Best Places To Go Caroling in Los Angeles
Palm trees and swimming pools remain the symbols of our city throughout the year, even when many other parts of the nation are more accustomed to roaring fires and lots of snow, the latter of which makes the holiday spirit part and parcel of this familiar picture. However, even in sunny Southern California, Christmas, Channukah and all other types of typical celebrations are wrapped up in glittery tinsel as Angelenos enjoy the festivities that abound. That said, one important aspect that shines in the place where movies are made is the constant caroling, often done by the most accomplished singers in the most unexpected places. Consider the following five at which to show off your group's skills and to get others to join in, too.
The Grove
189 The Grove Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90036
(323) 900-8080
www.thegrovela.com
This outdoor shopping mall with its carefully landscaped layout and playful atmosphere is always full of good cheer, especially during the holiday season. So, why not meet near the dancing fountain on any appointed day this winter to carol for the crowd of shoppers looking to buy the perfects presents to gift on the holiday of their collective choices? After all, what better way to inject the appropriate spirit than to lend a little music during this hectic yet highly anticipated time of the year?
Griffith Park
4730 Crystal Springs Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90027
(323) 913-4688
www.griffithparktrailruns.com
For a chance to meet up with your friends, get a little exercise and put some extra spring in the steps of passing runners and fast walkers, take your caroling group to Griffith Park. The best place in what is often billed as the largest municipal park in the nation is along the trails that begin where Riverside Drive and Crystal Springs Drive meet. This is in the Los Feliz portion of the park and across the way from the William Mulholland Memorial Fountain, the perfect landmark at which to meet. Then it's off to spur on the the madding crowd who regularly spend time covering the trails in a place where a carol or two will certainly make their day as they make their way along the path, part of every heathy Los Angeles lifestyle.
Union Station
800 N. Alameda St.
Los Angeles, CA 90012
For a rarified place to warble some sweet tunes in the form of caroling in the downtown arena, choose Union Station where the trains meet and where you can, too. Gather your friends and head for this Art Deco/Spanish Colonial/Mission Revival haven to give your mini-concert where everyone is invited to join in on the chorus. But don't stop there. After that, continue the song fest across the street on legendary Olvera Street where the sentiments of the season will be amplified by your contribution to the holiday spirit.
Melrose Ave. Between La Brea and Fairfax
Los Angeles, CA
In town and ready to warble? Take to a crowded sidewalk on Melrose Avenue to let out the holiday tunes with your friends while all kinds of shoppers and shop owners stop to listen and even take part. Arguably the most crowded areas of this funky stretch of Los Angeles thoroughfare are the best places to present your holiday play list since this is where out-of-towners tend to gather to mingle with us local folk. Before long, everyone will be singing, giving all credit cards a rest for at least the time being.
Venice Boardwalk
Venice, CA
No other place in the Los Angeles area seems quite as quirky and not nearly as fun as the Venice Boardwalk, a place where skaters and surfers get together on a regular basis to watch the antics of the many buskers and body builders who frequent this section of the beach just north of the Pacific. A band of merry warblers will likely add some festivity to the a mix of revelers already ready to partake, so expect a lot of loud singing if this is your place of caroling interest. It'll be like one big get-together where everybody doesn't necessarily know your name.
