Seasonal stay guide
The holidays in Los Angeles, under one roof.
For Thanksgiving, Christmas or New Year's in Los Angeles, Vista Villa is a 4-bedroom vacation rental in Sherman Oaks that sleeps up to 10 including children, with a kitchen set up for cooking for ten, two living rooms, three gas fireplaces and a fire table on the view deck. The pool isn't heated, so winter stays are about the fireplaces, the rooftop gazebo's heaters and the Valley views.
Updated September 2026
Late November
Thanksgiving for ten.
- Double wall ovens, a cooktop, a full spice rack and pantry staples, and cookware and tableware for ten.
- A dining table for eight (ten with extra chairs), a glass breakfast nook for four and outdoor dining for ten on warm afternoons.
- Groceries nearby: Pavilions is the closest and walkable, Whole Foods Market and Gelson's are close, and Trader Joe's is about 5 minutes by car. Ask Tim about a grocery pre-stock before you arrive, at your cost.
December
Christmas week, by the fire.
- Three gas fireplaces around the house, including one in the family room with the velvet sectional and board games; the 75″ TV, PS5 and Xbox Series X are in the other living room.
- The rooftop gazebo has curtains and two heaters, and the gas fire table on the view deck is the spot after dark.
- The pool is not heated, and there's no hot tub: it's cool in the winter months, so plan on the fireplaces rather than a swim.
- Universal Studios Hollywood is about 10 minutes away; check its official site for its holiday season and dates.
New Year's week
New Year's & the Rose Parade.
When is the 2027 Rose Parade? The 138th Rose Parade is on Friday, January 1, 2027, from 8 to 10 AM along Colorado Boulevard in Pasadena. Floatfest, the post-parade float showcase, runs January 1 to 3. Tournament of Roses (opens in a new tab)
How far is Pasadena? Pasadena is about 25 to 30 minutes from the house without traffic. On New Year's morning, road closures and crowds make it much longer: the parade route closes to cars from 10 PM on December 31, so leave very early or use a rideshare drop-off away from the route.
The Rose Bowl Game. The Rose Bowl Game is also played in Pasadena around New Year's Day; check the official Rose Bowl Game site for the date and kickoff. Rose Bowl Game (opens in a new tab)
New Year's Eve at the house. No parties or events, including on New Year's Eve (City of Los Angeles rule). Quiet hours are 10 PM to 7 AM, and local family or friends joining you for a holiday dinner must be approved by Tim in advance, with no more than 10 people staying overnight. House rules
Planning a holiday stay.
- Holiday weeks book early; choose your dates in the calendar to see what's open.
- Check-in is 4 PM and checkout 11 AM. An earlier arrival depends on the cleaning schedule, so ask Tim when you book.
- Flying in for the holidays? Burbank Airport (BUR) is about 15 to 20 minutes away; LAX is about 40 minutes, and an hour or more at rush hour.
The Tournament of Roses, the Rose Bowl Game and Universal Studios Hollywood are not affiliated with Vista Villa. Dates, times and road closures can change; check each official site before you plan.