Four ways to celebrate Boxing Day

What’s Boxing Day? It’s the day after Christmas, when, according to tradition, servants and tradesmen would receive gifts from their employers, known as a “Christmas box.” Here are four ways to observe the holiday:

--The historic Chandelier Room at Santa Anita Park hosts its Whiskey in Winter Party on Dec. 26 to kick off opening day at the races. Eat, drink and place bets, with unlimited whiskey tastings, continuously flowing Prosecco and a catered spread. There will be live music and full cash bar in addition to complimentary valet and a commemorative Chandelier Room at Santa Anita Park flask with admission. Guests will also have a chance to vote for their favorite whiskey to be featured in the 2014 signature Santa Anita Derby Cocktail. Featured whiskeys include: Breakers Bourbon, Calumet, Koval, Lexington, Whippersnappers and Whistle Pig. 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets are $150, available for purchase online. Chandelier Room at Santa Anita, 285 W. Huntington Drive, Arcadia.

--Hollywood-style British pub The Pikey will be serving brunch on Boxing Day and will be open from 11:45 a.m. to 2 a.m. Also available are its holiday cocktails, including hot spiced cider with Busnel Calvados, apples, orange, lemon, caramel, star anise and cardamom; Lion’s Tail with Maker’s Mark, allspice and fresh lime; and Tom and Gerry, made with Buffalo Trace bourbon, Sailor Jerry spiced rum, whipped free-range organic eggs and winter spice blend, served hot. 7617 W. Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, (323) 850-5400.

--The Hungry Cat in Hollywood will be serving its brunch menu from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., along with cocktails, including some special ones for daytime. All-day raw bar and dinner from 5 p.m. 1535 Vine St., Los Angeles, (323) 462-2155, HungryCatHollywood.

--The Spare Room is throwing its annual Boxing Day Social on Dec. 26 to benefit the Hospitality Kitchen, which feeds and advocates for the homeless of downtown L.A. A $20 donation is suggested at the door, or blankets or coats to donate in exchange for admission wristbands. There will be live music, bottomless bites and tequila sponsored by Olmeca Altos, a Speed card game tournament and the third annual Bartenders with Bartabs auction with gift certificates to your favorite watering holes and restaurants. Win a date with a bartender! 8 to 11 p.m. Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, 7000 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles, (323) 769-7296.

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