All events are subject to change. Please confirm with the event organizer before attending.
Long Beach Ballet Presents The Nutcracker
Dec 13-14 & 20-21: This production boasts a full symphony orchestra, a flying sleigh, a real live horse, on-stage pyrotechnics, and a cast of over 200.
Free Miniature Train Rides at Fairview Park in Costa Mesa
THIRD WEEKEND OF EVERY MONTH: The Orange County Model Engineers offer public ride days every third full weekend of each month. To ride the trains, children must be able to walk and be at least 31" tall. A typical trip takes about 12 minutes and covers two loops of the park.
North Pole Express | Orange County Model Engineers, Costa Mesa
December 20-21: Ride the North Pole Express, meet Santa and the Grinch, and enjoy free miniature train rides all day at Goathill Junction.
Holiday Express Train | Metrolink Stations
December 6-21: Start with crafts and treats at the station, then ride a sparkly holiday train with carolers, characters, and Santa onboard.
Nochebuena – A Christmas Spectacular at The Soraya
DECEMBER 20-22: A Christmas spectacular featuring Ballet Folklórico de Los Ángeles and Mariachi Pueblo Viejo with special guest Ximena Sariñana. The Soraya celebrates the 10th anniversary of this performance with an expanded schedule leading right into the holidays.
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.
Holiday Snow Land | Balearic Park, Costa Mesa
December 20: Balearic Park turns into a winter wonderland with over 40 tons of snow. This time-honored tradition hosts over 1,000 people annually. FREE!
Breakfast With Santa by OC Autism Foundation | Atlantis Play Center, Garden Grove
December 20: Enjoy food, crafts, toys, and inclusive holiday fun with Sensory Santa at a festive pajama-party event.
Family Fun Day: Frosty the Snowman | The Autry, LA
December 20: Build a snowman, step inside a giant snow globe, and join a holiday sing-along celebrating Frosty’s 75th anniversary.
Polar Express Family Day | San Diego Railroad Museum
December 20: Watch the Polar Express, make holiday cards, ornaments, see Santa, and enjoy the exhibits!
Santa Paddle | Ventura Harbor Village
December 20: Paddle through the harbor with Santa, show off your festive costume, and join a joyful on-the-water procession supporting local toy drives.
Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet | The Wiltern Theatre, LA
December 20: Experience the international cast performing at the peak of classical European Ballet. Be transported by the magic of jaw-dropping acrobatics, larger than life puppets, and hand-crafted sets and costumes.
Tradición Navideña | La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts, La Mirada
December 20: Experience folklórico dance, festive storytelling, and the spirit of a Mexican Christmas in this colorful holiday production.
Sunsets with Santa in San Clemente
December 14 & 20: Come take pictures with Santa Claus on the San Clemente Pier! Photographer will not be provided; please bring your own camera. Santa's sleigh departs for the North Pole promptly at 5:00 pm, so please plan your visit accordingly. FREE!
Santa Visit | Kidz Town Indoor Playground, Lakewood
December 20: Meet Santa, write wish-list letters, and snap your own holiday photos during this festive family night at Kidz Town.
Naples Island Annual Boat Parade in Long Beach
December 20: Twinkling lights decorate the boats that cruise the canals of Naples. Hundreds of homes and boats are festively decorated throughout the season. FREE!
The Nutcracker ft. Tony Hawk | San Diego Civic Theatre
December 20: See Tony Hawk make a special Nutcracker appearance in a one-night-only San Diego performance with live symphony.
Christmas in the Garden | The Garden at Hannah’s House of Hope, Redlands
December 21: Celebrate Christmas with Santa visits, crafts, s’mores, and family fun in the garden at this festive outdoor holiday event.
Breakfast with Santa | Paséa Hotel & Spa, Huntington Beach
December 7, 14, 20. 21: Enjoy a festive brunch buffet, craft stations, and cheerful Santa visits by the ocean.
Snow Days with the Critters | Santa Ana Zoo
December 21: Watch zoo animals enjoy snowy treats, join a scavenger hunt, and explore hands-on wildlife activities during this frosty family day.
Holiday Festival | The Muckenthaler Cultural Center, Fullerton
December 21: Enjoy live music, art workshops, and a festive makers market at this family-friendly holiday celebration. FREE!
Holiday Party for Kids | Pacific City, Huntington Beach
December 21: Features a book reading with Mrs. Claus and special appearance with Santa Claus for photos. Complimentary candy canes for children and *snowfall*, and festive atmosphere.
Winter-Break J Camps at Merage JCC
December 22 - January 2: Your child will be baking, crafting, singing, learning, dancing, and playing during these JCamp days. Choose just a few days, or all of them!
Acting Out Winter Break Workshop
DECEMBER 22-23: Students write and perform skits, explore improv and theater games, and film their work to share with family and friends.
Winter Fun Days in Long Beach
Dec 22, 2025 - Jan 2: Winter Fun Days is a drop-in program for children 5-12 years of age to be part of extended supervision recreation activities during Winter Break.
