Westside 2019
HOLIDAY GUIDE WHERE TO SHOP, DINE AND PLAY THIS HOLIDAY SEASON
M A N H AT TA N B E A C H
shop dine
BE MERRY
APPAREL & JEWELRY DSW Shoes Men’s Wearhouse O’ My Sole Swiss Jewelers BEAUTY & HEALTH Amazing Lash Studio Azure Salon Equinox Eyes of the Marina European Wax Center Foot Massage Studio Happy Nails Salon John Peri Hair Design Nails By Olivia Phenix Salon Suites Pure Barre COREPOWER YOGA
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ENTERTAINMENT & ELECTRONICS SERVICES AMC Classic Marina Marketplace 6 AMC Dine-In Marina 6 T-Mobile FINANCIAL Bank of America ATM Chase Citibank Wells Fargo Bank GROCERY & DRUGS CVS Pharmacy Gelson’s Market Pavilions
INT’L NEWSPAPERS, MAGAZINES & BOOKS Barnes & Noble Bookstore RESTAURANTS & QUICK SERVICE FOOD Baja Fresh Mexican Grill Burger Lounge Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf DOMA Kitchen East Coast Bagel Fatburger Irori Sushi J. Nichols Restaurant Jamba Juice Le Pain Quotidien New India’s Oven Panda Express Pizzarito Ruth’s Chris Steak House Terzo MDR
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4700 ADMIRALTY WAY, MARINA DEL REY, CA 90292
Westside 2019
HOLIDAY GUIDE MANAGING EDITOR: Joe Piasecki ART DIRECTOR: Michael Kraxenberger DESIGNER: Kate Doll ADVERTISING: Renee Baldwin Kay Christy Rocki Davidson David Maury ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER: Rebecca Bermudez
Makes a Great Gift!
EDITORIAL AND ADVERTISING OFFICE: 5301 Beethoven St., Suite 183, Los Angeles, CA 90066. The Westside Holiday Guide is a special advertising supplement of The Argonaut.
For additional information or copies, call (310) 822-1629.
VICE PRESIDENT: Michael Hiatt PRESIDENT: Steve Strickbine
ON THE COVER: Founded by pro surfer Kelly Slater, locally based sustainable lifestyle and coastal fashion brand Outerknown debuts its first brick-and-mortar store at The Point in El Segundo. Learn more about the company’s social impact mission and find interviews of influencers on the front lines of making a better world at outerknown. com. Cover photo by Shilah Montiel. Design by Michael Kraxenberger.
©2019 Southland Publishing Inc. All rights reserved.
Oh my...how I love Petals ‘n’ Wax! I always find the most perfect & unique holiday gifts! ...& the complimentary gift wrapping!
Thank You for Making Us Your #1 Go-To Gift Store on the Westside!
Petals ‘n’ Wax • 13432 Maxella Ave., Marina del Rey 90292 • 310.305.8883 • petalsnwax.com PAGE 4 • Westside Holiday Guide 2019
WE’RE OPEN! New Outerknown Shop in South Bay
Created by surfers, Outerknown is deeply connected to the sea. We make versatile and uncomplicated clothing for your coastal lifestyle. We just opened up shop nearby at The Point, El Segundo. Come on by for planet-friendly men’s and women’s products, epic community events, and more! The Point 850 S. Pacific Coast Highway El Segundo, CA 90245
Out of the area? We’re open 24/7 at Outerknown.com
Westside 2019
HOLIDAY GUIDE
MANHATTAN BEACH & EL SEGUNDO SPECIAL EVENTS: Sun., Dec. 8: El Segundo Holiday Parade, 1 to 3 p.m. — Marching bands and colorful floats representing South Bay community groups parade along Main Street through Downtown El Segundo, from Imperial Highway to El Segundo Boulevard. elsegundochamber.com Sun., Dec. 8: Manhattan Beach Holiday Fireworks Celebration, 4 to 8 p.m. — Inflatable slides, 50-food sled runs in the Sketchers snow park (until 6:30 p.m.) and pictures with Santa on the Manhattan Beach Pier. Live music by Mira Costa Jazz Ensemble and a holiday singalong. mbfireworks.com
