All events are subject to change. Please confirm with the event organizer before attending.
November 2021
Roundhouse Aquarium Holiday Open House in Manhattan Beach
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2021: Join the Downtown Manhattan Beach festivities and pier lighting by strolling down the pier and stopping by the Roundhouse Aquarium. Get free hot chocolate and desserts and a guest appearance from Mr. Monopoly.
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.
Family Night Walks at El Dorado Nature Center in Long Beach
THURSDAYS, OCTOBER 7 - DECEMBER 16: Join a guided after-hours walk to see all the nocturnal creatures that call the Nature Center home. Pre-registration required and fills up fast!
Yuletide Cinemaland at Heritage Square Museum
SELECT DATES, NOV 20 - DEC 26, 2021: Enjoy a holiday movie, Victorian home tours, piano sing-alongs, food trucks, holiday treats, shopping, twinkling light tunnel and more. 8-Bit Christmas (11/20), Elf (12/4), Santa Clause (12/11), Home Alone 2 (12/18), It's a Wonderful Life (12/19), A Christmas Story (12/20), Home Alone (12/21), Grinch (12/22), Elf (12/23), When Harry Met Sally (12/26).
Brick Fest Live in San Diego
SATURDAY & SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 20-21, 2021: Build family memories and express your creativity! Enjoy live interactive stage shows, life-size models, building activities, meet LEGO masters, and more.
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 – 4:30pm, 5pm – 7:30pm, 8pm – 10:30pm Please visit their website to confirm skate times. General admission: $14 Child (age 10 and under): $13…
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).
Turkey Trot in Seal Beach
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2021: Join the Seal Beach Turkey Trot! There will be a a 5K, 10K, Fitness Challenge and kids "Don't Be a Turkey" Trot. Through this event, the goal is to donate over 300-holiday meals for families in need in the community with Grateful Hearts and to help raise funds for our local schools through Project SEEK.
Free Youth Fishing Derby at El Dorado Park in Long Beach
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 20: Free youth fishing derby at El Dorado Regional Park in Long Beach. Registration starts at 8am, derby at 9am. Free tackle for kids 15 and under. Prizes and raffle at 1pm.
Tallest Tree in OC Lighting Ceremony at The Outlets at San Clemente
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2021: See the tallest tree in OC lit up, enjoy live performances, actual reindeer, magical snowfall, hot chocolate caravan, interactive photo ops, and a kids scavenger hunt.
Disney’s Encanto Nights at South Coast Botanic Garden’s GLOW
NOVEMBER 21-23, 2021: Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Encanto Nights at GLOW will feature a special pop-up experience to introduce you to Casa Madrigal. Enjoy hands-on activities and a picture-perfect installation inspired by Disney’s upcoming movie, Encanto.
Swedish Christmas Fair at Old World Huntington Beach
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2021: An amazing collection of handmade gifts, clothing, crafts, baked goods, unique Christmas decorations, sweets, treats, Swedish themed artwork, paintings, food, festivities and Glogg.
Anaheim Turkey Trot 5K/10K & 1 mile FUN Run
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2021: Bring the family to enjoy a run on the Sunday before Thanksgiving. Everyone receives a medal, T-shirt and refreshments.
Thanksgiving Week Rock Climbing Camps – Sender One in Santa Ana and LA
NOVEMBER 22-24: Looking for something fun and health-conscious to do for your child this season? Sign up for Sender One's 3-day rock climbing camp! Activities include rope climbing, bouldering, games, zip line, king swing, slackline, and Sender City.
Cheetah Camp at Wild Wonders
NOVEMBER 22, 23, and 24: Kids, ages 6- 12, get to know more about the cheetahs that call Wild Wonders home, plus campers will help care for a selection of the 100+ other exotic animals that are onsite.
Turkey Trot on the Ranch at Rancho Mission Viejo
NOVEMBER 25: The run features a 5K and Little Gobbler’s 1K that takes participants through the pathways and walkways of the Community of Rancho Mission Viejo.
