All events are subject to change. Please confirm with the event organizer before attending.
Community Day at Back Bay Science Center in Newport Beach
Sundays: Tour labs, touch sea creatures, wander the trails, and watch animal feeding during this free drop-in open house. FREE!
Fermentation Discovery Day | Marukome Factory, Irvine
November 16: Step inside to see fermentation up close and taste miso in different stages of creation during this family-friendly open house in Irvine.
Pasko Sa Baryo: A Christmas Celebration | Arts District, Los Angeles
November 16: Savor Filipino flavors, live music, and parol-lit holiday cheer at this vibrant Christmas celebration in downtown LA.
Cinderella at Long Beach Terrace Theatre
November 16: Follow Cinderella’s enchanting journey from her humble home to the royal ball in a show that blends classical ballet elegance with theatrical spectacle.
Centennial Farm Discovery Days
September 30 - June 1: During a Discovery Day, “farmers” are stationed around the farm available to answer questions and provide information.
Mermaid Story Time with Once Upon an Island in Newport Beach
Nov 5 - Jan 28, 2026: Enjoy mermaid story time with bubbles, puppets, and story time magic, plus a free latte for moms. RSVP required. FREE!
Roundhouse Aquarium Holiday Open House in Manhattan Beach
November 19: Shop, dine, and watch the Manhattan Beach Pier sparkle to life at this beloved holiday celebration with live music, lights, and community cheer.
Holiday Cheer on the Pier | Santa Monica Pier
Nov 20 - Dec 18: 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. On select days, enjoy music, performances, a car show, and photos with Santa.
The Polar Express | Southern California Railway Museum, Perris
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.
Pershing Square Holiday Ice Skating Rink
Nov 20 - Jan 11: An enchanting holiday activity, ice skating in downtown LA guarantees to delight everyone, from first-time gliders to experienced skaters.
Tree Lighting Ceremony | Signal Hill Park
November 20: Watch the park sparkle with lights, music, and holiday fun at Signal Hill’s annual Tree Lighting Ceremony. FREE!
Annual Tree Lighting & Santa Arrival | 2ND & PCH, Long Beach
November 20: Watch Santa arrive in style and the marina sparkle to life with fireworks, live music, and festive family fun at 2ND & PCH. FREE!
Tree Lighting | VEA, Newport Beach
November 20: 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. FREE!
Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony | Los Angeles Union Station
November 20: Sing along with carolers, sip milk and cookies, and watch Union Station light up with holiday cheer at this free family celebration.
Tree Lighting Ceremony in Costa Mesa
November 20: Join the Segerstrom Family at their traditional tree lighting ceremony featuring live performances and a visit from Santa.
Wicked: For Good Movie Party | Harkins Theatre, Cerritos
November 21: 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.
Creep It Real Festive | Heritage Museum of Orange County
November 21-23: Explore a holiday-meets-Halloween night market with live entertainment, spooky characters, 130-plus vendors, treats, and Twilight cast appearances.
Dana Point Harbor Holiday Lights Cruises in Dana Point
December 5-6 & 19-20: Take a 60 minute boat ride and get a panoramic view of the beautiful harbor all dressed up for the season.
Disney’s The Emperor’s New Groove 25th Anniversary | El Capitan Theatre, Hollywood
November 21-23: Celebrate 25 years of The Emperor’s New Groove with a weekend of screenings and an exclusive D23 fan panel featuring the film’s creators and cast.
Hermosa for the Holidays
November 21–23: Enjoy a weekend of live music, holiday activities, kids’ crafts, Santa photos, and a Ferris wheel at Hermosa for the Holidays. FREE!
Los Angeles Auto Show | LA Convention Center
November 21-30: See the newest models, futuristic concepts, and next-generation EVs at the massive Los Angeles Auto Show—where car culture meets innovation.
Robin Hood & the White Arrow: The Holiday Feast of Stephen at Rose Center Theater in the OC
Nov 21 - Dec 21: Experience Robin Hood’s adventure reimagined in a festive new musical full of love, laughter, and live music at Rose Center Theater.
Knott’s Merry Farm at Knott’s Berry Farm
Nov 21 - Jan 4, 2026: 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.
Lil’ Chef – Veterans Day Camp, Parents Night Out & Thanksgiving Camps
NOVEMBER 11, 21, 24-26 & 28: Kids, ages 4, will enjoy making slider burgers and cupcakes on Veterans Day, a Thanksgiving meal on Parent's Night Out, and breakfast treats and sugar cookies on Black Friday! Plus, at Thanksgiving Camp, Lil’ Chefs will make a turkey entrée, a side dish, and a yummy desserts!
Wild Tales at Upper Newport Bay in Newport Beach
Every Friday: Wild tales is offered every Friday and include an outdoor story time in the newly-renovated amphitheater, an age-appropriate hike, and a craft project in the classroom. FREE!
Turkey Trot in Seal Beach
November 22: Join the Seal Beach Turkey Trot! There will be a 5K, 10K, Gym Challenge, and kids "Don't Be a Turkey" trot.
Family Hike at Black Star Canyon | Irvine Ranch Open Space
March–April (Saturdays): Take a guided 3–4 mile family hike along a flat canyon trail with wildlife spotting and interpretive stops. Registration may be required.