Manhattan Beach Pier dresses up for Christmas PAGE 6 • Westside Holiday Guide 2019
Sat., Dec. 14: The Point Holiday Block Party & Toy Drive, noon to 4 p.m. — Donate a toy to Children’s Hospital Los Angeles and celebrate the holiday season with kids activities and shopper-friendly incentives at Pacific Coast Highway’s South Bay shopping destination. thepointsb.com Sun., Dec. 15: Congregation Tikvat Jacob Celebrates Hanukkah at The Point, 1 to 2 p.m. — Participate in a family-friendly scavenger hunt, dreidel games, crafts, snacks and a raffle. thepointsb.com
SHOPPING TIPS: Founded by pro surfer Kelly Slater, locally based sustainable lifestyle brand Outerknown debuts its first brick-andmortar store at The Point. The space is intended to be an immersive experience highlighting the brand’s coastal men’s and women’s fashion, including Slater’s signature Apex trunks, blanket shirts, women’s jumpsuits, S.E.A. jeans and lots of wardrobe staples. Also at The Point, find toys, cute clothes and all things kids at Rabbit Ladder, chic gourmet candy store Sugarfina and fashion galore — including
women’s apparel and accessory boutique No Rest for Bridget, denim-centric Madewell, and Malibu vintage-boho fashion brand Planet Blue. Don’t sleep on Downtown El Segundo, which isn’t sleepy anymore! Find something fun, flirty or blinged-out for your favorite gal pal at urban fashion boutique Frocks & Rocks (203 W. Grand Ave.), or pick up a bottle of award-winning handcrafted local bourbon at R6 Distillery (909 E. El Segundo Blvd.). Downtown Manhattan Beach is a joy to window shop. You’ll find no less than five jewelry shops to explore, and for highend home goods and gifts try Dacha (1219 Highland Ave.), the hybrid café and gift shop Gum Tree (324 Manhattan Beach Blvd.) and the beachy Tabula Rasa (919 Manhattan Ave.).
TREAT YOURSELF: Pack any of 28 artisan ice cream flavors into a dreamy hand-dipped cone or decadent cookie sandwich at Manhattan Beach Creamery (1120 Manhattan Beach Ave.), also a delightful candy shop full of excellent stocking stuffer treats.
Westside 2019
HOLIDAY GUIDE
WESTCHESTER, PLAYA VISTA & PLAYA DEL REY SPECIAL EVENTS: Thu., Dec. 5: Santa on the LAPD Sleigh at Playa Vista Concert Park, 4:45 p.m. — LAPD’s Pacific Division welcomes Old St. Nick for a 15- to 30-minute photo op with the kids of Playa Vista. Mon., Dec. 9: Santa on the LAPD Sleigh in Playa del Rey and Westchester, 4 to
8 p.m. — Santa and his entourage visit Playa del Rey Lagoon (Pacific & Convoy) at 4, 8030 Fordham Ave. at 4:45, 6907 W. 85th Place at 6, 7511 Agnew Ave. at 7 and 8040 El Manor at 7:45 p.m.
neighborhood, stopping at 5962 W. 75th St at 4, 7825 Goddard Ave. at 4:45, 4821 W. 63rd St. at 5:30, 8937 Fleetwing Ave. at 6:45 and 8880 Earhart Ave. at 7:45 p.m.
Tue., Dec. 10: Santa on the LAPD Sleigh in Westchester and Ladera Heights, 4 to 8 p.m. — Santa returns to the
Sat., Dec. 21: Beach Winter Wonderland at the Dockweiler Youth Center, 11 a.m. (Continued on page 10)
LISA PHILLIPS, ESQ REALTOR® Integrity. Experience. Excellence.
