Los Angeles is a filming town, so while other cities light up their town squares with outrageous displays of holiday cheer, L.A. tends to be more of a keep-your-light-under-a-bushel kind of place. Why put up lights and risk that the film industry doesn't book your location for an episode or two of Fresh Off the Boat? But we found downtown's best holiday displays, and also a few grinchy ones to stay away from.
Olvera Street: A live nativity and posada starting Dec. 16 help mark the great seasonal lights and decorations proudly displayed on the oldest street in Los Angeles. If Mexican food isn't your thing, or the lines are too long, walk a block over to grab a coffee or some eggs at Philippe the Original (Hooray, they now take credit cards!).
The Water Court at California Plaza: This place is cool, but being at the top of Angels Flight means you either have to move your car and pay for parking again or you have to climb a lot of freakin' stairs. A whole lot of stairs.
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