Holiday Snow Land | Balearic Park, Costa Mesa

December 20: Balearic Park turns into a winter wonderland with over 40 tons of snow. This time-honored tradition hosts over 1,000 people annually. FREE!

Dates:
Location:
Balearic Park 1975 Balearic Drive, Costa Mesa
+ Google Map
Cost:
Free

Sunsets with Santa in San Clemente

December 14 & 20: Come take pictures with Santa Claus on the San Clemente Pier! Photographer will not be provided; please bring your own camera. Santa's sleigh departs for the North Pole promptly at 5:00 pm, so please plan your visit accordingly. FREE!

Dates:
Location:
San Clemente Municipal Pier 622 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, CA
+ Google Map
Cost:
Free

Naples Island Annual Boat Parade in Long Beach

December 20: Twinkling lights decorate the boats that cruise the canals of Naples. Hundreds of homes and boats are festively decorated throughout the season. FREE!

Dates:
Location:
Naples Island 2nd Street and The Toledo, Long Beach 90803
+ Google Map

Annual LA County Holiday Celebration | Dorothy Chandler Pavilion

December 24: Watch a diverse group of L.A.-based artists and community groups showcase their talent, artistry and traditions on The Music Center’s iconic Dorothy Chandler Pavilion stage. The three-hour live production features instrumental music, choral music and dance performances. FREE!

Dates:
Location:
Dorothy Chandler Pavilion 135 N. Grand Ave., Los Angeles, CA
+ Google Map
Cost:
Free

Fullerton First Night 2026 | Downtown Fullerton Plaza

December 31: Enjoy live music, family activities, and a fireworks finale as Fullerton rings in 2026 at its annual First Night celebration. FREE!

Dates:
Location:
Downtown Fullerton Harbor Blvd., Pomona Ave., and Wilshire Ave., Fullerton
+ Google Map
Cost:
Free

N.Y.E. | Gloria Molina Grand Park, LA

December 31: Ring in 2026 with live music, art installations, and a midnight 3D projection show at LA’s biggest free NYE celebration. FREE!

Dates:
Location:
Gloria Molina Grand Park 200 N. Grand Ave., Los Angeles, CA
+ Google Map
Cost:
Free

Movies Under the Stars | Kelly Park, Compton

January 9: Watch an inspiring outdoor movie, enjoy free pizza, and celebrate community at this family-friendly film night. FREE!

Dates:
Location:
Kelly Park - Compton 2329 E Caldwell St., Compton, CA
+ Google Map
Cost:
Free

Astronomy Night | Columbia Space Memorial Center, Downey

January 9: Each month, expert guest speakers dive into fascinating astronomy topics, sharing their knowledge and passion for the universe. After the talks, explore the night sky with our telescopes and witness celestial objects up close. FREE!

Dates:
Location:
Columbia Memorial Space Center 12400 Columbia Way, Downey, CA
+ Google Map
Cost:
Free

SNOW Much Fun! | Rivian Laguna

January 10: Make snowy creations while learning how heat, ice, and salt work together in this kid-friendly winter science workshop. FREE!

Dates:
Location:
Rivian South Coast Theater 162 South Coast Highway, Laguna Beach, CA
+ Google Map
Cost:
Free

Wild Tales | Upper Newport Bay, Newport Beach

Every Friday: Wild tales is offered every Friday and include an outdoor story time in the newly-renovated amphitheater, an age-appropriate hike, and a craft project in the classroom. FREE!

Dates:
Location:
Upper Newport Bay 2301 University Dr., Newport Beach, CA
+ Google Map
Cost:
Free

Lunar New Year in Rancho Cucamonga

January 17-18: Enjoy a day of cultural celebration with lion dances, martial arts performances and more! The event features foods from local vendors and carnival rides. Check out the Artisan Marketplace and where local artisans showcase their crafts.

Dates:
Location:
RC Sports Center 8303 Rochester Ave., Rancho Cucamonga, CA
+ Google Map
Cost:
Free

Free Miniature Train Rides at Fairview Park in Costa Mesa

THIRD WEEKEND OF EVERY MONTH: The Orange County Model Engineers offer public ride days every third full weekend of each month. To ride the trains, children must be able to walk and be at least 31" tall. A typical trip takes about 12 minutes and covers two loops of the park.

Dates:
Free Miniature Train Rides at Fairview Park in Costa Mesa
Location:
Fairview Park - Costa Mesa 2501 Placentia Ave., Costa Mesa, CA
Cost:
Free

MLK Day Parade & Celebration | Gardena

January 17: Celebrate Dr. King with a lively community parade and festival featuring bands, entertainment, booths, and food trucks. FREE!

Dates:
Location:
Serra High School - Gardena 14830 S. Van Ness Ave., Gardena, CA
+ Google Map
Cost:
Free

Martin Luther King Jr. Parade | Long Beach

Saturday, January 17: The parade kicks off at the intersection of MLK and Anaheim St., followed by a park celebration with performances, kid zone, food and merchandize vendors, and more. FREE!

Dates:
Location:
Martin Luther King Jr. Park - Long Beach 1950 Lemon Ave., Long Beach, CA
+ Google Map
Cost:
Free

MLK Jr. Concert | Skirball Cultural Center, Los Angeles

January 17: Don't miss the return of the Inner City Youth Orchestra of Los Angeles—the largest Black majority orchestra in the nation—performing their MLK Jr. tribute concert.

Dates:
Location:
Skirball Cultural Center 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles
+ Google Map
Cost:
Free

Kidical Mass Bike Ride | Bixby Knolls

January 18: Kidical Mass returns! Join us as we celebrate what “community” looks like and enjoy a fun neighborhood bike ride this Sunday, January 18.

Dates:
Location:
Bixby Knolls Atlantic Ave. (between San Antonio & 36th), Long Beach, CA
+ Google Map

LA Kites and Friends | Long Beach

January 18: Watch kites fill the sky and join a casual community fly-day with LA Kits and Friends. FREE!

Dates:
Location:
713 Termino Ave., Long Beach
Cost:
Free

Disclaimer: The Kidsguide team does their best to keep event details accurate at the time of posting, but information can change without notice! Be sure to double-check with the event organizer before heading out. Kidsguide is not responsible for any errors, omissions, or changes on our calendar—we’re just here to help you find the fun!