Travel Article: Best of a Los Angeles Christmas

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	Christmas Trees Accompany Breezy Palm Trees during an L.A. Christmas¹

Although a white Christmas isn't exactly the style in Los Angeles, California, the city still puts on some of the country's best holiday celebrations. Throughout December locals and visitors can get into the spirit of the season and take advantage of the city's mild winter climate at a variety of fun festive events. Holiday must-dos include a visit to the beautifully decorated Disneyland, a star-studded tree-lighting service and a spectacular night-time boat parade. Whatever one's Christmas style, Los Angeles has a little something special for everyone.

THE BEST SPOT TO EXPERIENCE DISNEY CHRISTMAS MAGIC

Disneyland is a whimsical place year round with Mickey Mouse, Goofy, Daffy Duck and other loveable characters, but during Christmastime the theme park is particularly enchanting. Every November to early January, Sleeping Beauty's Castle is topped with snow and the park decks its halls with towering Christmas trees, big, red bows, wreaths and a liberal sprinkling of colorful lights. Many of the park's rides are also festively decorated, such as the long-time favorite “It's A Small World,” which incorporates Christmas lights and carols into the ride. A popular way to conclude a day in Disneyland is by watching the iconic parade down Main Street. During the holidays the park's daily parade includes festive floats, Disney personalities in Christmas wear and regular appearances by jolly old Santa Claus.


Santa Stars in the Hollywood Christmas Parade²

THE BEST PLACE TO ICE SKATE UNDER A PALM TREE

Los Angeles' climate may not match North Pole temperatures but that doesn't mean outdoor ice skating is out of the question. Every holiday season the busy Pershing Square is home to a large outdoor ice skating rink for L.A.'s Downtown On Ice. Surrounded by skyscrapers, palm trees and twinkling lights, the rink's sparkling ice attracts thousands of Californians eager to practice their twirls in short sleeves and shades. Since Pershing Square is a prominent concert venue, skaters can often work on their moves while listening to live music.

THE BEST WAY TO WATCH SANTA GO HOLLYWOOD

Originally started in 1928 with just two participants, Santa Claus and actress Jeanette Loff, the Hollywood Christmas Parade now features an impressive ensemble of extravagant floats, marching bands, dancers and animals. While the parade is a great way to get into the holiday spirit it is also a terrific opportunity to see some of the country's biggest celebrities. Hundreds of stars participate in the parade regularly, such as singer Gene Autry, who first rode his horse in the parade in 1937. Autry was so inspired by the crowd's excited shouts for Santa that he came up with the classic holiday tune “Here Comes Santa Claus” with Oakley Haldeman in 1947. The parade takes place on the weekend after Thanksgiving and travels down Hollywood and Sunset boulevards.


	Santa's Sleigh Flies through a Flurry of Fireworks & Fake Snow at the Grove³

THE BEST-LIT STREET IN L.A.

Every holiday season Griffith Park becomes a kaleidoscope of colors as the DWP Holiday Light Festival switches on the electricity. Sponsored by the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, the festival brightens the night sky with dozens of towering, themed light scenes featuring Santa Claus, elves, reindeer, candy canes, piles of presents and other holiday symbols. Those eager to marvel at the vibrant trail of lights can choose to drive the one-mile section of Crystal Springs Drive or bundle up and walk the route.

THE BEST ILLUMINATION OF AN ENORMOUS TREE

The Grove is the place to be year round with its designer shops, top-notch eateries and dancing fountains, but during the holidays the shopping complex boasts a tree that rivals that of the Rockefeller Center in New York City. The Grove kicks off the holiday season with a televised lighting of the complex's 110-ft (33.5-m) tree. Famous recording artists, Santa Claus, fireworks and a fake snowfall are all on hand to make the evening extra special. Although the tree is the centerpiece at the Grove, lights are strung throughout the entire mall to create a winter wonderland feeling.


The Bob Baker Marionettes in the Hollywood Christmas Parade⁴

THE BEST HOLIDAY CELEBRATION ON OLVERA STREET

A long-time tradition in the city of Los Angeles is Las Posadas on Olvera Street, a Mexican-Catholic Christmas celebration. Running until Christmas Eve, Las Posadas is a nine-night re-enactment of Joseph and Mary's search for a place to bring Christ into the world. Joined by carolers, Joseph and Mary knock on the doors of inn keepers (Olvera Street shop owners) in hope of shelter. Repeatedly turned away, the couple continues until they arrive at the church where they and the public are joyfully welcomed. In celebration there is a religious ceremony followed by children swinging at a candy-stocked piñata.

THE BEST-DECORATED STRETCH OF WATER

In the Los Angeles County neighborhood of Naples, Long Beach, the tradition of parade floats takes on a whole new meaning. Although Naples features some of the best-decorated streets in the area, the community also brings a dose of holiday sparkle to the water in the annual night-time Naples Islands Holiday Boat Parade. The event begins with a troupe of small, festively-lit boats touring the neighborhood’s series of canals, which are usually filled with gondolas. As the small boats reach Alamitos Bay the light show continues with larger vessels joining in on the route to create a stunning sea of color.

If you enjoyed this feature, take a look at these great WorldWeb.com articles:
• New York's Top 10 Festive Diversions
• Best of a London Christmas

PHOTOS COURTESY OF:

A Christmas Tree and a Breezy Palm Tree; Los Angeles, CA, USA
Steve Lomas & Associates ; c/o Hollywood Christmas Parade; Santa Stars in the Hollywood Christmas Parade; Hollywood, CA, USA
c/o LA Inc. The Los Angeles Convention andVisitors Bureau; The Grove at Christmas; Los Angeles, CA, USA
Steve Lomas & Associates ; c/o Hollywood Christmas Parade; The Bob Baker Marionettes in the Hollywood Christmas Parade; Hollywood, CA, USA

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Best of a Los Angeles Christmas