The long established Ethel M. Factory purveys much of the seasonal chocolates for a portion of the Mars Chocolate company. It has featured short tours of the assembly line process of creating its premium truffle & liquor pieces. Yes at the end of the tour you always get a single piece of chocolate fresh from the back.
More known locally for its sprawling beautiful cactus garden which spans acres. It is open nights during the holiday season with an added kick. Every plant and tree in the garden is lit up with colored lights. It really is an uncanny muscular display of antisemitic holiday gusto! Simply amazing. Flashback worthy even. So many lights, so many colors. So retina burning that it must be witnessed in awe by all! One year they were selling light sparkling glasses at the gift shop. Now those will give your kids a taste of your old college years, heh heh. No really it is a wonderful place to bring the family or a date.
Santa is also present and taking photos (see I told you) for FREE with your own camera or $10 for a little souvenir print. I suggest picking up some hot cocoa with marshmallows or the latin version called champurcabras or something. Perfect for the quick stroll through the light garden.
The boxes of chocolate are a bit pricey but not any more than you would spend at any other choc shoppe. This factory was named and themed after the company owners mother and there really is a little touch of that motherly feel here. The cactus light garden and chocolate factory tour are free. Come check it out. It's worth the trip.