Insider Tips

Best Holiday Treats in Thousand Oaks and Agoura Hills

Posted on December 15, 2023 by Conejo Valley

Why is Santa so jolly? It’s probably all that giving, but we’re betting the cookies play a big role too. If they’re anything like the holiday treats in Thousand Oaks and Agoura Hills, we completely understand. Conejo Valley gets a gold Christmas star for its holiday creations, but they’re only around for a short time.

That means now is the time to get your cocktails, hot chocolate, gingerbread, toffee and anything else your holiday heart desires before Santa gets his share. With that in mind, here are our picks for the best holiday treats and drinks in Thousand Oaks and Agoura Hills.

HOLIDAY EATS

FLOWER HILL COOKIE FACTORY – GINGERBREAD HOUSES – AGOURA HILLS

Almost too beautiful to eat, Flower Hill Cookie Factory is known for its charming gingerbread houses, impressive gingerbread mansions, whimsical gingerbread trains and custom creations too. They also sell gingerbread cookie kits, both just to decorate on your own or build your own gingerbread house kits your own kids can take home.

All these treats are made with their delicious Old Fashioned Gingerbread that’s nothing like the less-than-satisfying gingerbread kits you get at regular stores. They also offer baking parties year-round with master bakers where everyone gets an apron, chef hat, gloves and take-home bakery boxes.

Our Pick: If you’re looking to impress, there are few things as spectacularly festive as the Lighted Personalized Gingerbread Grand Mansion. On the other hand, if you’re just looking to feast and have fun, the take-home Gingerbread House Kit is the way to go. See the full menu here.

NEWBERRY CANDY – TOFFEE, FUDGE & MORE – THOUSAND OAKS

Christmas, Hannukah and everything holiday worthy is getting all the love at this shop. The caramel apples alone are works of art! We’re talking dreidels, menorahs, Santa, a gingerbread man, snowmen, reindeer, snowflakes and so much more – and that’s just the start.

Their chocolate-dipped Oreos are just as festive and you can order a whole tin full, a three pack or just a couple to enjoy. Then, there’s amazing toffee, fudge, all kinds of chocolates, chocolate-covered strawberries and so much more. You can pick out your treats in-store and they ship too. You can even schedule a caramel-apple-making party or a chocolate-dipped party for a fun and tasty holiday party.

Our Pick: We’ve got to go with their mixed chocolates Newberry Candy Party Platter because there’s no way we could pick just one. Then we’re grabbing caramel apples for holiday gifts because there’s such a variety that we can pretty much cover everyone on our list. See the full menu here.

Photo Credit: @emilsbakehouse

EMIL’S BAKE HOUSE – EUROPEAN TREATS – AGOURA HILLS

Head here for a European tour of Christmas at this artisanal bakery. Chef Chris’ specialty is the Croquembouche either done French style with spun sugar or Italian style with chocolate. You can also opt for vanilla, chocolate or mocha custard fillings in sizes ranging from 50 to 200 puffs.

You can also opt for Bavarian Napoleons, fresh fruit tarts and decadent cakes and pastries. They import the finest ingredients from France, Switzerland, Germany and Austria, so their treats are uniquely authentic.

Our Pick: For a party, we’d opt for the Croquembouche Italian style with vanilla custard. We love a classic and this one is next level. If it’s just for us, then we would go with their Alpen Quiche with asiago and gorgonzola cheese, tomato and mushrooms followed by the Bavarian Napoleon. See the full menu here.

SWEET ARLEEN’S – CUPCAKES & BREAD PUDDING – THOUSAND OAKS

We had to mention this 3-time champion of Cupcake Wars, who was also featured on Cooking Channel’s Unique Sweets as a bread pudding favorite. They have really unique cupcake flavors like mixed berry pie and from Friday – Sunday, there’s Cherry Lemonade and Lemon Raspberry Cupcakes too.

Their bread puddings are unlike anything you’ve seen. We’re talking flavors like Bananas Foster, French Toast with Praline Sauce, pumpkin, peach cobbler and so many more. They even have savory options like Mac ‘N Cheese and Spinach and Artichoke.

