Ditch generic hotel ballrooms this December. Downtown Los Angeles offers an unmatched, dramatic backdrop for corporate galas and private celebrations inside restored venues.
Discover three iconic DTLA landmarks offering full party buyouts for an unforgettable, highly cinematic holiday event this festive season.
The Reserve
Descend into the subterranean depths of 1924 Los Angeles at The Reserve, an expansive, multiroom event space built directly into the original vault of the Hellman Commercial Trust and Savings Bank. Located at 650 South Spring Street, this architectural marvel offers one of the most distinctive holiday party backdrops in DTLA. The space is accessed by walking past a massive, multi-ton steel vault door, immediately immersing guests in a clandestine, Prohibition-era atmosphere. Inside, the venue preserves the original safety deposit boxes and exposed brickwork, seamlessly blending historic financial infrastructure with modern nightlife aesthetics.
“The modern-day Reserve continues the tradition of excellence and sophistication by giving old-school elegance a new-school flair,” it says on its website. “From our unique location, to our handcrafted cocktails, to our alluring ambiance, we are pleased to offer a range of luxuries in an intimate setting for your every need.”
For holiday party buyouts, The Reserve accommodates up to 700 guests across its sprawling footprint, but its clever layout of six distinct rooms makes it highly adaptable for massive corporate blowouts or intimate departmental gatherings. Planners can utilize various subterranean spaces — like the main dance floor, private lounges, and hidden nooks — to create progressive cocktail experiences. The venue is fully equipped with state-of-the-art audiovisual capabilities, customizable LED lighting and multiple fully stocked bars.
“Event space is one of the most important investments you will ever make if you are planning to host any kind of event in Los Angeles, whether it is a venue for parties or corporate events,” the business’ website said. “It is essential that you choose the right place for your event so that it can be successful and memorable for all your guests. The Reserve (makes) it easier for the guests to mingle with each other and make new friends. This is because it provides a comfortable and safe environment for everyone to enjoy themselves without worrying about anything.”
650 S. Spring Street, thelareserve.com
The Majestic Downtown
If your guest list is extensive and your vision is nothing short of opulent, The Majestic Downtown offers an unrivaled canvas of Beaux-Arts brilliance. Situated on the upper levels of the same 1924 financial landmark that houses The Reserve, this breathtaking 30,000-square-foot space exudes Gilded Age prosperity. The venue is characterized by its jaw-dropping 30-foot hand-painted Italian ceilings, towering marble columns, and massive arched windows that allow the city’s twinkling skyline to serve as a natural backdrop. Original brass teller fixtures and intricately detailed stonework remind guests of the building’s prosperous banking history.
“With three very different venue spaces within our building, we can accommodate large expos, video gaming events, weddings, corporate functions, galas, A-List red carpet events, private parties and more,” its website said.
The Majestic is tailor-made for massive corporate holiday galas, accommodating a staggering 3,000 guests for standing receptions or providing ample space for lavish, large-scale seated banquets.
Despite its cavernous size, the venue can be creatively partitioned to accommodate dedicated VIP lounges, expansive dance floors, and elaborate culinary stations. The towering ceilings provide the perfect framework for dramatic holiday installations — think massive, suspended winter chandeliers, towering 20-foot Christmas trees and extensive aerial lighting rigs.
With its open floor plan and rich historical pedigree, The Majestic allows event designers to build a bespoke winter wonderland from the ground up, blending historic Los Angeles architecture with cutting-edge event production capabilities.
650 S. Spring Street, themajesticdowntown.com
The Orpheum Theatre
Bringing Broadway glamour to your end-of-year festivities, The Orpheum Theatre is a dazzling testament to DTLA’s golden age of entertainment.
Opened in 1926, this Beaux-Arts landmark is dripping with ornate details, featuring a magnificent marble foyer, sweeping staircases, plush drapery and glittering crystal chandeliers that provide built-in holiday sparkle.
The auditorium itself is a visual feast, boasting intricate plasterwork, elegant side boxes, and the last remaining operational Mighty Wurlitzer pipe organ on Broadway, which can add an unexpected and historic musical touch to any festive gathering.
“As the Orpheum enters its centennial year, the venue offers a rare combination of historic Broadway character, modern production capability, and downtown Los Angeles convenience,” its website said. “The theatre is home to the Mighty Wurlitzer, the last great theatre organ on Broadway and features a 24-speaker Dolby Surround Sound system, a 30’ deep by 50’ wide stage with full rigging and an 8-foot extension, more than 1,200 parking spaces within one block and convenient access to the Convention Center, major hotels, and three major freeways.”
Holiday party buyout options at The Orpheum are remarkably versatile, accommodating just under 2,000 guests in the main auditorium or offering a more intimate setting for up to 270 guests in the exclusive Orpheum Club lounge. Corporate planners often utilize the grand lobby for elegant champagne receptions and passed hors d’oeuvres before transitioning guests into the main theater for a private film screening, a company awards ceremony, or a live musical performance on the legendary stage.
The venue’s historic marquee can be customized to welcome employees and guests with personalized holiday greetings, creating an immediate VIP experience upon arrival. For organizations looking to combine classic Hollywood elegance with top-tier production values, The Orpheum delivers a sophisticated, red-carpet atmosphere.
842 S. Broadway, laorpheum.com