How to Spend the Holidays in Los Angeles and Not Break the Bank

Panicked that the upcoming holidays are going to break the bank? Here in LA there are plenty of things to do that don't cost a bundle of cash. Remember, you are responding to the pressure of our commercialized culture and nothing more. Sure, everybody wishes they had a million green ones to lavish gifts upon those they love, give to charity, buy a new couch - but you know, just because you hear those jingle bells doesn't mean it has to cost everything you have.

There are so many hotspots for holiday fun here in Los Angeles that if you haven't yet tried you're in for a treat. Here are the top five richest cheapest holiday experiences in Los Angeles.

1) Griffith Park Train Ride to Santa - if you've never taken your little ones to Griffith Park's train rides you are really missing out. During Christmas, the Travel Town line picks up kids at the main station and takes them on a nighttime ride to visit Santa. The train stops at Santa's Village where visitors can get out and say hello to Mrs. Claus. Santa also is there to pose for pictures (photos with Santa are only $4 each) but resist the urge to hang out with the bearded money grubber. Kids are probably happier to run around and play anyway than wait in that long line. After you're done, you hop back on the train and ride to the station. It is probably better for smaller kids, around 3 - 5 but it's really fun, and a special treat, for any age. Tickets are $6.00. Infants 18 months and under are free. Runs through December 23. (323) 662-9678.

2) The DWP Light Festival - after your train ride to Santa, it isn't much of a drive to zip down the park and pass through their glorious light display. It runs from November 22 through December 30. It's free to the public and you don't have to drive through it, you can also bundle up and walk through. It is beautiful, magical and will get you in the spirit without ever having to swipe that check debit card (don't you hate those?). 323.913.4688, for more info.

3) Christmas Tree Lane (actually Santa Rosa Avenue, between Woodbury Avenue and Altadena Drive) in Altadena is the oldest large-scale Christmas lighting spectacle in Southern California. The Woodbury Family, the founders of Altadena, planted the 135 Deodar Cedar trees on the street in 1885. In 1920, F.C. Nash first organized the tree lighting spectacle. Each Christmas season, volunteers and the Christmas Tree Lane Association string the "Mile of Christmas Trees" with 10,000 lights. The street is a state historical site on the California Historical Register.

4) If you're in town on Christmas Eve you can drive down to the Toluca Lake or North Hollywood where, for 23 years, the Magical Christmas Caroling Truck has been providing Christmas carols and merriment on a sixty-two foot tractor-trailer, sparkling with lights and Christmas cheer. The truck has 200 singers and dancers. The truck is in full swing from 5 to 11pm on Christmas Eve. To see a map of the truck's merry path, visit the website, http://www.christmascaroling.org/map.htm.

5) Downtown on Ice makes Los Angeles feel like winter wonderland as hundreds of Angelinos and tourists take to this very special outdoor skating rink. The ice skating goes until January 15 and is located at Pershing Square (532 South Olive). There will be winter carnivals, special events, even glide in movies. It's open seven days a week and admission is only $6 per skating session and $2 for skate rentals. It's cheaper than a day at the movies. For more info, 1-888-LA-PARKS (527-2757)