All events are subject to change. Please confirm with the event organizer before attending.
Holiday Open House at Homestead Museum
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2021: You and your family can explore Christmas in the 1920s as you wander the first floor of this beautiful home. Take photos, hear holiday music, visit with Santa, sit-in for a story, or make a craft during your visit to enjoy these beautiful historic decorations.
Chanukah in the Air – Lighting a Giant Candy Menorah
DECEMBER 5: Enjoy trampoline jumping with a special area for younger kids, plus donuts and chocolate coins!
Hanukkah Festival at Skirball Cultural Center
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2021: Watch Skirball Storytellers recount the age-old story of Hanukkah, create a one-of-a-kind art project, enjoy classic Hanukkah treats and holiday drinks, and celebrate community with a joyous sunset candle lighting.
Disney On Ice: Dream Big at Honda Center in Anaheim
DECEMBER 8-12, 2021: Dream Big features favorite Disney friends such as Mickey, Minnie, Miguel, Moana, Elsa, Belle, Genie, and more highlighting all the magic and adventure of Disney’s tales through world-class figure skating.
Way to Play Day / Free Developmental Screenings at Pretend City Children’s Museum
DECEMBER 10: Join guides as they highlight how to make playtime in the museum more educational. Plus, free ASQ Developmental Check-ups and speech and language screenings.
The Nightmare Before Christmas at Segerstrom Center for the Arts
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2021: Cozy up with some cocoa and head to Argyros Plaza for a movie night that the whole family will enjoy.
Public Skate Session at East West Ice Palace in Artesia
SATURDAYS, NOVEMBER 20, 2021 SATURDAYS, DECEMBER 4, 11, and DECEMBER 20 – JANUARY 1 Public skate sessions are back at East West Ice Palace on select days. Visit their website for the public skate schedule December public schedule: Sat 12/4 6:45pm – 9:15pm Sat 12/11 6:45pm – 9:15pm Mon 12/20 – Sat 1/1 (3 sessions): 2pm... View Article
Holidays Around the World at Segerstrom Center for the Arts
SATURDAYS, DECEMBER 4 & 11, 2021: Enjoy live performances from local music and dance groups that celebrate holiday traditions from around the world, create your own seasonal craft, and spectacular snowfall.
Holiday Kraft Day for Kids at The International Printing Museum
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2021: Come down to the Museum for a day of family friendly holiday crafts! Activities will include letterpress printing, paper making, calligraphy, bookbinding, screen printing, and much more.
Yule-Tide Holiday Market at Ocean Institute
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2021: This holiday market will bring local makers, artists, and craftspeople together with the community for a unique holiday shopping experience filled with high quality one-of-a-kind handmade goods.
Christmas Parade in Whittier
DECEMBER 11: Enjoy marching bands, vintage automobiles, floats, dance troupes, drill teams, marching bands and Santa Claus himself roll through historic Uptown Whittier.
Holiday Events at Southern California Children’s Museum
NOVEMBER 29, DECEMBER 1 & 31, JANUARY 1: Enjoy Hanukkah Story Time, Story Time with Santa, Noon Year's Eve Party and a Rose Parade Viewing Party.
Welcome Day: Becoming Jane at Natural History Museum Los Angeles
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2021: In connection with their newest temporary exhibition, Becoming Jane: The Evolution of Jane Goodall, guests are invited for a fun-filled afternoon of activities. Get up close to local mammal specimens, meet some of NHM's animal ambassadors during live animal presentations, enjoy a guided nature walk or nature journaling activity, and more.
Disney On Ice: Dream Big at Staples Center in LA
DECEMBER 16-18, 2021: Dream Big features favorite Disney friends such as Mickey, Minnie, Miguel, Moana, Elsa, Belle, Genie, and more highlighting all the magic and adventure of Disney’s tales through world-class figure skating.
Drive-in Movies at Lakewood Center
DECEMBER 10 & 17: The City of Lakewood will offer two nights of Drive-in Movies at Lakewood Center: The Grinch and A Christmas Story. Registration early!
Luminaria Nights at California Botanic Garden in Claremont
DECEMBER 10-11 and 17-18, 2021: Be enchanted at this Claremont tradition where the Garden glows with light for the holidays. Special holiday installations, live music and beverages/snacks for sale!
Centennial Farm Discovery Day in Costa Mesa
SELECT DATES, NOW - JUNE 2022: Tour the farm at your own pace and experience radish planting, chick education, oxen demonstrations and our variety of plants and livestock on display.
Twilight Cinema: Drive-In Movies at Long Beach City College (PCC)
SATURDAYS, THROUGH DECEMBER 18: Hocus Pocus (10/23), Coco (10/30), Cruella (11/6), Edward Scissorhands (11/13), The Grinch (11/20), Elf (12/11), and The Polar Express (12/18).
