TUESDAY, NOV. 3

In preparation for the 5th annual Christmas Tree Lighting, presented by Mayor Robert Garcia, the plaza in front of the Performing Arts Center has been decorated with a twinkling holiday lights display. Giant glowing bows and reindeer, massive twinkling ornaments you can walk through, or take photos while standing inside, along with a smattering of luminous Christmas trees floating on the massive water feature leading up to the theater.

Oh, and there’s a 50-foot Christmas tree. Hard to miss. If you’re still looking for the perfect location to snap that perfect holiday photo, this is kind of the perfect place. You’ll have plenty of options.

If you’re looking for that sweeping wide-shot, you can park yourself in the very front of the plaza. From that vantage point, you’ll get the whole of the lights, tree and spraying fountain in the frame.

For that classic tone, you’ve got the Christmas tree loaded with hundreds of glittery ornaments and baubles. Aiming for something dreamy? Pose by one of the floating water Christmas trees, the reflection of the lights in the water will accomplish that sentiment nicely.

If you snap a photo within the jumbo lighted ornament—which you definitely will—try shooting from a lower angle so you can make it seem like you’re completely enveloped by twinkling lights. Romantic. If you have an iPhone 11 Pro, switching to the wide-angle option will be ideal.

Another great thing: Decorations will be up all month.

Giving us a moment’s pause: Ideally, you’ll want to aim to take your photos just before dusk, about 4:30-ish. This lighting is far more pleasant for photos, with the sky a striking shade of dark blue and just enough light to keep the image of yourself crisp without washing out the glow of the lights. Even more ideal, though, is to bring a small standing light to illuminate the foreground. If you don’t have one, well, you actually do: it’s the flashlight on your phone.

The Performing Arts Center is located at 300 E Ocean Blvd.