Winter Solstice, also known as Yule, is a pagan celebration that takes place on the shortest day and longest night of the year. It is usually observed on December 21st or 22nd in the Northern Hemisphere. This ancient tradition has roots in various cultures and religions, including Norse, Celtic, and Germanic beliefs. The Winter Solstice marks the official beginning of winter and symbolizes the return of the light. It is a time when the days start getting longer and the nights become shorter, representing the rebirth of the sun and the triumph of light over darkness. Pagan communities and individuals worldwide come together to honor this significant astronomical event.

AT The Magic Castle Dress Code Is Highly Enforced

The Magic Castle is the private clubhouse for the Academy of Magical Arts. There is also the magic castle hotel next door for Hollywood tourists’ convenience. At the magic castle dress code is highly enforced.

I was recently invited by few friends of mine to attend The Magic Castle for shows, drinks etc. I lived in Los Angeles all my adult life and since I never been I was thrilled to visit this highly talked about Hollywood attraction. I was told here are the requirements:

• No jeans allowed
• Men to wear a Shirt and tie
• Men to wear a sports coat.

I decided to visit the Castle web site for more information about the dress code. Suddenly some of the requirements seemed bordered line ” catholic school dress code”. My 1st reaction was this can not be right, here are some of the ones that rubbed me off the wrong way:

• Men keep their dress shirts tucked into their waistband.
• Men keep their necktie properly tied, so that the knot is near, if not at, the collar.
• Men keep their jacket on when moving throughout the Magic Castle.

It was time to get ready to meet my friends at the lobby of the Castle. I knew dressing up was the only option but I was not sold on the tie thing so I decided to wear the following:

• Black dress shirt
• Black tuxedo jacket
• Black dress pants

As we approached the check desk to pay for the show, my two friends sailed right in and I was told that I needed a shirt and a tie or I can not enter. It was suggested that perhaps I can go buy a shirt and a tie and come back. The 1st thought that came to my mind was; it is Saturday night at 8:30 p.m. then followed by:

• Can they have made an exception knowing I came with my friends and was dressed nicely?
• What if I was a tourist and just had flown in for the day ?
• All this dress code to watch a magic show?
• Can this be all about the necktie properly tied covered by a jacket regardless what kind of a shirt, tie or jacket a person is wearing ??

I decided not to buy into the border line “Catholic School Dress Code” and to go home. This is when I realized at The Magic Castle there is no magic when it comes to dress code. My friends ended up having a good time and I ended up having a good night sleep. Please share your thoughts and experiences about The Magic Castle below especially if you live in the surrounding areas.

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Pagan communities and individuals worldwide come together to honor this significant astronomical event. During the Winter Solstice celebration, people gather around bonfires, adorned with evergreen decorations, to symbolize life and continuity amidst the cold and darkness. The bonfire is a focal point of the celebration, representing both warmth and hope.

8 thoughts on “ AT The Magic Castle Dress Code Is Highly Enforced ”

I’ve been to the Magic Castle a few times and it’s a pretty cool time. I think the dress code thing sets the evening a part from regular LA-type events. It reminds of when my mom used to make us get dressed up to fly to Florida to visit my grandparents. So old school, but sort of charming at the same time. Not sure it’s as much a “catholic school dress code” as just an old fashioned dress code. They have jackets and ties in the “closet” on the right when you first walk in, for those, as you suggest above, may be tourists or may not have known. It would have been a great picture — you all LA-cool in black and then some weird, funky tie! 🙂 You missed a fun night — it’s a pretty cool place!! Like Like

I have to say, I support the Magic Castle’s right to create, exercise, and enforce the dress code of their choosing. The question is not whether or not it is fair, too strict, or good for tourists, it is about the establishment having the right to decide what patrons wear to create a certain degree of elegance and/or class, and their imperative to enforce that code uniformly and without exception to do so.
The fact that you read about the code on their website and chose to “challenge” it rather than follow it only to be turned away, says a lot about their resolve, and fairness to the other patrons who followed it and were allowed in. How would you feel if you went to great lengths to adhere to the code, only to see another patron allowed in who did not?
As a patron, you have the freedom of choice to either follow the code and enter, or not. The code itself should not be the issue here… Like Like

