January 2012
S M T W T F S
    Feb »
1234567
891011121314
15161718192021
22232425262728
293031  

Events in January 2012

A listing of awesome activities for kids, teens and families throughout Southern California. If you would like to submit an event for possible inclusion, email your information here. Want these events delivered to your inbox every week, for free? Sign up for the Buzz!

Kids in the kitchen banner ad

Irving Berlin’s White Christmas in Segerstrom Center for the Arts

December 13 – January 1: The classic holiday movie White Christmas comes to the stage at last.

Science of Gingerbread at the Discovery Science Center

November 25 – January 1, 2012: Inside the kitchen, much more is going on than pouring and mixing – it’s science at work!

Polar Bear Plunge

January 1: Be among the first in 2012 to bravely plunge down the waterslides of Buccaneer Bay into the chilly catch pool.

Jungle Bells at San Diego Zoo

December 9 – January 1: The Zoo’s seasonal celebration, Jungle Bells, is alight with holiday cheer and decorated with activities to keep the whole family jolly.

Winter Wonderland at Boomers in Irvine

December 2 – January 1: Experience all the attractions you love, plus festive lights and holiday treats, plus kids can even write a letter to Santa!

Rose Parade Float Decorating Viewing

December 29-January 1: Families can experience the magic of the floats before they make their debut in the 2012 Rose Parade.

Grinchmas at Universal Studios

December 10-11 and 17 – January 1: Traditional white Christmas and a not-so-traditional green Grinch, tons of fresh snow, encounters with Cindy-Lou Who and Max the Dog and a “Whoville Whobilation” at the original movie sets where the classic “Dr Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas” was filmed.

Tournament of Roses Parade

January 2: The 123rd Rose Parade will be held in Pasadena on Monday, 8-11 a.m.

Nature’s Beat Workshop in Long Beach

January 3: Kids find out what animals make music and then make some of their own.

Free Family Night:Celebrate the Chinese New Year at Kidspace

January 3: Kids listen to a Chinese storyteller who reads about tales of myth and folklore. And after the storytelling, kids join a calligraphy workshop.

Wizardy Wonders Workshop at El Dorado Nature Center

January 4: Wizards wanted. Use your powers to create a special potion, study illusions and talk to snakes.

Roly Polys and the FBI Workshop at the ElDorado Nature Center

January 5: They live around leaves and around moist stuff. They’re nature’s clean up crew. They clean up Fungus, Bacteria and Insects–the FBI.

The Muppets at El Capitan

November 23 – January 5: See the whole Jim Henson gang on the big screen, plus join in a holiday sing-a-long with Kermit the Frog and Mis Piggy before each show.

New Year Pajamarama Party in Long Beach

January 6: It’s an on-going New Year’s celebration when kids read some of the newest books to hit the shelves. Join Miss Jessica for 2012 festivities and fun.

Survivor Kid Workshop at the El Dorado Workshop

January 6: Kids explore what skills they need to be a survivor such as finding shelter and building a fire.

Tidepool Walk at Crystal Cove State Beach

January 7: Take the family for a docent-led tidepool walk and see what how many different creatures you can find.

Full Moon Hike at Crystal Cove

January 7: Bring the family for a full-moon hike at Crystal Cove State Beach.

1st Saturday Stewards-Service learning Opportunity in Long

January 7: Students, interns, volunteers, join us in cleaning the stream, clearing the trails, pulling weeds or painting the benches.

Mad Science Goes Green at Pretend City

January 7: Kids (3 1/2 -5) and their parent discover the defenses that insects use to protect themselves and uncover the role of insects in our ecosystems.

Target Free First Saturdays at the Children’s Museum

January 7: A day of clowns, magicians and strolling performers to celebrate the New Year in a carnival atmosphere.

Teen Audition Workshop at Musical Theater West

January 7: Teens (13-17) learn how to audition for musical theater or brush up on their skills.

Free Class Week at Kick It Up

January 2-7: A free week of classes at Kick It Up.