Real Estate Expertise Happy Holidays from Trusted Advice Lisa Phillips Real Estate Proven Results Real Estate With Heart
A percentage of all sales commissions are donated to charitable organizations of our clients’ choice
Attorney | Realtor® | Broker Associate 310.701.2407 Lisa@LisaPhillipsEsq.com LisaPhillipsRealEstate.com DRE #01189413
PAGE 8 • Westside Holiday Guide 2019
J O I N U S F O R T H E H O L I D AY S Savor the last of 2019 as we celebrate the upcoming year with seasonally-inspired cuisine overlooking the picturesque Marina del Rey harbor.
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D A I LY H A P P Y H O U R in the bar & lounge 3 – 6 p.m.
LIVE MUSIC Thursday – Saturday 6 – 9 p.m.
LIVE CLASSICAL Sunday during brunch 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
R E S E R V E YO U R TA B L E TO DAY Please call (310) 823-6395 for more information on all of our holiday specials including New Year’s Eve hours and offerings.
4451 Admiralty Way, Marina del Rey, CA 90292 | cafedelreymarina.com
Westside 2019
HOLIDAY GUIDE (Continued from page 8)
to 4 p.m. — Bounce playhouse, live music, face painting and real snow at the beach. eventbrite.com *Runway at Playa Vista events TBA.
SHOPPING TIPS: For the sneakerhead in your life, head to HHLA (formerly Howard Hughes Center) for the pop-up art exhibit Sneakertopia, where limited-edition merchandise mingles with participatory experiences that put you in the shoes (figuratively) of sneaker icons like Run DMC, Michael Jordan and Marty McFly. Buy tickets at sneakertopia.com. Experience Etsy in real life at the Westchester Farmers Market (6200 W. 87th St.), where on any given Sunday (between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. ) you might meet a serious DIY-er who makes fragrant soy candles out of her apartment, a local nonprofit that makes artisan jam for a good cause, and a local beekeeper who sells pure honey. Let your senses to be your guide. On your way back to the car, hit up Soundsations for an old-school record store experience.
TREAT YOURSELF: It’s hard to resist a scoop of house-made Small Batch Ice Cream, conveniently located right next to Tripli-Kit inside Playa Provisions.
Last year’s Playa Vista Holiday Hangout featured a giant snow globe PAGE 10 • Westside Holiday Guide 2019
Give Big This Holiday Season
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Westside 2019
HOLIDAY GUIDE
MARINA DEL REY SPECIAL EVENTS: December: Marina Lights at Burton Chace Park, 4 to 10 p.m. nightly — Take an idyllic stroll through a wonderland of holiday lights, and stick around for special weekend events including The Wonderelles singing holiday tunes in the style of ‘50s rock on Dec. 7 Victorian carolers singing a capella on Dec. 21 & 28, and outdoor screenings of “Gremlins” (Dec. 7), “Elf” (Dec. 21) and “Avengers: Endgame” (Dec. 28). mdrholidays.com Sun., Dec. 8: 20th Annual Holiday Magic Toy Drive & Mixer, 5 to 9 p.m. — Bring a new unwrapped toy for a local kid in need (age 1 to 16) to this happy hour mixer at Cafe Del Rey organized by local matchmaker and author Renee Piane (aka The Love Designer). Couples and singles
welcome. Stick around for raffle prizes! reneepiane.com
performances, around the theme “Kids Make Holidays Bright.” mdrboatparade.org
Sat., Dec. 14: Snow Wonder at Burton Chace Park, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. — Toss snowballs in a 200-square-foot play area and sled down a gentle 35-foot slope, dance to holiday party tunes, make holiday crafts and nosh on food truck treats before grabbing a Holiday Boat Parade viewing spot at the park, 13650 Mindanao Way. beaches.lacounty.gov
SHOPPING TIPS:
Sat., Dec. 14: Marina del Rey Holiday Boat Parade, 6 to 8 p.m. — Gather round the harbor’s main channel for a parade of nautical lights ushered in by a brief fireworks show over the water. Vessels big and small put on their holiday best, many with LED animation and onboard
For gifts of wit and whimsy (with cards and books to boot), head to Petals N Wax in Marina Marketplace, an eclectic yearround gift shop conveniently across the way from the Barnes & Noble Booksellers on the same side of the street as DSW. On the other side of Maxella Avenue, hit up Ulta Beauty for a wide range of spa products and cosmetics or the AMC DineIn Marina 6 to pick up a date-night gift certificate you can enjoy too.
