Veterans Day Celebration at Forest Lawn in Hollywood Hills

NOVEMBER 11: The Veterans Day Celebration will honor members of the United States military with a flyover, patriotic music, invocation and benediction, color guard, wreath laying, family-friendly activities, and more.

Dates:
Location:
Forest Lawn -Hollywood Hills 6300 Forest Lawn Dr., Los Angeles
Cost:
Free

Santa’s Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops

NOW - DECEMBER 24: Enjoy a free 4x6 photo with Santa, wooden ornament and bass cookie cutter giveaways. On Tuesdays, now - December 17, listen to Christmas Tales with Santa and have a Yuletide Breakfast available Nov. 16 & 23 and Dec. 7.ย 

Dates:
Location:
Bass Pros Shop

Santa’s Village in SkyPark at Santa’s Village

NOVEMBER 14 - JANUARY 5: The entire village transforms into a Christmas wonderland with many attractions and activities, including: train ride, live entertainment, ice skating arena, Santa's House, Northwood characters, and special holiday experiences.

Dates:
Location:
Skypark at Santa's Villiage 28950 California 18, Skyforest, CA

L.A. Zoo Lights: Animals Aglow

NOVEMBER 15 - JANUARY 5: A nature-focused holiday celebration featuring all-new seasonal wonders, including Winter Wildlands with majestic pine trees, glowing ice crystals, snow-loving animals, views of the โ€œnorthern lights,โ€ and photo spots.

Dates:
Location:
LA Zoo 5333 Zoo Drive, Los Angeles, CA
Cost:
$18

Santa’s Arrival at Lakewood Center

NOVEMBER 15: Join them for fun, games, dancing, and music as you try stop the Grinch from spoiling our favorite time of year!

Dates:
Location:
Lakewood Center 67 Lakewood Ctr Mall, Lakewood, CA
Cost:
Free

Free Youth Fishing Derby at El Dorado Park in Long Beach

NOVEMBER 16: Kids can enjoy outdoor recreation, learn to fish, get expert fishing tips, and have opportunities to win prizes like fishing gear and gift cards. Fishing poles and tackle will be provided to participating youth to use for free during the derby, but youth may also bring their own gear to use.

Dates:
Location:
El Dorado East Regional Park (Long Beach) 7550 E. Spring St., Long Beach, CA
Cost:
Free

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

 

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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