A Cinderella Christmas at the El Portal Theater

December 22 – January 8: Poor Cinderella works all day to please her Stepmother and Stepsisters and dreams of going to the Christmas ball.

Bank of America Patrons Receive Free Admission to Seven Museums

Bank of America is helping its customers celebrate the new year through Museums on Us, giving bank cardholders free admission to cultural venues in Los Angeles.

Private School Fair in Anaheim

January 8: Choosing the ideal school for your child can be a daunting task with many factors to take into consideration.

Festival of Lights at The Mission Inn Hotel in Riverside

Through January 8: Allow yourself to be swept away by more than 3.6 million+ brilliant lights transforming Riverside’s historic hotel into pure magic.

Cannon Battles

December 31 and January 7 and 8: A pair of wooden, 18th-century ships will stage cannon battles in Newport Beach over the next two weeks as part of an educational tour to various California ports.

A Cinderella Christmas at the El Portal Theater

December 22 – January 8: Poor Cinderella works all day to please her Stepmother and Stepsisters and dreams of going to the Christmas ball.

A Faery Hunt in Griffith Park

January 8: Gather your little fairies and pixies (boys and girls 2-10) for a musical adventure, plus along with your favorite faery folke, there are new and funny characters to meet.

Toy Story 3! Disney on Ice

December 15 – January 9: An award-winning cast of world-class skaters are bringing Woody, Buzz Lightyear, Jessie and the rest of the gang to fans in this brand-new live ice spectacular.

Full Moon Walk for the Family in Newport Beach

January 10: Families (7+) learn all about the Full Moon and the mysterious legends associated with it.

One World Rhythm Music Experience In Newport Beach

January 10: One World Rhythm creates an educational experiences by introducing kids to drumming and letting them play the drums and other instruments in a group.

Tour the Ships from Pirate of the Caribbean in Newport Beach

through January 11: A pair of wooden, 18th-century ships will stage cannon battles and host public tours in Newport Beach over the next two weeks as part of an educational tour to various California ports.

Family Nature Walk in Newport Beach

January 11: Gather the kids and join ENC for a casual meander through the Nature Center with Mrs. G!

Open Auditions for Swingin’ Beauty in Los Alamitos

January 9-12: A big band romp of the classic fairy tale. Kids (7-14) are welcome to audition for roles and should bring a song to sing with music.

Story Time at Mainplace Mall in Santa Ana

January 12: Join Westfield MainPlace and the Westfield Family Program for Family Fun Days featuring “Cultural Traditions” – explore how other cultures celebrate the New Year and hear classic folktales from around the world.

Beatbox Battle in Irvine

January 13: Check out some of the best beatboxers from Orange County and beyond as they battle for prizes.

Lucky Day Pajamarama in Long Beach

January 13: KIds read books about good fortune with Miss Jessica on this auspicious day.

Family Star Party at the Columbia Memorial

January 13: Bring your family and friends for a night under the stars.

World City – Free Performance at Disney Concert Hall

January 14: The Music Center presents Khac Chi Ensemble & Korean Classical Music and Dance Company. Khac Chi Ensemble performs the music of the mountain people of Vietnam.

Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Peace and Unity Parade in Long Beach

January 14: The 2012 celebration theme is in Dr. King’s own actions, “Peace! Passion! Purpose!”. The theme was taken from Dr. King’s teachings that “everyone can be great… because anybody can serve.

Peking Acrobats at SOKA University

January 14: The Peking Acrobats, a troupe of China’s most gifted tumblers, contortionists, jugglers, cyclists, and gymnasts complemented by live musicians playing traditional Chinese instruments.

Family Workshop at Long Beach Museum of Art

January 15: Families gain a greater understanding of the stop-motion animation process using model magic and a stop-motion camera.

Wizard of Oz! in Huntington Beach

January 6-15: Follow Dorothy to the land of Oz.

Crystal Cove Family Nature Hike

January 15: Take a guided three-mile backcountry hike.

