Take a Ride on a West Coast Kick: 'Holiday Road' Brings Lights and Cheer to King Gillette Ranch

 

 

Up at King Gillette Ranch, deep in the hills near Calabasas, Holiday Road is putting on a socially distanced, COVID-safe light show for people in their cars looking for a bit of holiday cheer.

The display promises "vast grounds of lights and holiday moments welcoming visitors as they drive through a winding trail around the history-filled ranch. Expect to see everything from the North Pole, Elf Village, Gingerbread Lane, light tunnels, Christmas tree forests, and more."

The Holiday Road will be open to the public until January 10, nightly from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Located at King Gillette Ranch, 26800 Mulholland Hwy, Calabasas, tickets start at $75 per vehicle.

More pics:

L.A. Zoo Lights Return, With Some New Surprises (But Giving the Reindeer a Break) For 2019

We've made visiting the L.A. Zoo Lights an annual holiday tradition, and many of you have too. The Lights are back for 2019, and promises "the world's largest illuminated pop-up storybook and more light animals than ever before."

Among the highlights are the return of the Lights' disco ball forest, 3-D animations, a water-laser show and more. And then there's the extended "Twinkle Tunnel." Santa is also back, and the reptile lair is open to catch the creepy crawlers — but this year the reindeer have thankfully been given a break and aren't doing nighttime duty.

The L.A. Zoo Lights returned on Nov. 15 and will continue through Jan. 5 — with the exception of Christmas Eve and Christmas. Visit LAZooLights.org for more details, and tickets can be purchased at lazoo.com/eventperformances. Check out photos below:

L.A. Zoo Lights Returns for 2018 With an Expanded Twinkle Tunnel, a New Elephant Circle Display, and More

The L.A. Zoo Lights is always a reliable way to get into the holiday cheer, and although it's a relatively new tradition — this is its fifth year — it has become an annual staple for the Franklin Avenue family. (Check out last year's post here.) We returned for this year's visit on Friday night, and can report that it's perhaps more photo-friendly (and Instagrammable, natch) than ever.

The L.A. Zoo Lights has received several accolades since its launch; this year it's nominated in the USA TODAY’s 10Best Readers' Choice travel awards. Voting ends on Monday, December 10, so vote here to help our zoo out!

Entrance to the L.A. Zoo lights. More pics below.

A silhouette screen is a popular spot for pics. 

Most of the animals are tucked away for bed during L.A. zoo lights, but the reindeer are out for Santa.

The lighted and tumbling meerkats.

The illuminated elephants came with an L.A. theme this year.

Disco! It doesn't appear that KCRW is sponsoring this year's music, however, unlike past years. 

The Lair is the only animal area open during the L.A. Zoo Lights, and it's a chance to see snakes, turtles, fish, and more after hours.

The baby snakes creeped and delighted.

The water fountain show takes place every few minutes.

New this year: The Elephant Circle is transformed into a kaleidoscopic savanna with stained-glass animals – including the endangered California condor, Masai giraffe, Asian elephant, and more.

The popular twinkle tunnel has also been lengthened, although it comes with a wait when the zoo is crowded.

Performers at the end of the twinkle tunnel.

There are plenty of festive food and drinks (including cocktails!) available for purchase. L.A. Zoo Lights takes place through Sunday, January 6, 2019 (except December 24 and 25) from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Admission to L.A. Zoo Lights ranges from $14.95 to $21.95 for adults (13+) and $11.95 to $16.95 for children (2-12). Children under age 2 are free. Tickets for members of the Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association are $11 during the entire run, which is up to 50 percent off.