Holiday lights(and boat parades!) in the Los Angeles area - where to go to see the shows!

Sometimes it can be hard to get into the holiday spirit when it is sunny and 70f - even if they do pipe holiday songs over the loudspeaker at Perry's on the boardwalk at the beach. If you need to jolt yourself into holiday mood - going to see some lights is a perfect way to make it happen. Of course, this list is just as good for someone who is a Christmas freak and has been in the spirit since before Halloween (why not make it a quest to see all of them?).

Here are some of the best places to see Holiday lights in Los Angeles:

1. Zoo Lights at the LA Zoo - This is one of the best events in our area for lights. Head over to the Zoo Lights at the LA Zoo and Botanical Gardens for a night to remember. A couple of things to know in advance - there are fees for this event, and tickets can usually be purchased online. This is a fantastic show with reindeer, Santa (on some occasions), as well as snacks and goodies.

2. Beverly Hills - This is a potential "killing two birds with one stone" trip as you can enjoy the city lights, the holiday decorations, and get some shopping done as well! Beverly Hills has swooping lights and a sleigh with reindeer, gifts, and Santa crossing overhead. The palm trees are all lit up on Rodeo Dr, and there is a walk through light display along Santa Monica Blvd across from the lighted sign. Head to the Farm of Beverly Hills for an amazing homemade oreo cookie and coffee afterwards to make the trip complete.

3. Marina Del Rey Boat Parade - This is an incredible event! this year marks the 52nd Marina Del Rey Holiday Boat Parade. It is December 12, 2015 at Burton Chace Park. Fireworks kick off the event at 5:55 and the parade begins at 6:00 and runs through 8:00. This year's grand Marshall is none other than Florence Henderson! Free to the public, this event is held rain or shine. Get there early to get your seats, and be ready to see the magic.

4. Venice Christmas Boat Parade - this event is always the first Saturday in December (rain date is the next day) Make your way to the Venice canals for this imaginative and fun boat parade. It has been going since 1989, and in addition to seeing the boats, you can enjoy the decorations of the canal bridges, bedecked in their holiday lighting. Their philosophy is "no boat is too small" so if you have a boat and would like to enter, there is a spot for you! 

5. Candy Cane Lane in Woodland Hills

This is like a Hollywood movie brought to real life. This wonderful display has neighbors playfully attempting to outdo one another as they create a magical winter wonderland in what is one of the hottest locales in our entire area! It begins the second weekend in December and goes through the end of the year. On weeknights, the lights are on from 6:00 until 10:00; weekends from 6:00 until 11:00. This is predominantly a driving event and the hosts ask for drivers to be polite and sensible. Santa has been sighted here on occasion as well. Candy Cane lane is located at the intersection of Lubao and Oxnard Streets near Pierce College. 

6. Sleepy Hollow Christmas Lights in Torrance - This is a neighborhood that definitely gets it's groove on for the holidays! You can walk or drive through this neighborhood - if you want pictures I definitely recommend walking. There are homeowners that get out and sell hot chocolate, baked goods, and churros, so bring a few dollars with you if you want to partake of the goodies. This display runs from early December until New Year's Eve, and is on from about 6:00 p.m. through 10:00 p.m. each night. You can park on PCH, Calle Mayor, or Prospect and walk, or take Robert Road for the driving. 

7. Christmas Tree Lane in Altadena - If you want to see something that is truly historical AND totally holiday mood inspiring - you must go to the Lighting of Christmas Tree Lane! It is the OLDEST and LONGEST RUNNING large scale Christmas Lighting spectacle in the United States!! It is located on Santa Rosa Avenue between Woodbury Avenue and Altadena Drive. This year will be the 95th Christmas Tree Lane Lighting and Winter Arts & Crafts Festival. The Arts & Crafts Festival starts at 2:00 p.m. and the lighting Ceremony is at 6:00. After the lighting has taken place, you can drive down Christmas Tree Lane every night and take in the glory of the incredible trees and lights until the end of the year.

8. Upper Hastings Ranch in Pasadena - This is another opportunity to either drive or walk through a jaw dropping neighborhood full of Christmas Lights! They kick off with a Holiday Light Up on December 12. you can enjoy the lights from 6:00 until 10:00 every night through New Year's. Upper Hastings Ranch homeowners coordinate this fabulous display with a different theme on different blocks. After the neighborhood, you can swing over to the Balian Mansion at 1960 Mendocino Lane for a spectacular house display.

These are some of the best Holiday light displays in our beloved Los Angeles. Yes, I know about the incredible Newport Beach Boat Parade.....but that is in Orange County. Also, I have heard that Santa Clarita has wonderful neighborhoods full of Christmas lights well worth checking out. If you have a favorite that I have left off of this list, please let me know.