Phineas and Ferb Live! in Ontario

January 14-15: Join Pheneas and Ferb, plus the whole gang from the Tri-state area for some funny times out of the TV and on to the stage.

Target Free Sunday at MOLAA

January 15: MOLAA’s free family festivals offer visitors the opportunity to learn about Latin American culture through art workshops, live performances, food, and gallery tours.

M.L.K Day: “Lending Hands” at Kidspace

January 16: The great civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. once said “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: ‘What are you doing for others?’”

Little Songbird: Rain Dance in Newport Beach

January 17: Kids (3-5) and their adult friends are invited to join ENC to learn about how to care for Planet Earth.

Cerritos Performing Arts Center

      Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts 12700 Center Court Drive, Cerritos (562) 467-8817 www.cerritoscenter.com The all-time favorite rags-to-riches story Cinderella flourishes with life and drama when the Moscow Festival Ballet dances into the spotlight in this family-friendly performance. One of Russia’s top companies, Moscow Festival Ballet was founded in 1989 by legendary Bolshoi Ballet dancer [...]

Winnie the Pooh Day in Long Beach

January 18: Today is the birthday of Winnie the Pooh author, A.A. Milne!

World of Wolves in Newport Beach

January 18: Families discover wolf biology, behavior and social structure and learn about Wolf Haven, a non-profit sanctuary.

All Grades Information Session at The Pegasus School

January 18: Parents of prospective students, pre-kindergarten through grade eight, are invited to  an introduction to The Pegasus School and to learn more about the admission process. 9 a.m. (714) 964-1224. www.thepegasusschool.org  

Storytelling Workshop in Newport Beach

January 19: Teachers, scout leaders, outdoor professionals, parents, professionals and anyone interested in making a more powerful connection with their audiences.

Science Nerd Series: Slime Time in Newport Beach

January 20: Nerds (7-12) are invited to spend an afternoon letting their amazing nerd shine through.

Weekend Tidepool Walk in San Pedro

January 21: CMA’s Education staff conducts tours of the Point Fermin State Marine Park. Attend an informative slide show in the John M. Olguin Auditorium, then come along on the naturalist-led ramble on the rocks.

Flower Arranging for Children: Flower Dragons at The Huntington Library

January 21: Happy Chinese New Year! Kids (7-12) get creative with the team from Flower Duet and celebrate the “Year of the Dragon” by making a whimsical flower arrangement in the form of a mythical beast.

Paws to Read at Orange Library

January 21: Paws to Read gives children the opportunity to read aloud to a certified therapy dog!

Hoop It Up at Children’s Museum at La habra

January 21: An action-packed, fun-filled health and fitness journey inside the hoop! Hula Hoop expert Kelly Breaux will teach hoop tricks with the latest dance music, and with her F.U.N. approach.

Long Beach Unified School Districts’ Education Celebration

January 21: Families discover each school’s specialty programs. This will come in handy when choosing what elementary or middle school to attend.

National Geographic Little Explorers at Pottery Barn

January 21: The Pottery Barn brings science to their stores with hands-on activities, quizzes, songs and more.

Valley Christian Middle and High School Admissions Open House in Cerritos

January 21: Families can meet staff, teachers and other families. They offer academically challenging courses, a wide variety of fine arts, CIF sports and service learning opportunities.

Long Beach Polar Splash and Doggie Dip

January 21: Justin Rudd’s Community Action Team (C.A.T.) is donating $10 on behalf of every person that participates in the Long Beach Polar Splash (up to $2,000).

Underwater Parks Day at Sea Life Carlsbad Aquarium

January 21: Young ocean enthusiasts at Sea Life Carlsbad Aquarium will learn about Marine Protected Areas or “Underwater Parks” during the Aquarium’s fourth annual Underwater Parks Day.

Tidepool Walk at Crystal Cove State Beach

January 21: Take the family for a docent-led tidepool walk and see what how many different creatures you can find.

Author and Illustrator Book Signing in Long Beach

January 21: Brings your books (or buy them at the store) and get them signed!

