Where To See SoCal's Most Festive Holiday Lights

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

Montage Beverly Hills - Guests and visitors at the Montage Beverly Hills are dazzled with multiple brightly lit trees, a menorah, and life-size sleigh with mistletoe above to sneak a memorable kiss. Life-size nutcracker soldiers made of fondant stand at attention in the lobby of the hotel. The Montage Beverly Hills is offering special programs for the entire family. Younger guests can partake in unique holiday activities all season that include Letters to Santa. Cozy up by the warm fireplace and write letters to Mr. and Mrs. Claus in the North Pole. Bring an unwrapped toy to deposit into the non-profit charity Miracles for Kids. On Dec. 22 from 3:30 to 5 p.m., Executive Pastry Chef Amanda Lavin is leading an interactive children’s cookie baking class in the hotel’s pastry kitchen. Participants will receive light bites, a chef’s hat and a signature apron, plus take home their baked goods. Enjoy dinner at The Restaurant and explore the beautifully installed BOLD decorations outside at the Beverly Gardens Park. https://www.montagehotels.com/beverlyhills/

Enchanted: Forest of Light - Descanso Gardens’ soulful Enchanted: Forest of Light shines now through January 6, 2019. Explore 10 different immersive and interactive areas along a one-mile pathway. There are stops along the way for a hot toddy, craft beer, hot chocolate and Maple beignets. The newly refreshed Maple Restaurant at Descanso Gardens offers a special seasonal menu exclusively to Enchanted ticket holders before or after exploring the Forest of Light. For dinner and Enchanted reservations, go to https://www.descansogardens.org/programs-events/.

Universal Studios Holiday Lights - Get into the holiday spirit as you enjoy Universal Studios Hollywood adorned with colorful decorations and culinary delights. Celebrate Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, where Hogsmeade is transformed with festive décor, lights, garlands, and wreaths, along with a new nightly snowfall. Enjoy a savory and sweet holiday menu at Three Broomsticks featuring traditional seasonal dishes and beverages, including a holiday dinner and hot Butterbeer. Plus, shop for holiday ware, ornaments, stockings, tree toppers and figurines. Don’t leave until seeing the Magic of Christmas dazzling light show displayed on Hogwarts Castle now through Jan. 6. Also at the park is Who-tacular festivities with The Grinch, Max and all of Who-ville when Grinchmas returns December 1, 2, 8, 9 and 14 through 30. 100 Universal City Plaza (800)864-8377.

The Mission Inn & Spa - The annual Festival of Lights includes a record-breaking 5 million colorful lights; 400 animated figures; appearances by Santa Claus and Sugar Plum Fairy ballerinas. This year Executive Pastry Chef David Blaine and his team made a life-size “Santa’s Wonderland House” displayed in the lobby. It took ten weeks in the making to bake 800 gingerbread bricks and 200 gingerbread tiles. Exquisite details include a white picket fence, mailbox, planters and candy trees surrounding the house. The interior of the house is decorated with pink and white striped wallpaper, and a fireplace with stockings for each member of the owner’s family, and a Christmas tree with presents underneath. The best way to see this one-of-a-kind sweet creation is to make a dinner reservation in one of the hotel’s restaurants or stay overnight in the European fairy tale the Kensington Kelly Suite. To make a dinner or hotel reservation visit https://www.missioninn.com.

Disneyland and Disney California Adventure - The holiday season brings millions of colorful lights, fireworks and snow falling at Disneyland. A special culinary experience is featured in Disney California Adventure during the 2018 Festival of Holidays through January 8, 2019. The Festival includes live music and dance performances, beautiful decorations, and a special holiday version of the World of Color nighttime spectacular. Stay overnight at the Grand Californian and participate in the Grand Gingerbread House Experience. Guests of all ages get to work with Disney’s talented pastry chefs in a hands-on workshop. It’s a fun holiday activity, complete with hot cocoa and cookies to enjoy. At the end, guests get to take a miniature version home The class takes place in Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa from 2-3:30 p.m. on Dec. 5, 11, 20, 21, 22 and 23. For the workshop details, pricing information and to register for this experience, hotel guests may call Guest Services at 714-635-2300. https://disneyland.disney.go.com/hotels/grand-californian-hotel/