Our Pick: Their Bananas Foster Bread Pudding with fresh bananas flambéed in dark rum and caramel sauce is as good as it sounds. If you have an eye on the cupcakes then we’d swing in on the weekend and grab a Lemon Raspberry Cupcake. See the full menu here.

CARRARA’S PASTRIES & CAFE – HANDMADE ITALIAN BAKERY & EATERY – AGOURA HILLS

“Don’t be a soggy biscuit!” says Carrara’s. ‘Tis the season for a traditional Yule Log cake, made to represent a real tree log, or an authentic Panettone, an Italian type of sweet bread usually enjoyed around the holidays in Europe. Indulge in treats such as the Fruit Log, a wildberry-soaked sponge cake with strawberry mousses and whole, small strawberries in sweet (you guessed it) strawberry sauce, deliciously topped with mascarpone mousse. Or, keep the strawberry party going and order a classic Carrara’s Strawberry Cheesecake for your holiday dessert.

Our Pick: For the epitome of chocolate heaven, try the Chocolate Log. Dive into a mouthwatering sponge cake steeped in maraschino and filled with zabaione mousses, complete with a waffle cone coated with a rich, chocolate hazelnut spread. How could you ask for more?

HOLIDAY DRINKS 

OAK & IRON – COCKTAILS – THOUSAND OAKS

Elegant and inventive, Oak & Iron specializes in unique garden-to-glass cocktails using local ingredients while paying close attention to the seasons. Their festive holiday menu is just as thoughtful and includes red, white and sparkling wine options as well as cocktails and curated tasting experiences.

Our Pick: Wish them a Merry Christmas and then treat yourself to their version of figgy pudding – a Figlet made with Piggyback Rye, lemon, fig syrup, Angostura Bitters and egg white. See their full menu here.

Photo Credit: @naughtypinebrewing

NAUGHTY PINE – MICROBREWERY – THOUSAND OAKS

The name alone is festive and their brews are well worth a visit. This popular spot came on the scene in 2020 and focuses on classic and contemporary beers with an emphasis on European-style lagers and ales.

Check their calendar to see what live music is lined up and make sure you hit up their Ugly Sweater Party on Dec 22 and their New Year’s Eve Party on Dec 31. Both will have live music and excellent food.

Our Pick: You gotta go with something off their Naughty List (actual name) and our pick is the Huskless Gem, a single-hop American wheat ale known for its citrus and berry/currant notes. See their full menu here.

CORK DORK – WINES & HOLIDAY SPIRITS – THOUSAND OAKS

This boutique wine bar is big on pairings, which makes this a very festive spot for gourmands and oenophiles looking for seasonal fare. The atmosphere is relaxed and they’re always ready to share some geeky details about their harmoniously united wine and food. They source everything locally they can and pair their eats with the best local beers and over 40 different wines.

Our Pick: We’re fond of their Bodega Catena Zapata Malbec wine. It sounds impressive when you order it and the cocoa powder and violet notes are wonderful. They also have a number of innovative cocktails. See their full menu here.

FIVE07 COFFEE BAR & EATERY – WARM HOLIDAY SIPS – THOUSAND OAKS

Picture your favorite warm drink and Five07 can whip it up for you. They’re especially good at healthy alternatives like macadamia nut milk and organic, vegan and GF options. For more festive flavors, we recommend Peppermint Rose Tea or a Cinnamon Chai Latte. If you’re hungry, they have excellent toasts, smoothies, smoothie bowls and paninis too.

Our Pick: Their We Taste Coffee with hazelnut, nectarine, graham cracker and milk chocolate is perhaps their tastiest and most unique coffee. We also love their Blueberry Lavender Toast with multigrain bread, goat cheese, organic blueberry, lavender and local honey. See the full menu here.

MAKE YOUR SPIRITS BRIGHT

There’s something special about holiday tastes. They can flood you with warm memories and the joy of the season like nothing else can. We hope your Christmas season is filled with your happiest moments and that your holiday vacay is a merry one. Be sure to check out our full list of hotels, attractions and travel tips for your stay.