All events are subject to change. Please confirm with the event organizer before attending.
November 2019
November at Pretend City – Give Thanks
Leaves are falling, the air is cooler, and autumn crops are ready for harvesting. This month, Pretend City celebrates Thanksgiving; activities this month will focus on gratitude and family and the importance of being thankful for the many blessings in our lives.
Outdoor Ice Rink at Irvine Spectrum Center
November 1 - January 5: Skate under the stars (and sun!) at the festive Holiday Ice Rink in the Giant Wheel Court at Irvine Spectrum Center. Skate rental is available or bring your own. Season passes also offered.
Chinese Lantern Festival at Pomona Fairplex
The Hanart Culture’s Chinese Lantern Festival is a premier event of colorful and lively interactive entertainment immersing guests with the culture, music, arts and life of authentic China. Experience the festival at the Pomona Fairplex with stunning lanterns inspired by nature. Bring the family - children under 4 are free!
SkyPark Santa’s Village
Join Skypark for a Nostalgic Christmas in the Woods inside Santa’s Village! Enjoy visits with Santa and Northwoods characters, ice skating, tree lightings, storytelling, crafts, holiday treats and more.
Skating by the Sea in San Diego
The spectacular ice rink is located seaside on Windsor Lawn and features stunning views of the Pacific and Coronado beach.
Holiday Entertainment at the Irvine Spectrum
Celebrate the season, weekends at Irvine Spectrum Center, with live holiday entertainment on Fridays and Saturdays, November 1 - December 28.
International Motorcycle Show in Long Beach
This family-friendly event features demo rides, custom and vintage bike displays, stunt show, marketplace and Kids' Zone.
Taco Truck Science with Columbia Memorial Space Center at Lakewood Center Mall
Join the Space Center as they set up next to a taco truck and do science!
Shark Lagoon Night at Aquarium of the Pacific
Guests can touch and learn about sharks, purchase drinks and snacks, and enjoy live music during select Shark Lagoon Nights.
Snow Day LA at Elysian Park
Hop on a tube and fly through twinkling light archways, decorated trees and falling snow, and much more- all five minutes from downtown Los Angeles!
Broadway Princess Party in Rancho Cucamonga
Families (ages 6+) are invited to a magical evening hosted by a royal trio of Broadway’s original stars – Laura Osnes (Cinderella in Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella), Susan Egan (original Belle in Beauty and the Beast), and Courtney Reed (original Jasmine in Aladdin). To redeem from a limited quantity of buy-one-get-one-free tickets, call Lewis Family Playhouse Box Office at (909) 477-2752 and mention code “Community."
Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day in Costa Mesa
From the moment he wakes up with gum in his hair, to his broken nightlight at bedtime, things just do not go Alexander’s way. This delightful musical version of the popular book can turn around any bad day and put a smile on even the crabbiest of faces.
FlatBar-BQ and Skate Jam in Long Beach
Bring the whole family out to this Skate Jam and BBQ! Also, be sure to enter the flat-bar contest - the winner will take home a new flat-bar! Presented by Keen Ramps.
The Lucky Band, Secret Agent 23 Skidoo, and Jazzy Ash & The Leaping Lizards in Aliso Viejo
Enjoy the Children's Concert Series at Soka University with performances from The Lucky Band, Secret Agent 23 Skidoo, and Jazzy Ash & The Leaping Lizards.
Home Visit from Santa in Buena Park
What a surprise it will be for your children when they hear a “Ho-Ho-Ho” and see Santa at their door!
Monday Madness One-Day Acting Out Workshops in Long Beach
There's just one day, so Acting Out wants to play! Activities during these one-day Monday workshops include theater games, improvisation, partner work, group skill building and more. Just a day of theatrical fun! All skill levels (ages 7-14) are welcome.
Thanksgiving Week Mini-Camp in Irvine
Lil Chefs (5+) are invited to cook up a feast at this three day Thanksgiving Mini camp, with Colonial and Native American-inspired dishes.
Make-and-Take Pies Family Fun Night with Lil’ Chefs
During this month's Family Fun Night workshop with Lil' Chefs, work as a family (age 5+) to make pie dough (Pate Brisee) then, prepare Mixed Berry Pie and Pumpkin Chiffon Pie to take home and bake for your Thanksgiving dessert!
Plymouth Rock ‘n’ Run in Yorba Linda
Join one of North OC's favorite Turkey Trots! Featuring 5K, 10K, and 10-mile courses and, a kids 1K and Tot Trot fun run (age 10 and under). There will be costume contests, music, vendors, and fun for the kids. Add your dog at registration and they will receive a bandana and entrance into contests too.