“Beauty and the Beast” in Long Beach

January 13-22: The classic story of Belle and the Beast.

Shanghai Circus in Cerritos

January 21-22: Celebrate the Lunar New Year with your family when the thrilling New Shanghai Circus returns to Cerritos.

Cats in Costa Mesa

January 17-22: There’s no better way to introduce your family to the wonders of live theater than with the magic, the mystery, the memory of CATS.

Free Popcorn at the OC Marketplace

January 21-22: In celebration of National Popcorn Day, the OC Marketplace offers free popcorn with coupon (click here) to shoppers while supplies last, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Family SNAG Golf at the Great Park in Irvine

January 22: SNAG Golf is a recreational game that offers all the elements of golf but with modified equipment.

Musical Circus: A Day at the Fair

January 22: An intriguing blend of music and storytelling designed for kids ages 10 and under, presented by the Pasadena Symphony.

The Platt Brothers in Torrance

January 22: America’s Got Talent semi-finalists The Platt Brothers (Cy, Boone, and Cheetah) blend acrobatics, dance, comedy, and music, framing the spirited retelling of the brothers’ childhood antics.

Stories Under the Stars in Newport Beach

January 23: Many cultures tell stories about the stars and their meanings.

Little Naturalists: Exploring nature Through Our Senses in Newport Beach

January 23: Kids (3-5) and their parent explore the Nature Center using all of their senses – smell the sages, feel some feathers and listen to leaves rustle.

Baby Steps through Pretend City

January 23: Infants (0-16 mos) and their parents explore Pretend City.

Chinese New Year Celebration at the Citadel Outlets

January 23: Celebrate the year of the dragon with a trational lion dance, costumed stilt walkers and ribbon dancers, plus enter to win a Red Envelope.

Family Movie Day in Costa Mesa

January 24: Join the library for a fun family movie! This program is a fun and free way to spend the afternoon. Snacks will be served and all kids and their families are welcome.

MIchael Jackson The Immortal World Tour

January 24 -25: The Immortal World Tour takes place in a fantastical realm where we discover Michael’s inspirational Giving Tree – the wellspring of his creativity.

Parent Movie Morning in Anaheim

January 25: Today, see Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close.

Kindergarten Information Session at The Pegasus School

January 25: Parents of prospective Kindergarten students are invited to join our faculty and current parents to learn more about the admission process and curriculum for the Kindergarten year.

Chinese New Year Workshop at Young Chefs’ Academy in Irvine

January 26: Kids learn about the Asian Traditions by creating exciting dishes such as, Home-Made Fortune Cookies, Chinese Lettuce Wraps and Egg Drop Soup.

Cirque du Soleil’s Ovo in Santa Monica

January 20 – February 26: OVO is a headlong rush into a colourful ecosystem teeming with life, where insects work, eat, crawl, flutter, play, fight and look for love in a non-stop riot of energy and movement.

Story Time at Westfield MainPlace Mall in Santa Ana

January 26: Join Westfield MainPlace and the Westfield Family Program for Family Fun Days featuring “Cultural Traditions” – explore how other cultures celebrate the New Year and hear classic folktales from around the world.

Grand Opening Sushi Restaurant at Pretend City

January 27: Today expand your food knowledge by visiting Pretend City’s very own Japanese Sushi restaurant.

Stargazing Series in Irvine

January 27: Star light, star bright, come out to see the stars at night!

36th Annual Elementary Art Show in Buena Park

January 3-27: The City of Buena Park would like to invite all elementary students’ grades K – 6 to participate in the 36th Annual Elementary Art Show.

Planet Water Family Program at Shipley Nature Center

January 28: Bring the family to Huntington Beach’s nature center to learn about water.

Star Party at Griffith Observatory

January 28: Look through a large variety of professional and home-built telescopes to view the sun, planets, the moon and deep sky objects like double-stars, star clusters, and nebulae.

No No Nanette in Westminster

January 20-28: Experience the glitz and glam of the Roaring 20s set in Atlantic City in this revival of the popular Broadway musical.

