Autumn Festival: A Celebration of Asian Culture at Aquarium of the Pacific

SATURDAY & SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 16-17: The festival will feature traditional craft demonstrations, music, dance, cultural arts exhibits, and storytelling, celebrating the rich diversity of Asian and Asian-American cultures.

Dates:
Location:
Aquarium of the Pacific 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA

Merry and Bright Tree Lighting at LBX Hangar in Long Beach

NOVEMBER 16: Enjoy free Santa photos, holiday photo ops, face painting, cooking making station for the first 100 kids, entertainment, and maker's market.

Dates:
Location:
Long Beach Exchange (LBX) Long Beach

NHM Commons Opening Day & Block Party in Los Angeles

NOVEMBER 17: Celebratory grand opening events will include a free block party on opening day, activating NHM Commonsโ€™ new indoor and outdoor spaces with live music, special performances, food and drinks from South LA Cafรฉ, and more.

Dates:
Location:
Natural History Museum 900 Exposition Blvd., Los Angeles, CA
Cost:
Free

Enchanted Forest of Light at Descanso Gardens

NOVEMBER 17 - JANUARY 5: Enchanted Forest of Light is an interactive, one-mile walk through unique lighting experiences throughout the gardens.

Dates:
Location:
Descanso Gardens 1418 Descanso Drive, La Caรฑada Flintridge, CA
Cost:
$17 โ€“ $45

Hanukkah Celebration at the Nixon Library

NOVEMBER 17: Community Menorah Candle Lighting and musical performances by various community organizations.

Dates:
Location:
Richard Nixon Presidential Library 18001 Yorba Linda Blvd., Yorba Linda, CA
Cost:
Free

DIY Workshop: Cynotype with Plants at Bolsa Chica Conservancy

NOVEMBER 17: Make holiday cards, tote bags, and other designs with UV-activated dyes and native plants. Activity is designed for adults and teens. Older children can attend with a guardian.

Dates:
Location:
Bolsa Chica Conservancy Interpretive Center 3842 Warner Ave., Huntington Beach, CA
Cost:
$30

Children’s Business Fair at Heritage Museum of Orange County

NOVEMBER 17: An opportunity for children (ages 6-16) to launch their very own startup business! Kids develop a brand, create a product or service, build a marketing strategy, and then open for customers at the one-day marketplace.

Dates:
Location:
Heritage Museum of Orange County 3101 W. Harvard Steet, Santa Ana

ALRT! at the Disco Family Rave in Los Angeles

NOVEMBER 17: This vibrant event invites families with young children to enjoy a unique rave atmosphere filled with activities tailored for kids aged 0-8.

Dates:
Location:
Catch One 4067 W. Pico Blvd, Los Angeles, CA
Cost:
$26 โ€“ $35

The Polar Express at Southern California Railway Museum

NOVEMBER 20 - DECEMBER 31: 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.

Dates:
Location:
Southern California Railway Museum 2201 South A St., Perris, CA

Roundhouse Aquarium Holiday Open House in Manhattan Beach

NOVEMBER 20: Join the Downtown Manhattan Beach festivities and pier lighting by strolling down the pier and stopping by the Roundhouse Aquarium. Enjoy the holiday cheer with treats and marine animals.

Dates:
Location:
Manhattan Beach Pier 2 Manhattan Beach Blvd., Manhattan Beach, CA

Holiday Cheer on the Pier in Santa Monica

NOV 21 - DEC 19: The historic Merry Go-Round windows are decked out with a one-of-a-kind installation from the Santa Monica Pier Corporation, that sets the stage for incredible holiday events all season long.ย On select days, enjoy music, performances, a car show, and photos with Santa.

Dates:
Location:
Santa Monica Pier 200 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica

Pershing Square Holiday Ice Skating Rink

NOVEMBER 21 - JANUARY 12: Pershing Square Holiday Ice Skating Rink is back for a season of outdoor ice skating in the heart of downtown LA. Open Daily. General admission is $20 and includes skate rental.

