lights

The best part to me about the holidays is snow. And, as it’s currently 80 degrees in Los Angeles snow is not a possibility. Therefor if you want snow, I suggest Mammoth Mountain. And they’re doing their own holiday special : Night of Lights on December 18th.

The Night of Lights has been going on for two decades and fireworks brighten the sky over the snowy mountains. There’s a parade, live music, and I’m assume hot chocolate and smores (if not, they should be added). It’s a free event, but premium seating starts at $20.

And don’t just go for the night, stay the day / weekend / week and get some skiing / snowboarding / tubing / fire watching in.

I’m dreaming of a white Christmas….

parks

Add some thrill to your holiday season by incorporating roller coasters into Christmas. Parks around Los Angeles get into the holiday spirit, some even offering free entry.

1. Universal Studios – Coming off of their terrifying Halloween theme, Universal completely shifts gears and makes the park a Christmas Wonderland. Most notably is changing Whoville into the Grinch’s home. The tree lighting starts December 11th, and goes on all month. Kids can play in real snow, listen to their favorite celebrity read a Christmas tale, and meet the mean old Grinch.

2. Six Flags Magic Mountain – Six Flags is encouraging it’s visitors to give this holiday. And rewarding those who bring a toy with free admission on December 5, 6, 12, and 13th. I love Six Flags and all their roller coasters: Terminator, SalvationTM: TheRide, X2, Tatsu, Scream, Goliath, Colossus, Viper.

3. Disneyland – Disneyland is the king of parks, making sure that everyone has a magical experience, and with Christmas it makes their job even easier. I experienced Christmas at Disneyland last year and it blew me away, from the ‘Its a Small World’ lights, the parade with all the familiar characters, and of course the castle with snow.

Rocking around the Christmas Tree at the Christmas party hop…

parades

Santa. Candy Canes. Presents. Pine trees. Parades!!!!!!! You have the Mummer’s Day Parade, St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Thanksgiving Day Parade, but most importantly there’s the Christmas Parade!

The Hollywood Christmas Parade is November 28th at 6pm. Larry King is Grand Marshall, but the most important celeb, Old Saint Nick, will be making a cameo.

Treat yourself to Grandstand seating for $35 or find a nice spot along a curb, bring one of those nifty fold out chairs with a cup holder and enjoy the parade for free. Traffic wise the route is a U shape, starting at Graumans Theatre, marching to Vine, then heading back to Orange via Sunset. Parking – H&H is your best bet, that or the metro.

He’s making a list, checking it twice…

holiday parades of boats

So I normally boycott anything Christmas until after Thanksgiving but this is an exception. I love driving around neighborhoods that go all out with Christmas decorations and listen to holiday tunes on the radio. So when I came across this, I knew I had to share.

Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade. It’s like that neighborhood drive through but only on water. The Parade of Lights are December 15th and 16th and you can also do the pre-post parade the month of December. Its $35 for over an hour of Christmas memories you and your family / friends will love.

Fa la la la la la la la la…

throwdowns of tamales

ARE YOU READY FOR A THROWDOWN?

Love Tamales? Want to eat tamales? Then come to the Tamale Throwdown this weekend. There will be tamale eating contests, music and entertainment and an overall good time

INFORMATION:
November 12 @ 2pm-10pm
November 13 @ 10am-10pm
4522 Browne Ave. :: Los Angeles, CA 90032