There’s a Christmas-themed bar just-opened in Playa Vista called the “Holiday Party” that runs right up till 2020 (including an NYE bash). It’s a welcome addition to the Runway area which is otherwise missing a pinch of nightlife and stuck with empty storefronts during a disruptive renovation to update an already quite new facility. A smart team partnered with Playa Vista to supercharge a giant vacant space into an all-winter holiday shindig with a cozy vibe and an excellent drink selection.
Where is it — Location, Address and Parking
It’s the former site of 800 Degrees Pizza, a massive corner space between Runway Rd and Millennium Drive with a giant patio. Navigating here could give you trouble with no official address (it’s just “Suite 135” in an alley connecting Runway and Millennium) but this dropped pin will get you there.
Parking is available in the Runway structure on the north side, accessible via Jefferson Blvd. and Village Dr. The pop up validates parking for free.
Hours & When It’s Open
The hours are also quite liberal for Playa Vista where most bars close by 11pm or earlier.
It’s closed Monday and Christmas Day and the whole thing wraps up on December 31, 2019.
- TUESDAY – 5pm to midnight
- WEDNESDAY – 5pm to midnight
- THURSDAY – 5pm to 1AM
- FRIDAY – 5pm to 1AM
- SATURDAY – 5pm to 1AM
- SUNDAY (with Santa Claus) – 12PM to 11PM
What’s the scene?
It’s a surprisingly younger crowd most nights, attracting a lot of the employees at nearby offices and students interested in the novelty. On Sundays, of course, families come out in full force because Santa makes an appearance.
The decor is slightly silly but most definitely warm, eyepopping and spirited. There are plaid-covered tables and heaps of Christmas lights surrounding phony fireplaces and fake Christmas trees. The bar is Tiki-themed with a “Christmas in Hawaii” type vibe including a custom tiki menu to boot. Wrapped presents, Christmas lights and ornaments hang from the ceiling. And a nonstop playlist of holiday tunes are jingling.
Events and Activities
- Sundays with Santa – Santa Claus makes an appearance for families on Sunday from noon to 11pm.
- NYE Party with Brella – On New Year’s Eve there’s a $195 package with Brella that covers childcare from 7pm-10pm and a bottle of champagne.
Food and drink menu
The team designed a custom tiki menu for the pop up including things like a tiki nog, a tiki toddy and a “merry mule.” There are several draft beers from Boomtown and Stone plus seasonal bottles, cans and even White Claws. There are also wines on tap and by the glass, non-alcoholic drinks (hot cider but no hot chocolate) and a huge spirit selection.
Food from Da Kikokiko includes their signature poke bowls plus warm rice/grain bowls and snacks. It’s all made down the street and delivered to the pop up.
You order at a counter, there’s no table service. Very casual.
How Playa Vista made this happen
The pop up bar was the brainchild of the people who run Playa Provisions down the street. They already run a retail store in the Runway and because they have a catering license, they were easily able to outfit the location with infrastructure and had the licensing necessary to serve food and alcohol.
Also a Runway local business, Da Kikokiko, is providing poke bowls and other food.