Dates:
Location:
Pershing Square 532 South Olive St., Los Angeles, CA
Cost:
$20

Tree Lighting at VEA Newport Beach

NOVEMBER 21: Ring in the holidays at VEA's annual tree-lighting celebration featuring a snow globe, live performances, and Santa photo ops! This event is open to both resort guests and the community. No reservations are required.

Dates:
Location:
VEA Newport Beach, A Marriott Resort & Spa 900 Newport Center Dr., Newport Beach, CA
Cost:
Free

Tree Lighting Ceremony at Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica

NOVEMBER 21: Get festive with a tree lighting, performances by local choirs, special performance of the Nutcracker, "snow", crafts, hot cocoa, DJ, and more holiday fun!

Dates:
Location:
Third Street Promenade Santa Monica 1200 3rd Street Promenade, Santa Monica
Cost:
Free

Light Up the Night & Santa’s Arrival at 2ND & PCH

NOVEMBER 21: Kick off the holiday season with a tree lighting and watch as Santa arrives in style. The first RSVP'd guests to check in between 4-5pm will receive a complimentary snowflake light stick.

Dates:
Location:
2nd & PCH 6400 E. Pacific Coast Highway, Long Beach

Tree Lighting Ceremony in Costa Mesa

NOVEMBER 21: Join the Segerstrom Family at their traditional tree lighting ceremony featuring live performances and a visit from Santa.

Dates:
Location:
Town Center Park - Costa Mesa Adjacent to The Westin, 686 Anton Blvd., Costa Mesa, CA
Cost:
Free

Creep It Real Festive at Heritage Museum of Orange County

NOVEMBER 22-23: Holiday/Halloween crossover items provided by 100 vendors showing off their most creative spooky-influenced seasonal artwork, crafts, treats and licensed merchandise.

Dates:
Location:
Heritage Museum of Orange County 3101 W. Harvard Steet, Santa Ana
Cost:
$15 โ€“ $20

Latino Comics Expo at MOLAA in Long Beach

SATURDAY-SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 22-24: Premiere event to connect with Latinx and Latin American comic artists and animators, experts, and fans. Enjoy comic book vendors, illustrators, food tucks, and children's chalk area.ย 

Dates:
Location:
Museum of Latin American Art 628 Alamitos Ave., Long Beach, CA

Once Upon a Christmas with Once Upon an Island in Newport Beach

NOVEMBER 22- DECEMBER 24: A fully personalized Santa Experience. Travel through magical portals on a private elf-guided tour of the North Pole. Talk to Santa's reindeer, visit the Toy Workshop, and meet the one-and-only Santa, get a keepsake gift, and lots more. Activities vary by tour.

Dates:
Location:
114 Agate Ave, Newport Beach CA 92662 114 Agage Ave., Newport Beach, CA

Winter Fest OC at OC Fair and Event Center

NOVEMBER 22 - JANUARY 5: Winter Fest OC is a celebration that brings the magic of winter to Southern California. Over a million lights, holiday decor, and activities, including a thrilling 150-foot ice tubing slide, ice skating, snow play area, carnival fun, festive food, and more.

Dates:
Location:
OC Fair & Event Center 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, CA

Knott’s Merry Farm at Knott’s Berry Farm

NOVEMBER 22 - JANUARY 5: Knott's Merry Farm offers Christmas activities and experiences for families inspired by the spirit of the holidays. Guests of all ages can enjoy Christmas shows, ice shows, a nightly Christmas tree lighting ceremony, a Christmas light show throughout Camp Snoopy, and more.

Dates:
Location:
Knott's Berry Farm 8039 Beach Blvd, Buena Park

Imaginarium at the Fairplex in Pomona

NOVEMBER 22 - JANUARY 5: Imaginarium at Fairplex in Pomona is the largest holiday light show in Southern California. This enchanting walk-through experience features millions of lights, storybook characters, photo boxes, mirror rooms, carnival rides and games, immersive activity rooms, and lots more.