TGA Winter-Break Holiday Golf Camp in Long Beach
DECEMBER 22-24 and 29-31: 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. Half day and full day options. Recommended for kids of all ages and skill levels.
Lil’ Chef Winter Baking & Savory Camps
DECEMBER 22-24 & DECEMBER 29-31 & JANUARY 2: Lil’ Chefs, ages 4+, will bake up some fun holiday dishes while learning proper baking techniques as well as knife skills, how to follow a recipe and work as a team to complete each dish. Sign up for one day or all session!
Skatedogs Winter-Break Camps in Long Beach
DECEMBER 22 - JANUARY 2: The camp includes lessons, free skate, games, competitions, and prizes! With quarter pipes, launch ramps, fun boxes, rails, and other fun obstacles, they work with each skater’s individual skill level to help them be the best skateboarder they can be, in a fun and safe environment! Perfect for ages 5-13 of all ability levels.
Ultimate Ninja Winter Camp
December 22 – January 9: Looking for something amazing for your kids to do during Winter Break? Send them to Ultimate Ninjas, where kids ages 5-13 can learn to conquer Ninja Warrior style obstacle courses, just like on TV, and have a blast doing it! Half-day or full-day options.
Fiesta Navidad at Segerstrom
December 23: One of Orange County’s most beloved holiday events, Fiesta Navidad, features the Grammy Award®-winning Mariachi Los Camperos in a concert filled with festive music and dance.
Yuletide Cinemaland at the Heritage Square Museum in Los Angeles
December 6-23: Join Street Food Cinema for an immersive holiday experience featuring Victorian holiday home tours, food trucks, vendors, Santa appearances, photo ops, and your favorite holiday films under the stars.
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.
Annual LA County Holiday Celebration | Dorothy Chandler Pavilion
December 24: Watch a diverse group of L.A.-based artists and community groups showcase their talent, artistry and traditions on The Music Center’s iconic Dorothy Chandler Pavilion stage. The three-hour live production features instrumental music, choral music and dance performances. FREE!
Pee-wee’s Playhouse Christmas Special | Alex Theatre, Glendale
December 27: Enjoy a nostalgic holiday screening, live performances like Bob baker Marionettes, and Pee-wee collectibles at this charity celebration of Pee-wee’s Playhouse Christmas Special.
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.
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!
Winter Break Day Camps at Code Ninja
DECEMBER 22, 23, 29 & 30: Looking for something exciting and educational for your kids this Winter 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!
Equestfest with the Tournament of Roses
December 29: Watch beautiful horses and talented riders perform drills and dances and demonstrate trick riding and roping. Attendees can also stroll through the stables, talk to riders and learn about the various equipment that the riders use. Learn about many different breeds of horses while enjoying the vendor court, displays, great music, food and drinks.
Holiday Sewing Workshops at Sewing Lab
DECEMBER 22 & 29 - Hands-on seasonal workshops for kids (ages 7 and up), each with a different project focus. The Holiday Pajama Workshop guides kids through making their own pair of pajamas, while the New Year’s Workshop focuses on creating a sweatshirt or pants. All sessions are beginner-friendly.
NYE Fireworks in Downtown Long Beach
December 31: Spend NYE at the Long Beach Waterfront and watch the sky dazzle with a free fireworks show over the harbor.
Winterfest NYE Fireworks | OC Fair & Event Center, Costa Mesa
December 31: Celebrate the new year with DJ, family-friendly activities, snow play, ice tubing, ice skating, carnival rides, and a firework countdown.
Noon Year’s Eve Celebration | SoCal Children’s Museum, Pasadena
December 31: Create party hats, play, and countdown to noon with a confetti burst during this early New Year celebration for little ones.
Happy Noon Year Kidspace Children’s Museum, Pasadena
December 31: Craft party hats, dance through clouds of confetti, and join an early countdown at Kidspace’s Noon Year celebration. FREE!
New Year’s Eve | SteelCraft Bellflower
December 31: Kick off the New Year with live music, festive fun, and double countdowns at this family-friendly NYE celebration. FREE!
Fullerton First Night 2026 | Downtown Fullerton Plaza
December 31: Enjoy live music, family activities, and a fireworks finale as Fullerton rings in 2026 at its annual First Night celebration. FREE!
N.Y.E. | Gloria Molina Grand Park, LA
December 31: Ring in 2026 with live music, art installations, and a midnight 3D projection show at LA’s biggest free NYE celebration. FREE!
Rose Parade Viewing Party | Southern California Children’s Museum, Pasadena
January 1: Enjoy a prime view of the parade, continental breakfast, open museum play, and fun-themed crafts.
Free Day at The Huntington Library
EVERY FIRST THURSDAY: The first Thursday of every month is Free Day. Admission is free of charge with advance reservation.
Floatfest: A Rose Parade Showcase in Pasadena
January 1-3: Experience this 2-mile showcase of Rose Parade floats and walk within a few feet of floats to appreciate the creativity and details of each display.
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!
