Top 5 Holiday Getaways in L.A. for 2015

If you’ll be in the Los Angeles area during the holidays and need some ideas to fill your list of great things to do while you’re there, read on! While it’s no secret that the L.A. area is always full of excitement and worthwhile goings-on, what is less well-known are the top activities that are planned over the holiday season. From ice skating to festivals of carols to dazzling light displays and everything in between, there are more than enough fantastic L.A. holiday activities planned for the area to keep you and yours happy and busy:

1. Holiday Lights and Sounds: Heritage Square presents its annual Lamplight Celebration this season, which kicks off on Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 5-6. Experience the magic of Victorian homes throughout the Square lit up for the holidays. The Grove’s 100-foot Christmas tree stands lit for all to see, as do the holiday lights on Rodeo Drive, at the Getty Center, at The Music Center Plaza, at the famed Sleepy Hollow neighborhood in Torrance, and many other areas as well.
2. Candy Cane Lane: The San Fernando Valley neighborhood of Woodland Hills transforms each year into a spectacular celebration of artificial snow, lights, and iconic Christmas characters. The tradition has been carried on since it first began back in 1952, at which residents of the eight-block neighborhood try to outdo each other with their light displays. Santa poses with children, elves roam the neighborhood, and more. This annual event begins on December 12 and runs through the end of the year. Candy Cane Lane is at the intersection of Lubao and Oxnard Streets in Woodland Hills.
3. L.A. Zoo Lights: This holiday event is one of the most popular for residents and tourists alike – and it only began last year! When it debuted in 2014, more than 175,000 visitors attended. Amazing light displays throughout the zoo use millions of LED lights, along with 3-D animated projections, glittering light tunnels, and much more. There is a 60 to 90-minute self-guided tour that allows visitors to see real reindeer and enjoy visits with Santa. Visitors can also enjoy a new snowy alpine village this year, steaming hot chocolate, and many holiday treats. More information on this event can be found at www.lazoolights.org.
4. The 8^th Annual Unique USA L.A. Holiday Market: This event is a wildly popular area event, featuring art, crafts, accessories, clothing, and more from numerous different quality handmade brands. Artists are present to showcase their work, and you can also enjoy local food, free drinks, and more. The Holiday Market takes place downtown, at the California Market Center.
5. The Marina Del Rey Boat Parade: This event is an annual tradition, and will celebrate its 52^nd anniversary this year. Bring a blanket and come to Fisherman’s Village or the Burton Chace Park, and enjoy more than 70 boats that pass by, all decorated with holiday lights in competition. The boats compete for titles in several categories, and there are fireworks at the holiday event, along with other offerings. The Marina Del Rey Boat Parade takes place this year on December 12 in Fisherman’s Village.

While this has been just a very small portion of all of the holiday festivities that take place throughout the Los Angeles area during the holidays, these events are definitely ones that are not to be missed! You won’t find yourself left with nothing to do in L.A. over the holidays – there are always many events and activities taking place to keep you in the holiday spirit!