No Snow Boots Required at These LA Bars
‘Tis the season for chilly nights by the fire and bundling up in the snow. Whether you’re a seasoned skier or prefer to hit the bunny slopes, there is nothing quite like grabbing a lovely libation to warm you up after a long day in the mountains. Let’s be honest: après-ski is the best part of the whole day. Though the city of Los Angeles might not have snow-covered slopes, it is home to some of the best bars and winter-themed excursions. From creative cocktail experiences to cheese fondue followed by s’mores by the fire, we’ve rounded up a list of the best places to après-ski in LA—minus the ski.
Hotel Figueroa’s Après Ski Themed Immersive Cocktail Experience
The historic Hotel Figueroa is bringing the ski lift to LA through an exciting après-ski cocktail tasting experience. This festive event features an omakase cocktail tasting that is presented by Noble33 and Thunderbolt. Upon arrival, guests are greeted by cozy lodge vibes that are met with eight special cocktails and small bites to pair. The event is taking place on select night in Dec., so be sure to reserve your spot while you can. The experience is two hours and costs $125 per person.
Location: DTLA
Swiss Chalet Après-Ski Dining Experience at The Fairmont
The Fairmont Century Plaza is bringing a taste of the Swiss Alps to LA via a transportive and tasty Swiss Chalet Après-Ski Dining Experience. Each cozy wooden “chalet” is decorated to the nines, featuring plush cushions, holiday trinkets and twinkling lights. The menu kicks off with an array of winter cocktails. However, the choice between a creamy cheese or chocolate fondue is the true highlight of the dinner. At the end of the experience, guests are invited to enjoy a cocktail and a s’mores tray by the fire pits.
Location: Century City
2/14
Here and Now Blitzen’s
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From now until Jan. 1, Here and Now is hosting a Blitzen’s pop-up that is sure to add some “funny” to your festivities. The colorful cocktail list showcases one-of-a-kind libations that bring holiday flavors like brown-buttered Herradura tequila and pine liqueur to the forefront. When it comes to food, explore various appetizers like the biscuits and butter, baked brie, green chile chicken tamales and potato and chickpea latkes. Of course, no holiday gathering would be complete without Santa’s cookies, which are available in classic chocolate chip and boozy buttered snickerdoodle.
Location: DTLA
Krampus Cove at Lost Property
In the mood for a creepy Christmas? Lost Property Bar is hosting a macabre pop-up called Krampus Cove that is home to evil elves, scary snowmen and curated cocktails. If Halloween is your favorite holiday, this is the pop-up for you. Every guest is greeted with a welcome drink before being invited to explore an innovative list of themed libations for two hours. Krampus Cove will be around until NYE, and tickets are only $25 per person, making this a horror-filled holiday event worth screaming for.
Location: Hollywood
The Green Room
The Green Room is keeping the holiday cheer going all the way until Jan. 15 with their Winter Wonderland pop-up. Sip on drinks like the Rebel Without a Claus, which is made with Empress Gin, Peach Schnapps and Santa’s “Berry Hat.” There will also be special sweets inspired by your favorite holiday films, such as the Whoville Holiday Cream Puffs. The Winter Wonderland is happening Thursday through Saturday each weekend between 6 and 11 p.m., making it the perfect place for a festive nightcap.
Location: Burbank
Death & Co.
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Death & Co. has decked the halls and has created Standing Room for the holiday season. From holiday highballs to seasonal shooters, Standing Room has everything you need to warm yourself up from the inside out. The space has been adorned with tinsel and holiday lights from top to bottom, creating a cool and cozy ambiance. Whether you’re going out for holiday drinks with co-workers or planning a special date night in a holiday-inspired setting, Standing Room is ready to welcome you with open arms—no reservations necessary.
Location: DTLA
The Ordinarie
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Get ready to find some holiday magic while enjoying the Miracle Menu at The Ordinarie. This Long Beach staple is crafting creative cocktails that are sure to get you in the spirit of the season. From classic mulled wine to more one-of-a-kind libations like the Santa’s Little Helper (gin, spiced caraway syrup, eucalyptus, sage, lime and seltzer), there is something for everyone on this festive menu.
Location: Long Beach
Allie Lebos graduated from the University of California, Santa Barbara in 2017 with a BA in Communication. While in school she was a staff writer at The Daily Nexus for nearly two years. Since graduating she has written for The Palisades Magazine, as well as Hidden Hills Magazine. Currently living in Santa Monica, Allie loves to indulge in good food, hot yoga, and daily walks along the beach; writing articles on travel, special events, as well as features on local businesses and individuals.
