How to Plan a Holiday Staycation in Burbank!

’Tis the season to be festive, and Burbank is already bursting with that holiday spirit! From vintage storefronts decked out with holiday apparel in Magnolia Street, to a giant Christmas tree downtown, you’ll feel like you’re in a winter wonderland in Burbank! Well, sans the snow, since we only have perfect weather in this area!

I decided to make a holiday-inspired weekend staycation adventure out of my recent trip to Burbank, which was easy to plan since there’s so many great hotels within walking distance to everything!

Heading my list of holiday activities was the Winter Wine Walk, which was happening right in the middle of Downtown Burbank. I booked a night at the chic yet comfortable Hilton Garden Inn Burbank Downtown which is conveniently just a few blocks from where the festivities were taking place. The goal was to start the Winter Wine Walk at one end of San Fernando Boulevard, and walk it until it ended near the Hilton Garden Inn. Genius, I know. 

But first I needed to get into the holiday spirit and appearance, so I took a short drive from my hotel to Magnolia Park for a makeover, and a little vintage shopping! In case you didn’t already know, Magnolia Park is FAMOUS for having tons of incredible vintage shops!

Makeover at Besame in Magnolia Park

From the moment I walked up to the chalkboard street sign out from of Besame that read “Vintage Inspired Makeup”, I was obsessed. Not only do I love anything vintage, but also everything that puts a unique spin on a typical idea. 

For Besame, that spin is recreating makeup products from the past into new and improved versions, while keeping that nostalgic look. That same look also goes for the way they apply makeup! My makeup artist Daniela explained in charming detail about how each product was originally meant to be used, and what inspired the look she was creating. 

Essentially, less is more, and it’s all topped off with a winged eyeliner and their signature red lipstick. The hue of the lipstick, by the way, is an exact replica of Snow White’s, which they gained access to through the Disney vaults, since they work with them!

Dressed Up At Vintage Boutiques in Magnolia Park

Nothing says holiday apparel like a vintage (or vintage-inspired) dress! You’ll find plenty of them in all of the window displays throughout Magnolia Park! From actual “previously loved” ugly sweaters, to 50’s style holiday dresses, there’s one-hundred-percent something for everyone! 

Although I loved the dresses at Pin Up Girl Boutique, I opted for some funky green holiday-print pants and an off-shoulder white top for my Winter Wine Walk outfit. Then, I headed back to the Hilton Garden Inn to park my car, change, and set off for the wine festivities!

Winter Wine Walk in Downtown Burbank

After shopping, I made my way back to my hotel room in Downtown Burbank. Once I was all ready in my holiday ensemble, I simply walked the few blocks to the main square of Downtown Burbank to start the Winter Wine Walk.  

This awesome event turned the stores of San Fernando Boulevard into a stretch of wine tastings, where you got both a taste of the wine, and a peak at the shop’s items inside! My favorite was waiting for a taste of Cabernet in Neko Stop, which is filled with fun trinkets and accessories.

There were twenty-seven wine stops total, some of which were fun bar-like pop-ups. I tasted everything from honey-infused cider to sparkling champagne that came in an equally as sparkly bottle!

At the end of the festival, the grand finale was a Main Stage musical performance, complete with faux snow, and a front row view of the giant Christmas tree.

It was a magical evening, and being able to simple walk back to my comfy bed at the Hilton Garden Inn made it all the more perfect!

Holiday Shopping in Downtown Burbank and Magnolia Park

The following day, after lazily rolling out of my fluffy Queen sized bed, I had a long list of new shops to visit after seeing them at the Winter Wine Walk in Downtown Burbank the night before. Luckily I could just take a quick stroll down the street and pick up some fun gifts from Zamba that I had seen the night before!

After getting a fabulous book about wine etiquette, I picked up a delicious bowl of poke, then went back to eat it by the Hilton Garden Inn pool.

Then I made one last stop back in Magnolia Park  at Audrey K Boutique for some more cute and quirky gifts, and my holiday shopping was pretty much done! 

So what are you waiting for? Go get in that holiday spirit, and also get that holiday shopping done, right in Burbank! 

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Visit Burbank. The opinions and text are all mine.