Celebrate Halloween & Día de los Muertos High Above Downtown LA

When most Angelenos think of Halloween they picture crowded house parties or pop‑up haunts. This year, the city’s most polished skyline offers a different kind of treat. Nestled on the 24th floor of The Ritz‑Carlton Los Angeles, the hotel’s Sender a collection of restaurants, has turned October into a month‑long homage to both Halloween and Día de los Muertos.

At the heart of the festivities is the Agave Library, a dimly lit, book‑filled lounge that now doubles as an ofrenda—a beautifully arranged altar honoring the dead. Here, guests can slip into a six‑course dinner called the Don Julio Ofrenda x Agave Library Día de los Muertos Dinner. Chef Hendrix Vega pairs each course with a different expression of Don Julio tequila, from crisp blanco to smoky añejo. Expect bright flavors like passion‑fruit ceviche, buttery blue‑crab avocado relleno and a tender beef roast finished with a smoky ocopa sauce. The dinner runs Tuesday‑Saturday at 7 p.m. through October 31, priced at $175 per person plus tax and gratuity.

If you’d rather move to the dance floor, Sendero’s Mexican‑inspired restaurant Corteza is rolling out two Latin‑music nights. October 23 kicks off with a salsa night, while October 30 shifts gears to bachata. Both evenings start with a welcome cocktail, a brief lesson from a local instructor, then a dinner featuring ceviche, tuna tostadas, warm empanadas and other comfort dishes. Cost? $30 per person, cocktail included. Costumes inspired by Halloween or Día de los Muertos are strongly encouraged—think sugar‑skull masks paired with a glittering black dress.

For the true sweet‑tooth, the hotel has scheduled a Halloween Chocolate Master Class on October 31 at 11:30 a.m. Led by award‑winning pastry chef and master chocolatier François Behuet, the class demystifies the art of chocolate sculpting. Participants learn to temper chocolate, carve tiny skulls and create an edible centerpiece that screams spooky chic. The fee is $180 per guest and includes a sparkling wine toast, a finished chocolate piece to take home and a commemorative Sendero apron.

All events require reservations, which can be made through Sendero’s website. The Ritz‑Carlton is located at 900 W. Olympic Boulevard, right in the heart of downtown LA. Whether you’re looking for an upscale dinner, a night of dancing, or a hands‑on chocolate experience, the hotel’s high‑rise celebration offers a memorable alternative to the usual Halloween hustle.