Drumstick Dash LA in North Hollywood
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2021: Drumstick Dash LA is LA’s Largest Thanksgiving 5k/10k run, plus there's a Lil' Gobblers race for families and children. Fun for all the family and serious runners alike–including lots of freebies, a costume contest, awards and the satisfaction of supporting a worthy cause.
Rose Bowl 5K Turkey Trot
NOVEMBER 25: Race or walk around the stadium grounds and Brookside Golf Course in the scenic Arroyo Seco. Event is all ages. Awards for top male, female, and dog finishers.
Thanksgiving Turkey Trot in Long Beach
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2021: Join this Thanksgiving day race for a good cause! Includes a Kids' Half-Mile Wingding Fun Run and adults 5K/10K.
Huntington Beach Turkey Wobble
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2021: Start your Thanksgiving at the beach! This 5K/10K Turkey Trot features a flat ocean-front course and a 1K walk for kids 12 and under.
Irvine/Orange County Turkey Trot and Kid’s Gobble Wobble
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2021: Run up your appetite in Irvine! Join Turkey Trotters at Orange County's Best Turkey Trot at Irvine Valley College. One-mile Turkey Dash, Kid's Gobble Wobble and 5K.
Turkey Trot in Dana Point
NOVEMBER 25: Burn off those pre-Thanksgiving meal calories by running or walking a 5K, 10K, Combo 15K, or Kids 1-Mile Gobble Wobble in the beautiful Dana Point Harbor.
Widdle Wobble Turkey Trot in Los Angeles
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2021: Run/walk a 5k or 10k before you feast and help fundraise for The Midnight Mission. There’s also an adorable Widdle Wobble for the little trotters (ages 12 and under). Everyone is welcome!
Annual Turkey Trot Harry Sutter Memorial 3-Mile Fun Run in Torrance
NOVEMBER 25: The City of Torrance Community Services Department invites the entire family to participate in this fun run.
Santa Monica Turkey Trot
NOVEMBER 25: Turkey Trot 5k, 10k, 15k, and Half Marathon fun run held in Santa Monica by the beach path.
“Let It Snow” with the Snow Queen & Princess at Bella Terra
NOVEMBER 26 - DECEMBER 18, 2021: The Snow Queen and Princess will be performing and making it snow on the Green with their friends every Friday and Saturday. Special guest appearances include Grinch & Cindy Loo Hoo, Jack Skellington & Sally, Buddy the Elf & Jovie, Spiderman, and Black Panther.
Pomegranate Days at the Oasis Camel Dairy in Ramona
NOVEMBER 26-28, 2021: Enjoy an open farm tour, feed the camels and mini sheep, and see a fun live show featuring talking parrots, pardoned racing turkeys, and more. Camel rides available for purchase.
Cool Yule Celebration at Pacific City in Huntington Beach
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2021: Take photos with Santa on the Ocean Deck and selfies in front of a retro-themed backdrop. Throughout the event, enjoy holiday-themed kids crafts, face painting, hot cocoa station, performances, and children's book author, Kim Ann, will hold a book reading and sign copies of her books.
Lil’ Chef School November Events
SELECTED DATES IN NOVEMBER: Veterans Day Mini Camp, Thanksgiving Baking Camp, Black Friday Mini Camp, Saturday Adult & Me Classes, Parents Night Out & more.
Family Matinees at the Academy Museum in LA
SATURDAYS, OCTOBER 30 - NOVEMBER 27: Every Saturday, the Academy Museum screens films for families of all ages. All films in this series are rated G or PG, unless otherwise noted.
Monthly Park Cleanup – El Dorado Regional Park in Long Beach
OCTOBER 23 & NOVEMBER 27: Help to protect wildlife and beautify the largest park in Long Beach. All ages welcome!
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!
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.
Holiday Activities at 2nd & PCH
NOVEMBER 28, DECEMBER 3, 10 & 17: Shul by the Shore Grand Chanukah Extravaganza, PCH Movies & Moonlight Holiday Series and Christmas Tree Lighting.
