It’s Christmas Day and you still have a million errands to do before sitting down to a family meal or kicking back with friends. Maybe you’re rushing to catch that last-minute flight home for the holidays or cramming multiple gatherings into one merry day. We’re also halfway through the eight days of Chanukkah, so menorah lightings are happening nightly and families are gathering for singing, gift-giving, and feasting. Whether you’re looking for a last-minute gift, wondering what to bring to that holiday party, or trying to whip up a spontaneous feast, below is a resource guide to help you through this last week of winter holidays. Many retailers and food service providers are dark on December 25, but we found a few in Santa Monica that are open for business Christmas Day.
The Gap
1355 Third Street Promenade
310.393.0719
Open Christmas Day, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
A best bet for trendy clothing items and accessories, such as scarves, gloves and hats.
Whole Foods Market
*Wilshire Boulevard and 23rd Street
310.315.3662
Open Christmas Day, 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Get fresh flowers, chocolates, wine and a bevy of special hand lotions and cosmetics here. You can also get all the fixings for a Christmas Day feast, including prepared meals that only require heating.
*Note: The Whole Foods located at 500 Wilshire
Boulevard will be CLOSED Christmas Day.
Starbucks
3020 Lincoln Boulevard
310.392.0134
Open Christmas Day, 6:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Grab a gift card, a coffeemaker, a variety of mugs and an assortment of baked goodies at this coffee lover’s hot spot. Note: Several Starbucks locations in Santa Monica are CLOSED on Christmas Day.
7 Eleven
630 Wilshire Boulevard
310.393.7330
Though the gift pickings are slim at 7 Eleven, the trusty chain store is always there in a pinch. Grab a magazine, some cocktail nuts for that spur-of-the-moment party, or a holiday card.
Izzy’s Deli
1433 Wilshire Boulevard
310.394.1131
Open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, year-round, including Christmas Day. This local haunt is the perfect place to for a casual Christmas or Chanukkah meal. Known for their matzah ball soup and marinated herring, the kosher crowd won’t be disappointed here. Mile-high sandwiches and pizza are also menu mainstays.
Pacific Dining Car
2700 Wilshire Boulevard
310.453.4000
Open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, year-round, including Christmas Day. Open Christmas Day, Pacific Dining Car offers a special, sit-down dinner for the occasion. You can get the dinner all day long, but a reservation is recommended.
Don’t forget that gas stations often stay open Christmas Day and many of them sell lottery tickets and gift cards, both perfect last-minute offerings in this shaky economy.