PHOTO BY TED SOQUI
West of Lincoln Boulevard, the Waterside at Marina del Rey shopping plaza offers stylish boutiques such as M.Frederic, Brazilian sandal specialists Havaianas, cosmetics by Beauty Collection and Sephora, a brick-and-mortar Amazon Books, and West Marine for the boater in your life. Paper Source offers a fine selection of greeting cards and a giftwrapping service for just about any item you can bring to the store.
TREAT YOURSELF: Impress your holiday guests with a sweet and creamy marzipan-topped princess cake by Viktor Benês Bakery inside Gelson’s Market at Marina Marketplace. Hit up See’s Candies in Waterside for a can’t-go-wrong host gift and some free samples for yourself. The Marina del Rey Holiday Boat Parade lights up the harbor PAGE 12 • Westside Holiday Guide 2019
Westside 2019
HOLIDAY GUIDE
MAR VISTA, DEL REY & CULVER PANHANDLE SPECIAL EVENTS: Sat., Nov. 30: Mar Vista Art Walk 5th Anniversary, 4 to 10 p.m. — Downtown Mar Vista comes to life with pottery bazaars, live music and bands, an open mic, live painting, kids caroling, gallery openings, artists showcases and holiday specials at local businesses and sidewalks along Venice Boulevard between Inglewood Boulevard and Lyceum Avenue. The theme is “Shop Local.” marvistaartwalk.org Wed., Dec. 4: Santa on the LAPD Sleigh in Mar Vista, 3 to 8:45 p.m. — Santa gets a police escort to take pictures with kids
and families, stopping at Grandview Elementary at 3, Braddock Elementary at 4, Mar Vista Gardens at 5, the Mar Vista Family Center at 6, Mesmer/ Beatrice Garden at 7, the 3800 block of Keeshen Drive at 7:40 p.m. and North Park (Marcasel and East) at 8:20 p.m.
Sat., Dec. 7: BookArtsLA 6th Annual Holiday Sale, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. — At this nonprofit art studio (11720 Washington Place), peruse an array of paper goods, books, journals and cards made by local artisans the old fashioned way — by hand or printing press. bookartsla.org
Thu., Dec. 5: Santa on the LAPD Sleigh in Del Rey, 3:30 to 8 p.m. — Santa returns to continue his rounds, hitting Short Avenue Elementary at 3:30, the Oxford Triangle (Thatcher and Howard) at 6:30, Kenyon and Louise avenues at 7:15 and 3600 Wade St. at 8 p.m.
Sat., Dec. 7: Inaugural Heart of Del Rey Holiday Pop-Up, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. — Take pictures with Santa and play in the street when Centinela Boulevard closes to vehicle traffic between Culver Boulevard and Short Avenue, with special installations showcasing the possibilities of pedestrian-friendly Great Streets program upgrades. heartofdelrey.org Wed. Dec. 11: Santa on the LAPD Sleigh in Mar Vista and East Venice — Santa’s back, stopping in Penmar Park (on Lake west of Walgrove) at 3:30, 2103 Walnut Ave. at 4:15, St. Andrew’s Church at 5, 3236 Purdue Ave. at 5:45, 3270 Granville (below Rose) at 6:30, 11900 Victoria Ave. at 7:15 and 3412 Keeshen Drive at 8 p.m.