Well, as silly as the code seems, you did have fair warning & chose not to bring the shirt & tie! So maybe subconsciously you didn’t really want to go. Or maybe you are a closet aquarius LOL. (Rebellious) I went once, years ago. It was random but definitely entertaining. Worth putting on a tie for & not over-thinking it, in my opinion! Like Like

I guess you did learn your lesson , that doesn’t make it less frustrating to have not gotten in, which most likely had ruined your evening instead of a good time with friends. The magic castle must be doing well , as for years they have enforced this strict dress code , and it continues some kind of old fashioned tradition , you don’t really find any longer in California. Why challenge it if you know prior to going there that the dress code is in place? Not to say it makes it right , but it does show respect to what people were trying to create there . …. And I am sure, you looked 10 times better then most of the cheap suits there…. Oh well . I have never been to the Magic Castle, and still have no desire to go . Thank god we can choose where and for what we spent our money and maybe it’s not for museum style magic ? Everyone talks about the dress code there, how about talking what Magic Castle really is ? What is it ? … No worries, all good…. Cheers. Shazamm . Like Like

Ulrik, lesson learned indeed. The interesting thing is that they would have offered to lend me a tie but they ran out which indicates that a few good men before me did the same thing. Like Like

Joseph, if you weren’t sure the dress code…then why didn’t you put a tie up your sleeve and magically pull it out at the moment you needed one?! Like Like

Very Serious Barista

Magic is meant to inspire awe. It should suspend your disbelief and make you question all that is true in the world. At the Magic Castle in Hollywood they achieve these results in stupefying fashion. I’m rendered speechless not by any sleight of hand, but rather a wardrobe slight from one of the most inept managers upholding the silliest dress code ever created.

One must be invited by a member of the castle to enjoy the entertainment. This part of the journey is almost charming if you consider e-mailing random magicians and pretending to have seen their act in order to get an invite a good use of your time. I finally secure an invite through a friend of a friend and set up the date.

The evening is a surprise for my lady who mentioned in passing months earlier she wanted to go really badly. (Shout out to myself for remembering that) We arrive early at the valet. I take one step out of the car and the valet asks if I have read the dress code. I am confused because I’m dressed like a motherfucking GQ model, I reply yes; in fact I read it twice. He cringes and says I cannot come in dressed like that. Dressed like what? The poster boy for welldressedman.com? No, he informs me they will not be able to accept my pants. I am unaware my pants sent in an application, but just to clarify why will my pants not be accepted here? Here is a brief excerpt of how the next 5 minutes went.

“What? But they aren’t denim.”

“Yes, but they are denim-like. They have rivets”

“What did you just say to me?”

He gets the manager who comes out and also informs me my pants will not be accepted.

“I am sorry to inform you we cannot accept your pants. They are denim-like.”

“But they aren’t denim! They are cotton twill. It’s a completely different weave! I don’t understand what the problem is?”

“Well they have rivets.”

“If one more person says fucking rivets…”

I look over at my date, she can see things are getting out of hand, and to be honest if she was not with me I would have told the guy to fuck off and left. There is nowhere in the dress code that states pants can’t have rivets. Have a look for yourself. There is, however, a few things that they do accept that I think will give you a good idea of what kind of institution this place is.

DRESS CODE FOR EVENING GUESTS:

MEN:

• Think business attire.
• Men must be in coat and tie (standard or bow tie)
• Exceptions to the “tie rule” are: turtlenecks (that can be folded over), bolo ties, ascots, jeweled collars, ruffled collars and banded collars.
• Military Dress (no fatigues), ethnic and/or religious attire will also be allowed.
• No zippered jackets, outdoor jackets, polo shirts, t-shirts, denim (or colored denim), shorts, sandals, flip flops, sneakers or sneaker-like shoes are allowed.
• Leather jackets (with buttons) and leather pants are allowed.
• No casual attire will be allowed.