Free SAT Practice Test in Irvine

January 28: High school sophomores and juniors can prepare for the real deal at the Concordia University.

Chinatown’s Chinese New Year Festival and Golden Dragon Parade

January 28: Celebrating the Year of the Dragon (January 23), the festival features entertainment, children’s rides, food and games booths.

Auntie Angelica’s Fairy Garden in Griffith Park

January 28: Through a magical fairy door, and with the help of the fairy folke and the king’s unicorn, the audience embarks on a musical adventure to assist the enchanted flowers in Auntie Angelica’s magical garden.

Long Beach Skate’s Battle at Bixby S.K.A.T.E. Contest

January 28: Join Long Beach Skate for a game of S.K.A.T.E. Three age divisions: ages 12 and under, 13-17 and 18 and older. Plus, a $200 best trick contest and a 12 and under skills challenge.

Food and Water Bowl XVIII

January 28-29: The show features 450 exotic cats, 41 breeds, rescue cat adoptions, pedigreed kittens for sale and cat agility course, which includes stairs, jumps, tunnels, hoops and weave poles.

Festival of Human Abilities at the Aquarium

January 28-29: A celebration highlighting the creative talents and abilities of people with disabilities.

Dinofaire at STAR ECO Station

January 28-29: Discover your inner paleontologist with real artifacts, fossils and an archeology dig for kids!

Tet Festival in Garden Grove

January 27-29: The Annual Tet Festival, celebrating the beginning of spring and the Lunar New Year, is the largest outside of Vietnam, and features live music, traditional dances, contests and the foods of the Vietnamese culture.

Whale Fiesta at Cabrillo Marine Aquarium

January 29: A festival to celebrate and explore the migration of the gray whale, featuring a life-size gray whale sand sculpture, a duct tape whale contest, face painting, origami and live music and puppet shows.

Lunar New Year Celebration at Tustin Library

January 29: Tustin Library celebrates the year of dragon with a cultural and arts event, featuring live entertainment including a dragon dance.

Wicked at the Pantages

December 1 – January 29: Wicked tells the story of two girls who meet in the land of Oz. One – born with emerald green skin – is smart, fiery and misunderstood.

Special Ballet Performance at Kidspace

January 29: Princess Rose and her dancing sisters are visiting Kidspace for a ballet performance.

Michael Jackson The Immortal World Tour

January 27-29: The Immortal World Tour takes place in a fantastical realm where we discover Michael’s inspirational Giving Tree – the wellspring of his creativity.

Family Boccee Ball at The Orange County Great Park in Irvine

January 29: If you and your family enjoy playing field games like horseshoes or croquet then you are sure to love Bocce Ball!

Can-Can! in Huntington Beach

January 6-29: CAN-CAN is a songfest about Paris in 1893 and some of its more Bohemian citizens.

Canned Food Drive at Knott’s Berry Farm

Through January 29: Knott’s Berry Farm once again partnered with the Orange County Food Bank to help fight hunger in Southern California.

Museums Free For All

January 28-29: Select museums in Southern California offer free admission.

Family Autism Night at Pretend City

January 30: This special evening is an opportunity for children and their parents/siblings/caretakers to have some fun in an autism-friendly environment along with other families.

Little Songbirds: the Groundhog’s Forecast in Newport Beach

January 31: Kids (3-5) and their adult friends are invited to join Beth Syverson, Artistic Director of Con Brio Studios, to learn about caring for the Planet Earth using music as a fun and effective tool to help kids remember our inter-connectedness with all things.

Annual Authors Festival in Huntington Beach

January 31: Celebrate the 25th annual Authors Festival. Many authors and illustrators who have visited local schools will attend to greet children and parents.

January at Pretend City

January 1-31: Theme: New Year, New You. Plus check their online calendar for special story times and days throughout the month.

Ways to Bully-Proof Your Child Workshop in Orange

January 31: This presentation will help parents deal with the chronic school problem of bullying.