www.americanaatbrand.com

Overall winners were:
520 N. Florence St.
1st runner-up –1206 N. Sixth St.
2nd runner-up — 613 University

Honorable Mentions:
907 N. California St.
1018 E. Orange Grove Ave.
2110 N. Evergreen St.

The holiday decorations at Sheridan Gardens, 817 N. Hollywood Way, were recognized in the Commercial category.

The Youth winner was the Boys & Girls Club of Burbank at 2244 N. Buena Vista St.

My son was having a great time pelting his little sister.  She was not able to return fire fast enough, so needless to say, she was soaking wet, but they both had huge smiles on their faces.  We stopped by Starbucks to get some hot chocolate afterward.  Have you checked out their fancy hot chocolates lately, yummy!

Metrolink decorates the train with over 50,000 twinkle lights, holiday decorations, and animated displays.  This event is in cooperation with the Burbank Fire Department’s Spark of Love Toy Drive.  Please feel free to bring a new, unwrapped toy or sporting equipment for a Burbank child who is in need!

A double decker bus will cruise through Burbank to check out the best holiday decorations.  You can enjoy hot chocolate and caroling.  The cost is $5 and 2 canned goods per person for the Downtown Burbank Salvation Army located at Angeleno Avenue and Third Street, in case you are inclined to donate to the Salvation Army directly.

The Fleet Street Band performs and the Take 5 Children’s Angel Choir Performs in Downtown Burbank.

Dragon Knight Stilt Walkers start at 5 PM and the Buckingham Toy Soldier Band starts at 5:30 PM.  All of this is taking place in the AMC Walkway.

I am bringing my dog and kids to get a photo with Santa Claus!  Center Court in the mall is where all the action is.  Even if you do not have a dog, go by and see who the most polite dogs are!

After the ceremony, the crowd was able to walk down San Fernando Blvd to the AMC Walkway and enjoy a picture with Santa and Mrs. Claus (this is the second time I have met her and in the same year, go figure!).  Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf donated hot chocolate to all of us and there were street carolers, and performers.  My kids favorite thing was these large balloons the size of a 1 story building each.  These balloons were walked around on 4 ropes by 4 people.  The Alley Cats performed on stage.

The evening ended for us by visiting North End Pizzeria in the Downtown Burbank district.

I was surprised that Magnolia was not closed to vehicular traffic, but some of the side streets were closed and had events going on.  There was a small group of antique cars on one street, local performers from the Red Chair School on another street and other performers, but I only saw the Red Chair School perform!  There was a side street that had an ice sculptor, and another that had Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus.  I don’t think I have ever met Mrs. Claus (pretty cool).  The last street I noticed had live music and that was right next to Handy Market.

Another nice opportunity was to ride the bus from one side of Magnolia to the other.  I would say they had 2 or 3 buses traveling up and down picking up people who wanted to go to different areas of the event.  The idea of the event is to stop by the stores in Magnolia Park and see what they have to offer/sell.  They were offering free goodies to the passer-bys.  So the stores that took advantage of this event would offer food, drinks, and or small gifts.

Thanks to the businesses that participated.  We had a great time and will be back!

Come have breakfast and see Santa from 8:30 AM to 10AM. Tickets are $7 each – call 818.238.5300 for ticket locations and more info.