Holiday lights with kids around Los Angeles

Los Angeles has no snow, but once mid-November passes the big gardens and the zoo turn into forests of light after dark. All of these work for little kids: loops of about a mile, stroller-friendly throughout, hot-chocolate stands, and a quick retreat to the car. Evenings are in the 50s, so a jacket is enough.

If you live in Arcadia, Lightscape is in the arboretum down the street: a glowing cathedral tunnel and fire on the lake, the easiest choice there is. Enchanted Forest of Light at Descanso Gardens is the best-reviewed show in the city, with tiles kids light up by stepping on them and a singing forest; tickets go fast the moment they open in October. L.A. Zoo Lights turns the Griffith Park zoo into a zoo of glowing animals, with the carousel still running. For free and festive, drive to Riverside, where the century-old castle of the Mission Inn hangs millions of lights, and the streets have food stalls, a carousel and scheduled snowfall.

• 4 places
• 1 free
• 4 stroller-friendly
• closest is 5 min away