December
Wednesday 3
Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony
Every year this event brings the La Palma community together to ring in the holiday season! Join Santa and his elves in the activities area before the event. This area will feature crafts, an opportunity to write a letter to Santa, and of course, the young and young-at-heart won’t want to miss an early visit from Santa Claus! 5:30-8:30pm. Information: 714.690.3350.
Pajama-Rama
Wear your jammies and bring your favorite teddy bear for a FREE evening of stories, songs, and puppet shows. Refreshments too! Pajama-Rama meets on the first Wednesday of every month at the Yorba Linda Public Library, 18181 Imperial Hwy. Information: 714.777.2873 x7 or www.yorbalindalibrary.com.
Thursday 4
Family Game Night
Bring the whole family and spend quality time together enjoying DDR (Dance Dance Revolution), Wii Sports, Guitar Hero, and board games. FREE at the Yorba Linda Public Library, 18181 Imperial Hwy. 6-8pm. Information: 714.777.2873 x7 or www.yorbalindalibrary.com.
Thursday 4 - Saturday 6
Sugar Plum Festival
The largest arts and crafts festival in Southern California features hundreds of talented artisans and craftspeople with a wonderful variety of handmade and handcrafted items at theOrange County Fair & Exposition Center, Building #10. No strollers please. FREE admission and parking. Information: 888.825.6724 or www.sugarplumcrafts.com.
Friday 5
Moonlit Marshmallows
Would your family like to make warm and gooey S’Mores by a campfire? Each session runs one hour and includes open access to our nature trail plus making dessert by the fire! Bring a flashlight! 6-7pm. or 7-8pm. All ages welcome - $3 a person. Turtle Rock Nature Center. Information: 949.724.6610 or www.irvinequickreg.org.
Let it Snow!
Don’t drive all the way to the mountains to see snow – Come to the snow at Woodbridge in Irvine! Several slopes will be formed for sledding. You must bring your own transportation (i.e. inner tubes, plastic discs, etc.) For safety reasons, metal items will not be allowed. Tickets must be purchased at the Community. Information: 949.786.1800 or www.wva.org.
Friday 5 - Sunday 7
Cycle World International Motorcycle Show
Cycle World International Motorcycle Show, takes place at the Long Beach Convention Center. This is an exciting event that will feature more than 700 of the latest motorcycles and scooters, bike obstacle courses for kids, an IGX video game area, high-flying motorcycle entertainment and much more for the entire family! Information: 800.331.5706 or www.motorcycleshows.com.
Irvine Park Railroad Annual Christmas Train
Tis’ the season for the Irvine Park Railroad’s annual Christmas train. Twinkling lights will dazzle all who ride the through historic Irvine Regional Park to meet Santa Claus! Once with Santa, visitors may take their own pictures with Santa or purchase a picture taken by Irvine Park Railroad. Children's activities, hot food and a lot more fun for the entire family. Dress warmly and arrive early. Irvine Park Railroad is located at 1 Irvine Park Road, Orange 92869. For full details, pricing and directions, visit www.irvineparkrailroad.com.
Saturday 6
Santa’s Holiday Dream Show
Activities include a stage performance, balloonist, arts & crafts plus face painting and more at Crown Valley Community Park in Laguna Niguel. Show starts at 10:30am. Information: 949.425.5100 or www.ci.laguna-niguel.ca.us.
Candy Caneland & Craft Faire
The City of Buena Park presents it’s 38 th annual festival. Activities include snow hill, petting zoo, stage entertainment, a visit from Santa and much more! Held at the Walter D. Ehlers Community Recreation Center from 10am-4pm. Information: 714.236.3860 or www.buenapark.com.
Candy Cane Carnival
Children will delight in an array of holiday activities offered by the San Clemente Recreation Division. Activities include craft corner, game booths and a mini variety show. Most activities are FREE. Visits with Santa during the entire event. 12-5:30pm at the San Clemente Community Center. Information: 949.361.8264 or www.san-clemente.org.
Tree Lighting Ceremony
The Tree Lighting Ceremony is held annually at the Historic Town Center Park in San Juan Capistrano. Activities include a stage performance filled with song and dance. A train and old-fashioned hayride and photos with Santa will complete the ceremony to light the community tree. Local merchants participate by having open houses, giveaways and goodies! FREE. 4:30-9pm. Information: 949.493.5911 or www.sanjuancapistrano.org.
Christmas At The Mission
The evening will feature church choirs singing Christmas music, Christmas caroling, refreshments and a large Nativity scene in the ruins of the Great Stone Church at The Mission in San Juan Capistrano from 5:30-8pm. Admission is FREE. Information: 949.234.1300 or www.missionsjc.com.
