All events are subject to change. Please confirm with the event organizer before attending.
Santa Ana Winter Village
DECEMBER 2 - 31: This month-long event includes family friendly events and activities throughout its entirety. Participants are able to enjoy ice skating, a holiday light show, food vendors, and more.
Holidayz at Great Park in Irvine
DECEMBER 2 - JANUARY 7: The Great Park transforms into a winterscape of holiday-themed art, music, and lights. Visit the Palm Court Arts Complex to enjoy interactive displays and festive photo backdrops.
Tree Lighting & Holiday Bazaar in Crystal Cove
DECEMBER 2, 2023: The Crystal Cove Historic District will be decked out from the trails to the sea with holiday decor and lights, plus the iconic beach tree. Meet Santa during a beachside photo op, munch on cookies and cocoa, make a holiday craft, and hear holiday tunes.
Christmas at the Beach at Bolsa Chica State Beach
DECEMBER 2: Santa will be coming to Bolsa Chica State Beach on his jet ski accompanied by his lifeguard elves! Enjoy a photo op with Santa, holiday karaoke, Christmas tree raffle, crafts and games, and an outdoor movie.
Holiday Bash Family Rave in Santa Ana
DECEMBER 3: Groove to awesome house, techno, dnb music on a multi-sensory dance floor filled with bubbles, confetti, balloons, and parachute dance finale. There's also a crafting area, fun activities, and bar (for grown-ups).
Holly Jolly Festival! at the Anaheim GardenWalk
DECEMBER 3-30: Enjoy holiday photos, meet holiday characters, play at the game zone. Ride on the Christmas train or have the kids race at the Giddy Up Raceway!
A Christmas Story the Musical at the Ahmanson Theater in LA
DECEMBER 5-31: Enjoy a live musical adaptation of the classic holiday movie 'A Christmas Story'!
Dr Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical at Pantages Theatre
DECEMBER 6-17: Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical features the hit songs "You're A Mean One Mr. Grinch" and "Welcome Christmas." Max the Dog narrates as the mean and scheming Grinch, whose heart is "two sizes too small," decides to steal Christmas away from the holiday loving Whos.
Blippi: The Wonderful World Tour at City National Grove of Anaheim
December 7: Dance, sing, and learn with Blippi and special guest Meekah as they discover what makes different cities unique and special. Will there be monster trucks, excavators, and garbage trucks galore? You bet! So get ready to shake those wiggles out and OJ Twist your way through this brand-new musical party!
A Cinderella Christmas at Laguna Playhouse
DECEMBER 7-29: A wild, wacky, and interactive holiday event featuring all of your favorite characters, A Cinderella Christmas sets the age-old fairytale of Cinderella to modern music, with a comical twist and incredible magic!
A Charlie Brown Christmas at The Phantom Projects Theatre at La Habra Depot
DECEMBER 8-10 & 15-17: The classic animated television special A Charlie Brown Christmas comes to life in this faithful stage adaptation in which Charlie Brown, Snoopy and the rest of the Peanuts gang discover the true meaning of Christmas. Stay after and meet the cast of this family-friendly performance that's perfect for your Christmas activities!
December Cooking Events at Lil’ Chef School
DECEMBER 8, 23 & 29: Enjoy fun Adult & Me Workshops, Cookie Baking & Exchange, plus a New Year's Eve Party.
Who Stole Christmas? at Rose Center Theater in Westminster
DECEMBER 8 - 10: The annual performances of Who Stole Christmas? are being presented by Clifton Dance Project, a local dance studio.
Santa’s Circus – Montalbán Theater in LA
DECEMBER 8-23, 2023: Enjoy this 90 minute cirque-style acrobatics holiday family show happening at the Montalbán Theater. Kids will be wow-ed by the stunts, and even get to interact during the show when they are invited to deliver their Santa letters to Mrs. Claus.
Babes in Toyland – Immersive Experience in Pasadena
DECEMBER 8-23: Step into a delightful world with Babes in Toyland, a magical immersive experience based on the beloved story of the same name. See your favorite storybook characters and visit the four lands of Merry Lane - Storybook Land, Candyland, Gingerbread Land, and Toyland.
