Making merry on Christmas Eve

So you didn’t make it out of town for the holidays this year, and the family didn’t come to you, either; this is your golden opportunity to take advantage of that grandest of traditions, the Christmas Eve drink. Just about everything except bars will be closed, but you’ll find plenty of company there, making merry, maybe even caroling. At the very least, you can give yourself the present of a good stiff drink.

The Tap Room at the Langham Huntington

Just because you’re drinking alone on Christmas Eve doesn’t mean you can’t do it with class. At the brand new Tap Room at the opulent Langham Hotel in Pasadena, indulge in a bevy of craft beers as well as upscale bar food such as Kobe beef sliders. 1401 S. Oak Knoll Ave., Pasadena, (626) 568-3900.

The Dresden Restaurant

An L.A. institution, the Dresden’s dark lounge is a throwback to the halcyon days of Hollywood — or at least the ‘90s, when “Swingers” was shot there. The musical stylings of Marty and Elaine make those drinks taste so good. 1760 N. Vermont Ave., Los Feliz, (323) 665-4294

The Otherroom

For Westsiders looking to pass the holiday with a beer or wine in a dark, candle-lighted space, try the Otherroom in Venice. The bar has a great beer selection, the clientele is stylish, and you might meet your new guru. Or his agent. 1201 Abbot Kinney Blvd., Venice, (310) 396-6230.

1642

This small Echo Park establishment is a recent arrival to the neighborhood and aims to make fellow transplants feel welcome with craft beers, a carefully curated wine list and a pianist playing Christmas songs from 9 p.m. to midnight, when the bar will close. 1642 Temple St., Echo Park, (213) 989-6836.

Las Perlas

Dance away the loneliness at downtown’s tequila and mezcal hotspot, where Kapsoul Records presents a lineup of DJs spinning funk, soul and disco. After a few of Las Perlas’ unique tequila cocktails, you’ll feel right at home. 107 E. 6th St., downtown L.A., (213) 988-8355.

daniel.siegal@latimes.com