SHOPPING TIPS: In Mar Vista, discover something quirky and whimsical at 826LA’s Time Travel Mart (12515 Venice Blvd.), which is themed like a Victorian-era curiosities The next Mar Vista Art Walk features abstract installations by Michael Rollins PAGE 14 • Westside Holiday Guide 2019
(Continued on page 18)
2019 Holiday Gift Guide For Your Family
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Custom Personalization by Rachel Miriam Another reason to make sure you don’t miss the Family Market at Brella in Playa Vista on December 14th is the Rachel Miriam Custom Personalization Pop-Up! One of our other favorite MomPreneurs, Rachel Miriam, and her team will be there to
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Westside 2019
HOLIDAY GUIDE (Continued from page 14)
shop. A one-of-a-kind chapeau awaits at Inland (12228½ Venice Blvd.), where third generation hatmaker Alberto Hernandez makes custom hats for his line Meshika amid a thoughtfully curated array of designer fashions. Find a treasure with a touch of history at Vintage on Venice (12218 Venice Blvd.), which carries everything from elegant old-school dresses to porcelain tea services. Find guitars, drums, horns and other instruments for the musician in your life at Marina Music Center (4564 S. Centinela
Ave.), where proprietor Alex Sioris is happy to be your guide to unexpected treasures. Stop by Pepe’s Thrifty Shop (4577 S. Centinela Ave.) across the street and you might find some antique thing you never knew existed but absolutely must get for that hard-to-shop-for person in your life. Coffee shop Sachi.LA has a carefully curated selection of succulents, stationary and craft coffee beans that all make for great gifts. If you’re on the hunt for a special bottle, quick-stop Happy Corner Liquor and Market (4584 S. Centinela Ave.) has really upped its craft spirits game; if you have extra time to explore, you’ll find stuff you didn’t even know
existed at Beverage Warehouse and Los Angeles Wine Co. (4935 McConnell Ave.).
TREAT YOURSELF: A chocolate bar made the Mesoamerican way from ChocoVivo is a perfect stocking stuffer, but while you’re at the Culver City panhandle shop (12469 Washington Blvd.) slide up to the chocolate bar to sip on cinnamon-spiced Mayan Tradition Cacao Mylk that tastes like a thick and creamy chocolate milkshake from the gods, or warm up with a European-style cup of hot cocoa — or “sipping chocolate,” as it’s called here.
CULVER CITY SPECIAL EVENTS:
Sun., Dec. 22: Menorah Lighting at Westfield Culver City, 4 to 6 p.m. — Join Gan West Preschool Chabad for Hanukkah songs, crafts and lighting the menorah on the first day of Hanukkah. westfield.com
Thurs., Dec. 5: Downtown Culver City Tree Lighting Sled-tacular, 5 to 8 p.m. — Sled down a snowy hill and frolic in a bounce house playground on Town Plaza, pausing only for the city’s holiday tree lighting at 6 and Santa’s arrival at 6:30 p.m. downtownculvercity.com Through Dec. 24: Photos with Santa at Westfield Culver City, various times — Kids share their Christmas wishes and parents take home a keepsake photo (see website for hours). At 8:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 14, Santa holds a special storytime at Wetzel’s Pretzels ($10) to benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of Mar Vista Gardens; PAGE 18 • Westside Holiday Guide 2019
* Events at Platform TBA.
SHOPPING TIPS: The Heart of Screenland rolls out the red carpet for Santa at 9 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 15, Santa partners with Autism Speaks for a sensory-friendly experience. westfield.com
Lundeen’s in Downtown Culver City (9726 Washington Blvd) is a sure bet to cover the bases of your gifting needs. From punny cards to thoughtful books,
(Continued on page 20)
Give Some Get Some! FREE GIFT C ARD
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Westside 2019
HOLIDAY GUIDE (Continued from page 18)
candles, lotions, mugs and jewelry, you’ll find something that’ll win a smile. Nothing says the holidays like the cheery aroma of Christmas trees or the welcome waft of pumpkin spice. Supply yourself with an assortment of seasonal scents at P.F. Candle Co. (6144 Washington Blvd.) in the Culver City Arts District, including gift sets inspired by the crunch of fall leaves and mulled cider, snow-dusted dense forests, and the sweet fillings of Thanksgiving’s official dessert. Spread the good cheer by picking up a jasmine-
scented “Los Angeles” candle, proceeds from which help women transitioning out of homelessness. For the worker bee in your life (who needs a little fun, pick up some snazzy office supplies with a splash of color at Poketo’s location at Platform (8840 Washington Blvd.). Your abuelita may appreciate the Peruvian llama figurine that you can find in the gift shop of immersive language studio and playspace Chiqui Social (8530B Washington Blvd.). In addition to artisan wares from all over Latin America, you can also find plenty of colorful bilingual books and toys that will get your kids excited to learn Spanish.