Lakewood Winter Vacation Park Program + Santa + Candy Cane Hunt
DECEMBER 20-31: Holiday activities at Lakewood parks activities will include winter holiday craft projects, indoor and outdoor games, and fun with food. Plus, Santa will make an early appearance on Saturday, December 18 at each of the parks, followed by a candy cane hunt.
Holiday Spectacular at Anaheim Hills Festival
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2021: Celebrate the season with a holiday kid's craft, photos with Santa, train rides, face painting, balloon art, and more!
Grinch Day at Great Park in Irvine
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2021: Great Park is hosting a free Grinch-themed drawing session in the morning, and a drive-in movie (SOLD OUT) showing of Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas in the evening. Visitors are welcome to wear green or dress as their favorite Grinch characters during Grinch Day at Great Park.
Polar Bear Plunge at Splash! in La Mirada
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2021: Come plunge down the slides into the unheated pool. The event is $5 per person and free to 2022 pass holders. Admission includes two hours of riding down the slides, recreational swim in the heated 25-yard pool, and free hot cocoa.
Christmas in the Canyons in Silverado
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2021: Enjoy an old-fashioned country holiday in historic Silverado. Local artisans, live entertainment, photo with Santa, and hayrides ($5).
A Charlie Brown Christmas Live in Anaheim
DECEMBER 3-19, 2021: Everyone’s favorite holiday classic comes to life in the all-new stage adaptation! Join Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Lucy, Linus, and the whole Peanuts gang as they produce their own Christmas play and ultimately learn the true meaning of the season.
The Holiday GEM
NOVEMBER 26 - DECEMBER 19: Ring in the holidays at The GEM Theatre with a 'fun for the whole family' holiday revue, featuring a brand new story! Backed by live musicians, stunning costumes and a whimsical set; Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus, and a cast of talented performers close out our season in true holiday fashion! Performances Thursday - Sunday.
Frontier Family Christmas at El Dorado Frontier in Long Beach
DECEMBER 2-5, 10-2, 17-19, 2021: Evening holiday train rides, Santa Claus meet and greets, live holiday music, food, Christmas decor and more.
Family Events at Bowers Museum – Storytime & Winter Festival
NOVEMBER 27, DECEMBER 18 & 19: Join them every last Saturday of the month for story book reading in the galleries followed by a simple, fun art project that kids will love. On December 19, enjoy the Winter Festival with complimentary face painting, art projects, live performances, and a unique treat!
December Events at The Children’s Museum at La Habra
DECEMBER 4, 11, 21, and 31, 2021: Join the Children's Museum at La Habra for fun, holiday festivities! Photos with Santa at La Habra Tamale Festival (12/4), Santa's Elves Workshop (12/11), Stories & Cookies with Mrs. Claus (12/21), and New Years at Noon (12/31).
Visit with Santa at Pretend City + Sensitive Santa Night
DECEMBER 8, 16, 17 & 22: Meet jolly Saint Nick, divulge your holiday wishes, and even take a photo with him! Family Autism Night & Sensitive Santa will be held on December 16.
Disney On Ice: Dream Big at Toyota Arena in Ontario
DECEMBER 22-27, 2021: Dream Big features favorite Disney friends such as Mickey, Minnie, Miguel, Moana, Elsa, Belle, Genie, and more highlighting all the magic and adventure of Disney’s tales through world-class figure skating.
New Year’s Eve 50th Annual Revue at Santa Monica Playhouse
DECEMBER 31: Champagne, sparkling juice, and delightful sweets and savories accompany the 50th anniversary of this rousing, family-friendly in-person multi-media New Year’s event!
The Nutcracker by the Los Angeles Ballet
DECEMBER 4-26, 2021: The Nutcracker is the city’s holiday tradition perfect for celebrating the season. Set to Tchaikovsky’s iconic score, Los Angeles Ballet stays true to the traditions of the holiday story with some surprises! Performances at Alex Theatre (Dec 4-5), Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center (Dec 11-12), Royce Hall UCLA (Dec 17-19), and Dolby Theatre (Dec 23, 24, 26).
West Coast Customs presents Cruis’n the Park Car Show at Six Flags
FRIDAYS - SUNDAYS, FEBRUARY 26 - MARCH 14: Cruise through the park from the comfort and safety of your own car for a drive-thru auto show experience where you will see more than 100 of the world’s best automotive displays, presented by world-famous West Coast Customs.
A Christmas Carol at South Coast Repertory in Costa Mesa
NOVEMBER 27 - DECEMBER 26, 2021 A Christmas Carol, Orange County’s favorite holiday tradition returns live, in-person, at South Coast Repertory. From the first “Bah humbug” to the final “Wassail,” this timeless classic is sure to rekindle your family’s holiday spirit.