Two very important things to note on this list: Turtlenecks (that can be folded over) and leather jackets (with buttons) and leather pants ARE allowed, but god forbid your H&M twill pants have a couple rivets on them so help you Jesus and the divine power! I repeat. TURTLENECKS….THEN IN PARENTHESIS (THAT CAN BE FOLDED OVER!) End of discussion.

After calming down a tad, I ask what the solution is. He first displays a bit of competence and says he will go check if there are some pants I can borrow. Fine. This kind gesture is quickly destroyed when he comes back out and tells me in a sarcastic tone that they need to be taken to the cleaners because, “You don’t even want to know what happened to them.” Did someone shit in them? It’s shit isn’t it? No? Can I put them on past my knees? Then let me in to this goddamn castle!

His second managerial gem is to suggest I go back home and change pants. It’s 6 pm in LA on a weekday. Kindly go fuck yourself. The final solution is to go to H&M down the road and buy new pants. I swallowed my pride like a porn star and set off to buy a new pair, while my date waits inside.

I lumber down the hill in my suit, neck sweat on full blast when I get a call from my girl. They don’t have my reservation for dinner. After some guidance on my part and some master sleuthing on his behalf, he determines the reservation is under my name. Yes, of course it is….I don’t even know what to say to that. That’s not the first name you check? I ask if I may return to my quest to buy new pants. He assures me we are on for the 8 PM dinner and show. Wonderful.

I will give everybody one guess what happens when I get to the H&M. They only have denim pants in the entire store, riveted up the wazoo. I almost collapse in frustration, but keep it together long enough to ask the salesmen if I can buy his slacks. He contemplates calling the police, but ultimately mentions that they may have one pair by the mannequin. I slowly walk over to the pale hipster and find a pair of black dress pants discarded by the window. I pray to Hedi Slimane I can at least pull them up around my formidable thighs. 34/32’s. They won’t zip up, but they will do just fine for a night of magic.

I return to the Magic Castle with my mismatched dress slacks, a sweaty mess with my evil no good cotton twill denim-like riveted pants in hand. I lock them in my car and finally enter the hallowed mansion. After one beer my anger subsides and I enjoy the night of talented magicians. Despite the hoop jumping, I will be back, and when I do I will be in a bedazzled tuxedo with rivets, and a turtleneck that doesn’t fold over.

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What to wear to magic castle

[Last Updated 11/4/19 9:32 PM PT—photo added]

The first time I got invited to the Magic Castle, I didn't realize what a special invitation it was. I didn't live in LA yet. I thought the only exclusive Hollywood parties were movie premieres and awards show ceremonies.

But the Magic Castle is pretty hard to get into unless someone invites you. And you must be invited by a member of the private club that's housed there.

That means, most likely, you must be invited by a magician.

Fortunately, LA attracts so many aspiring performers, while you're here, you'll probably come across a magician or two. Or a puppeteer or a comedian who happens to know enough magic to qualify for membership.

But while you're waiting for that invitation, the Magic Castle awaits you—perched up on a hill above Hollywood Boulevard, looking down at both the tourists and the locals who aren't "in the know," and may never get the chance to get in there.

If you do know, and if you've ever been there, all you can think about is how you can get back in. It taunts you with its exclusivity.

Even an invitation doesn't guarantee you admission. You have to adhere to a strict dress code: suit coats and ties for men, dresses or pants suits for ladies, no athletic shoes or flip flops, and no denim anywhere (not even a denim suit). If your dress is not acceptable, they won't let you in. Although they have some jackets and ties for men to borrow, they're intentionally horrible to shame you for not wearing proper attire.