Free Ice Skating in Santa Monica
SELECT DATES, DECEMBER 8-26: Guests can visit Ice at Santa Monica for Netflix Family Nights for complimentary skate sessions featuring family favorite films and shows.
123 Andrés at Segerstrom Center for the Arts
DECEMBER 9-10: 123 Andrés (pronounced “uno, dos, tres, Andrés) is an interactive family show designed to provide a fun opportunity for kids to learn another culture and language. Husband-wife duo Andrés and Christina are well-renowned for their tuneful songs and upbeat performances to cultivate an educational and entertaining experience for families.
Ever After, Take Two at Santa Monica Playhouse
DECEMBER 9-10: Join Cinderella, Snowhite, Gretel and Hansel, Alice, the Queens of Hearts (three of them!), M. Goose, and their friends for this interactive multi-media musical and help set the fairytale world back on track.
Christmas at the OC Zoo
DECEMBER 9, 2023: See the animals receive treat filled "gifts" hidden inside Christmas Trees. Visit with Santa and Mrs Claus and enjoy crafts for the kids!
Anaheim Ballet “The Nutcracker” at Cayton Children’s Museum in Santa Monica
DECEMBER 9: Enjoy a short performance of "The Nutcracker" and join a mini dance class!
Chanukah Celebration at 2nd & PCH in Long Beach
DECEMBER 10: Join the celebration at 2nd & PCH with a live three-piece band, LED Robot performance and Chanukah crafts for kids. Hosted by Shul by the Shore.
Holiday Open House at the Rancho Los Cerritos in Long Beach
DECEMBER 10, 2023: Tour the decorated adobe, meet costumed docents, and stroll the grounds listening to holiday music while sipping hot cider.
Thomas Dambo Trolls: Save the Humans at South Coast Botanic Garden in Palos Verde
NOW - JANUARY 14: Journey through the gardens and encounter larger-than-life troll sculptures created by Thomas Dambo.
Holiday Spectacular at The Pasadena Playhouse
DECEMBER 14-23, 2023A brand-new holiday show that’s sure to leave you feeling merry and bright from Tony nominee, Sam Pinkleton. It’s holiday hijinks as only the Playhouse can do. For ages 6 and up.
Ice Rink at Paséa Hotel in Huntington Beach
DECEMBER 14 - JANUARY 2: The 4th annual Ice Rink at Paséa Hotel & Spa returns in 2023 with oceanfront ice skating, reserved firepit experiences, theme nights, holiday cocktails and bites, group skate sessions, performances, and more holiday delights.
Christmas at Barnyard Buddies in Lakewood
DECEMBER 15: Enjoy the holidays with animals, photos with Santa, and crafts! Admission for children also includes a petting zoo, a cup of goat feed, and glow in the dark pony ride!
Family Matinees at The Academy Museum
DECEMBER 16 - JANUARY 27: On select days, the Academy Museum screens films for families of all ages. Dec 16: Up • Dec 23: The Nutcracker and the Four Realms • Jan 6: E.T. • Jan 13: The Black Stallion • Jan 20: The Little Mermaid • Jan 27: The Lego Batman Movie
Holiday Groove: A Family Dance Workshop at the Pasadena Playhouse
DECEMBER 16, 2023: Join in on the fun at this all-ages, all-abilities dance and choreography workshop. Work with your family to create a unique group dance.
Who-ville Winter in Long Beach
DECEMBER 16: Join the City of Long Beach for a joyful who-ville winter event with face painting, outdoor games, crafts, hot cocoa, Santa visit, and raffles.
Children’s Business Fair at Union Market in Mission Viejo
DECEMBER 16: Support young entrepreneurs at this holiday pop-up market that features a variety of stalls where local children sell their unique and handmade goods!
Holiday Dance Extravaganza at Laguna Hills Community Center
DECEMBER 16: Enjoy an evening of holiday performances from local studios. Dessert and light refreshments will be served.
Cocoa and Concertos at Heritage Museum of Orange County
DECEMBER 17: Enjoy a Winter Holiday Concert, treats, and check out a historic Victorian home decked out for the holidays.