Wild Holidays at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park
NOVEMBER 26–28; DECEMBER 4, 5, 11, 12, 18–23 AND 26–31; JANUARY 1–2: See the Safari Park in a whole new light! Take a holiday expedition of light and travel through places that glow and twinkle with holiday cheer. Holiday tunes set the mood, and seasonal food treats tempt you throughout your journey.
Yeti’s Snow Play at Mountain High
WEEKENDS & HOLIDAYS, THANKSGIVING THROUGH MARCH: Make it a “Snow Day” at the Yeti’s Snow Play. Slide down the tubing lanes, take a scenic sky chair ride, or meet the Yeti and his friends. It’s all at Mountain High, Southern California’s closest winter resort, located just an hour and a half away in Wrightwood.
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.
Nutcracker at Bob Baker’s Marionette Theater in LA
SELECT DATES, NOVEMBER 27 - JANUARY 9, 2022: The show features over 100 handcrafted marionettes, including all the characters from the beloved story: Clara and the Nutcracker Prince, the Sugarplum Fairy, the Mouse King, and many more.
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.
Winter Fantasy at the Sawdust Festival in Laguna Beach
WEEKENDS, NOVEMBER 20 - DECEMBER 19 & BLACK FRIDAY: Shop handcrafted art by 150 artists and makers in an enchanting winter wonderland with thousands of lights and decorations, falling snow, three stages of live music, community performances, carolers, puppeteers, festival holiday classes, and daily visits with Santa Claus.
Hollywood Christmas Parade
The Hollywood Christmas Parade celebrates with Santa, marching bands, celebrities and more.
Wild Lights & Disco Nights at America’s Teaching Zoo
SELECT DATES IN NOVEMBER & DECEMBER: America’s Teaching Zoo shines bright this holiday season during the first ever holiday light event. WILD LIGHTS & DISCO NIGHTS will inspire a groovy energy as guests walk through a sparkling disco ball forest.
SkyPark at Santa’s Village in Skyforest
NOW - JANUARY 2, 2022: Meet Santa, visit Santa's Workshop & Post Office, decorate cookies, see characters of the Northwoods, live entertainment, wander through the immersive Fantasy Forest of Lights, and go ice skating!
“Celebration of Christmas” Christmas Boutique at Roger’s Gardens
OCTOBER 8 - DECEMBER 31: The seasonal Christmas Boutique at Roger's Gardens is now open. Discover new treasures of festive decór, whimsical ornaments, and gifts for all ages.
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.
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.
Science of Gingerbread at Discovery Cube OC & LA
NOVEMBER 20 - JANUARY 2, 2022: Check out hundreds of creative gingerbread entries and all new holiday fun! Walk through the gingerbread village, meet and snap a photo with Santa (weekends), decorate a holiday cookie at the cookie decorating station, build with LEGO blocks, and so much more.
Holiday Light Festival Train Ride in Griffith Park
NOVEMBER 26, 2021 — JANUARY 7, 2022: Enjoy an evening train ride around the festively decorated, one-mile track. Magical scenes and tens of thousands of lights will captivate you and your family, and set the mood for a wonderful holiday season.
Circus Vargas: Mr. V’s Big Top Dream in Lakewood
NOVEMBER 19-29: Run away with the circus, for two unforgettable hours of nonstop action, thrills, excitement and adventure…. only at Circus Vargas, where memories are made and cherished for a lifetime!
L.A. Zoo Lights at Los Angeles Zoo
NOVEMBER 19 – JANUARY 9: L.A. Zoo Lights returns for the 2021-22 season and is back with more glowing animals and an unforgettable nighttime journey that includes the world’s largest illuminated pop-up storybook, a magical disco ball forest, giant glittering snowflakes, and a twinkling tunnel filled with dynamic swirls of color.
Disclaimer: The Kidsguide team works hard to ensure all events are accurate at the time of posting, but details are subject to change without notice. Please confirm all details with event organizer before attending. Kidsguide is not liable for errors, omissions, or changes to listings on our calendar.
