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!

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

Dates:
Location:
Heritage Museum of Orange County 3101 W. Harvard Steet, Santa Ana
+ Google Map
Cost:
$15 – $120

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!

Dates:
Location:
Hermosa Beach Pier 1 Pier Ave, Hermosa Beach, CA
+ Google Map
Cost:
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.

Dates:
Location:
Los Angeles Convention Center 1201 S. Figueroa St., Los Angeles, CA
+ Google Map

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.

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

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.

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

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!

Dates:
Location:
The Venice Fest 12257 Venice Blvd., Los Angeles, CA
+ Google Map
Cost:
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.

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

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!

Dates:
Location:
Lake Forest

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!

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

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.

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

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.

Dates:
Location:
Santa Ana River Trail 2610 E Katella Ave., Anaheim, CA
+ Google Map
Cost:
$33 – $55

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.

Dates:
Location:
Ritz Carlton, Laguna Niguel One Ritz Carlton Dr., Dana Point, CA
+ Google Map
Cost:
$44.52

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!

Dates:
Location:
Universal Studios Hollywood 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA
+ Google Map

Wild Lights | The Teaching Zoo, Moorpark

Select dates, Nov 26 - Dec 23, 2025: 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. 

Dates:
Wild Lights at America’s Teaching Zoo in Moorpark
Location:
The Teaching Zoo at Moorpark College 7075 Campus Road, Moorpark
+ Google Map
Cost:
$14 – $17

Imaginarium: Land of Oz | Fairplex, Pomona

Nov 26 - Jan 4: Follow the yellow brick road through an immersive Oz-themed adventure with glowing scenes, characters, and family-friendly interactive moments.

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

Turkey Trot in Dana Point

November 27: 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
+ Google Map

Turkey Trot Los Angeles

November 28: Run/walk a 5k or 10k before you feast and help fundraise for The Midnight Mission. There’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
+ Google Map
Cost:
$45 – $77

Huntington Beach Turkey Wobble

November 27: 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
+ Google Map
Cost:
$20 – $50

Thanksgiving Turkey Trot in Long Beach

November 27: 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
+ Google Map

Pacific Palisades Turkey Trot

November 27: The annual Palisades Development Turkey Trot is here once again! The holiday 5K & 10K, plus Pali Kids Runs will be held at Palisades Charter High School.

Dates:
Location:
Palisades Charter High School 15777 Bowdoin Street, Pacific Palisades
+ Google Map
Cost:
$45.52 – $80.50

OC/Irvine Turkey Trot

November 27: Run up your appetite in Irvine! Join Turkey Trotters at OC's Turkey Trot at Irvine Valley College. One-mile Turkey Dash, Kid's Gobble Wobble, and 5K.

Dates:
Location:
Irvine Valley College 5500 Irvine Center Drive, Irvine
+ Google Map
Cost:
$28 – $55

Rose Bowl 5K Turkey Trot 

November 27: Join the sixth annual Rose Bowl Turkey Trot! Runners, walkers, skippers, and jumpers alike can participate this year by running around the 5K recreational loop at America’s Stadium. Known for being a Pasadena family favorite and a Thanksgiving morning tradition!

Dates:
Location:
Rose Bowl Stadium 1001 Rose Bowl Dr., Pasadena, CA
+ Google Map

Drumstick Dash LA in North Hollywood

November 27: Drumstick Dash LA is LA's largest Thanksgiving 5K/10K and Lil' Gobblers run. Fun for the whole family and serious runners alike–including lots of freebies, a costume contest, awards and the satisfaction of supporting a worthy cause.

Dates:
Location:
Drumstick Dash Start Line Chandler Blvd. & Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood, CA
+ Google Map

Turkey Trot on the Ranch at Rancho Mission Viejo

November 27: The run features a 10K, 5K, and Little Gobbler’s 1K that takes participants through the pathways and walkways of the community of Rancho Mission Viejo. 

Dates:
Location:
Sendero Field 29201 Ortega Highway, Rancho Mission Viejo, CA
+ Google Map

Annual Harry Sutter Memorial Turkey Trot Fun Run in Torrance

November 27: The City of Torrance Community Services Department invites the entire family to participate in this fun run. After the fun run, there will be a post run opportunity drawing for mountain bikes, dinner vouchers, gym memberships, and many other prizes.

Dates:
Location:
Sam's Club Torrance 2601 Skypark Drive, Torrance, CA
+ Google Map

Thanksgiving Lunch at Aquarium of the Pacific

November 27: Gobble gobble with the Aquarium’s sea otters, puffins, and other animals for the annual Thanksgiving Feast. Meet over 12,000 animals from the world’s largest ocean, then savor a traditional spread to be served buffet style.

Dates:
Location:
Aquarium of the Pacific 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA
+ Google Map
Cost:
$72 – $95

North Pole Limited | Pacific Southwest Railway Museum

Nov 28 - Dec 21: The North Pole Limited winds its way through the backcountry on its way to the North Pole, where it stops at Santa’s Workshop to pick up Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Dates:
Location:
Pacific Southwest Railway Museum 750 Depot St., Campo, CA
+ Google Map

Anaheim Ballet’s Nutcracker | Grove of Anaheim

November 28-29: Experience Clara’s journey from a winter night to Candyland in Anaheim Ballet’s full-length Nutcracker, featuring a growing Christmas tree, waltzing flowers, and classic holiday magic.

Dates:
Location:
City National Grove of Anaheim 2200 East Katella Avenue, Anaheim
+ Google Map

Thanksgiving Turkey Bash at Lions Tigers & Bears

November 28-29: Get wild at Lions Tigers & Bears the Friday or Saturday after Thanksgiving and watch rescued big cats and bears enjoy their Thanksgiving Feast. 

Dates:
Location:
Lions Tigers & Bears 24402 Martin Way, Alpine, CA
+ Google Map
Cost:
$35 – $60

DroneArt Show | Huntington Beach

November 28–29: Watch over 500 drones dance to live classical music under a candlelit sky at Huntington Beach’s mesmerizing DroneArt Show.

Dates:
Location:
Huntington Beach Sports Complex 18100 Goldenwest St., Huntington Beach
+ Google Map

Apple Butter Festival at Los Rios Rancho in Yucaipa

November 28-30: 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
+ Google Map
Cost:
Free

Yeti’s Snow Play Opening Weekend | Mountain High

November 28-30: Slide, sip, and celebrate at Yeti’s Snow Play Opening Weekend - featuring snow, Santa visits, tubing, and holiday cheer for all ages.

Dates:
Location:
Mountain High Resort 24510 State Highway 2, Wrightwood, CA
+ Google Map

Christmas on the Farm at the Underwood Farm in Moorpark

Nov 28 - Dec 24, 2025: Enjoy the holidays on the farm with animals, photo ops, wagon-rides, slides, 'pick your own fields', letters from Santa and more!

Dates:
Location:
Underwood Family Farms in Moorpark 3370 Sunset Valley Road, Moorpark
+ Google Map

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!