We are so close to Christmas and if you love the holiday as much as I do, usually about halfway through the month I start running out of Christmas events to take part in. I’m the kind of person who was setting up her Christmas tree the weekend after Thanksgiving. I’ve already driven to all the neighborhoods decked out with lights, done the ice skating, the hot chocolate thing, and have pelted my friends with the fresh snow that L.A. County puts out for their winter park events. So what’s left to do? I did some digging, and here’s a list. Get your Christmas sweaters ready, here we go!

Christmas Bars

There’s nothing like toasting to Santa and thinking back on all the times you didn’t snap at that annoying coworker. You are definitely on the nice list. But if you’re feeling a bit naughty, let loose at Miracle at Pearl House in Santa Barbara. It’s a bar decked out in Christmas decor that toes the line of over-the-top but never crosses it. I had to try the “Yippee Ki Yay Mother F****r” because I am one of those people who agrees that “Die Hard” is a Christmas movie. You do need a reservation but the day I visited, the bar was packed so I made two reservations for a single person (only thing they had left) and met my friend there.

If Santa Barbara is too far, check out The Miracle at Apparition Room in Temecula. This bar is in the opposite direction and has the same theme of Christmas on steroids but this location has a different drink menu and is actually a speakeasy. Yes, there is a hidden door and the only way to get in is to text this number for reservations: (951) 514-6332. Remember these Christmas-themed bars are temporary so they disappear in January.

NocheBuena

I had no idea this even existed but CSU Northridge puts on a free Nochebuena concert with mariachis and performers like Ballet Folklórico de Los Ángeles. I mean what is more festive than Christmas-colored charro suits and classic carols with a Spanish twist? This performance happened the second weekend of December and tickets were free so I know they were sold out long before. I’m putting this on my list of things to do next year and so should you.

Kung Pao Kosher

This is a Jewish comedy line-up set inside a Chinese restaurant. Not everyone celebrates Christmas and this hilarious 29-year-old San Francisco tradition is a reminder of that. I went one year when work kept me from returning home. In-person, they serve Chinese food and amazing wine. Now that we are in weird pandemic times, you can experience this (like everything else) on Zoom. The show still carried the theme of family and gratitude during the holiday season, but also explored the Christmas traditions I have come to expect that are quite bizarre from an outsider’s perspective.

Race Through The North Pole: Santa’s Speedway

When I think of Christmas, the last thing that comes to mind is race cars but Santa and the Fast and the Furious collide on the Irwindale Speedway. You can jet past by a colorful holiday light display that is Santa’s Village while speeding down a race track. I wonder if the twinkling lights are just as pretty when all you see is a blur.

A Speakeasy Christmas at The Reserve

For all my jefas out there hustling and making moves even during the most wonderful time of the year, check out the Latino Professional Network’s A Speakeasy Christmas. LPN events are masterfully produced with an open bar, performers, food, and dancing. This year they are having an event on December 23rd, just in time to do some last-minute networking for your business before heading home in time to celebrate Noche Buena with your family. People from all types of industries (media, hospitality, tech, etc.) will be in attendance and if you find the host, Alejandro, he’ll direct you to the connection you need to know to get you to the next level. The price of admission is $20.

Eden’s Queer Christmas Concert 

Yes, we’ve all heard all the classic carols a million times over, but let’s kick up the cheer and add a little more gay into the Christmas festivities this time around. Eden’s Queer Christmas concert is taking place at the Hotel Cafe with a beautiful lineup of fabulous ladies who will belt their hearts out for you as you sip on a naughty noel cocktail. Get ready to make friends and take a million photos because the decorations are expected to be Instagram-worthy. As if getting drunk around beautiful women wasn’t enough of a reason, all proceeds will be donated to an LGBTQIA+ Mental Health Awareness and Resources Nonprofit.

Christmas On The Farm

For those uber traditional types, you can also head to Underwood Family Farms. I’m sure you already have your tree, but you can also pick up some fresh garland and wreaths for your home. You can also visit reindeer, take photos with Santa and ride the holiday train. This may sound super cheesy but there’s something special about running around a Christmas tree farm just being happy to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year.

By the time you get through this list, if you’re not Christmased out yet, you’ll be radiating peace, joy, and goodwill to all. Remember that the best part of completing this list is that we are taking time out of our everyday life to practice gratitude by spending quality time with our chosen family; the friends who celebrate our promotions, get us through bad breakups, and support our small business by paying full price. The second best part of Christmas is that we have an excuse to wear Christmas sweaters all month long.

Merry Christmas!