Burbank Christmas Tree

Updated September 16, 2025

Description

The Burbank Christmas Tree stands as one of Southern California’s most beloved holiday landmarks, drawing families and holiday enthusiasts from across the region each December. And honestly, there’s something magical about stumbling upon this towering symbol of Christmas spirit right in the heart of Burbank – it’s not your typical mall tree or the kind you’d expect to find in a small town square.

What makes this particular Christmas tree special isn’t just its impressive height or the thousands of twinkling lights that illuminate it each evening. It’s the genuine community spirit that surrounds it, creating an authentic holiday experience that feels refreshingly different from the commercialized attractions you’ll find elsewhere in Los Angeles. The tree serves as a gathering point where locals and visitors alike come together to celebrate the season, making it a perfect stop for travelers seeking that quintessential California Christmas experience.

The location offers excellent accessibility features, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the holiday magic regardless of mobility needs. Wheelchair users will find easy access to viewing areas, and the surrounding space is designed with families in mind. But what really struck me during my first visit was how the tree manages to feel both grand and intimate at the same time – impressive enough to photograph and share, yet cozy enough that you want to linger and soak in the atmosphere.

Unlike some holiday displays that can feel overwhelming or overly commercialized, the Burbank Christmas Tree maintains a perfect balance between spectacle and warmth. The tree typically stands at an impressive height that commands attention without feeling imposing, decorated with classic ornaments and lights that create a timeless appeal rather than following trendy themes that might feel dated in a few years.

Key Features

The Burbank Christmas Tree offers several distinctive features that set it apart from other holiday attractions in the greater Los Angeles area:

• **Fully wheelchair accessible entrance and viewing areas**, making it one of the most inclusive holiday displays in the region
• **Family-friendly atmosphere** specifically designed with children in mind, featuring appropriate sight lines and safe gathering spaces
• **Community-centered celebration** that brings together locals and visitors in an authentic holiday experience
• **Professional lighting display** featuring thousands of energy-efficient LED lights that create a warm, welcoming glow
• **Traditional ornament styling** that emphasizes classic Christmas aesthetics over temporary trends
• **Multiple viewing angles** allowing visitors to find the perfect spot for photographs and quiet contemplation
• **Evening illumination schedule** that transforms the tree into a beacon visible from several blocks away
• **Surrounding holiday decorations** that complement the main tree without overwhelming the central display
• **Safe pedestrian areas** with clear walkways and designated spaces for families with strollers
• **Free public access** making it an affordable holiday outing for families and budget-conscious travelers

Best Time to Visit

Timing your visit to the Burbank Christmas Tree can make the difference between a crowded, rushed experience and a memorable holiday moment. From my observations over several seasons, the sweet spot for visiting falls during weekday evenings, particularly Tuesday through Thursday, when you’ll encounter fewer crowds but still enjoy the full holiday atmosphere.

The tree typically begins its display in early December and continues through early January, though the exact dates can vary slightly from year to year. If you’re planning to include this stop in your Southern California holiday itinerary, aim for the second or third week of December when all decorations are fully installed and the surrounding area has settled into its holiday rhythm.

Evening visits offer the most dramatic experience, as the tree’s lighting display truly comes alive after sunset. The golden hour just before full darkness provides excellent photography opportunities, but the tree reaches its most spectacular appearance once complete darkness falls and the lights become the primary illumination source. I’d recommend arriving about 30 minutes before sunset to watch the transformation happen – it’s quite something to witness.

Weather in Burbank during December tends to be mild, with average temperatures ranging from the mid-40s to mid-60s Fahrenheit. However, evenings can feel surprisingly cool, especially if there’s a breeze, so pack accordingly. The clear winter nights that Southern California is famous for provide perfect conditions for viewing and photographing the tree.

Weekend visits are certainly possible, but expect larger crowds, particularly on Saturday evenings when local families traditionally visit. Sunday evenings tend to be slightly less crowded than Saturdays, making them a good compromise if weekday visits don’t fit your travel schedule.

