From outdoor ice-skating rinks and breakfast with Santa, to a seaside cinema and an exclusive holiday tea and shopping experience, here’s where to celebrate the season with an endless lineup of festive offerings.

Terranea Resort 

Maintaining Holiday Traditions: “Our goal is for our guests to return year-after-year to celebrate their own holiday traditions,” says David Stieve, Resort Activities Operations Manager. “At the same time, we give thoughtful consideration to finding ways for them to create new memories with us as well. Based on their feedback and our unique natural environment, we are able to create a variety of extraordinary experiences that draw upon the distinct beauty of the Southern California coast.”

Holiday Cheer Factor: The resort offers existing traditions including breakfast with Santa, Postcards to the North Pole; gingerbread house decorating; and a Winter Solstice Hike with a trip to nearby Point Vicente Interpretive Center (December 21, 2–4 p.m.; $50 per person; advanced reservations required.)

Ice Dreams: This year, the resort debuts Skating by the Sea in partnership with the City of Rancho Palos Verdes. (Complimentary transportation available Friday to Sunday throughout the month; reservations recommended.)

Create A Holiday Keepsake: Learn the art of mandala and make your own ornament with the guidance of a wellness coach. (December 18 and 19; $60 per person; reservations recommended.)

Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel

The Lineup: Breakfast with Santa; live jazz and seasonal cocktails; and a seaside cinema featuring holiday classic films (6pm-8pm Friday and Saturday through December 31.)

Merry Meter: “Not only is the hotel decked out with our enchanted forest of upside trees and a 34-foot-tall Christmas tree in our lobby, but we also have activities for the entire family,” says Younes Atallah, General Manager. “As part of our Good Neighbor Program, we have partnered again with SantaMoniCARES where a portion of sales from Seaside Holidays will benefit Elemental Music, a local nonprofit that nurtures music talent for the youth of Santa Monica.”

Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel

Time For Tea: The hotel has teamed up with Italian purveyor Etro for an exclusive holiday tea and shopping experience for two ($65 per person; Monday-Friday, 2-5 p.m. throughout December; reservations required by calling 310-385-3917). Begin the journey with afternoon tea at THEBlvd Restaurant and Lounge with a choice of coffee or tea and drool-worthy, Italian-inspired pastries and confections made by new Executive Pastry Chef Riccardo Menicucci. After tea, head across the street for a private shopping trip at Etro boutique. 

Pretty Porcelain: Tea service includes the new Boho Butterfly collection of servingware designed in collaboration with Italian iconic porcelain manufacturer Ginori 1735 and Etro.  

From The Chef: “There’s no better way to spend an afternoon this holiday season,” says Menicucci. “Start off with tea & Italian pastries overlooking Rodeo Drive, then get all of your holiday shopping done at Etro. It’s the perfect combination of productive and fun.” 

Vista Collina Resort and The Meritage Resort and Spa

The Lineup: Wintertime ice rink, outdoor fire pits for s’mores roasting, private igloos, holiday carolers, Tinsel Tea (December 11 and 18), and Santa visits. 

Insider Insight: “We’re delighted to provide a safe and fun environment for families and friends to enjoy the upcoming festive season with activations from our new on-site ice rink and holiday artisan market to our celebratory brunches and dinner events,” says Joe Leinacker, managing director of The Meritage and Vista Collina Resorts.  

Shop Local: At the Artisan Holiday market, pick up a snack from a gourmet food truck and choose from locally made wine and handmade wares for everyone on the gift list. (Every Friday from 5-8 p.m.; Sunday, 2-5 p.m.)