SNOW IS FOR SUCKERS: CLASSIC LA WINTER GEMS WITHOUT THE FROSTBITE

Yeah, yeah, we’ve heard it all before: LA doesn’t have winters and for Angelenos, the idea of cold falls somewhere at about 60 degrees. Beanies and layering may not be a necessity, but don’t count us out for winter-appropriate-slash-festive activities. Check out how we at LA CANVAS enjoy our city this season with the classics, holiday booze, quality scenes and choice people to indulge with  — true Angeleno style.

SKYBAR’S BOOZY HOT CHOCOLATE
WHAT: Liquor in our hot chocolate isn’t usually our norm, but it’s about time we moved on from the powdered version to a more refined one. Our favorite is out of the Mondrian Hotel’s open-air lounge’s new winter-themed cocktails. Skybar’s boozy hot chocolate adds a kick to a classic, with Don Julio Anejo tequila and Grand Marnier but doesn’t shy away from the creamy, chocolatey goodness that we crave on these “chilly” LA winter nights. While you’re at it, try the other lodge-inspired cocktails — the Spiced Apple Cider and Irish Coffee — on your next visit. Nothing warms us up like a little alcohol | More Info
WHEN: Seasonal
WHERE: Skybar | 8440 Sunset Boulevard, West Hollywood, CA 90069

LA DOWNTOWN ON ICE
WHAT: Let’s keep it real, going ice-skating is probably the closest we’ll get to having a real winter in Los Angeles – nothing freezes (outdoors) in downtown. While it’s not exactly be Rockefeller Square, you’ll be beneath the city’s skyscrapers. Our concrete jungle mixed in with a little ice is actually quite magical. | More Info
WHEN: November 14th – January 18th
WHERE: Pershing Square | 532 South Olive Street, Los Angeles, CA 90014

VOLUNTEER
WHAT: As much as day trips to the snow, hot chocolate, and ice skating are part of the winter holidays, so is giving back, and the notion always was: ‘giving is more rewarding than receiving.’ There are a number of ways to give back to the community, whether it’s donating money, goods or your time, volunteering at your local shelter is always rewarding. | More Info
WHEN: Always
WHERE: Fred Jordan Missions | 445 Towne Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90013

HOT TODDIES AT DOMINICK’S
WHAT: Lodi dodi, we like to party… and stay warm simultaneously. Perhaps next to the boozy hot chocolate, our other favorite hot cocktail is a hot toddy — think of your favorite tea, add some honey, lemon, cinnamon, and your favorite whiskey and voila! We particularly like the toddies conjured up at Dominick’s in West Hollywood, and with this drink in hand next to a fireplace, you have a “cold” night that is complete | More Info
WHEN: Seasonal
WHERE: 8715 Beverly Boulevard, West Hollywood, CA 90048

LIGHT DISPLAYS ON RODEO DRIVE
WHAT: During the holiday season, our fair city’s beauty is magnified two-fold by the amount of light displays that go up: from the big tree at The Grove, the beach display in Long Beach, to the Tunnel of Lights in Reseda.  Our recommended display are the lights on Rodeo Drive. Not like Rodeo isn’t a vision all year around, but the lights make spending your hard earned cash on others that much more cheerful. The other upside to these lights are they make Angelenos actually appear merry and bright. | More Info
WHEN: November 24th – Mid January
WHERE: Rodeo Drive, between Santa Monica and Wilshire Boulevards

BIG BEAR DAY TRIP
WHAT: Truth be told, Los Angeles weather is a gift and a curse — actually, it’s more of a gift than anything and the only curse is that those who enjoy having seasons, miss out. Luckily, for those that revel in anything other than beach weather, your white powder is only a two hour drive north. The peak is prime for skiing and hikers, and has several lodges for visitors to claim home for a weekend getaway | More Info
WHEN: Seasonal
WHERE: 43101 Goldmine Dr., Big Bear Lake, CA 92305

KOREAN DAY SPA
WHAT: Really, who is going to argue a day at the spa? The traditional Korean day spas — otherwise known as jjimjilbangs — takes guests through a thorough soaking, scrubbing and series of specific health-benefit treatments that include mineral saunas that contain natural elements and wellness properties. We know you have treated everyone around you, so what better way to treat yo’self than a day at the spa | More Info
WHEN: Always
WHERE: Wi Spa | 2700 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90057