noon) or dinner (7:00 pm) on Sunday, December 6.
Enjoy Lawry’s famous Spinning Bowl Salad, Roasted Prime Ribs of Beef served with Mashed Potatoes, Yorkshire Pudding and Creamed Spinach OR Fresh Grilled Salmon served with Vegetables.
Top it off with Apple Pie drizzled in Caramel Sauce, a sweet ending to this truly special meal.
(A children’s menu is also available.)
Reservations: (310) 360-6281, Ext. 4
Monday through Friday, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm.
Lawry’s website at http://www.lawrysonline.com
Luxe Hotel Rodeo Drive, 360 N. Rodeo Drive
Luxe Hotel’s Bar 360 has whipped up a rotating menu of chocolate-inspired cocktails, available during the bar’s famous $3.60 Martini Happy Hour from mid-November through the end of the year.
Can you resist the Chocolate Martini, Chocolate-Covered Cherry Cocktail or Minted Hot Chocolate accompanied by chocolate-covered strawberries and chocolate chip cookies?
Chocolate is the perfect pick-me-up during the often exhausting holidays!
Luxe website at http://www.luxehotelrodeodrive.com
Montage Beverly Hills
(25 N. Canon Drive)
Montage Beverly Hills is presenting a culinary tour de force this season with a selection of festive holiday menu options at their Parq restaurant. Parq offers elegant family-style dining on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day and multi-course prix fixe tasting menus on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve.
Food connoisseurs looking for a private and exclusive dining event may reserve a Couples Culinary experience with Executive Chef John Cuevas.
You and your culinary companion will meet with the chef to select your perfect holiday menu and then join him in hands-on cooking classes and demonstrations to prepare the dinner together.
Return later that evening with your guests (8-12) to savor the feast.
Reservations: (310) 860-7891.
Info: http://www.montagebeverlyhills.com
Sprinkles Cupcakes
(635 S. Santa Monica Blvd)
Sprinkles Cupcakes, purveyor of the yummiest baked treats and a regional fan favorite, has something special up their sleeve for the holidays.
In addition to their regular mouth-watering cupcake flavors (peanut butter chip, lemon coconut and red velvet, for example), they’ll be seducing customers with unique seasonal flavors during November and December.
Look for pumpkin cupcakes during the entire month of November, ginger maple and orange cranberry temptations from November 20-29th, and eggnog spice, chocolate peppermint and vanilla peppermint selections in December (through the 24th).
Info: http://www.sprinklescupcakes.com
The Peninsula Beverly Hills
(9882 S. Santa Monica Blvd)
Positively sparkling with holiday decorations inside and out, The Peninsula Beverly Hills is the perfect spot to enjoy the season.
In the Living Room, a third Afternoon Tea seating has been added to accommodate shoppers looking for respite from the throes of consumerism.
And the Club Bar serves holiday inspired cocktails - the Candy Cane Martini or Hot Cocoa with Amaretto – sure to warm you from the inside out.
The Belvedere restaurant has planned gala dinners for Christmas and New Year’s Eve, and also serves a full-on holiday feast on Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
(11:00 am to 9:00 pm)
Reservations: http://www.beverlyhills.peninsula.com
Shop Talk (tips from retailers)
1. Create a gift recipient list with possible gift ideas for each person before you head out on your shopping adventure.
2. Don’t “panic” shop. A getaway at our hotels will give you plenty of time to shop casually – AND you’ll get an additional night free when you stay two nights. Now that’s a holiday special!
3. Enjoy two hours of free parking at the public parking structures on Rodeo, Beverly and Canon Drives (look for the turquoise blue parking signs).
4. Step inside the Christian Audigier boutique on Camden Drive, and you’re one step ahead of the pack. The tattoo-inspired artwear (T-shirts, hoodies and even sequined dresses) turns heads and makes a statement – one that doesn’t say you’re trying too hard.
5. If it’s sweet things you’re after, make sure Asweet is on your list. This South Beverly sweet shop, decorated in pastel hues reminiscent of cotton candy, is an eclectic collection of chocolate and gourmet candy treats, baubles for your wrists and fingers and adorable tops, pants and separates to satisfy your cravings for “sugar and spice and everything nice.”
6. While you’re on SoBev, break from the shopping madness and feed your body (and soul) with a bite of lunch. Try the Roasted Baby Beets salad or Grilled Cheese sandwich at Cabbage Patch or the Famous Roast Beef and Provolone sub sandwich at Jersey Mike’s Subs.
7. Select gift items you know your family will use – or shall we say “consume.” We suggest any of the gorgeous chocolate gift boxes from Madame Chocolat, your favorite California wine from the Wine Valet or a basket of domestic and international cheeses from The Cheese Store of Beverly Hills.
8. Seems you’ve yet to fill your “shimmer and shine” quotient for the day. A stop at Judith Leiber at Two Rodeo will solve that problem. Enter the Crystal Room at this opulent accessories boutique and choose from several exclusive-to-Beverly Hills crystal minaudière clutches in that unmistakable Judith Leiber style.
