THE GREAT TREE
8th
Annual Home for the Holidays Christmas
Tree Contest Returns
The 8th Annual DTLA Home for the Holidays is here! And with it comes the crowning of The Great Tree.
Deck the Halls!
In the spirit of giving, any corporate elf set with the task of decorating a Christmas tree for Downtown can participate.
Past participants (willing or not) include Pershing Square, TheBloc, Fig and 7th and Omni Hotel.
Each year, the downtown LA community is encouraged to tag their favorite holiday trees on social media @dtlaweekly
to make sure our local newspaper gets a chance to amplify their creativity, originality, and holiday cheer.
Follow Downtown LA Weekly’s Instagram @dtlaweekly to vote. Likes, comments, views, and shares all contribute to a tree’s total score, but reach will not automatically make the tree a winner. Although social media presence is key….
There are rules to the game.
Trees that lack originality or only use one type of ornament will be … DISQUALIFIED.
Trees without a star or topping ornament will be …DISQUALIFIED.
Trees who’s elves have been naughty to DT Weekly all year round will be … DISQUALIFIED.
Downtown Weekly don’t play.
But…Adding interactive aspects that engage the audience, or moving elements, sound, or touch-sensitive components, can earn a tree extra points.
Giant props, holiday-themed characters, and gift-wrapped presents can also earn a tree extra points.
Most importantly, whether it’s a vintageinspired, of minimalist design, electric steel, or something entirely unexpected, originality is key.
The Great Tree Finale
Wait for it… wait for it. Trees are also given individual recognition for best star, best lights, and best snow, among other categories. The Great Tree will undoubtedly be a strong candidate in every category.
The Great Tree and the sub-categories will be announced on Christmas Day 2024. The Great Tree will reign until Dec 2025, unless it wins again as did LA Kings Holiday Ice Rink at LA Live did back in 2016-17, until Union Station Garden Wonderland of took the crown in 2018.
Sub-category winners of the past include Park Fifth, Hope and Faith and the Spring Arcade.
ASTROGIFTING the Ultimate Gift Guide for Every Zodiac Sign
As the year winds down, December brings a sense of reflection and anticipation. When choosing a gift, understanding the cosmos can provide insight into personality, preferences, and style. Whether wrapping up old goals or stepping into new adventures, isn’t it time to you treat yourself (and your loved ones) with the perfect gift to match those astrological vibes?
On
the
for the
Hunt for Thrills
Sagittarius
(Nov 22 – Dec 21)
Sagittarians are adventurers, always on the hunt for the next big thrill. Praised since antiquity for their ability to foresee the future, watching a game with friends while rooting for a team that, in their eyes, is most likely to win adds an extra level to their excitement.
Gift idea: AFC Fanatics Tailgate Gift Packs, with a sports beach towel, team flag pole, bottle openers, and slim can coolers, make an excellent option for the Sag who loves relishing in the victory of being right.
Intoxicating Extravagance for the
Capricorn (Dec 22 – Jan 19)
Capricorns are hardworking, ambitious, practical, and value tradition.
They appreciate gifts that are timeless and useful. A Capricorn would be delighted by something that adds sophistication and efficiency to their daily life.
Gift idea: After Hours Vintage is a boutique that offers a collection of opulent barware, serving trolleys and Hollywood Regency style cocktail tables
Located on the 8th floor of the Apparel Mart Building in the Fashion District of DTLA, the elaborately decorated showroom evokes the essence of a speakeasy. Choose from a curated selection of crystal snifters, champagne flutes, and 22K gold Culver glasses.
Quirky Tech for the Aquarius
(Jan 20 – Feb 18)
Aquarians are innovative, quirky, and often ahead of their time. They appreciate unique and futuristic gifts that align with their original outlook on life. For this sign, anything cutting-edge or technology-driven would be a hit.
Gift
idea: A Tesla robot would be the absolute ideal gift for any Aquarius. If only it was 2026, when they are scheduled to roll off the shelves. Good thing Tesla has already released a plastic action figure that mimics the look of the Tesla Optimus Gen2. The tiny replica doesn’t move on its own but will definitely capture the imagination and appeal to the Aquarius’ quirky side.
