It’s not OFFICIALLY the holiday season, until Santa arrives at The Grove. This year, the iconic 18th annual tree lighting ceremony “Christmas in The Grove” celebration is set to take place on November 17, 2019 from 7:30-9:30. The arrival of the season’s first snowfall and a fireworks spectacular show with Santa’s grand arrival will not disappoint.
The event is complimentary and open to the public with no tickets necessary. It’s hosted by Leslie Odom, Jr with music directed by Nick Rosen and additional special performances by Isaac Slade of The Fray, Tori Kelly, The Tenors and Malea Emma as special guests.
The most spectacular part of the evening in my opinion is the enormous and intricately decorated tree. More than 15,000 lights and 10,000 ornaments adorn the 100-foot white fir which regally decorates the center of this luxury outdoor shopping plaza. The fir is transported all the way from Mount Shasta in Northern California so that Angelenos and city visitors can get a sight of a true northern Christmas tree without the Northern temperatures (because that’s why we live in SoCal).
The specially selected tree is 80+ years old, and chosen because it’s already near the end of its majestic life cycle. After the holidays are done (sad) the branches from the tree are used for mulch and firewood, and 10 new, young and chipper white fir trees are planted in its place. Yay for sustainability!
Now, in all seriousness this is Los Angeles and if you’ve ever driven anywhere you know that traffic is half the battle- next up to parking. I would suggest arriving early. Arrive much earlier than you anticipate needing to- because parking around the area is limited and thousands of Angelenos come to witness Santa proclaim the true start of the holiday season.
You can even make a day of it and spend the afternoon exploring the Fairfax/Original Farmer’s Market area and pay a flat rate parking fee at the garage while not having to worry about getting in a not-so-jolly holiday brawl over the last parking spot (It’s too early for that… Save the feistiness for Black Friday, or when you’re out shopping for gifts the weekend before Christmas because you [*always*] put it off until the last second. Those are much more important “game time” moments.).
After the tree lighting be sure to come back during the day to take a photo with Santa and tell him what everyone wants for Christmas here in LA: lower rent prices. *Ho Ho Ho*
Find more information about parking for the event and what you can/can’t bring with you inside the festivities on The Grove’s website, here.
Follow Metropolitan Molly updates by subscribing to my newsletter, website and on social media below:
Interested in nominating someone with a stellar story for the COVID Chronicles? Submit them, here.