Saturday 6 & Sunday 7
Annual Breakfast with Santa
Start a family tradition at the Children’s Museum at La Habra by having breakfast with Santa Claus. He’ll even stick around to take a photo or two before he heads back to the North Pole! $8 children/ $10 adults. Tickets include breakfast, holiday craft, photo with Santa Claus and admission into the Museum. Reservations are required. Please call 562.905.9647 to reserve your spot!
Sunday 7
Canyon Holiday Celebration
Come to Rancho Soñado in Silverado Canyon for a day filled with holiday spirit. Listen to the music of local performers, buy holiday gifts with purpose at our alternative gift fair, and make your own holiday crafts. Create succulent wreaths, holiday cards and wrapping paper, bird feeders, tree cookie ornaments and more! FREE admission 10am–2pm. Information: 714.708.3885 or visit www.insidetheoutdoors.org.
Laguna Niguel Christmas Tree Lighting
The festivities begin at 5:30pm at Crown Valley Community Park in Laguna Niguel. Activities include carol singing, refreshments and a visit from Santa. Information: 949.425.5100 or www.ci.laguna-niguel.ca.us.
International Cultural Festival
Come to Bowers Museum to celebrate family traditions from around the globe with music and art! Listen to the musical rhythms of Europe, South America, and the Pacific Rim. Make your own holiday card and window ornament, even a crazy hat! Our face painters will decorate your face with symbols from your traditional culture. Enjoy some hot chocolate and cookies. Admission is Free from noon-4pm. Information: 714.567.3600 or www.bowers.org.
Monday 8
Children’s Holiday Arts & Crafts Class
Drop your children, ages 5-11, to the Woodbridge Community Center in Irvine for a "holiday spirit" arts and crafts class. They will be doing many different arts and crafts projects and decorate a snack to eat. Don't miss out on this exciting and fun class! 3:15-5pm. Price is $15. Information: 949.786.1800 or www.wva.org.
Tuesday 9 & Tuesday 16
Let's Make Gingerbread Houses!
It’s that time of year again, and the holidays are right around the corner. Drop your children off for a fun afternoon and they’ll create their own special gingerbread house with their friends at the Woodbridge Community Center in Irvine. And just think... the mess will not be in your kitchen! 3:15-4:45pm. Price is $15. Information: 949.786.1800 or www.wva.org.
Thursday 11 - Monday 22
Cruise of Lights
Take a narrated cruise through the waterways of Huntington Harbour to see the dazzling holiday lighted homes and decorations. Park in the Huntington Harbour Mall lot (corner of Algonquin and Saybrook) and take the designated buses that travel a short distance to the boat launch area. Information: 714.840.7542 or www.cruiseoflights.org.
Friday 12 – Tuesday 23
Irvine Park Railroad Annual Christmas Train
Tis’ the season for the Irvine Park Railroad’s annual Christmas train. Twinkling lights will dazzle all who ride the through historic Irvine Regional Park to meet Santa Claus! Once with Santa, visitors may take their own pictures with Santa or purchase a picture taken by Irvine Park Railroad. Children's activities, hot food and a lot more fun for the entire family. Dress warmly and arrive early. Irvine Park Railroad is located at 1 Irvine Park Road, Orange 92869. For full details, pricing and directions, visit www.irvineparkrailroad.com.
Friday 12 - Wednesday 24
The Nutcracker
Sumptuous sets, magical effects, opulent costumes and spectacular dancing… The Nutcracker tradition continues with the Festival Ballet Theatre at the Irvine Barclay Theatre. Information & tickets: 949.854.4646 or www.thebarclay.org.
Saturday 13
Nutcracker for Kids
Visions of sugarplums will dance in your head after seeing Tchaikovsky’s delightful Christmas ballet — performed in a condensed 45-minute version created just for kids. This seasonal favorite finishes with a visit from Santa and our annual holiday sing-a-long. Orange County Performing Arts Center. Information: 714.755.5799 or www.pacificsymphony.org.
Honk!
"Honk!" is the story of Ugly, whose odd, gawky looks instantly incite prejudice from his family and neighbors. Separated from the farm and pursued by a hungry cat, Ugly must find his way home. Along his rollicking and harrowing journey he not only discovers his true beauty and glorious destiny, but also finds love and acceptance in all its forms. Information: 800.400.2985 or www.MYART.org.
Laguna Niguel Holiday Parade
This year’s annual parade is filled with beautiful equestrian units, patriotic and inspirational military tributes, spirit filled youth groups, talented marching bands and some of the biggest attractions in the nation! 10am. Crown Valley Parkway between Nueva Vista and Crown Valley Community Park. Information: www.lagunaniguelparade.com.
Santa’s Magic Stage Show
Santa Claus arrives from the North Pole to perform a special 45-minute magic show for your family and friends. Live doves magically appear as Santa entertains you with 'family friendly' humor. If you were a good little boy or girl, after the show Santa will pose with your family members as you take photos. $6 per person. Lakeview Senior Center in Irvine. Information: 949.724.6610 or www.irvinequickreg.org.
