holiday travel Archives

Hotels for the Holidays

Published November 3, 2023

By Luke Perez

VEA Newport Beach. PHOTO COURTESY VEA NEWPORT BEACH

The holiday season is here, and you deserve a break. Whether you’re looking for a new place to work remotely, a family-friendly getaway or a festive celebration, the right hotel can get you out of your daily grind and offer a refreshing reset. From the shores of SoCal to other locales in the U.S., here are some fun options for spending your holidays away from home.

VEA Newport Beach — Newport Beach

This resort/spa does it all. Cabana reservations, fitness and yoga classes, pools, views and more are all a part of VEA Newport Beach. Another reason the VEA is a prime location is because it goes all out for the holidays. VEA will host a special Thanksgiving dinner on Nov. 23, a Christmas tree lighting on Nov. 30, a holiday-themed bar throughout the month of December, a Christmas Eve and Christmas dinner at its restaurant and lounge, a New Year’s Eve party and a New Year’s Day brunch.

Hotel del Coronado. PHOTO COURTESY HOTEL DEL CORONADO

Hotel del Coronado — San Diego

If you want to have some winter-time fun in balmy San Diego, Hotel del Coronado is the place to be. This historic resort will offer beachside igloos, ice skating and other winter activities. This year’s theme is “A Twenties Holiday Affair.” Festive decorations, live music and a holiday-themed lounge and dining will bring the Roaring ‘20s to life.

Manchester Grand Hyatt — San Diego

If you really want to embrace this time of the year, the Manchester Grand Hyatt of San Diego turns into a winter wonderland, has holiday-themed food and drinks, decorated lounge and dining halls and cozy areas from which to take in sweeping views.

MacArthur Place — Sonoma

MacArthur Place Hotel and Spa. PHOTO COURTESY MACARTHUR PLACE

To soak in luxury, check out MacArthur Place Hotel and Spa, located in the heart of California wine country. On top of the spa and winery tours, you can celebrate the hotel’s “12 Nights of Marvel.” Every Friday and Saturday, a new activity will take place, such as a Christmas tree lighting, chocolate tasting, candle-lit sculptures and gift wrapping.

Carmel Valley Ranch — Carmel

If you want the feeling of truly getting away from it all, this 500-acre ranch delivers. The wide-open space of Carmel Valley Ranch offers plenty of opportunities to keep the whole family active and satiated: a fitness and spa center, a golf course, pools, unique dining options and craft workshops. To help families get into the holiday spirit, the hotel will hold an oak tree lighting on Nov. 24, wreath-making and winter-themed bath-and-body workshops in December and, on Dec. 24, a special reading of “Twas the Night Before Christmas” and caroling.

Carmel Valley Ranch. PHOTO COURTESY CARMEL VALLEY RANCH

Art of Living Retreat Center — Boone, N.C.

PHOTO COURTESY ART OF LIVING RETREAT CENTER

Need peace during the hectic holiday season? At the Art of Living Retreat Center, you can be one with nature doing outdoor activities, having spa treatments, practicing yoga and taking meditation classes in an effort to better your well-being. Celebrate World Ayurveda Day on Nov. 11 with Shankara Ayurveda Wellness as staff equips you with tools to improve health and wellness. Also during the month of November, the Blue Ridge Mountains light up nature with an array of colors, adding more tranquility to your stay.

NoMo SoHo — New York, N.Y.

Absorb in the fashion, art and culture of New York City’s SoHo district at the NoMo SoHo. As the tallest building in the neighborhood, it will give you expansive views of the city from your floor-to-ceiling hotel room windows. The best time to stay at this hotel is during November for its Thanksgiving festivities. The hotel will open up its penthouse to groups for a private Thanksgiving meal and awe-inspiring views of the city.

The Opus — Westchester, N.Y.

Another New York option is The Opus. Enjoy the calmness of the White Plains with fine dining, spas, pools, community and event areas, golf courses and the Hudson Valley. In November and December, guests can enjoy winter wonderland days, light shows, a holiday train show, holiday market, a winter concert and more.

