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Ice at Santa Monica Returns for the Holidays

11.04.25

Downtown Santa Monica, Inc. has announced the return of Ice at Santa Monica presented by Disney+ and Hulu, the city’s beloved holiday tradition now in its 17th season. From November 7, 2025, through January 19, 2026, the seasonal rink at 1324 5th Street will transform Downtown Santa Monica into a festive winter destination by the beach. Families and friends can lace up their skates and create lasting holiday memories.

The Grand Opening Celebration takes place Friday, November 7, from 6 to 10 p.m. Guests can enjoy free ice skating on a first-come, first-served basis, a live DJ, on-ice performances, giveaways and a magical snow surprise.

Admission is $22 for a 60-minute session, including skate rental. The rink will be open daily from 12 to 10 p.m. through January 19. Throughout the season, visitors can enjoy rink-side fire pits, rent private party tents and join themed events, including:

• Taylor Swift Birthday Celebration on Friday, December 13 during 7:30 and 9 p.m. sessions
• New Year’s Eve East Coast Countdown on Tuesday, December 31 from 7:30 to 10 p.m.
• Disney+ and Hulu Themed Nights every Tuesday, featuring rotating programming inspired by fan favorites such as Home Alone and Die Hard
• Classical Sundays presented by KUSC at 12 and 1:30 p.m. sessions

With the Disney+ and Hulu Bundle, guests can keep the holiday spirit going at home with seasonal favorites including Home Alone, The Santa Clause, Die Hard and The Polar Express (arriving Nov. 20), along with new premieres such as A Very Jonas Christmas Movie (Nov. 14) and season two of Percy Jackson and the Olympians (Dec. 10).

For more information, visit iceatsantamonica.com

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North Italia Debuts Seasonal Fall + Winter Menu in Irvine and Beyond

11.02.25

North Italia has launched its new Fall and Winter menu at all locations nationwide, including its Orange County restaurant in Irvine where we dined this week. The seasonal update brings back fan favorites, introduces new chef-driven dishes, and adds fall twists across brunch, lunch and dinner.

New seasonal highlights include the Italian Short Rib Lumache with grana padano crema and horseradish gremolata, the Sunday Night Lasagna with braised short rib and Italian sausage, and the Prime New York Steak Tagliata served with wild arugula and shaved grana padano. Brunch brings a refreshed Morning Market Board featuring a caramelized onion frittata, burrata, shaved asparagus and arugula salad, and heirloom cherry tomatoes.

Seasonal additions join year-round favorites like White Truffle Garlic Bread and Crispy Eggplant Parmesan, handmade pizzas including Hot Honey and Smoked Prosciutto or Funghi, fresh salads like Tuscan Kale with crispy pancetta and charred grape, and house-made pastas such as Spicy Rigatoni Vodka and Bolognese. Dessert brings back the Salted Caramel Budino with espresso fudge, banana and toasted pecan toffee.

Cerritos and Topanga locations will exclusively offer house-made focaccia with wild oregano, rosemary, sea salt and aged balsamic.

Select locations including Cerritos and Torrance will also debut the new Mini Bar, a tasting-style program offering 2- to 3-ounce pours of curated cocktails such as the Paradio with tequila, hazelnut, coconut and strawberry. Zero-proof options join the menu as well, including Faux Me Twice with nonalcoholic sauvignon blanc, strawberry, pineapple and smashed citrus.

At every North Italia, the team is dedicated to delivering handcrafted Italian favorites made from scratch daily, from fresh pasta and pizza dough to seasonal boards and entrées. Guests can enjoy brunch, lunch, happy hour, dinner and dessert.

Brunch
Saturday – Sunday | 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Lunch
Monday – Friday | 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Dinner
Sunday – Thursday | 4 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Friday – Saturday | 4 p.m. – 11 p.m.

Happy Hour
Monday – Thursday | 3 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Happy Hour offered in the bar where applicable.

North Italia Irvine is located 2957 Michelson Drive. For reservations, call (949) 629-7060.

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