A typical holiday season is comprised of reindeers, candy canes and presents. This year, The Courier found unconventional activities like a unique yoga class or a moonlit gondola ride to make the nine non-holiday days of winter break memorable.
One can never fully get into the holiday spirit without tasting an authentic and delicious pastry. Euro Pane is a quaint bakery in Pasadena that specializes in recreating memories of holidays past with its delectable desserts. Though recognized for its unique sandwich combinations, the bakery also offers flavorful pastries such as macadamia tarts, pear spice cake as well as an array of homemade breads including cranberry walnut and ciabatta. Whether one goes with the whole family or a group of friends, Euro Pane will bring enjoyment to this special time of year.
Surrounded by thousands of oak trees and canyon creeks is a tiny thrift store by day and a raging, underground music scene by night. Hillbilly Hip Thrift offers a wide range of vintage accessories and clothing from floral dresses to goofy sunglasses. However, once Tuesday night arrives, the store opens up into a unique venue for local artists, musicians and poets. Dimly lit and decorated with both Christmas lights and quirky findings, H.H. Thrift creates a cozy mood for everyone gathered to witness the Topanga artist.
The sun sets just above the horizon as vibrant shades of orange, red and pink materialize against the clouds. The couple feels a refreshing breeze as their gondola glides through the palm tree dotted canals of the Gondola Getaway in Long Beach’s Naple Islands. During the holiday season, the Naple Island Bay is brought to life with spectacularly lit trees floating along the variouscanals. Gondola Getaway is the perfect destination to take a loved one for the holidays. Make sure to steal a kiss under every bridge, as it is said to bring good luck.
For the entire month of December, one can visit the Thousand Oaks Civic Art Plaza, which features some of the most elaborate and awe-inspiring performances in Los Angeles. The center will show a special Elvisthemed Christmas show, as well as The Nutcracker ballet, which will be performed by ballet troops from the area. Several adult and children’s choirs will perform classic holiday songs at various times during the month. With its wonderful selection of holiday performances, everyone can enjoy a performance at the center.
Sarah Brown – Entertainment Editor
By taking a relaxing yoga class, one can release all of the built-up stresses and pressures from the week. Fire Groove, a yoga and dance studio, puts a spin on the typical yoga class. It offers poi, hoop, flag, staff, fire fan and wing dancing classes as well as fire eating and fire painting classes. The studio also provides a serene atmosphere for indoor yoga and a free and natural environment for yoga in the canyons of Los Angeles. Fire Groove acts as a meditation zone, an exercising facility and a home away from home
A cool beach breeze mixed with a holiday atmosphere brings loved ones and friends together at the Santa Monica Ice Skating Rink. ICE is located at 5th Street and Arizona, and it is the perfect place to have parties, go on a date or hang out with friends. For only $12, one can spend a night skating under the Santa Monica stars. ICE also offers lessons and special discount packages for frequent skaters. Whether one is craving a fun night out on the town with friends or a romantic date, ICE at Santa Monica is the perfect way to spend a winter evening.
The hikers reach the end of a three-mile trek through Runyon Canyon Loop as the fresh breeze fills their lungs, ridding them of their worries. Located in the heart of Hollywood Hills, the trail has captivating views of all of Los Angeles, including the L.A. Basin, famous Hollywood sign, Sunset Strip and beautiful beaches. Used for either exercise or enjoyment, the Runyon Canyon Trail offers a place to discover peace within nature. People have the opportunity to take a break from their hectic city lives and escape to the canyon’s tranquil oasis.
Within the homestyle auburn walls and wooden floors of the new Calabasas eatery, a delicious aroma from the open-air kitchen wafts. Rosti Tuscan Kitchen opened its doors in November in The Courtyard Commons and since then has been serving up a multitude of authentic Italian dishes. The menu offers a wide selection of tempting plates including the “Pollo Al Mattone” and crispy rosemary roasted potatoes. Whether it is a chilly winter night or a warm summer day, Rosti Tuscan Kitchen is sure to be a new local favorite.
Hollywood buffs and holiday lovers alike will thoroughly enjoy the Holiday Wonderland exhibit at the Hollywood Museum. Open until January 22, this iconicHollywood Museum’s exhibit features 18 Christmas trees, each with the theme of a classic holiday movie. The exhibit also presents Max Factor’s make-up rooms where stars such as Lucille Ball and Marilyn Monroe received their signature looks. The museum also has a collection of celebrity autographed tree ornaments. One is assured to have an authentic Hollywood Christmas experience.