PacWhale Eco-Adventures — Maui, Hawaii

You can never go wrong having a tropical holiday. At the PacWhale Eco-Adventures, not only will you soak up the sun — you’ll have plenty of opportunities to snorkel, swim with turtles, watch for whales and dolphins, go sailing during sunset and explore the beauty of Maui. Holiday festivities include a Ma’alaea Christmas dinner cruise and a New Year’s Eve cocktail cruise.

Andaz West Hollywood — West Hollywood

Located on the famous Sunset Boulevard, the Andaz of West Hollywood is a great location to enjoy a warm winter. The city in the hills has great views and shops that are all in walking distance from the hotel. Some special features at the Andaz are the chic on-site dining, a beautiful rooftop area and the Guitar Hero experience.

Hotel Erwin — Venice

Hotel Erwin is decking the halls and trimming the trees with over-the-top festive offerings. Amidst the enchanting views of sea and sand, the property is partnering with a local florist on a holiday flower wall showcasing florals of greens, reds and whites. Additionally, High Rooftop will play host to a group of reindeer all season long, perched, looking out over all of Venice Beach

“12 Days of Venice” at High Rooftop. Starting December 12, guests are invited to cozy up to celebrate the season with 12 days of happy hour pairings. Sitting amidst a spirited sea of lights with dazzling views of the Pacific Ocean, guests can enjoy 12 seasonal pairings. These include the likes of baked brie served with house-made focaccia and jams paired with a white wine flight; warm red velvet crinkle cookies paired with a toasty hot toddy and luxurious lobster nachos paired with an Agua Magica mezcal tasting. Each special is only available for one day as part of the “12 Days of Venice,” available Dec. 12-23 at High Rooftop.
Santa Surprise: Santa Claus is treating guests to delightful oceanfront discounts when they book Hotel Erwin’s “A Surprise from Santa Package.” Guests who book their Venice Beach stay during the holiday weeks will receive a surprise discount ranging from 10% to 20% off their stay.

Luke Perez is an editorial intern at L.A. Parent and a student at Azusa Pacific University, where he serves as an editor for the school newspaper.

Traveling Over the Holidays? Here are 7 Tips for Easy Family Travel

Published November 22, 2022

By Margot Black

If you’re traveling this holiday season, here are some tips on how to get out of the house in one piece!

1. Start with a plan—but be flexible

No matter where you’re going or how you’re getting there, it’s always helpful to have an idea of what you’d like to do when you arrive. But remember, things rarely go according to plan — especially when kids are involved. So, build in some flexibility and be prepared to change your plans on the fly.

2. Keep everyone fed and hydrated

Hangry children are cranky children, so make sure everyone has had a good meal before embarking on your travels. It’s also a good idea to pack snacks and drinks for the journey, so no one gets too hungry or thirsty en route.

3. Pack wisely

When packing for your trip, consider what everyone will need and try to pack light. Keep in mind that you can usually buy anything you forget once you arrive at your destination. Whenever possible, choose accommodations that offer access to laundry machines. And don’t forget the essentials like passports and travel insurance.

4. Make the most of your time

If you only have a limited amount of time at your destination, make sure you make the most of it. Do some research beforehand and come up with a plan of action so you can hit all the highlights. And if possible, try to travel during off-peak times when attractions are less crowded.

5. Be prepared for anything

From missed flights to lost luggage, there’s a lot that can go wrong when traveling with family. It pays to be prepared for anything and everything. Make sure you have all the necessary contact information on hand in case of an emergency and consider getting travel insurance for peace of mind.

6. Slow down and enjoy the journey

It can be easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of travel but try to slow down and enjoy the journey. Take time to explore your surroundings, ask questions and just soak up the experience. After all, that’s what travel is all about!