From Russian cosmonaut coloring books to ties sporting Sputnik, The Wende Museum’s Gift Shop (10808 Culver Blvd.) has plenty of history-themed gifts inspired by the Cold War and Soviet-era, but with a playful twist that will surely entertain the history buff in your life.
TREAT YOURSELF: Mix and match ice cream and cookie flavors with an ice cream “sammie” at Coolhaus (8588 Washington Blvd.), or find classic and vegan scoops at Van Leeuwen’s (8850 Washington Blvd.).
Westfield Culver City helps kids share wishes with Santa and parents take home a lasting memory PAGE 20 • Westside Holiday Guide 2019
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Westside Holiday Guide 2019 • PAGE 21
Westside 2019
HOLIDAY GUIDE
VENICE SPECIAL EVENTS: Sun., Dec. 1: Muscle Beach Toy Drive, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. — Santa and his ‘Elvettes’ stage a special presentation at the Venice Beach Recreation Center (1800 Ocean Front Walk) to collect toys for LAPD officers to distribute to kids in need; a “Lat Pulldown” contest and motorcycle rally follows. musclebeachvenice.com Mon., Dec. 2: Santa on the LAPD Sleigh in Venice, 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. — Santa and his helpers in uniform visit the Oakwood Recreation Center at 4:30, Olive and Frey avenues at 5:30, Shell and Superba avenues (in the circle) at 6:30, and 517 Indiana Ave. at 7:30 p.m. (See Dec. 11 Mar Vista route for more Venice locations).
Sat., Dec. 7: Venice Sign Holiday Lighting, 6:15 to 8 p.m. — Participate in activity booths and catch short concerts by local bands on Windward Plaza until 8 p.m., when Councilman Mike Bonin and a surprise celebrity guest flips the ceremonial switch to light up the Venice Sign in holiday red and green. venicechamber.net
SHOPPING TIPS:
Sun., Dec. 8: Abbot Kinney Holiday Block Party & Snow Day, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. — Go sledding on real snow in The Brig’s parking lot, visit with Santa, sing with Christmas carolers, eat from food trucks and hang out at special in-store events. abbotkinneyblvd.com
You never what you’ll find at the quirky and colorful Venice Love Shack (2121 S. Lincoln Blvd.), which houses multiple furniture galleries and mini fashion boutiques in old-school vintage buses and trailers. So be adventurous and allow discovery to be your guide!
From robots that walk on the ceiling to traditional board games with a coding twist, chances are Huzzah (2122 Lincoln Blvd.) has something fun for the kid in your life. They even offer an assortment of games for adults including the cheekily titled “Game of Phones” and “The Crazy Cat Lady” board game.
