Is it too early for holiday lights?
Holiday lights are a long-standing tradition. According to Smithsonian Magazine, in 1884, engineer and businessman Edward Hibbard Johnson “hand-wired and assembled 80 red, white, and blue light bulbs around themselves,” creating a must-see spectacle. That’s what it means.
Since then, light decorations have become commonly associated with the holiday. Some people wait until December to untangle their lights, while others don’t. Los Angeles hosts a variety of light events and other holiday-related activities throughout the month of November. Here are some things to check:
- The Grove – The Grove is hosting a free holiday-themed festival starting November 13th. Various festivals are also held at the end of the month. Nighttime snowfall will occur from 7pm to 8pm until December 31st. These dates and times do not include Thanksgiving Day. Santa’s Workshop will run from his November 20th until his December 24th and advance reservations are required to participate. The Grove is located at 189 The Grove Dr., Los Angeles, CA 90036.
- Lightscapes – The Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanical Garden will host a walk-through immersive light landscape from now through January 2, 2024. This landscape features colorful lights and artistic installations, as well as food trucks and bars. Admission tickets can be purchased online and in packs, and parking can also be purchased online. This landscape is located at 301 North Baldwin Ave., Arcadia, CA 91007.
- 8th Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony – Union Station will host its annual tree lighting ceremony on Nov. 20 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. This event will feature his live performance of Mariachi Los Servidres and Beverly His Bells. There will also be a food menu including hot cocoa and sweets, photo opportunities with Santa Claus, and art activities. The event itself is free. However, parking costs between $8 and $16. The ceremony will be held at the South Patio, 800 N. Alameda St., Los Angeles, CA 90012.
- Los Angeles Holiday Road – Holiday Road is an immersive walk-through experience featuring large-scale holiday installations including Santa Claus, elves, candy canes, and more. The road will be open from 5pm to 9:30pm on November 24th, and tickets will be required for entry. Prices vary depending on the day. Other perks include food trucks, a bar, and multiple public restrooms. The road is located at King Gillette Ranch, 26800 West Mulholland Hwy., Calabasas, CA 91302, and runs through December 27th.
- Holiday Lights Train Ride – Griffith Park will launch a holiday-themed train ride on November 24th, priced at $7. The outdoor train ride lasts about 10 minutes and has plenty of lighting, making it perfect for taking photos with friends and family. The park is open Monday through Thursday from 5 to 8 p.m. and Friday through Sunday from 5 to 9 p.m. The light itself will be on display until his January 7, 2024.
- Los Angeles County Tree Lighting Ceremony – The Music Center will host a tree lighting ceremony on November 27, 2023. The tree will be on display for everyone, free of charge, at Jerry Moss Plaza from 5 to 8 p.m. The event itself is a marketplace featuring local shops, art activities, live music, and food from Los Angeles His Bakery. The plaza is located at 135 N. Grand Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90012.