7. Take photos early, document details

Make sure to document your travels. You’ll want to look back on these memories for years to come. Take photos, write down key details in a journal and save a few key mementos such as tickets stubs and postcards. When you get to a new location and feel fresh and fabulous, take a few great photos. You’ll be much happier snapping shots at the start of when you get everywhere rather the end of the day and end of trip when people start to look and feel a bit more exhausted.

Margot Black is a Los Angeles-based travel writer, mom and founder of Black Ink PR.

Last minute holiday getaway ideas in California for families

Published December 8, 2021

By Nina Harada

Little River Inn is located in scenic Mendocino County.

With so many great travel destinations in our golden state that are a road trip away, it’s not too late to book a holiday getaway. We’ve highlighted some family-friendly destinations that will get you in a festive mood.

Carlsbad

Closer to L.A. than San Diego, but with the same, beautiful ocean views and laid-back vibe, Carlsbad can be a great last-minute family getaway for the holidays.

The Sheraton Carlsbad Resort & Spa is hosting Fireside Stories with Santa Dec. 9 and 16 at 6:30 p.m. Hotel guests and locals can cozy up in their PJs and sit next to the two fire pits for holiday stories from Santa himself. Grab a s’mores kit and some hot cocoa to complete the experience. Parents looking for some extra holiday cheer can choose the alcohol-infused s’mores and spiked hot cocoa.

Enjoy holiday stories from Santa Claus at The Sheraton Carlsbad Resort & Spa.

For a special holiday dinner with the family, visit the Omni La Costa Resort & Spa on Dec. 8, 15 or 22. Holiday Series with Santa at Bob’s Steak & Chop inside the hotel will feature socially distanced, personalized visits with Santa as well as other surprises throughout the evening.

Let Beach Genie set up a beachside picnic and bonfire.

From Nov. 29 through Dec. 27 marvel at the whimsical Christmas display and gingerbread village at Park Hyatt Aviara. Sign up for the Gingerbread Classes to learn how to create your own gingerbread house from the resort’s expert pastry team. The hotel will also host a Teddy Bear Tea, where each child is asked to bring a teddy bear to be donated to the Ronald McDonald House,and High Tea at the Park, a high tea service featuring holiday themed items.

If you’re looking for a very California holiday experience, Beach Genie’s beachside picnics and bonfires is offering frosty s’mores and a visit from Santa with their luxury beach set up. The Beach Genie set up includes up to six chairs, a fire ring, table with tablecloth for the s’mores fixings, a cooler with non-alcoholic beverages, a paddle ball set and frisbee for up to two hours.

Half Moon Bay

Located about 30 miles south of San Francisco is the coastal city of Half Moon Bay. The Half moon Bay Coastside, a rural seaside community between the Santa Cruz Mountains and Pacific Ocean, is hosting holiday festivities from shopping to dining and more.

The 22^nd annual Night of Lights features weekly Friday night festivities like a holiday market along Main St. on Dec. 10 and caroling and live music on Dec. 17.

Support local artisans and get your holiday shopping done at the Holiday Boutique at La Piazza Dec. 18-19. The two-day event will feature jewelry, clothing, original art and more.

Half Moon Bay is lit up for the holidays. PHOTO BY KEVIN HENNEY

If you’re visiting, you might not need to purchase a tree, but Half Moon Bay’s famous Christmas Tree farms are worth a trip, nonetheless. Watch families cut down their own Christmas tree at Santa’s Tree Farm. Stop by on the weekend to browse festive decorations at the Sleigh Bells Gift Shop and catch a ride on the Santa Express.

Catch “The Santaland Diaries” by David Sedaris at the Coastal Repertory Theatre, weekends through Dec. 19. Recommended for ages 16 and up. $24-$32. Get crafty and create your own hand-blown ornament at Half Moon Bay Art Glass. $45 for adults; $40 for ages 12 and under. Grab some holiday treats like Stollen, gingerbread house kits and freshly baked Panetone bread at Moonside Bakery and Café.

Mendocino

About 150 miles north of San Francisco lies the stunning coastal community of Mendocino. Featuring seaside villages, sweet Bed & Breakfasts, beaches, wine tasting and more, the Mendocino coast makes a great addition to your family vacation if you already find yourself in NorCal for the holidays.

Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens hosts the annual Festival of Lights from Nov. 26 to Dec. 18. Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights the gardens transform into a glittering oasis with thousands of twinkling lights, a color-changing chameleon, a brilliant white rhino and more. $10 for adults; free for ages 16 and under.

Festival of Lights runs through Dec. 18 at Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens.

Enjoy ocean views at The Little River Inn in Mendocino.

Family-owned and operated historic resort, The Little River Inn, which features a chef-driven restaurant, a nine-hole golf course, tennis courts and ocean views, is offering winter deals like 25% off any room between now and Christmas with code “winter21.” The family-friendly and pet-friendly resort’s Festival of Lights Package for two includes two nights in an ocean view room, dinner for two at Little River Inn restaurant, admission for two to the Festival of Lights and breakfast for two delivered to the room, available through Dec. 19 with code “lights.” Leave the kids with the in-laws and enjoy a little couple’s getaway with The Wellness Package, which includes a two-night stay in an Ocean View Room, a 90-minute seaweed body scrub and massage for two, admission to the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens and more, available for the month of January.

For more winter travel ideas, check out our guide to Festive NorCal Towns to Visit this Winter.

Festive NorCal Towns to Visit this Winter: Napa, Healdsburg, Lake Tahoe and Redding

Published November 18, 2021

By Nina Harada

Healdsburg turns up the holiday charm. PHOTO BY WILL BUCQUOY

Angelinos know we have a lot of perks here in L.A., like year-round beautiful weather, the beach and desert and mountains at our fingertips and countless kid-friendly events right in the heart of the city. Another benefit is easy access to the rest of California. In a day’s drive you can travel all the way to the border of Oregon or Mexico. If you’re looking for a change of scenery this holiday season, how about a road trip to partake in seasonal merriments in Northern California where charming towns get into the holiday spirit. We’ve rounded up some festive NorCal towns offering family-friendly holiday happenings, for a little holiday travel inspiration.

Napa

The famous wine region is fun to visit year-round, but the largest town in Napa Valley, Napa, is also a perfect holiday destination.

The annual Tree Lighting Ceremony in Veterans Park kicks off Napa’s holiday season on Nov. 24 with free cookies and hot chocolate, performances from local youth dancers and the ceremonial lighting of the 20-foot-tall Christmas Tree. Downtown Napa’s annual Christmas Parade on Nov. 27 will feature decorated floats and pictures with Santa Claus. visitnapavalley.com

Meritage Resort and Spa in Napa hosts its outdoor ice skating rink Nov. 11- Jan. 2. PHOTO COURTESY MERITAGE RESORT & SPA

The Meritage Resort & Spa and Vista Collina Resort will host “Merry Meritage,” wine country’s Winter Village, featuring a holiday artisan market, Christmas tree and Napa Valley’s only holiday ice rink. The outdoor rink will be open from Nov. 11 to Jan. 2 at the Meritage Resort’s sister property, Vista Collina Resort, featuring theme nights and events like “Ugly Sweater Party” and “Holiday PJ Party,” carolers and Santa visits. Beer, wine and cocoa can be purchased from the on-site tasting rooms. $25 for all ages, includes skate rental. Families can also rent igloos, firepits or s’mores kits for pre- or post-skating fun. $175 for igloos (seating for 6), $225 for fire pits (seating for 8) and $175 for s’mores family fun (seating for 5 and a s’mores kit). meritagecollection.com

Healdsburg

When it comes to California wine country, Napa gets all the love. However, there are many other charming towns with award-winning restaurants, bed-and-breakfasts and, of course, wineries. Healdsburg, just 50 miles northwest of Napa, is host to more than 160 wineries, world-class dining and a historic central plaza.