The Magic Castle isn't a castle exactly—it's more of a converted Victorian mansion that just kept growing, its magical elements proliferating.

And since 1963, it's been the clubhouse for the Academy of Magical Arts, and a sought-after destination for Hollywood's most bizarre nightlife.

Once you've been invited, gotten all dressed up, and made it through the front door into the lobby.

. getting through the secret bookcase and into the Castle is as easy as "Open Sesame."

Prepare to be amazed.

The magic shows change every week, with each professional magician doing shows on a seven-day rotation. Even on a relatively slow Monday night, there are three performance spaces open—the tiny Close-Up Gallery, the Parlour of Prestidigitation, and The Palace of Mystery—each with multiple performers doing multiple shows throughout the night. Later in the week, you can also find magic at the W.C. Fields Bar and The Peller Theatre, and maybe an impromptu performance at the Hat and Hare Pub.

When it comes down to it, though, you can find magic pretty much anywhere at The Magic Castle—not just in the official performance venues. Magicians (often amateurs) might set up at a table at any given corner, or do a trick or two for their guests during dinner. The Magic Castle is a bit like Disneyland, with all of its Easter eggs hidden throughout the winding hallways and multiple levels of an enchanting labyrinth.

Strike up a conversation with an unlikely companion at The Owl Bar. Press a button and watch ghostly apparitions appear and disappear. Contact Houdini during a seance.

Throw a dollar (or two or three) into a bird cage and request a song (or two or three) from Irma, the piano-playing ghost who haunts the mansion. Her repertoire ranges from Tin Pan Alley to Taylor Swift.

Much of the castle's decor was salvaged from film and TV movie sets (the headboard from The Witches of Eastwick, the backdrop from Johnny Carson's Tonight Show, the bar from Hello Dolly). Even some of the walls are made of salvaged doors, whose keyholes are still visible.

With its hidden passageways, memorabilia, spirits, and surprises, it feels akin to the Mission Inn in Riverside or the Winchester Mystery House in San Jose. I've managed to get into the Magic Castle three times so far—each through a different person or organization—and I still haven't seen everything. As they say, "There's a lot to see, so try to avoid blinking."

It's a Mecca for magicians—and for magic enthusiasts—but it's also a piece of living history, and a repository of artifacts that are both bewitched and bewitching. The whole experience is a bit baffling. Delightfully so.

Photography is forbidden anywhere inside—even in the restrooms. And whatever you're privy to while you're there, you're sworn to secrecy once you've left.

Participants also light candles, both indoors and outdoors, to usher in the return of the light. In addition to fires and candles, various rituals and customs are practiced during the Winter Solstice celebration. Many pagans perform ceremonies to honor deities associated with the sun or the winter season. These rituals often involve prayers, offerings, and chanting to invoke divine blessings and ensure a prosperous year ahead. Feasting and merriment are also important parts of the Winter Solstice celebration. Traditional foods and drinks, such as mulled wine, cider, roasted nuts, and hearty stews, are enjoyed with loved ones. It is a time to come together, share meals, exchange gifts, and express gratitude for the blessings of the past year. Music, dancing, and storytelling are other common ways to celebrate Yule. Traditional songs, poems, and stories are shared to pass down ancient wisdom and keep the spirit of the winter solstice alive. It is believed that through these shared experiences, the community grows stronger and the bonds between individuals deepen. For pagans, the Winter Solstice celebration is a time of reflection, renewal, and spiritual connection. It is an opportunity to acknowledge the cyclical nature of life and embrace the beauty of the changing seasons. The celebration not only honors the natural world but also fosters a sense of unity among participants, reminding them of their interconnectedness with the earth and the cosmos. As the Winter Solstice approaches, pagans around the world eagerly prepare for this special occasion. They gather their loved ones, make offerings, light fires, and celebrate the triumph of light over darkness. Through these ancient customs and rituals, they honor their ancestors, connect with the divine, and embrace the beginning of a new cycle..

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