Month: November 2007

Holiday Light Festival – Griffith Park

With Thanksgiving just a couple of days away, I am starting to get excited about the upcoming holiday season. I just love this time of year. I love the music, yummy food, decorations and my favorite part of it all is the wonderful lights. I’ve been searching for fun things to do this weekend with my family to really get into the holiday spirit, and just as I was searching for something to do (other than shopping), I caught a segment on the local news about the Los Angeles DWP Holiday Light Festival at Griffith Park.

I’ve been a couple of times and have decided to begin visiting it a new family tradition. It’s a really unique Angeleno experience. The section of Griffith park runs about one mile with the displays of lights along Crystal Springs Drive. The displays even feature music. It is a must see. I’m planning on visiting sometime this weekend. If you will be attending this weekend and possibly beating the crowds make sure to bring a good pair of walking shoes, a jacket, and a stroller for the little ones. Most of all, bring your holiday spirit. If you are planning to be in the Los Angeles area this holiday season include this on your list of things to see and do.

The festival will be a walk-through only event from Nov 21th -Nov 25th from 5pm to 10pm. Then it becomes a drive-through event from Nov 26th -Dec 30th, also from 5pm to 10pm.

Make sure to arrive early!!! The best part is that it’s absolutely free!!!

For more information: here is the website

Knott’s Merry Farm

Living in Southern California, we are close to numerous theme parks. Many of these places have special holiday events this time of the year. One of the family friendly and less expensive places is Knott’s Berry Farm which transitions into Knott’s Merry Farm during November and December every year.

One fond memory that I have as a child was visiting Knott’s during December and being able to sled down a mountain of real snow inside the park. The park has discontinued this element, but continues it’s annual Christmas Craft Village, which takes up a chunk of Ghost Town. You can access the craft village separately from the theme park on Monday through Friday for just $8 and children 3-11 are just $2. You can shop for holiday decorations and gifts or just soak in the atmosphere. During the weekends, you can only enter the fair via a regular theme park admission ticket.

Photo Courtesy of Knott’s

There is something very relaxing about visiting the park during the cool daytime weather during the holidays. It’s probably a nostalgic feeling from my own childhood. Create some memories for your children and bring them to experience this event.

It is worth noting that admission for SoCal residents is only $33.99 for adults and $19.99 for children. That’s almost half of what you’ll pay down at 1313 Harbor Blvd.

Christmas at Knott’s also means a new Snoopy ice show, A Christmas Carol and Gift of the Magi in the Birdcage theater, carolers and a Christmas parade. This year they have also brought back Elf Mountain Christmas – which is the log ride decorated with Santa’s little elves preparing for Christmas.

Also: Toys for Tots
December 1-2, 8-9, & 15-16
Bring a brand new toy valued at $10 or more (not gift wrapped) to donate to Toys for Tots and you’ll receive free admission to Knott’s.

Lastly, here are some great coupons including kids eating for $2 at the TGI Fridays located in front of Knott’s.
Enjoy!