The Holiday Season has officially arrived. Soon, our storefronts will be dressed with wreaths, old winter croons will fill the air, Santa caps will be donned, and Union Station’s holiday tree will be lit yet again.
Union Station first lit its tree back in 2015. The inaugural lighting was held in the station’s old ticketing hall and featured an all-boys choir and a standard holiday pine tree. Over the years, the event-and the trees have grown and the lighting ceremony has become a treasured tradition for many. Standing at 30 feet tall, this year’s massive tree will be lit by none other than Santa himself, alongside Metro Board Chair and City of Whittier Council Member, Fernando Dutra.
The Holiday Cheer doesn’t just end with the tree lighting. Guests will hear classic melodies fill the air by carolers strolling the newly restored South Patio where the event will be held. The carolers are just a warm up to this year’s performance in partnership Metro Arts Presents. California’s very own Beverly Belles will take the mic to sing holiday hits in a retro 40s style, pin curls and all.
While that cheerful music plays attendees can go grab photos with the jolly old man himself, Santa Claus and his friends from the north pole. Of course if Santa is attending, that can only mean one thing, milk and cookies! Guests can dig into the station’s festive treat offering, before feeling like an elf themselves at this year’s holiday craft station.
Photos courtesy Union Station
When does it ever snow in Los Angeles? The sight of white flakes falling magically from the sky is usually reserved for those living beyond the reach of the Golden Coast, until now. Once the tree is lit, the songs have been sung, and the cookies and crafts have been enjoyed, something quite miraculous will occur: snow! Falling down onto the station’s patio for family and friends alike to delight in.
Free and fun for all ages, the Tree Lighting will be held on November 20th from 6 PM to 8 PM at Union Station, 800 N. Alameda Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012, on the South Patio. Parking is available at Union Station East or West, starting at $8.
The event is ADA accessible; pets and bicycles are not permitted, except for service animals. https://unionstation.org
