8 LA Restaurants With the Most Over-the-Top Christmas Décor
by Taylor Clifton
istock
In need of a major jolt of Christmas cheer? Then grab a table at one of these decked-out restaurants throughout Los Angeles this holiday season
While you may need to drive to find snow near LA, you don’t have to go far to experience spectacular holiday light displays—and we’re talking about the glittering, over-the-top decor at some of our favorite local restaurants. These LA restaurants go all out in Dec., complete with tinsel garlands, twinkling lights, a whole array of ornaments, and Christmas-y bric-a-brac that kids will love as much as their plain pasta. From elegant to over-the-top, whether you want a quick bite or a big Christmas dinner, here’s where you can enjoy the most festive decorations while you dine. PS: And if you’re looking for a great spot to eat where the kids can be, well, kids, check out our dining recommends for great restaurants where the kids can run around.
1. Rao's Hollywood
Enjoy the holiday decor at Rao's Hollywood where you'll find garlands and wreathes wrapped in glistening lights and bows hung all around the restaurant. Add to that, delicious Italian food, just like Nonna used to make, that will have you complimenting the chef.
Colorful lights are a year-round staple at this old-school Mexican spot in the Valley. Come Christmastime, though, Casa Vega adds tinsel, ornaments, and a tree or two (or three) for plenty of holiday cheer. In addition to serving up all the atmosphere, the restaurant also offers tasty margaritas for the over-21 crowd and a just-as-tasty kids menu for little ones.
Black and white photos of celebrities line the walls of this iconic Burbank steakhouse, which you may recognize from any number of TV shows and films—it was recently featured in La La Land. An inflatable Santa is there to greet kids at the entrance, and once you're inside, you can't miss the oversized Christmas tree, giant nutcracker, and red stockings.
There's nothing ho-ho-hum about The Tam O'Shanter's Christmas festivities with merry carolers on hand every night through Dec. 30. The Scottish pub's patio is also open in case your family wants to take advantage of the oh-so Christmas-y and cozy outdoor fireplace.
Another local Mexican dining institution (it's been around since 1931), El Coyote also does Christmas lights throughout the year but really gets decked out come Dec. Think a Christmas tree, garlands, glowing reindeer, mini Santas, to name a few. Be sure to check out the elaborate window display too—it's the perfect thing to entertain kids while you wait for your food.
This Long Beach restaurant may have just won Christmas. Now through Dec. 30, you can stop by to experience all the joy at The Ordinaire's merry and bright holiday pop-up, complete with gift-wrapped tables, a crackling fireplace with stockings on the mantel, and a flurry of lights and tinsel. While you're there, don't miss out on the restaurant's seasonal libations, like the Snowball Old Fashioned or Bad Santa with rum and chai.
Just in case you can sneak in a night off from the kiddos during the hectic holiday season, consider a trip to Christmas pop-up Blitzen's at the cocktail bar Here and Now. This temporary spot features festive decor galore, along with occasional appearances by Santa, carolers, and drag queens (because... why not?). Enjoy the holiday decor, now-Jan. 1.
Since 1992, the Mission Inn has decked out its interior and exterior spaces with thousands of twinkling lights during its annual Festival of Lights. It has become a must-visit destination for over 500,000 visitors each year. This year is the 30th installation of the festival which runs from Nov. 25-Jan. 6. Rumor has it, booking a table on the outside patio will afford you a grand view of these lights—with a great dinner to boot.