Dates:
Location:
Pomona Fairplex 1101 W McKinley Ave., Pomona, California

Jingle Jets at the USS Midway Museum in San Diego

Select dates, NOVEMBER 22 - DECEMBER 23: The Midway will be transformed from mighty warship into a winter wonderland with an aviation twist. Enjoy Santa's Christmas Rush VR ride, holiday crafts, cookie decorating, letters to military, treats, and kids can enjoy a festive scavenger hunt in Pursuit of Penguins.ย 

Dates:
Location:
USS Midway Museum 910 N. Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA
Cost:
$20 โ€“ $30

Wild Lights at America’s Teaching Zoo in Moorpark

Select dates, NOVEMBER 22 - DECEMBER 23: A 45 minute self guided stroll through the zoo with larger-than-life light installations, like sparkling animals and wintery scenes. Enjoy interactive displays, pathways, plenty of seasonal photo opportunities, treats, music, and more.ย 

Dates:
Wild Lights at America’s Teaching Zoo in Moorpark
Location:
The Teaching Zoo at Moorpark College 7075 Campus Road, Moorpark
Cost:
$12 โ€“ $15

Turkey Trot in Seal Beach

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 23: Join the Seal Beach Turkey Trot! There will be a 5K, 10K, Gym Challenge, and kids "Don't Be a Turkey" trot.

Dates:
Location:
Seal Beach Turkey Trot Ocean Blvd. and Main St., Seal Beach
Cost:
$29 โ€“ $55

Holiday Light Show at the District in Tustin

NOV 23 - JAN 1: Experience a nightly holiday light show and decorations, running from Saturday, November 23 - Monday, January 1, which will transform the center into a winter wonderland each evening with dazzling light displays perfect for the season.

Dates:
Location:
The District at Tustin Legacy 2437 Park Ave., Tustin

Holidays at Legoland in San Diego

NOVEMBER 23 - JANUARY 5: Dance to holiday tunes, meet LEGOยฎ Santa at the North Poly, visit a larger-than-life LEGO wreath, take a photo with a 35ft tall LEGO Christmas Tree, and more!

Dates:
Location:
LEGOLAND 1 Legoland Drive, Carlsbad, CA
Cost:

Annual Festival of Lights at Mission Inn in Riverside

NOVEMBER 23 - JANUARY 6: Mission Inn's Festival of Lights is renowned for its breathtaking holiday light collection with over ten million dazzling lights and festive spirit.

Dates:
Location:
The Mission Inn Hotel and Spa 3649 Mission Inn Ave., Riverside
Cost:
Free

Science of Gingerbread at the Discover Cube OC & LA

NOVEMBER 23 โ€“ JANUARY 8, 2025: Check out hundreds of creative gingerbread entries! Enjoy cookie decorating , LEGO engineering table, snowflake programmable art, Santa Claus visits (select dates), and gingerbread demonstrations from a pastry chef (select dates).

Dates:
Location:
Discovery Cube - Orange County 2500 N. Main Street, Santa Ana, CA

Muzeo Express in Anaheim

NOVEMBER 23 - JANUARY 19: An annual holiday tradition, explore model train dioramas winding through a miniature winter wonderland.ย 

Dates:
Location:
Muzeo Museum and Cultural Center 241 S. Anaheim Blvd., Anaheim

Elf Yourself 5K in Lake Forest

NOVEMBER 23: This is a fun family event for all, strollers and pets are welcome. Games & crafts for kids, photos with Santa, bounce houses, a hot chocolate station, and more!

Dates:
Location:
Lake Forest

Fall in the Farm at Fairplex in Pomona

NOVEMBER 23: Be an urban farmer for a day and enjoy hands-on activities, displays, workshops, and agriculture and wellness vendors providing information for the entire family.

Dates:
Location:
Pomona Fairplex 1101 W McKinley Ave., Pomona, California
Cost:
Free

Wicked Movie Party at Harkins Theatre in Cerritos

NOVEMBER 23: Immerse yourself in the World of Wicked - your ticket includes your movie ticket to Wicked, Photo-Ops, a cocktail/mocktail or medium soda, and medium popcorn. The party starts 30 minutes before your showtime to enjoy the event space.

