There really is never a lack of “lights” to see in L.A. From Chris Burden’s “Urban Light” installation at LACMA to the contrails of Space X launches to the spotlights over the Hollywood Bowl, lights seem to be LA’s thing, without anyone ever really mentioning it.
But what about holiday lights? During this time of year, there seems to be so many options for those that love to venture out and see a bevy of lit-up palm trees and twinkling art installations that it’s hard to know where to start.
So, here is a list of what I think are the most “glowing” spots around the city this time of year:
- Enchanted: Forest of Lights at Descanso Gardens – I mentioned this recently in a social post, but its worth mentioning again. Enchanted is an interactive, nighttime experience featuring a one-mile walk through unique lighting experiences in Descanso Gardens. Runs: Nov. 18-Jan. 6
- LA Zoo – See the zoo come alive in holiday fashion with a lighted jungle featuring the Northern Lights and an Elephant Kaleidoscope. Runs: Nov. 16-Jan. 6
- The Grove – Santa and his sleigh, the tree, the stage – it all gets set up on Oct 31st and lit on one special night with a concert usually hosted by Seth McFarlane. You can experience it all, minus the concert, but with a simulated snowfall every night at 7 and 8 pm, every day until Dec 25th.
- Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills – If you like a nice glamorous tree and some nightly jazz, this is the spot to stroll. And on your way out make sure to take Wilshire to spot Santa and his reindeer flying over the street at the corner of Beverly.
- Christmas Tree Lane in Altadena – This may be far from the city itself, but if you do find yourself out in Altadena, be sure to stop by the Balian house, a mansion that sits on 4 acres and is lit up by almost 10,000 holiday lights.
- DTLA Walking Tour Holiday Lights – A two hour holiday lights walking tour that starts at Union Station and ends at Pershing Square giving you the opportunity to see all the beauty of DTLA during the holiday season. There is also an ice rink at Pershing Square if you have the energy to partake after the walk.
L.A. also has a ton of other festive options – plus, you can simply drive around and see some local homes that deck the halls in their own unique ways.
Happy Holidays from all of us at Juliette Hohnen & Associates!