A Magical Cirque Christmas at Segerstrom Center for the Arts
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2021: Enjoy an evening of dazzling performers and breathtaking cirque artists, accompanied by your favorite holiday music performed live. Get into the spirit of the season with this merry treat that’s perfect for the entire family.
Santa Fishing at El Dorado Park in Long Beach
MONDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2021: Santa is coming to Long Beach to fish at El Dorado East Regional Park. He will be giving away fishy prizes and a big check for $25,000 for the park. Join in on the fun.
Winter-Break Rock Climbing Camps – Sender One in Santa Ana and LA
DECEMBER 20-23 and DECEMBER 27-30: Looking for something fun and health-conscious to do for your child this season? Sign up for Sender One's 4-day rock climbing camp! Activities include rope climbing, bouldering, games, zip line, king swing, slackline, and Sender City.
Roller Skate Your Way into the New Year
DECEMBER 31: Bring the family to ring in 2022 on the rink! Early sessions are available for younger kids.
Winter-Break Skateboarding Camp with Skatedogs in Irvine
DECEMBER 27-30: Kids make new friends, advance their skateboarding skills, and most importantly, have fun at Skatedogs’ wiinter-break skateboarding camp!
Shared Science Present “What’s All That Shaking?” at Rancho Los Cerritos
DECEMBER 28: Shared Science and Rancho Los Cerritos are teaming up for a Long Beach History and STEM education lesson. A Rancho Los Cerritos educator will guide students in an adobe construction activity, and a Shared Science instructor will help students create a LEGO robotics earthquake simulator testing platform. Workshop fee: $12.
Seas ‘n’ Greetings at Birch Aquarium in San Diego
DECEMBER 1-31, 2021: Experience the magic of the holidays in the underwater world at Birch Aquarium during this month-long holiday celebration featuring SEAsonal decor, music, and activities for the whole family.
GLOW at South Coast Botanic Garden
NOVEMBER 20 - JANUARY 17, 2022: South Coast Botanic Garden is proud to present GLOW (Garden Lights & Ocean Waters), a visually stunning light display that will transform their lush botanic oasis into an oceanic experience.
The Elf on the Shelf’s Magical Holiday Journey in Pomona
NOVEMBER 5 - JANUARY 2: An outdoor immersive experience featuring scenic displays, a Christmas village with shopping and dining options, an ice-skating rink, and a heart-warming walk-through journey that explores Christmas cheer from an elf’s perspective and culminates in a magical trolley ride.
Christmas Carol at the Ahmanson Theater in LA
NOVEMBER 30, 2021 – JANUARY 1, 2022 An immersive experience that is brimming with Christmas spirit. Featuring dazzling staging, moving storytelling, and 12 cherished Christmas carols, including “Joy to the World,” “Silent Night,” and “It Came Upon the Midnight Clear,” it is “so infectious you’ll leave the theatre with a heart full of joy and... View Article
Public Skate Session at East West Ice Palace in Artesia
NOVEMBER 20, DECEMBER 4, 11, and DECEMBER 20 - JANUARY 1: Public skate sessions are back at East West Ice Palace on select days. Visit their website for the public skate schedule.
YMCA of Orange County Winter-Break Camps
WINTER-BREAK: The YMCA of OC is offering a variety of activities for your child to participate in during their winter school break. Activities: Esports Camp, Arctic Adventure Winter Day Camp, and Various Sports and Specialty camps (including Art, Basketball, Science, and much more). Each camp offers small teacher to child ratios, fun activities, and time with friends!
Winter Camp – City of Long Beach
DECEMBER 20-30, 2021: City of Long Beach Parks, Recreation and Marine will offer day camps for youth (ages 5-12) at 21 Long Beach parks weekdays from 9am-4pm beginning December 20 through December 30 (excluding Christmas Day). Cost is $30 per week.
Free Mobile Recess – City of Long Beach
NOW - FEBRUARY 22, 2022: City of Long Beach Parks, Recreation and Marine's Mobile Recess Program conducts supervised physical fitness, and arts and crafts activities for ages 5-14 along designated streets blocked off for safety.
Winter Camp at My Gym Long Beach
DECEMBER 20-22 & 28-30: At Winter Camp, they activate the fun every single day! Energizing games, exciting gymnastics, cool arts and crafts, and more. A variety of themes and programs make it an engaging experience each week.
Winter-Break Fun at El Dorado Nature Center
DECEMBER 20 -24 and 27 – 31: Children, ages 5-8, will enjoy two different camps: Wild Journeys and Superpower Senses. Register early as these fill up fast.
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!