The scarves at Late Sunday Afternoon (1920 Lincoln Blvd.) feel like a heavenly embrace. Made from fabrics that might otherwise end up in landfills, each snugly scarf is made by hand and blessed with good intentions. If that’s not enough to make you feel all warm and tingly, for each scarf sold a blanket is donated to a child in need, and sewing scraps are transformed into comfy dog beds for pooches at local animal shelters. Homegrown lifestyle boutique Amiga Wild (2124 Lincoln Blvd.) caters to the hippy at heart with an excellently curated array of earthy sages, succulents, soaps, salts, candles and crystals and works by local Andy Summers of The Police presided over last year’ s Venice Sign Holiday Lighting PAGE 22 • Westside Holiday Guide 2019
(Continued on page 24)
Season’s eadings Bfrom BEADS • FINISHED JEWELRY • GIFTS & MORE 203 Arizona Ave., Santa Monica, CA 90401 • 310.395.0033 Behind Tender Greens at 2nd & Arizona Ave. Mon-Sat: 10 AM-7 PM • Sun: 12-6 PM Visit our website at beadahs.com for holiday hours
www.marinadelreyhistoricalsociety.org
BUY A PIECE OF HISTORY Marina del Rey Holiday History Sale Saturday, December 14th, 9 a.m. to closing
• Dinghy Magazine Copies • Nautical Books • History Books • DVDs • Photos
1312 LINCOLN BLVD. SANTA MONICA (310) 393-0661
A new shopping spree from an old promise. Marina del Rey History Gallery 2 HOURS FREE PARKING WITH VALIDATION, NO PURCHASE NECESSARY Fisherman’s Village, 13737 Fiji Way, C-3, Marina del Rey Reg. Hours Tuesday–Sunday 12-4pm • 1-424-391-6976
WHEN IT’S TIME TO SELL TRUST
WILSHIRE COIN
GOLD • SILVER • DIAMONDS • FINE JEWELRY • RARE COINS • CURRENCY
Westside Holiday Guide 2019 • PAGE 23
Westside 2019
HOLIDAY GUIDE (Continued from page 22)
artists. Also check out Mystic Journey Bookstore (1624 Abbot Kinney Blvd.) for elegantly simple stone journey, fine crystals and other enlightened trinkets. Lincoln Fine Wines (727 Lincoln Blvd.) consistently delivers on bottles that will impress hosts and houseguests. Multidealer antique mall The Mart Collective
(1600 Lincoln Blvd.) is a treasure hunt of vintage and contemporary collectibles. Arbor Collective (102 Washington Blvd.) has ample gear and apparel for the surfer and snowboarder in your life.
fabulous” household products and wares such as bamboo toothbrushes with colorful tips and reusable mesh produce bags in an array of hues. Who says going green has to be boring?
Looking to show Mother Earth some kindness? Zero-waste boutique Recontained (1629 Abbot Kinney Blvd.) is a chic refill station for their house washes, cleansers and lotions that also specializes in “eco-
TREAT YOURSELF: If you haven’t tried matcha yet, pick up a dark green afternoon pick-me-up at Cha Cha Matcha (1401 Abbot Kinney Blvd.) or Shuhari Matcha Café (1522 Abbot Kinney Blvd.).
SANTA MONICA SPECIAL EVENTS:
a visit from Santa. The fun starts in the parking lot of the California Heritage Museum. mainstreetsm.com
Daily through Jan. 20: Ice at Santa Monica, various times — Santa Monica’s famous outdoor ice rink is back at the corner of Fifth Street and Arizona Avenue. Come out on Sundays to hear free concerts by local artists in the plaza from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. or 2 to 4 p.m. downtownsm.com Sat., Nov. 30: Snow Day at the Pier, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. — Grab your mittens and coat to make snow angels in 4,000 square feet of snow on the merrygo-round deck of Santa Monica Pier. (Kids 12 and under free; 13 and up $5.) santamonicapier.org Thu., Dec. 5: Santa Monica Tree Lighting & Winterlit Holiday Market, 6 to 9 p.m. — Head to Third Street Promenade for the city’s official tree lighting ceremony and peruse the work of local artisans and craftspeople at the annual holiday market. downtownsm.com PAGE 24 • Westside Holiday Gift Guide 2019