Saturday 13 & Saturday 20
Shop While They Bop!
Join the Arts & Learning Conservatory for two hands-on Musical Theater Workshops that will have your child, ages 5-14 singing, dancing & acting while you shop. 9am-3pm. Information: 714.623.1907 or www.artsandlearning.com.
Sunday 14
Los Posadas: A Traditional Mexican Christmas Celebration
Re-enacted in villages of Mexico, Los Posadas is a celebration of the story of Mary and Joseph’s search for a posada (inn). Join us for music, dance, tamales, Mexican hot chocolate, and pan dulce (sweet bread). FREE. 5-7pm. Information: 714.567.3600 or www.bowers.org.
Sunday 14 & Saturday 20
Gingerbread Madness!
Make the Children’s Museum the first fun stop for your family during the holiday season. Build fond memories and a sweet house using colorful candy treats in this house-building workshop. 1:30-4pm. Information: 562.905.9793 or www.lhcm.org.
Monday 15
Children's "Cookie" Baking Class
It’s the season to be baking... learn how to make your favorite holiday cookies – children ages 7-12 will leave with a plate full of goodies to treat yourself or give as gifts! Recipes included. 3-5pm. Price is $15. Woodbridge Community Center in Irvine. Information: 949.786.1800 or www.wva.org.
Wednesday 17 - Sunday 21
Annual Newport Harbor Christmas Boat Parade
The boat parade will light up the harbor for five consecutive nights. The parade starts off Bay Island at 6:30pm. and will last approximately two and a half hours. Providing the backdrop for the parade is the Ring of Lights waterfront home and business decorating competition. FREE to the public. Information: 949.729.4400 or www.christmasboatparade.com.
Thursday 18
Buster’s Very Ballooney Holiday Show
Join us for a comedy, balloon-twisting adventure through holidays around the world! 6:30-7:15pm. Seating is limited. Please arrive early. FREE at the Yorba Linda Public Library, 18181 Imperial Hwy. Information: 714.777.2873 x 7 or www.yorbalindalibrary.com.
Friday 19
Kids Night Out!
Hey parents, how would you like your kids to hang out with their friends and the cool staff at the Travis Ranch Activity Center in Yorba Linda? Kids Night Out features dinner, crafts, fun games and a PG rated movie. This event is for boys and girls ages 5-12. $15 per person. 6:30-10pm. Sign up early, this activity fills up fast! Information: 714.961.7167.
Saturday 20
Solstice Night Hike
The Solstice is a magical and mystical astrological event steeped in traditions and celebrations from all cultures. The winter solstice marks the shortest day and longest night of the year. Bring your family for an evening of science, solace and a fun craft or two! Ages 2+. Turtle Rock Nature Center in Irvine. Information: 949.724.6610 or www.irvinequickreg.org.
Tuesday 23 - Sunday 28
Disney's High School Musical: The Ice Tour
The hottest phenomenon is now on ice! Disney’s High School Musical: The Ice Tour, the only live celebration of songs, dancing, and non-stop, team-spirited fun inspired by the smash hit Disney Channel Original Movie "High School Musical" and its mega-hit sequel "High School Musical 2," is headed to Honda Center in Anaheim. Information: 714.470.2000 or www.highschoolmusicaltheicetour.com.
Thursday 25
Merry Christmas to All!
Friday 26
Family Fun & Fellowship Night
Boomers! Irvine. On Friday nights beginning at 6pm. you and your family can enjoy unlimited use of the Go-Karts, Rock Wall, Lazer Tag, Bumper Boats, Miniature Golf, and King Arthur's Carnival Rides plus live music by local Christian Rock Artists. 3405 Michelson Drive. Price is $15 per person. Information: 949.559.8341 or www.boomersparks.com.
Saturday 27
Kwanzaa
Join in a cultural tradition at Bowers Museum that celebrates the best of African thought, practice, and culture, the well being of family and community, the integrity of the environment, and our kinship with it. Bring the entire family and join us as we present a showcase of African and African-American music, dance, and art traditions. Noon-4pm. Admission is FREE. Information: 714.567.3600 or www.bowers.org.
Monday 29
Los Angeles Kings Family Game
The action starts at 7:30pm. when The Kings play Columbus Blue Jackets. Family Pack includes 4 tickets, 4 hot dogs, 4 sodas, and a parking pass. Packages start as low as $83 dollars. To purchase your Family Pack call 1.888.KINGS-LA or visit www.lakings.com/family.
Wednesday 31
New Year's Eve Family Sleepover
Start a new tradition when you bring your family to the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach for this very memorable New Year's experience. Included in this program is a pizza dinner, snack, cereal breakfast, and T-shirt. And, of course, sparkling cider to toast to the New Year. For kids 5 or older with adult chaperone. From 5pm. Wednesday to 7am. Thursday morning. Information: 562.951.1630 or www. aquariumofpacific.org. |
