Holy pecan pie! Leaping latkes! It’s hard to believe that Malibu Thanksgiving dinner is over, Hanukah is underway, we have survived devastating fires—now we’re mopping, rebuilding and recovering from sheer chaos. It’s been a heck of ride, so here are a few easy ideas to get holiday happy and put all your cares away, if only for a spell.
First place with a festive program for kids of all ages is Pepperdine. You’ll find glittering dancing and song, plus sparkly ornaments all a-glow.
In Topanga, it’s time for the longtime tradition of the “Nutcracker.” Generations of kids—including mine—grew up making their way up the Christmas classic ballet’s ranks.
If you are willing to go a few minutes farther afield, check out Malibu resident Rick Caruso’s impressive new project in the Pacific Palisades. It’s called “The Village” and it’s a mini “mini” mall. It’s beautifully executed with great restaurants filled with thousands of chic floral arrangements. There are one-of-a-kind togs, dogs are welcome… Oh, and did I say movie theaters? Yup, there’s one of those, too—especially convenient because our local cineplex was torn down to make way for Fred Segal.
This revival of the posh Bay Theater is like a super-deluxe private plane: lots of legroom, full bar and superior food served discretely at your seat. (Seen sampled a gourmet Kobe beef burger with caramelized onions, bacon and white truffle fries.) That beats Raisinets any day of the year.
To get in the spirit, there is a dazzling 50-foot Christmas tree, huge garlands and 40-foot wreaths with red velvet bows, plus Santa’s village with all the trimmings.
The super size maximall king now receives accolades for an intimate, relaxing small shopping destination that is a true asset to the community.
Just down the road, you’ll find the Geffen Theater, which is unveiling its 2018-19 season. There’s nothing nicer than sipping a cool ice tea on its historic patio before heading for Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol.” The production is followed by “Hughie and Krapp’s Last Tape” and “Lights Out: Nat King Cole.”
And if you want to follow Santa along with procession, head to Disney Concert Hall.
There are plenty of favorite holiday classics. One of the first is the popular “A Chanticleer Christmas.” Then, on Dec. 20, you can take in one of Seen’s favorite acts, local Herb Alpert and vocalist wife Lani Hall, plus the great jazzy sound of Manhattan Transfer. They will all put the cool in Yule.