LOS ANGELES UNION STATION LIGHTS UP THE HOLIDAYS WITH 11TH ANNUAL TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY HOSTED BY CHARLES PHOENIX

Lizzy & the Triggermen headline a free evening of big-band swing, mariachi, stilt walkers, photos with Santa, cookies and more

Link to Hi-Res Images HERE

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The holidays are pulling into Los Angeles Union Station. On Thursday, Nov. 19, from 6 to 8 p.m., the landmark will host its 11th Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony in the station's historic Ticket Concourse.

Mid-century pop culture expert Charles Phoenix will host the free, family-friendly evening, offering Angelenos a fun and memorable way to kick off the season. Guests can enjoy live entertainment and take photos with Santa before he and his elves go on stage to lead the spirited countdown and light the station's 30-foot tree.

Los Angeles-based Mariachi Ausente, one of the city's most sought-after mariachi bands, will open the event followed by a headline performance from 10-piece jazz sensation, Lizzy & the Triggermen – with all festive sounds of the season presented by Metro Art Presents.

The celebration will also feature a cookie counter serving sweet treats, and towering stilt walkers roaming the station in festive costumes, with Union Station's signature holiday décor providing a picture-perfect backdrop.

"For 11 years, the Union Station Tree Lighting Ceremony has brought Angelenos together to celebrate the holidays," said Jeff Brown, Vice President and General Manager, Morlin Asset Management at Los Angeles Union Station. "Through our partnership with Metro, we're proud to strengthen Union Station's role as a cultural landmark, community gathering place, and the living room of Los Angeles. We're delighted to welcome Charles Phoenix, a beloved champion of L.A. history and culture, to host this year's celebration."

Those looking to attend the Tree Lighting Ceremony can register for the free event here. For additional details, please visit unionstationla.com/happenings.

Throughout the season, visitors can enjoy Union Station's holiday décor, from the illuminated exterior palm trees and iconic Clock Tower wreath to oversized wreaths, ornaments and lights throughout the historic interiors. Holiday trees in the Waiting Room and South Patio add to the seasonal display, along with a menorah in celebration of Hanukkah. Together, the displays offer photo opportunities throughout the station, inside and out.

Holiday décor will be on display November 19 through December 27. The South Patio and its signature 30-foot tree will be open daily from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.*

*Dates and hours are subject to change.

Throughout the workweek, commuters and visitors can hear the sounds of the Salvation Army Band as they pass through the station. The Los Angeles Conservancy will also offer 90-minute evening tours highlighting Union Station's historic architecture and holiday décor. Advance registration is required through the LA Conservancy's Tours & Events calendar.

About Los Angeles Union Station

Since its opening in 1939, Los Angeles Union Station has long been considered one of LA's architectural gems and a vital portal to the promise of the California Dream. The station was designed with an innovative blend of Spanish Colonial, Mission Revival and Art Deco architecture now commonly referred to as Mission Moderne. The bustling 52-acre transportation hub sits in the heart of Downtown Los Angeles offering essential connections to destinations throughout Southern California. An iconic landmark, the station serves as a vibrant symbol of Downtown connecting the historic fabric of the past to the present through arts, culture, transit and community. Conceived on a grand scale, Los Angeles Union Station is the largest railroad passenger terminal in the Western United States and is often regarded as "the last of the great train stations." For more information, visit unionstationla.com or follow @unionstationla on social media.

About Metro Art

Metro Art enhances the customer experience with innovative, award-winning visual and performing arts programming that encourages ridership and connects people, neighborhoods and destinations throughout Los Angeles County. A diverse range of site-specific artworks is integrated into the growing Metro system, improving the quality of transit environments and creating a sense of place. Metro Art showcases an exciting array of arts and cultural programs at historic Union Station. All events are free and open to the public. For more information, visit metro.net/art or follow @metro.art.la on social media.

Getting There

Go Metro! Los Angeles Union Station is accessible via Metro Rail, Metro Bus, Metro Bike Share, Metrolink, Amtrak and several municipal bus lines. Take the Metro A, B, D or J Line directly to Los Angeles Union Station. Plan your trip using the Transit app, the trip planner at metro.net  or by calling 323.GO.METRO.

Park at Union Station East or West, starting at $8.

SOURCE Los Angeles Union Station