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Itineraries
A Car-Free Holiday Lights Tour of Downtown LA and Beyond
By Metrolink Staff | Updated October 2025

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Celebrate the holiday season with a sparkling tour of Los Angeles’ most festive decorations—all without the need for a car. Whether you’re planning a cheerful evening out or hosting holiday guests, this car-free itinerary takes you through Downtown LA’s most dazzling displays, plus a few bonus stops just a short walk from other Metrolink stations.

With one $10 SoCal Day Pass (weekends) or $15 pass (weekdays), you can enjoy a full day of seasonal sights and lights via Metrolink and LA Metro.

Ride Metrolink to Los Angeles Union Station
Take any Metrolink line (except the Inland Empire/Orange County Line) to Los Angeles Union Station, where classic architecture meets holiday charm. During December, Union Station is adorned with a large tree, vintage-style decorations, and seasonal photo ops throughout the main lobby and courtyard. There is an annual tree lighting ceremony on Thursday, November 20, 2025 from 6pm-8pm, but decorations can be enjoyed until December 27.

Walk or Transfer to LA Metro to Downtown LA’s Holiday Highlights
Use your Metrolink ticket for a free transfer on LA Metro to explore these festive stops within walking distance or one subway transfer from Union Station:


• Grand Park + Holiday Light Tunnel — Civic Center/Grand Park Station (Metro B/D Line)
   Stroll through a colorful light tunnel and see the fountains and gardens glowing after sunset.

• The Bloc’s Sparkle DTLA — 7th St/Metro Center Station (Metro A/B/D/E Lines)
   Over 18 million lights in a choreographed light show, with shows every 30 minutes from 5–10 PM.

• LA LIVE & Holiday Ice Rink — Pico Station (Metro A/E Line)
   Giant tree, music, and a classic downtown skating experience near the Crypto.com Arena.

• Walt Disney Concert Hall — Civic Center/Grand Park Station (Metro B/D Line)
   Holiday projections and decor light up the building’s famous curved exterior.

• Little Tokyo Lights — Little Tokyo/Arts District Station (Metro A Line)
   Walk through Japanese Village Plaza to see holiday lanterns and lights with an international twist.

Return to Union Station and Head Home
Make your way back to Union Station via Metro or your original walking route. Metrolink trains run into the evening on the San Bernardino, Antelope Valley and Ventura County Lines—be sure to check the schedule ahead of time to plan your return trip.

Explore Festive Spots Outside Downtown
Looking to go beyond downtown? These stops are walkable or a short bus ride from a Metrolink station:

• Mission Inn Festival of Lights — Riverside-Downtown Station (10 min walk)
   One of the nation’s most spectacular light displays, featuring 5 million+ lights. Best experienced as an overnight trip.



• Downtown Burbank — Burbank-Downtown Station (5 min walk)
   Holiday displays, oversized ornaments, and festive window scenes line San Fernando Boulevard.

• Fullerton Historic District — Fullerton Station (6 min walk)
   Enjoy nostalgic lights, wreaths, and seasonal charm in this walkable downtown filled with shops and cafes.

Plan your trip
Schedules Tickets


Why This Holiday Lights Tour Works for Adults & Explorers
• No parking stress or traffic—just lights, sights, and trains
• Affordable travel with Metrolink’s SoCal Day Pass ($10 weekends / $15 weekdays)
• Perfect for visitors, date nights, or a festive solo outing
• Discover iconic locations in a new, seasonal light