How To: Have a Dazzling Christmas in LA

Do you ever wonder how people in warm and sunshiney LA celebrate the holidays? With diamond snow and lots of sparkle, natch! At least that’s how Beverly Hills celebrates the holiday season. Swarovski recently invited a handful of bloggers to help kick off the holiday lighting festivities in Beverly Hills, so I thought I’d share a few photos with those of you who might be curious about how in the world it can feel Christmas-y when it’s 72 degrees outside — or for my fellow Angels who could use a little holiday inspiration…

First, surround yourself with people you love (I felt so lucky to have a glittering night out with some of my best girlfriends and blogger pals, Kelsi, Gina, Sydne and Kristen).

A good drink doesn’t hurt either! We gathered on the rooftop of the Luxe Hotel on Rodeo, where we toasted the season while taking in the gorgeous views. We were also treated to some delicious nibbles by the hotel’s head chef (did somebody say free crab cakes?).

Next, we were led on a tour of Rodeo Drive, which had been decked out in dazzling Swarovski crystals. Then, we watched Jessica Alba kick off the holiday lighting ceremony. (How cute is she in her Audrey-esque dress?)

You can tweet your holiday wishes to be displayed on the Swarovski-adorned double-helix sculpture that sits smack dab in the middle of Rodeo Drive! Just use hashtag #letitsparkle (would be fun to send a love note, wouldn’t it?)! More info here.

Then, we shimmied down the block to see the Rodeo Drive Christmas tree. It really is a beautiful sight to see. It was a surprisingly cool night, so I was glad I brought along my faux fur coat (c/o of Fabulous Furs) to keep me (and my scalloped shorts and tights) warm.

We had fun playing with Swarovski’s new (free) app, GoldRun, in which one addictive feature lets you take photos of yourself being showered with diamond snow (my fave kind).

Then we headed over to the party at the Beverly Wilshire, where there was — surprise! — a red carpet and a swarm of paparazzi. This is LA, after all.  As Jessica was being interviewed by reporters galore…

We took our turns on the red carpet! Silly blogger, red carpets are for famous people (or at least Real Housewives).

Once inside The BLVD, we enjoyed bedazzled cupcakes, tini martinis, and miniature ahi tuna tacos. Even though it was skipping distance from our old place, I had never been to the Beverly Wilshire and only knew it from Pretty Woman, yeah yeah yeah.

The lobby was dreamily decked out in pinks, reds and whites for the holidays. I’d highly recommend popping by to take it in!

Just when I thought it couldn’t get any better, Santa and his reindeer soared over Beverly Hills! Would you expect anything less from the city with stars in its midst and in its eyes?

 If you’re in LA for Christmas and the holidays, and are in search of festive things to do, a day spent wandering the dazzling streets of Beverly Hills is hard to beat.

Now, I’d love to know: What are your favorite things to do in LA to celebrate the holiday season?

p.s. Happy Hanukkah!

 [Photos by kellygolightly]