|
news
What to do after
finals
By Kimberly Pasquis
On-line Forty-Niner
After the books
have been put on the shelf and the last scantron answer has
been filled in, relax, forget about school and take part in
the spirit of the holiday season. When cabin fever starts
to set in from the time spent on studying for finals, get
out of the house and enjoy the activities nearby cities have
to offer.
Colorful Christmas
lights and creative decorations adorn the streets of Griffith
Park every year. The Holiday Light Festival is a mile-long
street decorated with different holiday scenes. The festival
operates daily from 5 to 10 p.m. through Dec. 26. Be prepared
to take time in looking at the scenes because it does get
congested with vehicles.
Huntington Harbor's
annual Cruise of Lights sets off every night from 6 to 8 p.m.
Tours cruise the canals of the harbor to look at the award-winning
decorated waterfront homes. However, reservations are suggested.
The rates for the cruise are $9.50 per person and on December
21 to 23 the price raises to $12.
Even though snow
is normally found on the mountains, there is no reason why
snow cannot reach inland areas of Southern California. Disneyland
has a nightly fireworks show that concludes with the usual
magic that "The Merriest Place on Earth" tries to provide.
After the show, the sky becomes filled with snow. Across the
way at Disney's California Adventure, the new show Luminaria
is a laser and pyrotechnics show that uses the images of children's
drawings to contribute to the holiday spirit.
The Southern California
resident rates for the Disney theme parks offer a two-day
pass for $49 that gives access to both parks. The deal is
valid until Dec. 19.
"There is no better
way to get you in the Christmas mood than by going to Disneyland,"
said Tara Chiazza, senior psychology major. "The lights, the
music and the huge tree on Main Street always gets me excited
for Christmas."
Universal CityWalk
Ice Rink offers the outside experience of ice skating, one
Southern Californians cannot experience naturally. Skating
hours run weekdays 5 to 11 p.m., Fridays from 3 p.m. to 1
a.m., Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 1 a.m. and Sundays from 10
a.m. to 11 p.m. The rates are $7.50 per hour.
The Long Beach
Ballet Arts Center will perform their production of "The Nutcracker"
at the Richard and Karen Carpenter Performing Arts Center.
The production runs from December 22 to 23. Tickets are $23.
But if going out
does not seem to be an attractive option stay in, drink some
hot chocolate, pop some popcorn and watch one of the great
holiday classics.
"I try to get away from the crowds and chill out in front
of the fire and watch "It's a Wonderful Life" and "Nightmare
Before Christmas," said Chris Kuljis, senior psychology major.
|
