Free Youth Fishing Derby at El Dorado Park in Long Beach

November 15: 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

Junior Fishing Club at Whittier Narrows in South El Monte

3rd Saturday of the Month: Kids ages 8–15 learn to fish, practice casting, and enjoy a lakeside lunch during this monthly youth fishing club at Whittier Narrows. FREE!

Dates:
Location:
Whittier Narrows Recreational Area 750 S. Santa Anita Ave., South El Monte, CA
+ Google Map

Autumn Festival: A Celebration of Asian Culture at Aquarium of the Pacific

Saturday & Sunday, November 15-16: 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
+ Google Map

The OC Book Fair in Old Town Tustin

November 15: Explore a world of independent booksellers, publishers, and bookish vendors. The event features author talks, book signings, activities for kids of all ages, storytime and more.

Dates:
Location:
Old Town Tustin 245 El Camino Real, Tustin, CA
+ Google Map
Cost:
Free

LEGO Tom the Turkey Build | Toys“R”Us at Macy’s

November 15: Build a Tom the Turkey LEGO mini, join coloring activities, and maybe spot Geoffrey – while supplies last at select stores. FREE!

Dates:
Location:
Toys"R"Us at Macy's
Cost:
Free

Family Science Night at The Children’s Museum at La Habra

November 15: Build LED-powered crafts, explore museum exhibits, and enjoy hands-on science fun at this evening event. Admission includes access to all galleries and STEAM activities for kids and families.

Dates:
Location:
The Children's Museum at La Habra 301 S Euclid St., La Habra, CA
+ Google Map

Enchanted Forest of Light | Descanso Gardens

November 16 - January 4: 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 Cañada Flintridge, CA
+ Google Map
Cost:
$17 – $45

Hanukkah Celebration at the Nixon Library

November 16: Community Menorah Candle Lighting and musical performances by various community organizations.

Dates:
Location:
Richard Nixon Presidential Library 18001 Yorba Linda Blvd., Yorba Linda, CA
+ Google Map
Cost:
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.

Dates:
Location:
Marukome USA Factory 17132 Pullman St., Irvine, 92614
+ Google Map
Cost:
$20

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.

Dates:
Location:
Long Beach Terrace Theater 300 E Ocean Blvd., Long Beach, CA
+ Google Map
Cost:
$60.10 – $129.75

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.

Dates:
Location:
Manhattan Beach Pier 2 Manhattan Beach Blvd., Manhattan Beach, CA
+ Google Map

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.

Dates:
Location:
Santa Monica Pier 200 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica
+ Google Map

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.

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

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.

Dates:
Location:
Pershing Square 532 South Olive St., Los Angeles, CA
+ Google Map
Cost:
$20

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!

Dates:
Location:
Signal Hill Park 2175 Cherry Ave., Signal Hill, CA
+ Google Map
Cost:
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!

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

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!