Wine Country Walking Tours will host the “Holidays in Healdsburg” tour Nov. 26 – Dec. 30. This seasonal tradition going on 10-plus years takes guests to local wine tasting rooms, art galleries and hidden gems while experiencing the seasonal window displays, carolers and holiday lights. Choose between the four-hour day tour or the two-hour evening tour, which can be customized to be family friendly. Prices include all food and tasting fees. $79-$119. winecountrywalkingtours.com

Costeaux French Bakery will have holiday treats for sale during their Breakfast with Santa Program Dec. 4, 11 and 18. PHOTO COURTESY COSTEAUX FRENCH BAKERY

Have a Merry Healdsburg Weekend Dec. 3 – 5, which will kick off with the “Light Up the Plaza” event on Fri. Dec. 3. Healdsburg Plaza’s holiday tree and the popular Healdsburg Light Archway will be ceremoniously lit with lights and decorations. The Archway will feature an interactive component where the community can add inspirational messages. Families can take photos with Santa, grab a warm beverage from the hot chocolate truck, sing along to songs from “Frozen” and shop a selection of goods from local retailers at the plaza’s Holiday Sidewalk Market. Enjoy live music and holiday all weekend long. FREE. healdsburg.com

Children are invited to meet Santa Claus at Costeaux French Bakery Dec. 4, 11 and 18 during the Breakfast with Santa Program. Saturdays in December, except Christmas, from 9 – 11 a.m. Santa will be available for pictures, surrounded by the bakery’s famous nutcracker collection that showcases pieces from around the world. FREE costeaux.com

Lake Tahoe

If your family is looking for snow, then head to the mountains. Lake Tahoe is home to some of North America’s largest ski resorts and family-friendly resorts like the Ritz-Carlton and Resort at Squaw Creek.

The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe, nestled mid-mountain at Northstar California Resort, is hosting festive winter programming perfect for families looking for holiday experiences, gourmet dining and easy access to skiing as the only ski-in/ski-out destination in Lake Tahoe.

The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe, is hosting festive winter programming through the new year. PHOTO COURTESY RITZ-CARLTON, LAKE TAHOE

Enjoy views of the slopes from The Living Room, which will offer shareable dishes like cheese and chocolate fondue and creative seafood towers, and a daily dinner buffet curated just for the littles ones in the family. The rotating kids’ menu, which will feature kid favorite dishes, is $35 per child. Other food offerings include Texas-style BBQ from The Backyard Bar & Grill and soups and winter-inspired cocktails from the outdoor Airstream Bar.

Garden of Lights runs Nov. 19 – Dec. 31 in Redding, CA. PHOTO BY SETH MCGAHA

From Dec. 18 – Jan. 2 indulge in the hotel’s Holiday Days of Magic, featuring festive dinners, live entertainment and kid-friendly activities. The resort’s ballroom will have a Thanksgiving Day buffet from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Christmas Day buffet from 12 a.m. to 9 p.m., featuring harvested vegetable dishes and kids’ selections. $180 for adults, $50 for children. Mr. and Mrs. Claus will make special appearances and the resort will host gingerbread house-making activities for families, a Menorah Lighting ceremony and more. ritzcarlton.com

Embrace winter with ice skating sessions, snowshoe tours, sled races, snow fort and snowman building at the Resort at Squaw Creek. The ski-in/ski-out resort in North Lake Tahoe is also hosting a slew of holiday-themed activities through Jan. 1. Littles ones will love the life-size Gingerbread Village and cooking decorating classes while the whole family can enjoy family movie nights and holiday arts and crafts project. destinationhotels.com/squawcreek

Resort at Squaw Creek hosts daily ice skating sessions. PHOTO COURTESY RESORT AT SQUAW CREEK

Redding

If your family is feeling adventurous (because all those hours in a car together is part of the adventure, right?) try Redding, which is about a four hours’ drive from Lake Tahoe or San Francisco.

