Now that we've cleared the first two hurdles in holiday season mayhem (that would be Thursday's food coma and Friday's shopping frenzy), we're settling in to a month full of rum cocktails, sparkling trees and dark, cozy bars (with cocktails to match). 'Tis the season to send yourself on a month-long mental vacation and seize every opportunity to indulge yourself in festivities of any kind... no?
So, if you'd normally stay in on, say, a Monday night, these next few weeks ought to be the exception. Don't often drink before noon on a workday? You do now! We kid. And we digress. All we're saying is that for these next four weeks, work should be lower on your priority list than normal, which means that you should be paying extra special attention to what we've got planned for your weeknights. Starting now.
Keep reading for detailed instructions on how to live this week to the fullest...
Monday
If you find yourself in the South Bay and you happen to be in need of a little post-holiday culture, check out the 60x60 Festival, an hour-long presentation of 60 minute-long musical pieces. Talk about a low-impact time commitment.
If you're neither in the South Bay nor looking to eschew the holiday spirit, hit the ground running on the month to come at the Music Center tree-lighting Downtown. In addition to being generally beautiful and full of twinkling lights, there will also be a brass ensemble on-hand playing extra-joyous musical stylings. After, check out new gastropub Hyperion Public before going over to The Echo to see brother-sister duo Wild Belle perform. Later, wind down the evening by attending School Night at Bardot Bar, where you can half-dance and sip cocktails 'til the wee hours with the best of 'em.
Hit play: Wild Belle - It's Too Late
Tuesday
Unless you're fanatical about Thomas Jefferson and/or have some serious political stamina, chances are you've already given up on seeing political historian Jon Meacham in conversation with Bill Maher tonight. Bummer.
Instead, grab dinner from the new prix-fixe menu at Fig & Olive, then head to Rock & Reilly's for their first-ever Annual Screw Cancer Wine Fest. For your $20 donation, you'll get warm fuzzies that this time aren't entirely due to having one too many. Later, work your way over to Sundance Theater to see the 9:45 p.m. showing of Starlet, Dree Hemingway's latest pursuit (in addition to -- no biggie -- being a beautiful model and great-granddaughter to one of the Coolest People Ever).
Hit play: Kate Boy - Northern Lights
Wednesday
Start Wednesday by inviting yourself to Wine and Cheese Wednesdays at TENTEN Wilshire. In addition to the aforementioned complimentary refreshments and the building's futuristic 360 degree views, there will also be a live band available for maximum ambiance-creation. Just make sure to RSVP beforehand!
Later, head to LA Market Restaurant at JW Marriott to take advantage of their "Supper & Skate" promotion. For $30, enjoy a three-course prix-fixe menu and unlimited ice-skating at the nearby L.A. Kings Holiday Ice. Even in L.A. those ice rinks are cold, so warm yourself back up back at The Mixing Room, where they're rolling out a brand-new menu of seasonal cocktails.
Hit play: Midnight Star - Midas Touch
Thursday
During the day, skip school to check out MADE by DWC, a pop-up holiday boutique benefiting the L.A. Women's Center and featuring the women's own handmade items. It's a great chance to stock up on gifts -- and benefit a really great cause to boot.
Later, cross town (sorry -- but you'll be in reverse traffic, at least!) to Venice. Start by attending the ecookie & Toys for Tots Holiday Soiree (RSVP today!), where they'll have treats, cocktails, and complimentary brow grooming. After, grab dinner at Gjelina Take Away, then wind down your night over at the Del Monte Speakeasy at Townhouse with authentic pre-Prohibition cocktails in an equally authentic setting.
Hit play: Women - Black Rice