The holidays are twinkling across Los Angeles! From downtown to the coast, festive tree lighting ceremonies are popping up – and you can reach them all car-free with Metro.
Grab your TAP card, hop on board and enjoy an easy, car-free ride to live music, snow flurried and plenty of holiday cheer – no parking stress required. Here are five magical tree lightings you can reach by Metro this season:
1) Union Station
Celebrate the 10th annual Tree Lighting Ceremony at Los Angeles Union Station’s South Patio with live performances by The Beverly Belles (presented by Metro Art Presents), joyful carolers and holiday crafts for all ages. Enjoy milk and cookies, holiday characters and a visit from Santa and friends from the North Pole for festive photos.
- When: Thursday, November 20
- Where: 800 N. Alameda St. Los Angeles, CA 90012
(Please note that the event has been relocated to the Ticket Concourse)
- Time: 6:00 pm- 8:00 pm
- Go Metro: Take the B (Red) / D (Purple) / A (Blue) Line / J Line to Union Station
- For more information visit: unionstationla.com/happenings/10th-annual-tree-lighting-ceremony/
2) Santa Monica
Santa takes center stage to light up the Promenade, followed by live performances from local choirs and dance groups. Enjoy free photos with Santa, a magical “snowfall” on the Promenade, a holiday market, holiday-themed crafts for all ages, hot cocoa, giveaways and a holiday dance party that keeps the spirit glowing. You can RSVP here!
- When: Thursday, November 20
- Where: Third Street Promenade (between Santa Monica Blvd. and Arizona Ave.)
- Time: 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
- Go Metro: Take the E Line to Downtown Santa Monica Station and walk 8 minutes.
- For more information visit: downtownsm.com/holiday-happenings
3) The Music Center
Kick off the holidays at Jerry Moss Plaza with live music, snow flurries, complimentary hot chocolate and art-making with the Armory Center for the Arts. Explore the LA2050 Holiday Impact Market featuring local makers and nonprofits and help spread joy by donating art supplies to Music Changing Lives, which serves the Pasadena/Altadena community. The L.A. County Board of Supervisors will lead the official lighting!
- When: Monday, December 1
- Where: Jerry Moss Plaza – 135 N Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012
- Time: 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
- Go Metro: Take the A Line to Grand Ave Arts / Bunker Hill Station OR the B/D Line to Civic Center / Grand Park Station
- For more information visit: musiccenter.org/tickets-free-events/tmc-arts/l-a-county-holiday-tree-lighting/
4) Long Beach
Head to Long Beach for an evening packed with live music, carolers and a Nutcracker performance by the Long Beach Ballet. Take photos with Santa and Ms. Claus, hop on train rides, strike a pose at holiday selfie stations and stay for a fireworks finale with falling snow.
- When: Wednesday, December 3
- Where: Terrace Theater Plaza, 300 E. Ocean Blvd. Long Beach, CA 90802
- Time: 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
- Go Metro: Take the A Line to 1st St Station.
- For more information visit: visitlongbeach.com/events/annual-events/tree-lighting/
5) Culver City
Downtown Culver City transforms into a winter wonderland with 50 tons of snow, sledding and carnival games. Enjoy a visit from Santa, a tree lighting ceremony with 250 local students with singing, free popcorn and hot chocolate on the Town Plaza. The celebration will also be livestreamed at 6:00 p.m. for those joining from home at https://DowntownCulverCity.com.
- When: Thursday, December 4
- Where: Town Plaza – 9300 Culver Blvd. Culver City, CA 90232
- Time: 5:00 pm – 8:30 pm
- Go Metro: Take the E Line to Culver City Station and walk 8 min
- For more information visit: downtownculvercity.com/event/2025-annual-downtown-culver-city-tree-lighting-sled-tacular/
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