Holiday Festival at Muckenthaler Cultural Center
DECEMBER 17: Celebrate the holiday season with free family-friendly activities, live music, food and drinks, art workshops for kids, and an arts and crafts sale.
Twas the Week Before Christmas Holiday Camp at Lil’ Chef School
DECEMBER 18-22: Get ready, set, COOK! All kiddos on deck! Kids will have fun cooking amazing holiday creations while you put the finishing touches on your family’s holiday plans. If you can’t join for the full camp, come on the days you can.
Dr Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical at Segerstrom Center for the Arts
DECEMBER 19-24: Discover the magic of Dr. Seuss’ classic holiday tale as it comes to life on stage. Featuring the hit songs “You’re A Mean One, Mr. Grinch” and “Welcome Christmas,” The Grinch discovers there’s more to Christmas than he bargained for in this heart-warming holiday classic.
Candlelight Evening at Nixon Library
DECEMBER 19: The Nixon Library will light up after dark with an indoor and outdoor experience featuring festive lights, Christmas music, reindeer, and Santa Claus!
Nochebuena: Christmas Eve in Mexico in Orange
DECEMBER 20-21: Music and dance from across Mexico's diverse regions blend the traditions of Indigenous cultures, Spanish heritage, and diverse cultural influences in an exciting night of festive family fun.
Drumline Live Holiday at Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts
DECEMBER 22: Drumline Live’s soulful renditions of favorite holiday songs will include chart-topping holiday classics with a marching band twist of Gospel, Jazz, Soul, Motown, and Hip-Hop.
The Nutcracker Ballet at La Mirada Theatre
DECEMBER 23: This production of The Nutcracker is suitable for audiences of all ages, and can include numerous local dance students. The sets, complete with a gloriously gigantic Christmas tree, came all the way from Russia.
Family Magic Matinee at Illusion Magic Lounge in Santa Monica
DECEMBER 23: Enjoy a 45 minute magic show in a 150 seat theater, crafted to entertain kids of all ages.
Winter Family Fun Zone at Santa Anita Park
DECEMBER 26, 30, 31 and JANUARY 1: Experience a day at the races! Enjoy inflatable jumpers, pony rides, baby goats, crafts, face painting, and mini carnival games.
My Gym Long Beach’s Winter-Break Camp
DECEMBER 27-29 and JANUARY 2-5: Experience the ultimate camp adventure right in your town! With a hassle-free drop-off, flexible pay-by-the-day choices, and unbeatable multi-day discounts, My Gym Long Beach ensures unforgettable action for both kids and parents!
Winter Camps at Lil’ Chef School
DECEMBER 27-29 & JANUARY 2-5: Come and enjoy creating sweet and savory dishes that give the warm fuzzies, and nostalgic vibes, and recipes that are always family favorites during the winter season! If you can’t join us for the full camp, come on the days you can.
Last Chance to See Space Shuttle Endeavor at California Science Center
NOW - DECEMBER 31: This is your last chance to see Endeavor on exhibit for several years until the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center opens to the public.
Noon Year’s Eve Pajama Party at Brewitt Library in Long Beach
DECEMBER 29: Ring in the New Year with a dance party, balloon drop, noisemakers, bilingual story time, and themed activities.
Noon Year’s Eve Dance Party at Billie Jean King Main Library in Long Beach
DECEMBER 29: Join the Noon Year's Eve celebration, enjoy a dance party, crafts, and balloon drop to ring in the New Year.
NYELA New Year’s Eve LA at Grand Park
DECEMBER 31: Grand Park's NYELA is the West Coast's largest, free New Year's Eve event! The celebration encompasses the six city blocks that comprise Grand Park. Enjoy live performances, musicians, and food from LA's favorite gourmet food trucks.
Kids’ New Year’s Eve at LEGOLAND
DECEMBER 31: Celebrate the New Year early with rides, activities, and a whole lot of fun. Enjoy an early fireworks display at 6pm.
New Year’s Eve Fireworks Show on the Long Beach Waterfront
DECEMBER 31: Celebrate with two free firework shows in Downtown Long Beach! The skies will light up around 9pm and again at midnight to ring in the new year.
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!