MOMIX – Adventure Down the Rabbit Hole with Alice | The Soraya in Northridge
November 22: Join this dazzling company on a mind-bending adventure, as Alice encounters time-honored characters, including the undulating Caterpillar, a lobster quadrille, frenzied White Rabbits, a mad Queen of Hearts, and a variety of other surprises.
Venice Winter Fest | Los Angeles
November 22: Explore Venice Winter Fest, from artisan markets to Playtime Paradise with crafts, games, and photos with Santa. FREE!
Annual Festival of Lights | Mission Inn, Riverside
Nov 22 - Jan 6: Mission Inn's Festival of Lights is renowned for its breathtaking holiday light collection with over ten million dazzling lights and festive spirit.
Elf Yourself 5K | Lake Forest
November 22: 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!
Public Star Party at the Griffith Observatory in LA
Nov 22 & Dec 20: Try dozens of telescopes and spot the Sun, Moon, and planets with help from local astronomers.
Symphonies for Youth: Melody & Pitch at the Walt Disney Concert Halls
November 8 & 22: Discover the LA Phil’s woodwinds through kid-friendly concerts, art activities, and musical fun at Walt Disney Concert Hall.
Fall in the Farm at Fairplex in Pomona
November 22: Dig into hands-on gardening demos, workshops, and fresh fall produce at Fall in the Farm—a free day of family fun at Fairplex. FREE!
Artist-at-Work: Knights, Tournaments, and Travel at the Getty Center in LA
November 22: See real knights in armor demonstrate sword and spear combat at the Getty Center’s Artist-at-Work: Knights, Tournaments, and Travel. FREE!
Public Star Party at the Griffith Observatory in LA
Nov 22 & Dec 20: Try dozens of telescopes and spot the Sun, Moon, and planets with help from local astronomers.
Opening Ceremony: Festival of Lights | Mission Inn, Riverside
November 22: Celebrate the annual Festival of Lights with the opening ceremony featuring live performances and enjoy a breathtaking holiday light collection with over ten million dazzling lights and festive spirit.
Anaheim Turkey Trot 5K/10K & 1 mile FUN Run
November 23: Participants run the public path course on Santa Ana Riverbed Trail, beginning off of Katella. All runners/walkers receive a turkey shirt , custom-cast turkey finisher medal, and a matching race bib.
Events at Long Beach Public Libraries
Ongoing: Explore free events at Long Beach Public Libraries, including storytimes, workshops, book clubs, and hands-on activities for all ages!
Sea Shanty Sunday at Ocean Institute in Dana Point
Nov 23 & Dec 28: Sing sea shanties with a live pirate band aboard the Spirit of Dana Point, learn sailor lingo, and hear maritime legends. Costumes welcome; included with general admission.
Holiday Tree Lighting | The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel
November 23: Experience a festive tree lighting with music, treats, and holiday market fun - all benefiting Surfers Healing’s free surf camps for individuals with autism.
Netflix x CicLAvia: Stranger Things 5 One Last Ride | Los Angeles
November 23: Walk, bike, or skate through a Stranger Things–themed CicLAvia as Melrose Ave transforms into a car-free Hawkins for one day only. FREE!
Community Day at Back Bay Science Center in Newport Beach
Sundays: Tour labs, touch sea creatures, wander the trails, and watch animal feeding during this free drop-in open house. FREE!
Lenny Pearce’s Toddler Techno Tour at The Novo in LA
November 23: Dance, laugh, and rave with Lenny Pearce’s Toddler Techno Tour—a global family sensation bringing kids’ hits and club vibes to The Novo.
TGA Thanksgiving-Break Golf Camp
NOVEMBER 24–26: Spend school holidays on the green with TGA Golf Academy’s fun and skill-building golf camps. Kids enjoy drills, games, and on-course learning in a small-group setting led by certified coaches.
Thanksgiving Break Day Camps at Code Ninja
NOVEMBER 24, 25 & 26: Looking for something exciting and educational for your kids this Thanksgiving Break? At Code Ninjas, your child can turn their curiosity into creativity while learning real tech skills through play and discovery. Camps are packed with hands-on STEM adventures, including 3D printing, Minecraft modding, LEGO robotics, and more!
Holidays at Universal Studios Hollywood
Nov 24 - Jan 4: Enjoy the holidays at Super Ninetendo World, The Wizarding World, and during Grinchmas. Holiday treats, merchandise, and entertainment are also a part of the season at the park!
Lil’ Chef – Veterans Day Camp, Parents Night Out & Thanksgiving Camps
NOVEMBER 11, 21, 24-26 & 28: Kids, ages 4, will enjoy making slider burgers and cupcakes on Veterans Day, a Thanksgiving meal on Parent's Night Out, and breakfast treats and sugar cookies on Black Friday! Plus, at Thanksgiving Camp, Lil’ Chefs will make a turkey entrée, a side dish, and a yummy desserts!
Skatedogs Thanksgiving-Break Camp in Long Beach
NOVEMBER 24-28: Whether you are just learning or ready to learn advanced tricks, this camp is right for you. Make new friends, play games, win prizes, advance your skills and most importantly, have fun in their private skatepark. Ages 5-13, all ability levels.
PCH Explorer Kids Club at 2ND & PCH in Long Beach
June – December: Join themed kids’ club parties at 2ND & PCH featuring crafts, performances, animals, and more. Held outdoors on select Tuesdays with extra summer dates.
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!