The Sheraton Redding Hotel at the Sundial Bridge, located on the banks of the Sacramento River, is hosting its second annual Redding Garden of Lights festival Nov. 19 – Dec. 31. The festival will take place at Turtle Bay’s McConnel Arboretum & Botanical Gardens, which features over 200 acres of native trees and plants, a one-mile walking trail, a children’s garden and a large seasonal pond. Designed by renowned light artist Tres Fromme, the Garden of Lights is one of the most festive light displays in the U.S. with over one million twinkling lights. Some highlights of the festival include the 30-foot wide illuminated igloo and snowy Polar Pathway, nearly 200 feet of immersive Light Tunnels and a Holiday Village, featuring family-friendly food and snacks. Visit any time between Dec. 4-24 for reindeer encounters. $14 – $24, free for ages 4 and under. reddinggardenoflights.org

Sundial Bridge at Turtle Bay. PHOTO BY SETH MCGAHA

The Sheraton Redding at Sundial Bridge is offering special overnight packages for holiday experiences like the Garden of Lights. The 2021 Redding Garden of Lights Package includes deluxe accommodations at the hotel and tickets for two adults to the festival. The hotel, which is located on the grounds of Turtle Bay Exploration Park, will feature festive amenities from holiday-themed drinks to s’mores by the fire. Package starts at $211 per night. marriott.com

Make it Cozy, SoCal

Published November 5, 2021

By Simone Quary

After a long year, the holidays bring us a chance to unwind and spend time with family and loved ones. We acknowledge what we are grateful for, while creating new memories to last a lifetime. In sunny SoCal, winter holidays are not always wintry, but that’s no reason not to create a cozy holiday season for your family. To get you into the mood, we’ve rounded up some family-friendly getaways, restaurants, cafes and interior decorating ideas to help you put the autumn in your fall.

Snow sledding at Snow Valley. PHOTO COURTESY SNOW MOUNTAIN VALLEY RESORT

Drive up to San Luis Obispo for a real autumn

If you are looking for a quick getaway just before the winter season, San Luis Obispo (SLO) offers the perfect opportunity to enjoy the fall season, complete with trees draped in those coveted fall-colored leaves. With majestic hiking trails, special fall celebrations across the city and wineries, you can create a bevy of fond autumn memories in SLO.

The Avila Family Barn is a local favorite that provides a family-friendly experience. Try tractor-drawn hayrides, friendly farm animals, homemade jams, baked goods and a pumpkin patch for the ultimate autumn experience. To glimpse stunning fall foliage and breathtaking views on the central coast, SLO also offers numerous hiking trails ranging in complexity. On Thursday evenings, bring the family to the Downtown SLO Farmer’s Market.

Head to Edna Valley to sip on the fine wines off California’s central coast or take in the range of breathtaking views along the SLO coast wine trail.

Decorate white pumpkins in white or gold or foliage to bring the winter holiday feel to mantels. PHOTO COURTESY JEFFREY FULGENCIO

Cozy up your home

Decorating your home for the holidays is a great way to bring the family together to create a festive mood. Sharing stories and honoring the memories and traditions of loved ones while decorating celebrates the holiday spirit. Renowned interior designer Jonathan Rachman provides some innovative, fresh tips on how to spruce up your home to create sophisticated yet festive looks for the holidays. The best part is that the little ones can help, too!

Decorate for fall before winter. For the autumn season, Rachman suggests shopping for pumpkins with the family and painting them to kick off the holidays. “You can grab pumpkins of different colors and paint them festive colors like white, green, silver and gold,” he says. “They can be used as transition decorations and be recycled throughout the rest of the holidays.”

Make it a family affair. Rachman suggests fun ways to get the family involved in decorating the house. “My husband is from Iowa, and I’m from Indonesia, so for the holidays I look for decorations and activities that highlight the diversity in our household,” he says. Rachman and his children like to decorate by displaying classic holiday books such as “A Christmas Carol.” If you have any holiday books, Rachman suggests scattering them around the home and adding LED lights around them to give a holiday feel. To make it interactive, encourage your children to pick out a book after dinner, cozy up with the family and read together.