THE MAGIC WORLD OF DAVID MINKIN
The perfect gift to bring in the New Year
It was February of this year when legendary magician David Minkin began performing a resident show at The Biltmore Hotel’s secret Victorian living room.
Minkin built a set spanning 20 ft by 8 ft with meticulous detail to complement the history of LA’s most alluring historic hotel.
The sconces were sourced from Italy, the performance table is a Napoleon table from the 1800s, and with 60 feet of Austrian-topped curtains, the entire room is transformed to another era.
Minkin has a deep personal love for The Biltmore and its marvelous history. Minkin laughs every time he walks down the halls and looks up at the incredible murals on the ceilings. Minkin reminisces about his high school prom at The Biltmore; fast forward to today, saying it gives him goosebumps that never fade.
It gives Minkin goosebumps that never fade. When people have asked Minkin how long he plans to perform shows at the Biltmore. Minkin jokingly replies, “I’ll be doing it until they take me out with a toe tag. It’s such an honor.”
The show itself features all of the most impactful magic Minkin put together over 27 years as a magician. The trick is allowing his magic to find its own voice to materialize something authentic to Minkin’s own life or something universal that we all experience.
Minkin’s 90-minute show involves things other than cards or coins or more cliché magic objects.
One piece features original magic done with a lightbulb. When the idea first hit Minkin, Minkin thought he’d be performing it as early as the next day. But it took Minkin eight years to put it in the show.
For a while, Minkin couldn’t figure out what to say and how to present this brief moment of magic in a way that was meaningful. Over the years, the magic lightbulb evolved over countless attempts at scripting.
"In the end, it went sort of meta in the sense that it became all about perseverance. And then Minkin tied it back to Thomas Edison and the thousands of filaments he went through before discovering one that was truly viable," he says.
Once the narrative was in place, it was easy for Minkin to find music to express it and then lighting to complement the music, and so on. And thus a 30-second trick grew to become a four-minute theatrical piece that hits hard emotionally.
Minkin’s demand has only increased over the last few months, and his shows are selling out more quickly.
Minkin thinks the thing that sets it all apart is not just the quality of the magic being performed but also the authentic narrative that surrounds it all.
Many leave his shows with a renewed sense of wonder and a stronger belief in magic than ever before. Without a doubt, Minkin’s mind-boggling performances evoke a sense of curiosity, awe, and mysticism.
Tickets to David Minkin at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel. International Champion of Close-Up Magic, David Minkin’s show is now in its eighteenth year, making it the longest-running one-man magic show in Los Angeles. From American Idol to the Magic Castle, and now the iconic Biltmore Hotel in the Historic Core, Minkin sets the stage in front of a live audience again for us on December 22nd and brings in the new year with magic and mystery on December 31st.
Magic and mystery for Gemini at the Biltmore (May 21 – Jun 20) Geminis are intellectual, curious, and enjoy keeping their minds active. Gifts that inspire creativity or provide a new adventure are ideal for this air sign. For a Gemini, fun with a sense of adventure will always appeal to their playful side. SIDE NOTE: David Minkin in a Libra.
Good Luck Charms with Pisces
(Feb 19 – Mar 20)
Pisces are compassionate, dreamy, and intuitive. They are often drawn to artistic and spiritual pursuits. A Pisces would love a gift that helps them unwind and connect with their inner world. Something that brings peace and serenity would be especially appreciated.
Gift idea: The Bozu Plants found at Boxx Coffee Roasters in the Arts District are known to be good luck house plants. Coming in a variety of foliage to choose from and carefully curated within a handcrafted planter, these little roomies provide a perfect balance of nature and positive energy, helping Pisces to nurture their emotional well-being and create a peaceful sanctuary at home.
Hitting the High Notes with Aries
(Mar 21 – Apr 19)
Aries are naturalborn leaders who crave adventure and excitement. They’re always up for something new and thrilling, which makes them the perfect candidate for high-energy gifts that can keep up with their fiery spirit. For an Aries, consider something bold and action-packed, like a gift that’s dynamic and engaging.
They value high-quality items that bring them joy and relaxation. A Taurus would appreciate something that adds comfort to their daily life, especially if it enhances their sense of well-being.
Gift idea: The Oslo Sleepbuds for a noisy city are a perfect fit. Designed to block out unwanted noise, they ensure a restful sleep, which is something a Taurus would certainly treasure.
