Not only is my neighbor Michael Alexander a really great guy, he is also the Executive & Artistic Director of Grand Performances, the downtown L.A. venue for free performing arts events throughout the year. The performances are staged in the wonderful Water Court at the California Plaza, 300-350 S. Grand Avenue. Check out their website and calendar for upcoming performances.
This time of the year Grand Performances creates a visual holiday spectacular with trees, lights, decorations and “G” scale model trains. The trains are modeled after actual trains that once traveled the streets of Los Angeles.
Michael was kind enough to answer a few questions about the trains:
Will the trains be up this year and for how long?: YES! Through January 2nd.
How long has this been a Water Court tradition?: Over a decade.
What can you tell us about the trains?: The trains are extremely accurate “G” scale models manufactured by LGB in Germany and they represent actual trains common to Los Angeles from the 1920s through the 1970s.
Who sets up the display?: The display is coordinated by our Grand Performances crew and the tree decor is done by Delancy Street. We have used synthetic trees for at least 5 years. You’d have to stick your nose into them before realizing that they aren’t real, they look that good.
Anything else?: We love seeing kids become engaged with the trains.
My grandson loves visiting the Water Court this time of year. A must do for the train enthusiast in your crowd!
Need a little “winter” work out before relaxing by the trains over a cup of hot cocoa? Stop by one of 2 ice rinks now open through the holidays.
13th Annual Downtown on Ice
NOVEMBER 18 – JANUARY 17
PERSHING SQUARE [directions]
Pershing Square celebrates its 13th season of holiday ice skating fun under the sun and stars! As a favorite holiday destination, the facility boasts a medley of FREE events including a holiday concert series, a Winter Holiday Fiesta, championship skating exhibitions, and more.
Ice skating session: $6/hour. Skate rental: $2.
Regular Hours: Mon-Thurs, 12pm-10pm & Fri-Sun, 10am-10pm
Christmas Day & New Year’s Day: 12pm-10pm
MORE INFO: www.laparks.org
LA Kings Holiday Ice
NOVEMBER 27 – JANUARY 1
NOKIA PLAZA @ L.A. LIVE [directions]
Come for the ice skating, and then pair it with dinner and a movie!
Unlimited skating for $12.
November 8 – December 20: Mon-Fri, 3-11pm & Sat-Sun, 11am-11pm
December 20 – January 1: Daily, 11am-11pm
Skate with Santa: 7-8pm through December 22
MORE INFO: lalive.com