Create foliage mixtures. “Mixing together different types of leaves and branches is a great addition for the home,” Rachman says. “Using fresh, natural plants makes your home smell great, and it’s also a more sustainable option than plastic.” Some of his favorites include aspen leaves, magnolia leaves and branches, olive branches and rosemary. If you have a fireplace, Rachman recommends lighting candles around the fireplace and scattering various leaves and branches around the candles. He also likes to incorporate fresh flowers and bulbs in the household. For the holiday season, purchase hyacinth, amaryllis and (his favorite) narcissus (also known as paper white) bulbs, a type of daffodil. If you like to garden or plant, you can let them naturally grow and have them ready in time for the holiday season. Otherwise, you can purchase them in bulk from your local flower shop.

Play with patterns, textiles and colors. “One of the easiest ways to spruce up your home: decorative pillows,” Rachman says. “Having seasonal throw pillows really makes your living space stand out.” He suggests looking for throw pillows with deep colors such as rich emeralds, blues, burgundies, as well as silver and gold. For patterned designs, choose everything from snowflakes to aspen trees. “Aspen wood trunks are beautiful and indicate the winter season without being too obvious,” he says. For textures, he recommends using velvet and cashmere blankets and throws. “If you can afford it, splurge on a good cashmere family blanket, and it will last for a long time.”

Create a wintry feel through the use of pillows, paintings and throws.

Head to Snow Valley for a winter adventure

Located in the San Bernardino Mountains, Snow Valley Mountain Resort offers a winter adventure close to home. Rated as Southern California’s No. 1 beginner-friendly resort (and No. 5 regionally) by Liftopia’s Best in Snow Awards, Snow Valley offers a variety of activities for people of all ages and experience.

If you have always wanted to learn how to ski or snowboard, Snow Valley provides lessons for children and adults. For families who wish to opt for sledding or play, the snow play area is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sleds are always included with Snow Valley’s lift tickets. Snow Valley offers night skiing on Fridays and Saturdays, and during peak holiday periods for those with more experience.

For information on pricing and events, visit the resort’s website or call 909-867-2751.

Indulge in warm, wintry treats

While you’re out shopping, don’t forget to support our local businesses and let them help you bring some sweet holiday cheer to your home.

One of my favorite seasonal treats is hot chocolate bombs. These decadent treats have not only taken over social media, they are a fun and easy way to get a delicious cup of hot chocolate without the mess and hassle. Place the chocolate bomb in a mug, pour hot water or milk over it and watch it melt to reveal hot cocoa mix and marshmallows. You can find them in your local grocery store or online. For handcrafted hot cocoa bombs, check out Half Baked Co. in Burbank. Vegan options are also offered. Orders require a 48-hour notice.

Savor lavender hot chocolate at Café Demitasse. PHOTO BY CAROLINE KORMAN / CAFÉ DEMITASSE

Located on the 3rd Street Promenade in Santa Monica, Café Demitasse is a fun, specialty coffee shop with creative and innovative drinks. Their most famous drink is the lavender hot chocolate. Owner and founder Bobby Roshan best describes the lavender hot chocolate as a thick sipping chocolate with a subtle hint of lavender. Cherry on top: It’s served with a toasted jumbo marshmallow.

If the mere mention of lavender hot chocolate leaves a frown on your child’s face, Café Demitasse also offers a hot chocolate that contains more milk (and no lavender) to appeal to a child’s palate. And there’s no need to fret: This classic version is also served with a jumbo toasted marshmallow. For the sophisticated littles, ask for what the owner calls a “babycino,” a steamed milk and cinnamon drink that aims to resemble a cappuccino but without the caffeine.

Also located on the promenade is Café Demitasse’s new sister café, Kindred Spirit, which opened this year. Kindred Spirit serves unique mocktails that both children and adults can enjoy. Order the kid-friendly Cloud Nine, a mocktail with edible glitter and topped with handspun cotton candy and sprinkles.

By the time you make your rounds crafting up cozy vibes for your family, everyone will be bubbly with holiday cheer.