9. Christopher Guy recently opened his first and only U.S. furniture gallery in Beverly Hills. From seductive, yet gracious tables and chairs to sculptural candlesticks and other decorative accents, any selection from Christopher Guy will stand out in your home this holiday season.
10. Men, wind down at the end of your shopping trip and head into Gornick and Drucker at the Montage Beverly Hills for a customized traditional shave at this old world barber shop. Ladies can indulge in the female version – the “Wrapped in Luxury” La Prairie Caviar Facial and Massage at The Beverly Hills Hotel.
Affordable Options
Consider these activities and gift suggestions as you navigate the season ahead:
1. Two hours of free parking? Hard to come by these days, but not in Beverly Hills. Look for the City parking structures, marked by the turquoise parking signs on Rodeo, Beverly and Canon Drives.
2. Pick out decorative papers to create your own festive stationery or select from a variety of sophisticated ready-made cards at Paper Source - $12.25-$22.50 per box. (9460 Brighton Way)
3. Famous Cupcakes – not just famous, but delicious, too. Try the Hot Chocolate or Black Tie varieties, for example ($3.25 each) or take home a full Merry Christmas bouquet for $74.99. (168 S. Beverly Dr.)
4. These “hills” are made for walking . . . clear your head as you enjoy the vast collection of public art and notable architecture on our Art & Architecture Walking Tour, all compliments of Beverly Hills.
5. Kisses to you from Beverly Hills. Our new limited edition sterling silver “kiss, kiss” necklace is available at Zina Beverly Hills for just $60 – perfect for you or your BFF. (470 S. Beverly Dr.)
6. Let the creative juices flow when you “design” your own tee or tank at Fashionology – tops start at about $30. Your add-ons (sequins, charms, logos) make it one-of-a-kind, with each fashion accent offered at a nominal additional charge. (342 N. Canon Drive)
7. Let L’Occitane en Provence transport you to that oh-so-charming region of France – the Shea Butter Lavender Cream ($39) or the Green Tea Eau de Toilette fragrance ($46) takes you there. (367 N. Beverly Drive)
8. Pop into The Paley Center for Media and peruse the archives. Bet your favorite Beverly Hills 90210 episode is available for screening, and it’s free. (465 N. Beverly Dr.)
9. Slip into Villa Blanca for a little Mediterranean-inspired cuisine – the Risotto with Wild Mushrooms ($16) or Fresh Lobster and Crab Salad ($18) fits the bill. (9601 Brighton Way)
10. Spice up your daughter’s wardrobe (or yours) with a hobo dress ($59) or a long tab cardigan sweater ($99) from Flaunt Boutique (266 S. Beverly Drive)
11. The children’s clothing options at Marie-Chantal Beverly Hills are too cute for words, and yet most are designed for rough-and-tumble kids’ activities. Take the boys’ long-sleeved T-shirt, for example ($48) – your little guy is ready for the playground now! (338 N. Beverly Drive)
12. All aboard the Beverly Hills Trolley Tour – at $10 per adult and $5 per child, it’s a bargain for the whole family. (SE Corner – Rodeo Drive/Dayton Way)
13. Green up your holidays with an all-natural/all-organic hand and foot refresher at Chi Nail Bar and Organic Spa. This classic manicure/pedicure combination ($60) features Green Tea Seed Oil for the softest hands and feet. (9390 S. Santa Monica Blvd.)
14. Amidst all the hustle and bustle, don’t forget about your favorite four-legged friends, Buster and Belle. How about a sweater for Buster ($65) and a Mrs. Santa Paws Dress for Belle ($48) from Beverly Hills Mutt Club? ‘Tis the season! (9872 S. Santa Monica Blvd.)
15. Take advantage of our year-round temperate climate and stroll through the many gardens here – Beverly Gardens Park along Santa Monica Blvd., for example, or Greystone Mansion at 905 Loma Vista Drive. Yep, it’s free!
16. Fashionphile sells gently used designer handbags and accessories like the Chloe rhinestone key ring ($100) at gentle-to-your-pocketbook prices. (9551 Wilshire Blvd.)
17. We know you’ve got holiday party plans! Glam it up with a pair of black suede peep-toe pumps with rhinestone accents – $90 at Aldo Shoes. (404 N. Beverly Dr.)
18. For the “foodie” in your life, pick up a non-stick pizza crisper ($21), a garlic peeler ($9) or The Williams-Sonoma Cookbook ($34.95) at Williams-Sonoma. (339 N. Beverly Drive)
19. Oliverio, the sleek, new restaurant and lounge at Avalon Hotel, serves up a variety of hearty grilled panini sandwiches ($14) for lunch and a selection of fresh, flavorful entrees (i.e. Scottish Salmon for $25 or Beef Short Ribs for $29) at dinnertime. (9400 W. Olympic Blvd.)
20. A gift from Coach guarantees “glee” around the Christmas tree. A mahogany “skinny C” merino wool hat ($68) or a small red patent Gramercy wallet ($98) should do the trick. (327 N. Rodeo Dr.)
Info: http://www.beverlyhills.peninsula.com
Happy Holidays!
Baccarat Crystal Chandeliers dusted off for Christmas!
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