Sat., Dec. 7: Montana Avenue Holiday Walk, 4 to 8 p.m. — Shop windows are dressed for the season as carolers stroll up and down the avenue and Santa sets up shop for the 11-block holiday street party from 6th Street to 17th Street. montanaave.com Sat., Dec. 7: Breakfast with Santa, 9 to 10:30 a.m. — Mr. Claus holds court in the third-floor clubhouse of Santa Thu., Dec. 5, 12 & 19: Bob Baker Marionette Monica Place for a morning meal with entertainment, crafts and face-painting. Theater, 6 & 7 p.m. — L.A.’s storied santamonicaplace.com puppetry troupe puts on free live shows with holiday singalongs on the merry-goDec. 8 through 24: Pictures with Santa round deck. santamonicapier.org at Santa Monica Place, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. — Kids tell Santa their Christmas wishes, Sat., Dec. 7: Miracle on Main Street, 4 to parents get a lifelong keepsake photo 9 p.m. — Join in the 25th annual (hours change to 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on celebration of Main Street’s tree lighting ceremony, with Christmas carolers and (Continued on page 26)
Downtown Santa Monica sparkles in December
Westside 2019
HOLIDAY GUIDE (Continued from page 24)
Christmas Eve). Cat or dog photos with Santa happen 5 to 8 p.m. Dec. 11 & 18. santamonicaplace.com Sun., Dec. 8: Photos with Surfer Santa, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. — A surfing St. Nick visits Santa Monica Pier for free photos next to Pier Burger. santamonicapier.org Sat., Dec. 14: ‘Santa’ Monica Pub Crawl, 5 p.m. — Dress in your holidaythemed best and pick a crawl route (Main, Wilshire, or Promenade/Ocean) from among some 30 participating Santa Monica bars, all to raise money for the Westside food bank. santamonicapubcrawl.com
Dec. 22 through 29: Santa Monica Menorah Lightings, sundown — Members of local synagogues celebrate the Festival of Lights in the 1300 block of Third Street Promenade. downtownsm.com
make your own handcrafted jewelry bead jewelry at Beadahs (203 Arizona Ave.) where a variety of skills classes happen Sundays through Wednesdays among a curated selection of hundreds of bead varieties.
SHOPPING TIPS: Pebbles clothing boutique (2400 Main St.) is sure to have something adorable for the kids, and Puzzle Zoo (2910 Main St. & 1411 Third Street Promenade) is a fun-stop shop for picking up toys, collectibles and games.
Find unique handmade gifts by local artists, artisans and craftspeople at the Winterlit Holiday Market on the 1200 block of Third Street Promenade (Dec. 6-8, 13-15 & 20-22; 3 to 8 p.m. Fridays and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekends) and the Unique Holiday Market on Santa Monica Pier (10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 14 & 15; $12 admission). Also support the local art community with a stop at Ten Women Gallery (2719 Main St.) for jewelry, pottery, paintings, drawings, prints and more all made by local female artists. Or, learn to
Did you know Bob’s Market (1650 Ocean Park Blvd.) is an essential destination for wine lovers? Resident wine expert Rick Rosenbloom tastes thousands of wines each year, so he knows everything on the shelf and can teach you how to talk about the bottle you’re giving your holiday host. PHOTO BY B BRINSON PHOTOGRAPHY
When all else fails, give the gift of bling. Find something sparkly at Wilshire Coin (1312 Lincoln Blvd.), which buys and sells everything precious metal, from antique watches to designer necklaces, pearls and Tiffany pieces. Jewelry shoppers can also scope out unique pieces at Love Adorned (2923 Main St.), Audrey Rose (2665 Main St.,) or designer-owned and operated custom jewelry store Accents (2900 Main St.). If Montana Avenue is more your style, make the rounds at no less than half a dozen jewelry boutiques in as many city blocks!
TREAT YOURSELF: When you’re
Santa and crew preside over the city’s official tree lighting at Third Street Promenade PAGE 26 • Westside Holiday Guide 2019
all done with the hustle-and-bustle of holiday shopping, a spiked adult milkshake (made with infused sake) at Mel’s Drive-In (1670 Lincoln Blvd.) really hits the spot. Flavors include Kentucky Coffee (a coffee-flavored ice cream shake infused with bourbon-infused sake), Caramel Dream (also bourbon-infused) and Bananas Foster with flavors of cinnamon and rum.
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