Holiday Happenings

Holiday Train Ride -- The Travel Town Railroad, in cooperation of City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks announces the opening of the annual Christmas Train Ride to visit Santa at the Travel Town Railroad Museum in Griffith Park. Be prepared for a unique family Christmas experience as you ride our train through enchanting, decorated scenes on a journey to Santa’s house.

The Christmas Train Ride to Santa will begin Saturday Nov. 26. The hours are from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday through Dec. 11. Beginning Dec. 14, the railroad will be open every evening through Dec. 23. Cost: $6 each person, infants under 19 months of age are free. Travel Town Museum, 5200 Zoo Drive, Los Angeles. For more information, call 881-2586 or the ticket office at (323) 662-9678.

12 Days of Holiday Cheer -- Dec. 1 to 12. Downtown Burbank: More than 40 events, performances and fun activities. “12 Days of Holiday Cheer” kicks off at 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 1, with the Mayor’s Tree Lighting Ceremony at Burbank City Hall, 275 Olive Street. After the Tree Lighting, Santa will be on hand until 8 p.m.to visit and have photos taken with children (parents are urged to bring a camera) while the Holiday Parade starts its journey.The Parade, will be led by Holiday Fanfare Trumpets. Be there as the Magical Christmas Caroling Truck makes its first seasonal appearance. The Magical Christmas Caroling Truck is a 62-foot holiday phenomenon, a float adorned with magnificent Christmas scenes and thousands of sparkling lights followed by Santa’s Train. With more than 200 singers and dancers amplified by a 20,000 watt sound system, it is one of the most popular spectacles of the season. The Parade will spread holiday cheer as it winds through Downtown streets until 9 p.m.

Illuminating Trees -- Descanso Gardens: “Illuminating Trees” will decorate the landscape and set the tone for Descanso Gardens during the 2005 Holiday Festival. Beginning on the evening of Friday, Dec. 9, the festival will continue through Sunday, Dec. 18, with music, festive shopping venues, two family nights, an elegant dinner party and a family holiday brunch. There will be plenty of time to enjoy the landscape and the company of Santa Claus, making Descanso a destination for anyone looking for a memorable approach to the holidays.

From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 10 to 18, the Descanso tram will provide rides through the landscape to the Boddy House Marketplace. Descanso Gardens is at 1418 Descanso Drive, La Canada Flintridge. The Gardens are open 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily except Christmas Day. Parking is free. Admission fees are $7 for adults; $5 for seniors and students; $2 for children 5 to 12, and free for members and children 5 and younger. For information call (818) 949-4200 or visit www.DescansoGardens.org.

Holiday Boutique and Luncheon -- Mon. at 10 a.m. December 5. The Pasadena Woman’s Civic League Annual Holiday Boutique and luncheon will be at the Women’s City Club historic Blinn House. Proceeds fund the Civic League donations to non-profits serving women and children. Lunch is served at noon and will feature holiday entertainment. Luncheon is $17 per person and reservations are required. Admission to boutique is free. For information call 626-351-8137.

Aquarium of the Pacific -- Dec. 3-4. Scuba Santa will make it snow for the first time at the Aquarium of the Pacific during the Holiday Treats for the animals event. Families can also enjoy live holiday music, children’s crafts, storytelling, unique photo opportunities, shopping and more. Aquarium of the Pacific is located at 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach.. For more information call 562-590-3100 or www.aquariumofpacific.org

HOLIDAY

PERFORMANCES