Wade Ren's List: Los Angeles Attractions

Glory of Christmas at the Crystal Cathedral Editorial Review – by Michele McCole Moss

Overview
Regular churchgoers and world travelers snatch up tickets to this one-of-a-kind holiday experience. While angels fly and barnyard animals bleat, the Cathedral's nativity comes to life with more than 200 performers. Bethlehem is re-created for attendees as sheep, camels and horses bring the three wise men to the end of their journey. In pure Southern California style, some special effects make the whole experience that much more believable.

The Experience
The grandeur of the Cathedral resonates with the tones of its traditional pipe organ. A pre-recorded soundtrack provided by the London Symphony Orchestra is enhanced by live performances of child and adult soloists.

Christmas Tree Lane Editorial Review – by Matt Gasparich

In Short
For more than 80 years, visitors traveling along Altadena's Santa Rosa Avenue have marveled at the stunning light displays ringing the roadside trees. Christmas Tree Lane, as it is known during the holidays, is a grove of nearly 150 imported Italian Deodar cedars. Planted by John Woodbury in the 19th century, the trees were donated to the town in 1920. Since the '50s, the Christmas Tree Association has arranged the festive display every December.

Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. Any expenses are paid for by Citysearch.
Insider Tips
Know Before You Go

Exit Fair Oaks off the 134 freeway and head north to Woodbury. Turn right on Woodbury and then left on Santa Rosa Avenue.
When to Go

Visit on a weeknight to avoid the more substantial weekend crowds.

12141 Lewis St
Garden Grove, CA 92840
Phone: (714) 544-5679

In Short
Attracting more than 15 million visitors each year, this enormous complex lures both tourists and locals looking for entertainment in the form of shopping, dining, dancing, movies and, of course, lots and lots of people watching. With the historic Grauman's Chinese Theatre, Hollywood Walk of Fame and Kodak Theatre (home of the Academy Awards) anchoring the sprawling block, the five-story center features some 60 shops, a handful of mainstream restaurants, (California Pizza Kitchen, for instance), a central courtyard, the Renaissance Hollywood Hotel and the newly opened Spa Luce. Love it or not, this towering attraction adds just a bit of consumption-based glamour to Tinseltown's world-famous, gritty boulevard.

Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. Any expenses are paid for by Citysearch.
Insider Tips
Know Before You Go

Your visit wouldn't be complete without a visit to the adjacent Grauman's Chinese Theater. Check out the cement handprints and footprints in the forecourt, where you can measure up against the likes of Charlie Chaplin, Al Pacino and more than 200 other celebrities.

When:
December 24 : 3 p.m.
December 26 : 7:30 p.m. 3 p.m. matinee
December 27 : 7:30 p.m. 3 p.m. matinee
December 28 : 3 p.m.
Daily 7:30 p.m. (December 30 through January 4) With 3 p.m. matinees

Price:
$28 - $79.50

Event Phone Number:
323-308-6333

http://www.kodaktheatre.com/even...

When:

Price:
Free

Event Phone Number:
213-972-7483

http://www.musiccenter.org


Dorothy Chandler Pavilion

Neighborhood: Downtown

135 North Grand Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90012

213-972-8001

Update/correct this listing
Holiday Sing-A-Long

Go on, liberate yourself from the shower and bust out some tunes in public. Join your fellow, bundled-up Angelenos to sing the songs of the season with live accompaniment, amongst the twinkly lights of Music Center plaza. Holiday songbirds of all levels are welcome.

Sunday 12/21/08 to Sunday 12/28/08
Where: 1200 block of Third Street Promenade
1200 Third St.
Santa Monica,CA,90401
Price: Free
Repeats Daily