Los Angeles & Southern California - Andrea Schulte-Peevers [121]
November
Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead; 213-625-5045; www.olvera-street.com, www.ladayofthedead.com, www.selfhelpgraphics.org, www.festivaldelagente.org) Honor beloved ancestors with dance, face painting, decorated altars and candlelight processions on Olvera St, at Self-Help Graphics in East LA Click here, at Hollywood Forever Cemetery and with the Festival de la Gente along the 6th St Bridge in Downtown. Held around November 1.
Pasadena Doo Dah Parade ( 626-205-4029; www.pasadenadoodahparade.info) Embrace this wacky parody parade held on the Sunday before Thanksgiving. With its briefcase drill team, Royal Pains and Howdy Krishnas it’s a tongue-in-cheek poke at Rose Parade perfection.
LADWP Light Festival ( 323-913-4688; www.dwplightfestival.com) Bright lights, no city in this mile-long stretch of enchanting holiday-themed light displays and music in Griffith Park. Walk, drive through slowly or take the shuttle leaving from the zoo on select dates. Runs from early November through until December 26.
Hollywood Christmas Parade ( 323-469-8311; www.hollywoodchamber.net) Celebs ring in the season by waving at fans from flash floats rolling down Hollywood Blvd. Easy access via the Metro Rail Red Line. Held the Sunday after Thanksgiving.
December
Marina del Rey Holiday Boat Parade ( 310-670-7130; www.mdrboatparade.org) Boats decked out in bright, blinking holiday cheer promenade for prizes in the marina. Check it out from Burton Chase Park. Mid-December.
LA County Holiday Celebration ( 213-972-3099; www.holidaycelebration.org) Celebrate Christmas Eve with free global music and dance at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion (Map).
Las Posadas ( 213-625-5045; www.cityofla.org/elp) Free candlelight processions that re-enact Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem, followed by piñata-breaking and general merriment on Olvera St and around. From December 16 to 24.
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SLEEPING
When picking a place to stay in sprawling Los Angeles, first try to decide on what type of experience you’re most keen to have, whether it be beach, culture, urban edginess, stargazing, family activities, outdoors, studios, shopping, lifestyle or parties. Then choose a neighborhood that best reflects your expectations so you don’t spend your holiday sitting in traffic.
Some bargains notwithstanding, hotel rates in LA are higher than the national average. During the peak summer season, even a $200 room will likely not be anything special. The lodging tax is 12% to 14% and is not included in rates listed below except where indicated. Unless noted, hotel parking is free. For general information about the types of accommodation available, Click here.
Hollywood
Hollywood is an excellent base of operation if you don’t have your own wheels. You’ll be close to landmark sights, hiking in Griffith Park and raucous nightlife, with easy access to efficient public transportation to Downtown, Universal Studios, Los Feliz and West Hollywood.
BUDGET
Orange Drive Manor Hostel (Map; 323-850-0350; www.orangedrivehostel.com; 1764 N Orange Dr; incl tax dm $25-28, r $59-65; wi-fi) If you like your hostel with dash of quirk and history, this rambling old mansion should fit the bill. It’s run more like a hotel, with rules and regulations and extra charges for parking and wi-fi. Security is good and cleanliness fairly consistent. Check-in is from 7am to 1am. Parking costs $5.
USA Hostels Hollywood (Map; 323-462-3777, 800-524-6783; www.usahostels.com; 1624 Schrader Blvd; incl tax dm $27-29, r $64; wi-fi) Not for introverts, this sociable hostel puts you within steps of the Hollywood party circuit. Dorms have attached bathrooms, and lockers for each guest. Making new friends is easy during staff-organized barbecues, comedy nights and tours or while microwaving your pizza in the recently spruced-up kitchen. Freebies include a cook-your-own-pancake breakfast, all-day coffee/tea and wi-fi.
Elaine’s Hollywood B&B (Map; 323-850-0766; www.elaineshollywoodbedandbreakfast.com;