Matching everything with Cancer
(Jun 21 – Jul 22) Cancer individuals are nurturing, sentimental, and home-oriented. They cherish gifts that make their personal space cozy and comforting.
Partnered with Nike Dri-FIT ADV technology to keep the wearer warm and dry, these official limited-time jerseys will especially appeal to Cancerians due to their family-oriented nature.
Gift idea: Three Chord Bourbon, created by legendary musician and musical composer Neil Giraldo, presents a unique blend of high-quality, rare whiskeys sourced from top distilleries in Kentucky, Tennessee, North Carolina, and Indiana. Inspired by the harmony of music and the musicians who create it, Three Chord Bourbon hits all the right notes, offering a rich, bold flavor sure to elevate the bold personality of the Aries.
Comfortable Luxury for the Taurus
(Apr 20 –May 20)
Taurus is a lover of all things luxurious, comfortable, and indulgent.
Gift idea: Any matching his or hers gift will always hit a home run with a Cancerian. Speaking of home runs… Major League Baseball’s online shop is offering 10% off for subscribers who want to step up to the plate representing their favorite players.
Center of attention for Leo
(Jul 23 – Aug 22)
Leos are confident, outgoing, and love being the center of attention. They may seem territorial but have a flair for luxury and dramatic style.
Gift idea: A Leo would appreciate a gift that helps them shine in social settings. What better way to celebrate a Leo than with comfortable shoes that they can wear to conquer the world?
With Adidas Originals’ flagship store newly opened on 8th and Broadway, Leo’s can find the perfect pair of shoes to complement their bold and stylish personality, making them feel like royalty every step of the way.
Health is Wealth with
Virgo (Aug 23 – Sep 22)
Virgos are practical, detail-oriented, and have a deep appreciation for organization and efficiency. Virgos are practical, detailoriented, and have a deep appreciation for organization and efficiency. They love gifts that are serve a purpose for the higher good. Any gift that promotes well-being or enhances their lifestyle would be ideal.
Gift idea: Refreshing, nutrientpacked juice or smoothies put the Go in Virgo. Special deliveries from Naturewell Juice Bar or Robeks Juice and Smoothy gift cards make for the healthiest and most tasty stocking stuffers.
While Naturewell offers a diverse menu of plant-based delights, with additional healthy add ons like chlorophyll, dates, and spirulina, Robeks Juice experiments with seasonal flavors just right for the holidays like their new Carmel Apple Smoothie with sips that speak to the brand’s commitment to using fresh, organic ingredients to combat the harmful affects of these mean city streets.
Now found at Pico and Grand, 505 S Flower and in the bustling transportation hub known as Union Station. Giving the gift of health is an invitation to prioritize self-care and embrace a healthier lifestyle that no Virgo can resist.
Ultimately, Libras are fair, peaceloving, and community-oriented with a knack for stirring things up. DTLA Weekly merch sparks conversations and connections with fellow residents who share their love for the city, aligning perfectly with the Libra’s desire for harmony and social interaction.
Anti-aging for the Scorpio
(Oct 23 – Nov 21)
Scorpios are intense, passionate, and love a good challenge.
Well balanced with Libra
(Sept 23 – Oct 22)
Libras are social, charming, and witty and have a keen eye for beauty with a special mix of chaos and calm that keeps them well balanced in most situations.
Gift idea: Libras, known for their love of beauty, balance, and social harmony, would adore DTLA Weekly merch. The stylish designs, DTLA Weekly merch featuring iconic DTLA imagery, and signature crown logo would appeal to their aesthetic sense. By wearing DTLA Weekly merch, Libras can express their love for DTLA’s vibrant culture while embracing the city’s unpredictable nature as their own.
From Cleopatra, the enigmatic Egyptian queen, to Pablo Picasso, the revolutionary artist, many famous figures have been born under this sign.
Gift
idea: What better challenge than fighting aging? At VIP Aesthetics, located in the Downtown Medical Clinic bordering Echo Park, their bi-yearly memberships offer unlimited Botox, HydraFacials, and discounted specials on vitamin-enriched IV treatments, TruSculpt, microneedling, and weight loss programs. Scorpios will find the intense beauty and anti-aging regimen they need to take the sting out of growing older.
Photo courtesy - ROWDTLA
