Camp Hillcrest Fall Camp – Fullerton Parks & Recreation

NOVEMBER 23-25: Fall Day Camp at Hillcrest is a day camp for children (ages 5-12). Camp Hillcrest promotes enjoyable physical activity to keep campers active and engaged throughout the day. Children will get active outdoors, explore, create and learn through various arts, crafts, and enrichment activities.

Dates:
Location:
Hillcrest Park Recreation Center 1155 N. Lemon St., Fullerton, CA
+ Google Map
Cost:
$84 – $120

The Los Angeles Christmas Market

NOVEMBER 27 - JANUARY 3: The Los Angeles Christmas Market is a free-to-enter, COVID-friendl,y pop-up experience featuring immersive winter wonderland decor, a photo op with Santa Claus (photo packages available), and a themed holiday market. The experience is located on the corner of Fairfax and W 3rd St in Los Angeles, across from The Grove, and will be open from 10am to 8pm, seven days per week.

Dates:
Location:
The Los Angeles Christmas Market 6310 W 3rd St., Los Angeles, CA
+ Google Map

Christmas Train & Santa’s Village – Irvine Park Railroad

NOVEMBER 27 - DECEMBER 23: Take an enchanting night ride (ticket required) through historic Irvine Regional Park. The train will depart from the train station and stop at the North Pole. Enjoy ice fishing, blizzard ball, carnival games, and photo opps in Santa's Village (no ticket required).

Dates:
Location:
Irvine Park Railroad 1 Irvine Park Rd., Orange, CA
+ Google Map
Cost:
$17 – $20

“The Polar Express” Interactive Holiday Experience – MainPlace Mall in Santa Ana

NOVEMBER 27 - DECEMBER 23: Visit the MainPlace Mall to interact with the all-new Santa set inspired by the film "The Polar Express." The experience immerses visitors in the movie’s magical realm, allowing them to take a variety of free selfies, including one in front of the famed Polar Express train itself, complete with steam and realistic sound effects

Dates:
Location:
MainPlace Mall 2800 N Main St. C, Santa Ana, CA
+ Google Map

Candy Cane Challenge – Irvine Spectrum Center

NOVEMBER 27 - DECEMBER 24: Calling all scavenger hunt enthusiasts! Can you find all the candy canes at Irvine Spectrum Center? Grab a participation card from Guest Services, complete the quest, then get a sweet reward and be entered for a chance to win a prize!

Dates:
Location:
Irvine Spectrum Center 670 Spectrum Center Drive, Irvine
+ Google Map

🖥 Virtual Santa Visit – Irvine Spectrum Center

NOVEMBER 27 - DECEMBER 24: Although Santa can't visit in person this year at Irvine Spectrum Center, he can visit you in the comfort of your own home! For just $25, you and your family can connect with Santa via a video call for a magical holiday experience. Each visit is personalized especially for your family. No crowds, no lines, and socially safe.

Dates:
Location:
Cost:
$25

Nightly Tree Lighting – Irvine Spectrum Center

NOVEMBER 27 - JANUARY 3: Stop by the beautifully decorated 75-foot tree in Giant Wheel Court every night to see it come to life with a choreographed light show every 30 minutes beginning at 5pm.

Dates:
Location:
Irvine Spectrum Center 670 Spectrum Center Drive, Irvine
+ Google Map

Holiday Express Train – Fillmore & Western Railway

WEEKENDS, NOVEMBER 28 - DECEMBER 20: Enjoy a fun scenic train ride on vintage train cars. Stop at Prancer's Christmas Farm for sleigh rides, Christmas lights, music, Santa, and more. Then visit the Loose Caboose to purchase produce, feed chickens, enjoy holiday displays, and more.

Location:
Fillmore & Western Railway 364 Main St., Fillmore, CA
+ Google Map
Cost:
$16 – $28

North Pole Express Train – Fillmore & Western Railway

WEEKENDS, NOVEMBER 28 - DECEMBER 20: The North Pole Express departs from Prancer's Christmas Farm (located in Santa Paula). Enjoy the farm then come onboard for a magical 1-hour evening train ride to the "North Pole." See Santa and wave at his elves and enjoy storytelling fun.

Location:
Prancer's Farm 18540 E. Telegraph Road, Santa Paula, CA
+ Google Map
Cost:
$24 – $34

Holiday Drive-In Movie Nights Under the Stars – Irvine Spectrum Center

NOVEMBER 28 - DECEMBER 27: Drive-in movie nights at Irvine Spectrum Center are back! Hang out (in your cars) for drive-in movie nights. Now featuring holiday movies to help you and your family celebrate the season safely. Admission, $60 per car. Includes a $20 Irvine Spectrum Center gift card to use toward dinner or snacks.

Location:
Irvine Spectrum Center 670 Spectrum Center Drive, Irvine
+ Google Map
Cost:
$60

🖥 Streaming Event: A Christmas Carol – South Coast Repertory

NOVEMBER 28 - JANUARY 3: Experience A Christmas Carol unlike any other—past, present or future. Staged exclusively for this production, this must-watch streaming event conjures the powerful spirits of Christmas and brings all the magic of live theatre home for the holidays.

