Go Metro to 5 Christmas tree lighting events around town!  

Whether you’re shopping for new lights and ornaments or dusting off treasured family decorations, the holiday spirit has arrived in Los Angeles! Here’s a list of FREE events where you can watch tree lightings across the city, listen to your favorite holiday carols, and sip hot chocolate. You can reach all these destinations by transit —an easy option to avoid the stress of finding and paying for parking.  

1) 9^th Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony at Union Station   

Next week, a 30-foot tree will be lit in Union Station’s historic Ticket Concourse —the first time this section of the station will be open to the public throughout the holiday season. Enjoy live music from Kingston Ska Orchestra and Los Rebeldes Romanticos, presented by Metro Art. Santa will be available for photos in the waiting room, while families can enjoy crafts, milk and cookies, festive characters, and more on the North Patio.  

No tickets or reservations are required, but you can rsvp here. We’ll have some additional surprises for attendees—don’t miss it!  

• When: Monday, November 25  

• Where: Ticket Concourse at Union Station – 800 N Alameda St., Los Angeles, CA 90012  

• Time: 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.  

• Metro: Take the A, B, D, or J Line to Union Station. Amtrak and Metrolink also serve Union Station.  

• For more information: 9th Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony – Union Station Los Angeles  

2)  City of Santa Monica Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony  

Santa will light Santa Monica’s Christmas tree at this fun and festive event. Enjoy live performances by Ballet Westside, Samohi Choir, Madrigals from Lincoln Middle School, and the SMC Emeritus Concert Band. After the tree lighting, Santa will pose for FREE photos with attendees and will even make it snow! Complimentary hot chocolate will also be available. The event is free, but you can reserve your spot here.  

• When: Thursday, November 21  

• Where: Third Street Promenade – 1300 Block (between Santa Monica Blvd. and Arizona Ave.)  

• Time: 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.  

• Metro: Take the E Line to Downtown Santa Monica Station.  

• For more information: Celebrate the Holidays in Downtown Santa Monica  

3) The 92^nd Hollywood Christmas Parade  

Now in its 92^nd year, the Hollywood Christmas Parade is a beautiful and timeless way to kick off your holiday season. This year’s event will feature TV stars, including Avengers actor Jeremy Renner, who will serve as the Grand Marshall. With dazzling floats, marching bands, and talented dancers, this iconic celebration it’s a must-see event. Grandstand seating requires a ticket, but you can watch for free along the sidewalk—just arrive early to secure a spot!  

• When: Sunday, December 1  

• Where: Starts in front of the Chinese Theater between Hollywood Blvd. & N Orange Dr., then turns right on Vine St., then right on Sunset Blvd. (see map on the top).  

• Time: 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.  

• Go Metro: Take the B (Red) Line to Hollywood/Vine or Hollywood/Highland Stations—both are along the parade route.  

• For more information: The Hollywood Christmas Parade  

4) L.A. County Tree Lighting Ceremony  

In this rich and colorful DTLA celebration, you’ll be able to enjoy live music, local crafts, art-making activities, snow flurries, holiday sweets and complimentary hot chocolate! The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors will offer special holiday greetings before lighting the tree. Bring the whole family!  

• When: Monday, December 2  

• Where: Jerry Moss Plaza at The Music Center – 135 N. Grand Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90012  

• Time: 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.  

• Metro: Take the B or D Line to Civic Center/Grand Park Station.  

• For more information: L.A. County Tree Lighting Ceremony    

5) Light Show at The Bloc 

Watch a stunning holiday display as 18 million tiny lights illuminate the night, synchronized with festive melodies. SPARKLE DTLA at The Bloc offers one of LA’s largest interactive multi-colored holiday exhibits. Don’t miss this magical tradition!  

• When: Every day until December 31  

• Where: The Bloc – 700 S Flower St., Los Angeles, CA 90017  

• Time: Shows at 5:00 p.m., 6:00 p.m., 7:00 p.m., 8:00 p.m., and 9:00 p.m.  
  **Carolers will perform on Thursday, December 14 and 21 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.  

• Go Metro: Take the B, D, A, or E Line to 7th Street/Metro Center Station.  

• For more information: www.theblocla.com/events   

How to Ride   
A regular one-way fare is $1.75 and $3.50 roundtrip –a lot cheaper than gas and parking. Our reloadable TAP fare cards can be purchased from TAP machines at Metro rail and busway stations for $2 plus fare. You can also ride all day for $5 and all week for $18. Just use a TAP card with Stored Value.   

Plan your transit trip using Google Maps, Apple Maps, the Transit app, the Moovit app or the trip planner on metro.net.      

Your safety is what’s most important to us, and we want to ensure that you have a safe, clean, and comfortable ride. But we want your help, too! If you see something on your journey, please report it using our Transit Watch app –– a quick, easy and anonymous way for you to directly connect to Metro Security anytime. Use the app to report suspicious activity or safety issues. In an emergency, call 911.