Yosemite’s Tenaya Lodge: Gingerbread architects vie for prize

Hotel chefs provide the shell of the gingerbread house, and the gathered families apply the crowning touches with candy canes, gum drops, M&Ms, marshmallows, licorice whips — no word yet on sugarplums — and whatever else it takes to make a gingerbread house inviting.

For two weeks during the holidays, when the castle is festooned in its Christmas best, twilight tours make it barely short of magical.

The 75-minute tour takes in the grounds, Casa del Mar guesthouse and Casa Grande’s majestic social rooms, including two 18-foot Christmas trees and a “tree” fashioned entirely from blooming poinsettias.

For something a little lighter than “Messiah,” the Los Angeles Philharmonic’s Holiday Sing-Along in the Frank Gehry-designed Walt Disney Concert Hall is downright jolly.

Visitors are invited to sing a varied repertory of favorite holiday songs, accompanied by the hall’s massive pipe organ (also designed by Gehry), a choir and a jazz combo.

Get there an hour early to join in the Winter Wonderland party, with free hot chocolate and coffee, photos with Santa, and treats for purchase.