ALTADENA -
Christmas Tree Lane (actually Santa Rosa Avenue, between
Woodbury Avenue and Altadena Drive) in Altadena is one of the
oldest Christmas lighting spectacles in Southern California. It
became a tradition in 1920 when a local named Nash decided to
brighten up the holiday with some lights on the quickly growing
Deodars that the Woodbury Family, founders of Altadena, planted
in 1885. Nearly 135 Deodar Cedar trees are decorated by the
Christmas Tree Lane Association in what's known as “Mile of
Christmas Trees” (containing 10,000 lights.) The oldest
large-scale outdoor Christmas display in the world is a
designated California Historical Landmark No. 990 and listed in
the National Register of Historic Places.
CARMICHAEL
- Holiday House
Display - More than just lights, many say this event
rivals the Bellagio water show in Las Vegas. Over 2 million
computer-controlled actions or "states" per song create one of
the best light and music shows you'll find. Visitors are invited
to bring canned good donations. Time: Sunday - Thursday 6pm-9pm;
Friday-Saturday 6pm-10pm. Location: 6425 Meadowhill Court,
Carmichael, CA 95608. Directions: Go North on Fair Oaks Blvd
from Arden Way. Turn Right on Landis Ave, Turn Right on Deodar
Street, Turn Left onto Meadowhill Court. Cost: Free! Through
Dec. 31, 2007. lightupxmas.com
HUNTINGTON BEACH -
Cruise of Lights Holiday Lighted Boat Tour Family Night.
Discounts are in store as you join the festivities and help
bring music into the lives of children on the Huntington Harbour
annual Cruise of Lights holiday tour. As you arrive, you climb
aboard a bus that takes participants to the loading dock at
Huntington Harbour. Tour times: 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm.
$11/adult; $8/child. Order: HHPC-Cruise of Lights® Tickets,
16889 Algonquin Street,
Huntington Beach, CA 92649.
Fax your order anytime to: 714/840-7573. or online at cruiseoflights.org
OXNARD - Christmas
Tree Lane, “F” and “G” Streets houses in the Henry T. Oxnard
Historical District are brightly decorated for the holidays.
Visitors are welcome to take a leisurely drive or stroll down
Christmas Tree Lane. Hours run from 6 to 10 p.m. Call
1-800-269-6273. Time: 6 to 10 p.m.
SAN FRANCISCO -
Nutcracker with San Francisco Ballet. Location: War Memorial
Opera House, 301 Van Ness Ave., San Francisco, CA. Cost: varies,
up to $120 (approx.) sfballet.org
SAN JOSE -
Downtown Ice
skating rink is open through 1/13/08 in the stately-palm court
and features over 8,000 square feet of ice in an arena and
circular outer rink. Time: 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. weeknights; Noon to
Midnight on weekends; Special holiday hours, subject to
change...call to confirm. Cost: $12-$14. Skate all you want
first-come, first-serve. No in and out privileges. Admission includes ice time and rental
skates with skate sizes ranging from toddler 8 to men's 13. Location: Circle of Palms, 170 S. Market St.,
San Jose, California. Call: (408) 279-1775 ext. 45. sjdowntown.com