Dates:
Location:
Cost:
$55

Sing-a-Long with Mrs. Claus at SOCO’s Holiday Storytime

SATURDAYS, NOVEMBER 28 - DECEMBER 19: Every Saturday, children and families are invited to join the holiday fun by taking part in a variety of festive activities — including music, shopping, and story time with Mrs. Claus. She'll read a seasonal children's book near the West entrance. One lucky attendee who RSVPs in advance will be entered to win a personalized copy of that day's featured storybook, with a note written by Mrs. Claus herself!

Dates:
Location:
SOCO and The OC Mix 3315 Hyland Ave., Costa Mesa, CA
+ Google Map
Cost:
Free

Santa’s “Stop, Wave and Go” in Mission Viejo

WEEKENDS, NOVEMBER 29 - DECEMBER 20: Santa is extremely excited for the holiday season and wants everyone to stay safe and healthy. This year, he has changed his plans and will be swinging into Mission Viejo for a nightly “Stop, Wave and Go”. Every Saturday and Sunday, Santa and Mrs. Claus will be outside the workshop waving as you safely drive by. Make sure to bring your “Letter to Santa” to drop off and one of his cheerful elves will collect it.

Dates:
Santa’s “Stop, Wave and Go” in Mission Viejo
Location:
Mission Viejo Civic Center 200 Civic Center, Mission Viejo
+ Google Map

Holiday Photo with a Penguin – Aquarium of the Pacific

DECEMBER 1: Take your family photos with a penguin! The Aquarium will set up a photo spot outdoors with holiday decor and one of their penguins in the mobile penguin cart.

Dates:
Location:
Aquarium of the Pacific 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA
+ Google Map
Cost:
$25

Winter Wonder Wash – Huntington Beach Xpress

STARTS DECEMBER 1: Enjoy holiday lights and cheer during your car wash experience! Additional dates will be added weekly. Vehicle restrictions apply.

Dates:
Location:
Huntington Beach Xpress 16061 Beach Blvd., Huntington Beach, CA
+ Google Map
Cost:
$20

Kids Free in December – Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching

DECEMBER 1-31: Purchase two full price adult whale watching tickets, one child (up to age 12) is free. Purchase two full price adult fishing tickets, one child (up to age 14) is free.

Dates:
Location:
Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching 34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point
+ Google Map

Hot Wheels Ultimate Drive-Thru – Toyota Arena in Ontario

DECEMBER 3 - JANUARY 10: Use code KGM10 for $10 off your ticket! Journey into a one-of-a-kind, contactless experience where the world of Hot Wheels comes to life right outside your windows! Drive through this larger than life showcase of everyone's favorite Hot Wheels Monster Trucks, specialty Monster Trucks, Garage of Legends vehicles, robots and more.

Location:
Toyota Arena 4000 E. Ontario Center Pkwy., Ontario
+ Google Map
Cost:
$45 – $60

Electric Noel – SilverLakes Park in Norco

DECEMBER 3 - JANUARY 3: Discover the neon glow this holiday season with Electric Noel, a high-tech Christmas drive-thru experience! Journey from Santa’s command center and the elf village, to Main Street and Mistletoe Lane - amongst many other magical, high-tech spectacles. The highly mechanized technology culminates with an automated surprise you won’t want to miss.

Dates:
Location:
SilverLakes Park 5555 Hamner Ave., Norco, CA
+ Google Map
Cost:
$39 – $49

Boat Ride with Santa – Dana Point Harbor

DECEMBER 5: Go on a 20-minute boat ride with Santa this holiday season around Dana Point Harbor! Tickets are $5 per person and all proceeds will benefit the Soroptimist of Capistrano Bay. 

Dates:
Location:
Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching 34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point
+ Google Map

Children’s Nature Retreat Holiday Event

DECEMBER 5: Enjoy local vendors with holiday wares, coffee and hot cocoa, kids crafts (ornaments painting), Christmas tree lighting and more.

Dates:
Location:
Children's Nature Retreat 5178 Japatul Spur, Alpine
+ Google Map

Holiday Tree Lighting Drive-Thru Event – City of La Mirada

DECEMBER 5: Santa Claus will be waving to children along the festively decorated route. Children will also be able to drop-off letters to Santa. Craft kits and goodie bags will be given to all children to enjoy at home

Dates:
Location:
La Mirada Civic Center 13700 La Mirada Blvd., La Mirada, CA
+ Google Map

Drive-by Christmas Tree Celebration – City of Laguna Niguel

DECEMBER 5: Come take a scenic drive through our holiday wonderland! This year's celebration will feature multiple displays that illuminate the holiday spirit, as you drive through sprinkling snow flakes and listen to the sounds of the season! There will be special guest appearances featuring Santa and his friends!

Dates:
Location:
Laguna Niguel City Hall 30111 Crown Valley Pkwy, Laguna Niguel, CA
+ Google Map

Menorah Lighting Display – Fashion Island in Newport Beach

DECEMBER 10-18: Celebrate Hanukkah with a daily lighting of the menorah. The menorah will be located in the Atrium Garden Courtyard, near Dick's Sporting Goods and Wahoo's Fish Taco.