27th Annual Festival of Lights in Riverside
The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa features more than five million brilliant lights, a decorated Christmas tree, appearances by Santa Claus and Dickensian Carolers singing cheerful holiday tunes, authentic horse-drawn carriages, live reindeer, and hundreds of characters dressed in 17th Century costumes to entertain crowds and evoke the spirit of the season.
Black Friday Frenzy at Irvine Spectrum
Festivities will include a festive night (and morning) of free ice skating, free carousel rides and Giant Wheel rides until 3 a.m., incredible sales, DJs, live entertainment, and free valet parking.
Big Bear Snow Play and New Ropes Course
November through Easter: Day and Night “Glow” Tubing at Big Bear Snow Play. Plus, try the brand new Ropes Course -- a two-level arial adventure, 12-35 feet in the air, that will have you balancing on ropes, crossing bridges and climbing through and over 30 obstacles: all from the safety of a climbing harness.
Lil’ Chefs Black Friday Mini Camp in Irvine
Parents can take advantage of this one-day Mini Camp that will allow them to shop while their kiddos learn to cook up a Black Friday Thanksgiving-Leftovers Camp.
Pomegranate Days at the Oasis Camel Dairy in Ramona
Join Oasis Camel Dairy for a fun-filled three day Thanksgiving tradition at the 9th Annual Pomegranate Days featuring a circus, the Wild West Turkey Stampede, camel rides, and sheep town.
Tree Lighting at Irvine Spectrum
The beautifully decorated 75-foot tree will come to life at night with a choreographed light show every 30 minutes. Nightly, November 29 - December 24, 5-11 p.m. at the Giant Wheel Court.
Parents Night Out at Lil’ Chefs School in Irvine
This is a great workshop for the parents to go out and let your child have a fun-filled Friday evening with Lil Chef's school making tasty treats, playing games, and making ornaments!
LA Kings Holiday Ice at L.A. Live
Ice Rink will be open November 30 - January 12. November 30, join in on the Kick Off to the Holiday Season Opening Event, including appearances by LA Kings Ice Crew, Bailey, LA Kings Alumni, music, photo ops and more.T he LA Kings Holiday Ice Rink is only here for a limited time, so don't miss out on this fun family activity!
The Polar Express Comes to Perris
THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride is coming to Southern California for the first time this holiday season! Set to the sounds of the motion picture soundtrack, passengers will relive the magic of the classic story as they are whisked away on THE POLAR EXPRESS™ for a magical one-hour trip to meet Santa.
December 2019
December at Pretend City – Home for the Holly Days
‘Tis the season of giving! Join Pretend City as they give back and brighten up the holiday season with a toy drive for the children at CHOC. Plus, Imagination Playground returns; countdown to Christmas; celebrate Las Posadas, Winter Solstice, Hanukah, Kwanzaa and their annual Noon-Year’s Confetti Countdown.
Cinderella at The Rose Center Theater in Westminster
You're invited to experience the timeless enchantment of a magical fairy tale, Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella. Experience jaw-dropping transformations, and all the moments you remember and love - the pumpkin, the glass slipper, the Royal ball, and more - plus some surprising new twists!
Pirates Take Christmas
Looking to add some fun and excitement to your holiday season? Celebrate Christmas with Pirates Dinner Adventure’s Christmas spectacular, Pirates Take Christmas. You, your family, and a little holiday magic can help ensure Santa defeats the pirates and saves the season. Join them to find out why Pirates Take Christmas has quickly become a Holiday tradition in Orange County! For discounted rates of $35 for adults and $25 for kids, mention code "KGHOLIDAY19"!
Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol at The Wallis
Joy to all mankind? Bah! Humbug! Spend an evening in the company of a mean, tight-fisted, squeezing, grasping, clutching old miser. Watch horrified as Ebenezer Scrooge is haunted by four creepy ghosts, each one more terrifying than the last. In their inimitable style, the team that brought you Great Expectations will now celebrate the holiday season with a mesmerizing one man performance of Charles Dickens’ timeless, transformative story. Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol at The Wallis is recommended for adults…
Free Day at The Huntington Library
On the first Thursday of every month, The Huntington opens its doors to all for free! Explore the library, gardens or art collections all at no cost.
Free Apollo Capsule Lighting in Downey to Celebrate the Holidays
Light up the holiday season with the Columbia Memorial Space Center. Participate in a favorite Downey tradition, the lighting of the Apollo Capsule. Invite your friends and loved ones to celebrate together and enjoy this outdoor event with fresh popcorn, hot chocolate and carols.
