All events are subject to change. Please confirm with the event organizer before attending.
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!
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).
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.
Jurassic Quest in Anaheim
DECEMBER 29 - JANUARY 2, 2022: A unique indoor experience for the whole family including more than 100 life-like dinosaurs, dinosaur themed rides and attractions, live dinosaur shows, interactive science and art activities, a “Triceratots” soft play area for the littlest explorers, photo opportunities, and more.
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.
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.
Disney On Ice: Dream Big at Long Beach Arena
DECEMBER 30 - JANUARY 2, 2022: 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.
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.
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).
New Year’s Eve at Theme Parks
DECEMBER 31: Spend NYE at your favorite theme park. Disneyland, Knott's Berry Farm, Legoland and Universal Studios are all offering special celebrations with fireworks, music and special family entertainment.
New Year’s Ice Skating
DECEMBER 31 & JANUARY 1: Start a family tradition by ice skating outdoors at rinks in Huntington Beach (with an ocean view!), Irvine, LA, Temecula and more on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day.
NYE Family Bowling Package at Bowlero
DECEMBER 31 & JANUARY 1: Start off 2022 with a strike! Special family packages are offered for New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day! Package includes two hours of unlimited bowling, plus their signature menu with pizza, chicken tenders, fries, salad, chips and cookies.
Noon Year’s Eve at Pretend City
DECEMBER 31: Celebrate the new year at different times throughout the day as the sun travels across the different time zones! There will be a confetti countdown at four different times to celebrate the new year in Bangladesh, Dubai, Athens, and London! They will also have New Year’s activities and art for our little ones to enjoy!
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.
New Year’s Eve at Dave & Busters at Irvine Spectrum
DECEMBER 31: The NYE package combines the food and fun that guests have grown to love at Dave & Buster's. Designed for families, this event will run from 5 pm - 8 p.m. and includes a video ball drop to ring in the new year!
Ring in 2022 at Golfland!
DECEMBER 31: Pay one price for unlimited access to all attractions! Unlimited mini golf, bumper boats, laser tag and race cars, plus two slices of pizza and a medium drink. 8 p.m. - 1 a.m.
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
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.
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.
New Year’s Surf City Splash & Beach Clean Up
JANUARY 1 & 2: "Make a Splash and Pickup Trash!" The tradition continues as the 22nd rendition of Surf City Splash hits the shores of Huntington Beach during New Year's weekend. Plus take a splash in the ocean, enjoy a pancake breakfast, take surf lesson & lots more!
Encanto at El Capitan Theater
DECEMBER 31 and JANUARY 1: Start the New Year early with a special showing of Disney's Encanto and the iconic El Capitan Theater on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. Show starts at 9 a.m. Purchase tickets online.
Oshogatsu Family Festival in Los Angeles
SUNDAY, JANUARY 2, 2022: Welcome the Year of the Tiger with virtual crafts, cultural activities, and performances. Admission to the Japanese American National Museum will be free all day, with limited capacity.
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.
January Events at Pretend City
SELECTED DATES IN JANUARY: Join Pretend City for Pajama Party, Coco the Chameleon Live Reading, Tu B'Shevat Celebration, Bubble Bath Day, Lohri, MLK Day Celebration, Winnie the Pooh Day, National Puzzle Day, Kids Inventors Day and lots more.
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.
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.
Family Matinees at the Academy Museum in LA
JANUARY 7, 14, 15, 21 & 22: The Academy Museum screens films for families of all ages. All films in this series are rated G or PG, unless otherwise noted. This month: Fantastic Mr. Fox, Fly Away & Paddington.
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.
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!
