Have you noticed the holiday light displays are bigger and better than ever? Besides lights, there is music, food offerings, entertainment and visits from special people from the North Pole. Here’s a guide to 5 of my favorite Holiday themed destinations:

1. Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Universal Studios Hollywood – As night falls, Hogemeade Village sparkles with snow capped roofs and storefronts decorated with holiday light garland and decorations. The Hogwarts Castle is lit with color illuminating Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry during designated times with an awe-inspiring light projection show that is choreographed to the musical arrangement from the from the Harry Potter movies –https://dineandtravel.me/2017/11/10/christmas-extravaganza-at-universal-studios-hollywood/.
2. Enchanted Forest of Lights at Descanso Gardens –
   

   

   This is the second year that Descanso Gardens, a renowned 150 acre botanical oasis filled with California native plants and oak wonderlands, is open in the evening for locals and visitors to witness one of the most dazzling and unique holiday season light show. https://dineandtravel.me/2017/11/21/experience-enchanted-forest-of-light/.

3. Disneyland and California Adventure – 
   

   

   Disneyland and California Adventure seem extra festive this year. For a second year the park is decked out for the spirit of the season with decorations offering a celebration of Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and Diwali. Here are 10 activities to see and experience in both theme parks before January 7 – 2017. https://dineandtravel.me/2017/11/17/10-disney-holiday-magic-experiences/

4. The Americana at Brand –
   

   

   The holidays are joyous at Americana at Brand with special hours, a Santa House, holiday shopping, singers, drummers, entertainers on stilts and trolley rides. Celebrate the magic of the holiday season near a soaring Christmas Tree with thousands of lights and ornaments, set in a winter wonderland with snow falling on The Green every evening at 7 & 8 pm, through December 25. Read about the newest store selling holiday sweets and gifts for friends, coworkers, family and yourself –

   https://dineandtravel.me/2017/12/03/the-americana-at-brand-is-sweeter-with-sees-candies/.

5. BOLD in Beverly Hills –  

   

   “Every day feels like a holiday in Beverly Hills,” said Beverly Hills Mayor Lili Bosse. Bosse conceived BOLD (Beverly Hills Open Later Days) as a way to make the city “fresh and competitive.”  Holiday events in Beverly Hills include the Tinseltone Carolers singing at various locations throughout the city on Fridays. From 5 to 8 p.m., the Madrigal Singers perform on Rodeo Drive. On Saturday, Santa appears at the Paley Center for Media from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., It’s one of  many appearances he will make through Christmas Eve. Events in December include the daily menorah lightings starting on Dec. 12 at Montage Beverly Hills during Hanukkah. Bistro tables and chairs were installed on Rodeo Drive for BOLD during the summer and remain through the holiday season, offering a warm and inviting environment. The city offers special parking rates through Jan. 2. Two hours free parking, with a $5 maximum rate are offered at 9510 Brighton Way, 345 N. Beverly Drive, 241-242 N. Canon Drive, 438 N. Beverly Drive, 439 N. Canon Drive, 461 N. Bedford Drive and 216 S. Beverly Drive. There will also be one hour free parking at other lots with a $5 maximum rate. To learn more – lovebeverlyhills.com/boldholidays.