Los Angeles Union Station came alive with lights and holiday cheer on November 20, 2023, with its 8th annual Tree Lighting Ceremony.
Watch my Instagram reel about the event
Union Station has been transformed into a winter wonderland
The entire station has been decorated and is gleaming to welcome visitors to this spectacular Downtown jewel.
Read more about Union Station here.
Metro CEO Stephanie Wiggins and Santa with his elves illuminated the 30-foot tree to officially kick off the holiday season.
As guests arrived, they were treated to scrumptious holiday cookies and hot chocolate and were entertained by giant snow fairies on stilts.
An arts and crafts booth was set up for kids, with some adults participating as well.
Musical entertainment was provided by the ultra-talented Beverly Belles, a vintage-style accapella singing trio who were reminiscent of the Andrews Sisters.
Also on stage were Mariachi Los Servidores, which included four LAPD cops who sang like virtuosos. I was completely impressed and mesmerized. One guest commented. “I want those guys patrolling my neighborhood.”
The crowd had a blast, and many were wearing “ugly” Christmas sweaters and funny hats.
Santa and his two elves were adorable and took photos with all the guests next to the sparkling tree.
This is a photo of Santa with some of the Metro L.A. staff who work tirelessly to help passengers have the best experience at the station riding the rails and enjoying its art and culture events.
Union Station is not only one of the last great train stations but offers the public a host of exciting activities.
In the lobby is a historic display of Old Chinatown by Metro Art L.A. called Where You Stand: Chinatown 1880 – 1939. It was razed to build the station which opened in 1939. A new Chinatown was erected nearby. It’s an intriguing history of immigrant entrepreneurial spirit, exotic cuisine, and art. It also documents the discrimination, hate, and uprooting of the Chinese-American population during that time.
Enjoy the holiday magic at Union Station
Make sure to visit Union Station during the holidays. Walk through the Christmas displays at the entrance, in the lobby, and in the South Patio to view its decorations and take part in events that will be taking place there.
See upcoming events at the station here.
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