Dates:
Location:
Harkins Theater - Cerritos 16 600 Los Cerritos Center, Cerritos, CA
Cost:
$29

Give Thanks Sail at Los Angeles Maritime Institute

NOVEMBER 23: Sail the San Pedro Bay. You can sit back and relax or become part of the crew โ€“ your choice! Donโ€™t forget to bring a picnic to enjoy too.

Dates:
Location:
Los Angeles Maritime Institute Berth 73, Suite 2, San Pedro, CA
Cost:
$30 โ€“ $60

Anaheim Turkey Trot 5K/10K & 1 mile FUN Run

NOVEMBER 24: Participants run the public path course on Santa Ana Riverbed Trail, beginning off of Katella.ย  All runners/walkers receive a turkey shirt , custom-cast turkey finisher medal, and a matching race bib.

Dates:
Location:
Santa Ana River Trail 2610 E Katella Ave., Anaheim, CA
Cost:
$33 โ€“ $51

Apple Butter Festival at Los Rios Rancho in Yucaipa

NOVEMBER 25-27: Celebrate the end of apple season with live music, pumpkin painting, coloring and kids crafts, cider tasting tour, autumn foliage carriage tours, and apple butter making.

Dates:
Location:
Los Rios Rancho 39611 Oak Glen Road, Oak Glen, CA
Cost:
Free

Holiday Tree Lighting at Union Station in LA

NOVEMBER 25: Watch the historic station's 35-foot tree illuminate with thousands of lights, enjoy live music, hot cocoa, a cookie bar, arts & crafts, photo ops, and Santa selfies.

Dates:
Location:
Union Station Los Angeles 800 N Alameda St., Los Angeles

Christmas at The Grove in LA

NOVEMBER 25: Annual Tree Lighting Celebration presented by Fox11 with host Lance Bass with a night full of special performances by Ryan Tedder, Maren Morris, Rachel Platten, Jesse McCartney, Abi Carter, Robin Thicke, Shelรฉa, Cirque du Soleilโ€™s KOOZA and more. Enjoy the lighting of the Christmas Tree, the seasonโ€™s first snowfall, an exciting drone show, a fireworks spectacular and Santa Clausโ€™ grand arrival.

Dates:
Location:
The Grove 189 THE GROVE DRIVE, Los Angeles
Cost:
Free

Turkey Trot in Dana Point

NOVEMBER 28: Burn off your pre-Thanksgiving meal calories with a run/walk of a 5K, 10K, 10K/5K Combo, or Kids 1-Mile Gobble Wobble in the beautiful Dana Point Harbor!

Dates:
Location:
Dana Point Harbor 34571 Golden Lantern St., Dana Point, CA
Cost:
$29 โ€“ $78

Turkey Trot Los Angeles

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 28: Run/walk a 5k or 10k before you feast and help fundraise for The Midnight Mission. Thereโ€™s also an Widdle Wobble for the little trotters (ages 12 and under) and a inaugural 1-mile Dog Jog. Everyone is welcome!

Dates:
Location:
Los Angeles City Hall 200 N Spring Street, Los Angeles
Cost:
$26 โ€“ $75

Huntington Beach Turkey Wobble

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 28: Start your Thanksgiving at the beach! This 5K/10K Turkey Trot features a flat ocean-front course and a 1K walk/run for kids 12 and under. Dogs and strollers welcome.

Dates:
Location:
Huntington Beach Turkey Wobble 21599 Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach
Cost:
$20 โ€“ $50

Thanksgiving Turkey Trot in Long Beach

NOVEMBER 28: Join this Thanksgiving day race for a good cause! Includes a Kids' Half-Mile Wingding Fun Run and adults 5K/10K.

Dates:
Location:
Granada Boat Ramp 1 Granda Ave., Long Beach, CA
Cost:
$20 โ€“ $45

 

Disclaimer:ย 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 calendarโ€”we’re just here to help you find the fun!


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