A MAGNIFICENT DISPLAY OF LIGHTS
14th Annual Griffith Park Holiday Light Festival

Los Angeles - Get your OOHS and AWES ready!! The Griffith Park Holiday Light Festival is opening tonight, December 3, 2009! This magnificent display of lights along a one-mile segment of Crystal Springs Drive has become a holiday tradition that attracts more than half million visitors each year.

The 14th annual Griffith Park Light Festival will be open nightly from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm from December 3 through December 30, 2009 with a spirited display of seasonal scenes accompanied by music.

Today's kick-off will be Bike Night, giving cyclists a chance to enjoy the FREE show of traditional holiday portrayals together with images of Los Angeles history. From Friday, December 4 through Thursday, December 17, the festival will be vehicle free as part of the City's efforts to have a greener L.A.; Friday, December 11 through Sunday, December 13 there will be an educational mini-fair with information on family activities, healthy nutrition, some tasty holiday treats and more.

FREE parking will be first-come, first-served at the Los Angeles Zoo, near the merry-go-round and near the pony rides. Those planning to go should wear comfortable shoes to cover the one-mile route and warm clothing.

Beginning Friday, December 18 and continuing nightly through Wednesday, December 30, the attraction will be open for those who want to drive through the presentation, the entrance to which is off of Los Feliz Blvd., or take a FREE shuttle from the Zoo parking area. Walkers are also welcome during this portion of the festival's run.

For equestrians, Department of Recreation and Parks staff will be on hand December 9-10, 14-17, 21-24 and 28-30 (Monday - Thursday) from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm to help keep walkers and horse riders safe.

Festival sponsors include the Los Angeles: Department of Water and Power, Department of Recreation and Parks, Visitors and Convention Bureau, Department of Transportation, Zoo, World Airports and Autry National Center.

Those planning to go are encouraged to do so Monday - Thursday, when crowds will be smaller. For more information, go to http://www.dwplightfestival.com/, or call (323) 913-4688.




MEDIA CONTACTS:
Jane Kolb: (213) 202-2694
Harvey Drut: (213) 202-2696