5 places to see holiday lights in SoCal

What Los Angeles lacks in snow it makes up for in lights. The Grove and the Queen Mary already had their tree lighting ceremonies earlier this month, but there's still plenty of holiday cheer to be had in other parts of the city. From a reindeer village to a boat parade, here's where you can get in the yuletide spirit SoCal style. 

1. Tree lighting at the Union Station

Forget the Rockefeller Center. Downtown L.A.’s very own Union Station will light up its tree next week, followed by a performance by the All-American Boys Chorus at the station’s Old Ticketing Hall.

When: Nov. 30, 5:45 p.m.

Where: 800 N. Alameda St., Los Angeles | MAP

Price: Free

2. LA Zoo Lights

The zoo, bedazzled for the holidays, launches the nightly event the evening after Thanksgiving. It will run through Jan. 3. Of course, real reindeer — Jingle, Belle, Noel and Velvet — will also make their annual visit to the zoo. 

When: Starts Nov. 27, 6 p.m.

Where: 5333 Zoo Dr., Los Angeles | MAP

Price: Early bird tickets are $10 (online only); general admission tickets Friday to Sunday are $16 for adults and $14 for children

3. Tree lighting at Third Street Promenade
 

The Santa Monica High School marching band and choral program will perform as the beachside shopping center lights up its tree. Santa and Mrs. Claus will make an appearance.

When: Dec. 3, 5:30 p.m.

Where: 1300 block of Third Street Promenade, Santa Monica | MAP

Price: Free

4. Holiday lights at the Getty Center

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SoCal may be lacking in the snowflake department, but Getty Center gives us the next best thing by getting creative with light installations. Grab a free mulled cider at the museum’s entrance hall and take an evening stroll amid the decked out trees before checking out “The Edible Monument: The Art of Food for Festivals” exhibit. 

When: Starts Nov. 28, 5:30 p.m.

Where: 1200 Getty Center Dr. | MAP

Price: Free admission, $10 parking after 4 p.m.

5. Venice Christmas Parade of Lights

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Because nothing paints a SoCal holiday postcard like glimmering boats on Venice’s waterways with palm trees in the background, watch as the neighborhood’s boating community show off their decorating skills. It has organized the parade every year since 1989. 

When: Dec. 5, 6 p.m.

Where: Starts north of Albee Road Bridge | Parade route

Price: Free