How to Get There

Getting to the Burbank Christmas Tree is straightforward, though like most Southern California destinations, having a clear plan will save you time and frustration. The tree is located in a central area of Burbank that’s accessible by multiple transportation methods, making it convenient for travelers staying anywhere in the greater Los Angeles area.

If you’re driving, which honestly is still the most practical option for most visitors to this area, you’ll find that Burbank is well-connected to major freeways including the 5, 134, and 101. The tree’s location means you’ll likely be navigating city streets for the final portion of your journey, so allow extra time during peak hours or weekend evenings when traffic tends to be heavier.

Public transportation users can reach the area via Metro bus lines, though service frequency decreases in the evening hours when most people prefer to visit the tree. The Metro Red Line connects to bus routes that serve Burbank, but plan for a longer journey time and check return schedules before you visit – you don’t want to be stranded after dark.

Parking in the immediate vicinity can be challenging during peak visiting times, particularly on weekends. Street parking is available, but spaces fill up quickly once the sun starts setting. Arriving earlier in the evening or considering a short walk from less crowded parking areas can save you considerable time circling for a spot.

And here’s a local tip that took me a few visits to figure out: some of the nearby businesses offer informal parking arrangements during the holiday season. While this isn’t officially advertised, asking politely at nearby establishments sometimes yields better parking options than endlessly searching for street parking.

The area is relatively flat, making it accessible for visitors with mobility devices or families with strollers. Sidewalks are well-maintained, and the final approach to the tree viewing area is straightforward without stairs or significant elevation changes.

Tips for Visiting

After several visits to the Burbank Christmas Tree over different years and in various conditions, I’ve gathered some practical insights that can enhance your experience and help you avoid common pitfalls that catch first-time visitors off guard.

Dress in layers, even though this is Southern California. December evenings can swing from pleasantly mild to surprisingly chilly within an hour, and since you’ll likely be standing outside for extended periods while taking photos and enjoying the display, having the option to add or remove clothing will keep you comfortable. I learned this the hard way during my first visit when I showed up in just a t-shirt and ended up cutting the visit short due to cold.

Bring a camera or ensure your phone is fully charged, but don’t get so caught up in documenting the experience that you forget to actually enjoy it. The tree photographs beautifully from multiple angles, and experimenting with different perspectives can yield surprisingly varied results. Low-angle shots that include some of the surrounding area provide context, while close-ups of the ornaments and lighting details capture the craftsmanship of the display.

Consider making this part of a larger Burbank exploration rather than a destination unto itself. The tree makes an excellent centerpiece for an evening that might also include dinner at one of Burbank’s local restaurants or a stroll through nearby areas. This approach maximizes your travel time and gives you backup plans if the tree area is particularly crowded.

Plan for crowds if you’re visiting during peak times, but don’t let that deter you from going. The community atmosphere is actually enhanced by having other visitors around, and children particularly seem to feed off the collective excitement. Just build in extra time and maintain realistic expectations about parking and movement around the tree.

If you’re traveling with young children, bringing small snacks and perhaps a thermos of hot chocolate can turn a simple tree viewing into a more substantial family outing. The accessible viewing areas provide good spots for families to gather, and having your own refreshments means you’re not dependent on finding nearby vendors or restaurants.

Finally, remember that this is a community celebration, not a commercial attraction. The spirit of the place comes from respectful enjoyment and shared appreciation for the holiday season. Treating the space and other visitors with consideration ensures that the Burbank Christmas Tree remains the welcoming, authentic experience that makes it worth visiting year after year.

Key Highlights

• Annual Mayor’s Tree Lighting Ceremony with live performances
• Location in front of Burbank City Hall / downtown civic plaza
• Decorated with thousands of lights and festive ornaments
• Family-friendly activities and visits by Santa & Mrs. Claus
• Accessible pedestrian area with nearby dining and shopping

Location

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