Simone Quary is an L.A. Parent editorial intern. An L.A. native, she is a senior pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Communicative Sciences and Disorders at Hampton University.

Doc Talk: Keeping COVID at Bay During the Holidays

Published November 1, 2021

By Elena Epstein

Priya Soni, M.D., FAAP, assistant professor of pediatric infectious diseases at Cedars-Sinai.

The holiday season is typically hectic for families with young kids, and this year we continue to have the added stress of parenting during a pandemic. With the Delta variant and other COVID variants clouding over our holiday cheer, we spoke with Priya Soni, M.D., assistant professor of pediatric infectious diseases at Cedars-Sinai, about ways we can try to keep our families safe as we celebrate the holidays.

What advice do you have for parents during this hectic time?

The No. 1 thing that parents and families can do to prepare for the upcoming holidays is to get vaccinated against COVID-19. This remains the No. 1 way to prevent transmission and to prevent older, more vulnerable immunocompromised grandparents from getting sick while we interact with one another.

In addition, families could consider obtaining rapid COVID-19 test kits (readily available over the counter via local pharmacies) to provide an additional layer of protection for all persons gathering. Best would be to take the test early in the morning and to isolate any family members right away as to avoid a cluster of cases amongst members of the family. We are lucky we live in L.A. and have the flexibility to keep some events and meals outdoors during the holidays, as our temperatures allow for this. I would suggest keeping some activities outdoors, if possible.

Lastly, always keep surgical masks handy. When interacting closely with or hugging elderly grandparents, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to just wear a face mask for an added layer of protection.

What should parents know about traveling during the holidays?

Traveling during the holidays will always be a bit riskier than in other parts of the year given the sheer number of people from different parts of the country coming together during the travel process. My hope is that cases continue to decline, as they have been predicted to by many public health experts and virus modeling platforms. However, we should expect there to be a potential rise in cases during Thanksgiving or Christmas as people travel more and more during these times.

At this point in the pandemic, many are feeling that mask wearing is cumbersome and may be relaxing on their hygiene efforts. Adding an extra layer of protection by mandating vaccinations prior to travel may be an upcoming theme to watch for. At press time, at all ages, we only have 58% of our country vaccinated. The future of the pandemic and potential surges during the holidays depends on this number improving significantly.

Holiday shopping—what should we know? Should we take the kids to visit Santa? What’s relatively safe and what should we stay away from?

Much of the guidance on holiday shopping is still up in the air as we continue to navigate potential surges that may come. However, thankfully, so much of holiday shopping has shifted to online that we have a good alternative to risking exposures, if we need to. Each family’s propensity to exposing themselves to risk during these activities should be assessed on an individual level. If you’re immunocompromised, depending on local transmission rates, it may be wise to just stick to online shopping, if it means avoiding potential infection and being able to actually spend time with family.

The mental toll of parenting in a pandemic has been a lot for families. What advice do you have for parents to calm their own anxiety, as well as their kids’?

The mental toll of the pandemic has been enormous for families, especially those with young children who are anxiously awaiting a potential approval of the COVID-19 vaccine in the 5- to 11-year-old age group. Many are weighing the pros and cons of traveling without protection in children under 5 years old during the holidays, as the rollout for vaccines in this group is still very unpredictable.

The best advice I can give to parents struggling with the anxiety of this time in our life is to remember that our children are extremely resilient. If there’s one thing that I have learned through being a pediatrician and seeing kids combat and overcome infection after infection is that they are extremely resilient. This applies, in my opinion, not just toward physical ailments and infections, but with many of the changes that were thrown at them during this time. These tiny humans are some of our best teachers and remind me daily how essential adapting to change is necessary for our thriving. Many children will not remember the days of the early pandemic, and many have adapted to a new way of doing things for now.

We must all remember where we started and where we are now in the pandemic. We are not only seeing the light at the end of the tunnel in all this, but we are taking the lessons we learned during the dark periods and using this to adapt for the future. And that alone should be something to celebrate.