Dates:
Location:
Fashion Island 401 Newport Center Dr, Newport Beach
+ Google Map

Trolleys, Twinkles and Treats at Southern California Railway Museum

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11 - SUNDAY, DECEMBER 13: Visitors can experience the festive lights and décor, ride a trolley, write a letter to Santa, and enjoy Mrs. Claus reading a holiday classic; 5-9 p.m.

Dates:
Location:
Southern California Railway Museum 2201 South A St., Perris, CA
+ Google Map

Gingerbread House Decorating Workshop – Orange County Great Park in Irvine

DECEMBER 12: Parent and child can decorate a gingerbread house together while receiving fun tips from staff. All decorations and supplies are provided, so you can enjoy this sweet traditional activity without any of the fuss and mess of cleanup yourself!

Dates:
Location:
Great Park - City of Irvine 8000 Great Park Blvd., Irvine, CA
+ Google Map
Cost:
$55

Cruise-In Toy Drive – Automobile Driving Museum

DECEMBER 12: Dust off your Classic Car, bring the kids and enjoy the fun at our Cruise-In Toy Drive. Show cars roll in at 8am and open to the public from 10am - 1pm. This cruise-in is open to all classics, vintage, trucks, custom, antique, lowriders, hot rods, muscle, gassers, and exotics vehicles.

Dates:
Location:
The Zimmerman Automobile Driving Museum 610 Lairport St., El Segundo, CA
Cost:
Free

Santa Saves Christmas! Live Stage Show Drive-In – Del Mar Fairgrounds

DECEMBER 12-13: Oh no! Santa's sleigh has run out of gas! Help Santa and his team fill the tank with holiday cheer or Christmas will be ruined. Snowy surprises, holiday sing-a-long songs, spectacular performances and more await you in this brand-new holiday adventure live on stage.

Dates:
Location:
Del Mar Fairgrounds 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar
+ Google Map
Cost:
$49 – $229

Weekend Wonderland at Ocean Institite

WEEKENDS, DECEMBER 12-27: Join in the Reindeer Games Lab to race reindeer and squid, learn about and make your own snow in The More You Snow Lab, build a miniature sand snowman in CA White Christmas Lab, and build your own holiday cards and chromatography ornaments in our Workshop. 

Dates:
Weekend Wonderland at Ocean Institite
Location:
Ocean Institute 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, CA
+ Google Map

Movie Nights – Argyros Plaza at Segerstrom Center for the Arts

DECEMBER 18-19: Bring your beach chairs, blankets, and favorite refreshments to enjoy classic films under the stars. Seating for movies is in safely-distanced "pods" which can accommodate up to 6 viewers. Price per pod is $30. Movies start at 6:30pm. Elf (12/18) and double-feature Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and Frosty's Winter Adventure (12/19).

Dates:
Location:
Segerstrom Center for the Arts 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, CA
+ Google Map
Cost:
$30

🖥 Virtual Streaming: Journey to Christmas – Musical Theatre Orange County

DECEMBER 18-19: Enjoy an online streaming of "Journey to Christmas" presented by Musical Theatre Orange County. ravel from heartwarming modern day family gatherings back to the very first Christmas, Journey to Christmas brings the story to life in a contemporary and theatrical style with beautifully projected imagery, stunning lighting, and of course a little Christmas magic.

Dates:
Location:
Cost:
$35

Elfeneezer Scrooge Drive-Thru Theatrical Experience

DECEMBER 18-20: This drive-thru holiday theatrical experience follows the story of “Elfeneezer Scrooge,” his journey to capture the joy of the holiday season, and the importance of community.

Dates:
Location:
La Habra City Hall 110 E. La Habra Blvd., La Habra, CA
+ Google Map
Cost:
$25

The Nutcracker: Short & Sweet – Irvine Barclay Theatre

DECEMBER 19-23: Festival Ballet Theatre invites you to a fun and safe way to celebrate the cherished holiday tradition of The Nutcracker. This bite-size version of the beloved ballet features many of your favorite characters portraying the full Nutcracker story on an outdoor stage adjacent to the Barclay. Enjoy this family-friendly event under an open-air audience tent. Each party will have a reserved pod that includes seating for up to five people, and will be socially distanced from other groups. $150-200.

Location:
Irvine Barclay Theatre 4242 Campus Dr., Irvine, CA
+ Google Map
Cost:
$150 – $200

Santa Saves Christmas! Live Stage Show Drive-In – Ventura Fairgrounds

DECEMBER 19-20: Oh no! Santa's sleigh has run out of gas! Help Santa and his team fill the tank with holiday cheer or Christmas will be ruined. Snowy surprises, holiday sing-a-long songs, spectacular performances and more await you in this brand-new holiday adventure live on stage.

Dates:
Location:
Ventura County Fairgrounds 10 W Harbor Blvd., Ventura, CA
+ Google Map
Cost:
$49 – $219

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!


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