Nights of 1000 Lights at Sherman Library & Gardens
The Annual Nights of 1000 Lights celebration will feature a dazzling display of lights, music and visit with Santa. Enjoy a Blue Christmas with Elvis this year as you take a trip through the glistening light tunnel; enter a world of sugary sweets in Gingerbread Land; experience the magic of a Scandinavian Christmas in the Tea Garden; and much more.
Tiki Holiday and Boat Parade of Lights in Dana Point
Dana Point Harbor invites families to celebrate the season with a "Tiki Holiday” at the 45th Annual Boat Parade of Lights. Enjoy festive family activities with a tiki twist by the water's edge.
Gingerbread House Decorating Family Fun Night with Lil’ Chefs
Join Lil' Chefs for their annual Gingerbread House decorating event! They supply plenty of candy and sprinkles to decorate your own pre-made gingerbread house as a family (ages 5+).
Cocoa Concerts at Union Station
Each family-friendly holiday celebration is a winter wonderland featuring free cocoa flowing from Cocoa Bars with Elftenders, Santa selfies and Candy Cane Lane where a custom neon photo-op will make your season bright; holiday-themed arts, crafts, interactive games and entertainment. Don’t miss the marshmallow eating contest where winners will celebrate their sweet victory with prizes and sticky fingers.
Nerf Challenge at LA Live
The world premiere of Nerf Challenge opens at LA Live for a limited time! This live attraction will bring action and competitive fun, taking place in an epic 50,000 square foot space. Please note that some activities require participants be 8 or older while other activities require participants be 14 or older.
Santa Cares: Sensory-Friendly Photos with Santa
December 8: Children within every spectrum of special needs and their families are invited to a private photo session, to experience the time-honored tradition of a visit with Santa Claus. Space is limited; please reserve your complimentary ticket via the Eventbrite link.
Capistrano Lights at Mission San Juan Capistrano
Celebrate the holidays at Mission San Juan Capistrano, historic landmark and museum with 30 days of holiday fun from December 8 through January 6. Capistrano Lights brings together people of all faith traditions during the holiday season. The Mission grounds will be decked out in lights and the Front Courtyard features a huge 10-foot wreath, perfect for a holiday photo op. Join them for a nightly tree lighting in the Ruins of the Great Stone Church. Don’t miss out on…
Home for the Holidays 2019 Pet Adoption Fair in Irvine
December 8: Help animals find homes at the 13th annual Home for the Holidays Pet Adoption Fair. More than 30 pet rescue groups and animal shelters featuring 500 homeless dogs, cats, rabbits, and small animals of adoption. Plus, pet related vendors, gourmet food trucks, silent auction, and more.
Sunday Funday: Free Interactive Performances with The Story Pirates at The Wallis
The kid-centric company is back for more free, outdoor musical sketch comedy based on stories written by children, geared especially for toddlers!
Sunday Funday: Free Dance Sundays with Debbie Allen and Friends at The Wallis
Dancers and families of all ages can enjoy the wildly popular dance lesson sessions with the three-time Emmy Award-winner and Friends, on the Promenade Terrace. Open to the public, each session will focus on one style of dance, from hip hop to VOGUE, from African dance to Flamenco.
Someone-Special-and-Me Sugar Cookie Decorating in Irvine
This course is for the Lil’ Chefs (ages 3-5), that still need an adult by their side. Together, participants will learn how to make cookie frosting and decorate pre-made sugar cookies!
Disney’s Frozen Jr. in Anaheim
Celebrate the holiday season by taking the whole family to see Disney's Frozen Jr., presented by Arts & Learning Conservatory! Frozen Jr. is based on the 2018 Broadway musical, and brings Elsa, Anna, and the magical land of Arendelle to life, onstage, and featuring all of the memorable songs from the animated film.
Jurassic Quest at Fairplex in Pomona
Jurassic Quest brings a dinosaur adventure for the whole family. The main dinosaur exhibit features ultra-realistic, life-size animatronic dinosaurs; over 80 life-size dinosaurs in all.
Holly Jolly Lights Tour in Mission Viejo
Enjoy a VIP reception and tour the Home Lighting Contest displays aboard deluxe transportation.
Vans Skatepark Holiday Skate Clinics
Vans Skatepark in Orange, a 40,000-square-foot facility, offers two free, Holiday Clinics on Saturday, December 14 and 21.
Breakfast With Santa In Seal Beach
Enjoy a pancake breakfast with Santa, holiday crafts, and a photo opportunity. Saturday, 8-10:30 a.m. Free, first-come, first-served.