Ten Los Angeles bars confirmed open on December 25 — the rooms editors actually go to when the family lunch is over.
Christmas Day is the hardest reservation in the bar calendar. Most of Los Angeles closes; the rooms that stay open are the ones run by people who do not have anywhere else to be. Our editors spent three Decembers calling managers to confirm hours, double-checking on December 24, and crossing off every venue that uses 'open' loosely. These are the ten Los Angeles bars our editors trust to be pouring on Christmas Day.
Where the editors drink on Christmas Day in Los Angeles
The first six picks below are the editors' default — the rooms we send a friend to first when they ask. Each is followed by a recommendation we have ordered ourselves at least three times. Click any bar name to read the full review, signature drink notes, neighbourhood guide and how to book.
Bar Henry (in Frogtown) the henry's old fashioned is on the menu year-round for a reason, and the bartenders pour with intent. the kitchen runs a short Christmas Day menu and the cocktail list rotates a Christmas pour onto the menu from late November. Editors' rating in our database: 4.7 of 5.
At Tiki-Ti in Silver Lake, the ray's mistake arrives in a coupe and the bar staff move at the right pace. the room turns down the lights and turns up the warmth on Christmas afternoon — quiet, cosy, no theatre. Editors' rating in our database: 4.7 of 5.
At The Varnish in Downtown LA, the old fashioned arrives in a coupe and the bar staff move at the right pace. the room turns down the lights and turns up the warmth on Christmas afternoon — quiet, cosy, no theatre. Editors' rating in our database: 4.7 of 5.
In Highland Park, Good Housekeeping the room is what it should be — quiet without being precious, busy without being a queue. the December 25 hours are confirmed and the staff who work the day genuinely want to be there. Editors' rating in our database: 4.7 of 5.
At The Tasting Kitchen in Venice, the door is unmarked enough to feel discovered and known enough to be reliable. the room turns down the lights and turns up the warmth on Christmas afternoon — quiet, cosy, no theatre. Editors' rating in our database: 4.6 of 5.
In Mid-City, Here & Now the here & now sour is on the menu year-round for a reason, and the bartenders pour with intent. the room turns down the lights and turns up the warmth on Christmas afternoon — quiet, cosy, no theatre. Editors' rating in our database: 4.6 of 5.
Order: Here & Now Sour
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These last four are the editors' deeper-cut picks. Smaller rooms, more specific energy. If the first six feel obvious to you — meaning you have already been — start here.
In Hollywood, The Spare Room the door is unmarked enough to feel discovered and known enough to be reliable. the room turns down the lights and turns up the warmth on Christmas afternoon — quiet, cosy, no theatre. Editors' rating in our database: 4.6 of 5.
Tonga Hut (in North Hollywood) the mai tai is on the menu year-round for a reason, and the bartenders pour with intent. the December 25 hours are confirmed and the staff who work the day genuinely want to be there. Editors' rating in our database: 4.6 of 5.
At Everson Royce Bar in Arts District, the door is unmarked enough to feel discovered and known enough to be reliable. the room turns down the lights and turns up the warmth on Christmas afternoon — quiet, cosy, no theatre. Editors' rating in our database: 4.6 of 5.
In Historic Filipinotown, Thunderbolt the door is unmarked enough to feel discovered and known enough to be reliable. the kitchen runs a short Christmas Day menu and the cocktail list rotates a Christmas pour onto the menu from late November. Editors' rating in our database: 4.6 of 5.
Order: Thunderbolt Daiquiri
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Three Christmas Day rules. Call the day before to reconfirm — even venues with published hours sometimes close last-minute. Tip cash, the staff are giving up their own day. And book the early slot, not the late one — the kitchen usually closes by 9pm even at venues that say they are open until midnight.
Other seasonal Los Angeles guidesFrom New Year's Eve to Halloween - every annual Los Angeles occasion our editors cover, cross-linked.
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