Victorian Christmas | Banning Museum, Wilmington

December 6: Celebrate the holidays with a horse-drawn carriage ride, a visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus, family crafts, caroling, Victorian dancers and, a walk-through of the decorated Banning Mansion.

Dates:
Location:
The Banning Museum 401 East M Street, Wilmington
+ Google Map
Cost:
Free

Jolly Holiday at the Promenade at Downey

December 6: Kick-off the holiday season with kid's activities, music, restaurant booth, photo opportunities, Santa and the Grinch, magical snowfall, and more. FREE!

Dates:
Location:
Promenade at Downey 12214 Lakewood Blvd., Downey, CA
+ Google Map
Cost:
Free

Winter in the Grove in Garden Grove

December 6: Play in the snow and ride the snow slides at Village Green Park. Make holiday crafts, shop handmade gifts, enjoy performances, treats, carnival games, holiday crafts, inflatable activities, and a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus! FREE!

Dates:
Location:
Village Green Park - Garden Grove 12732 Main Street, Garden Grove
+ Google Map

Winter Wonderland | City Hall, Gardena

December 6: Enjoy snow play, crafts, shopping, and a festive tree lighting at Gardena’s Winter Wonderland. FREE!

Dates:
Location:
City Hall Complex - Gardena 1700 W. 162 St., Gardena, CA
+ Google Map
Cost:
Free

Illuminate Irvine at Great Park Palm Court Arts Complex

December 6: Ring in the season with winter-wonderland inspired activities and holiday music classics. The evening culminates with the lighting of the Holiday Tree and Palm Court Arts Complex. FREE!

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

Winter Wonderland | Montebello City Hall

December 6: Race down snow slides, glide on the rink, meet Santa, and watch the evening light up at the 7 p.m. tree lighting. FREE!

Dates:
Location:
Montebello City Hall 1600 W Beverly Blvd., Montebello, CA
+ Google Map
Cost:
Free

Winter Wonderland St. Isidore Historical Plaza, Los Alamitos

December 6: Kick off the holidays with with free snow play and ice skating! Enjoy for musical performances, snow sledding, tree lighting, and Santa's Village. FREE!

Dates:
Location:
St. Isidore Historical Plaza 10961 Reagan St., Los Alamitos
+ Google Map
Cost:
Free

Holiday on Main | Main Street, Yorba Linda

December 6: Enjoy photos with Santa, crafts, vendors, and a festive tree lighting on Main Street in Yorba Linda. FREE!

Dates:
Location:
Main Street Yorba Linda Yorba Linda
+ Google Map
Cost:
Free

Tree Lighting | Laguna Niguel

December 6: The City of Laguna Niguel hosts their annual tree lighting with an evening full of games, crafts, performances, meet and greets, cookie decorating, and a visit from Santa. FREE!

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

Chili Holiday in La Mirada

December 6: Enjoy chili, cookies, and hot drinks plus fun holiday activities including the tree lighting ceremony, photos with Santa, live entertainment, snow sledding, and holiday train ride. FREE!

Dates:
Location:
Splash! La Mirada Regional Aquatics Center 13806 La Mirada Boulevard, La Mirada, CA
+ Google Map
Cost:
Free

Belmont Shore Christmas Parade in Long Beach

December 6: Enjoy the annual parade showcasing local business, schools, community groups, and more. Parade features 100 entries, including floats designed by Long Beach businesses and organizations.

Dates:
Location:
Belmont Shore 2nd Street, Belmont Shore
+ Google Map
Cost:
Free

LA Harbor Holiday Boat Parade

December 6: Annual boat parade showcasing a vibrant array of decorated boats and festive lights that stretch about one mile. FREE!

Dates:
Location:
LA Harbor
Cost:
Free

Long Beach International Tamales Festival

December 7: Try regional tamales, enjoy live music and dance, visit the mercado, and stop by the Kids Zone during this cultural food festival.

Dates:
Location:
Long Beach International Tamale Fest 855 Elm Ave, Long Beach, CA
+ Google Map

International Winter Holidays | Bowers Museum, Santa Ana

December 7: Around the world music, dance and art bring joy to families gathering to celebrate this special time of the year and performances like the Dickens carolers and Ballet Folklorica. This free family festival includes complimentary face painting, art projects, live performances, and more. 

Dates:
Location:
Bowers Museum 2002 N. Main St., Santa Ana, CA
+ Google Map
Cost:
Free

Santa at Lomita Railroad Museum

December 7: Visit for a day of holiday cheer. Activities include: visits with Santa and photo op, cookies and hot chocolate, cookie decorating, balloon animals, visiting the museum, holiday crafts for kids, kids games, and food truck.

Dates:
Location:
Lomita Railroad Museum 2137 W. 250th St., Lomita, CA
+ Google Map
Cost:
$40

Nutcracker Holiday Village & Tree Lighting in Anaheim

December 7: Play in the snow, browse holiday vendors, enjoy live entertainment, and gather for Anaheim’s festive tree lighting celebration. FREE!

Dates:
Location:
Downtown Anaheim S Clementine St & W Center Street Promenade, Anaheim, CA
+ Google Map
Cost:
Free

Holiday Spectacular | Cerritos Towne Center

December 7: Make winter crafts, snap photos with Santa, and enjoy festive games and face painting in a cheerful outdoor setting. FREE!

Dates:
Location:
Cerritos Towne Center 12989 Park Plaza Drive, Cerritos, CA
+ Google Map
Cost:
Free

Spirit of the Holidays Parade | Downtown San Pedro

December 7: Watch marching bands, community groups, and festive floats fill the streets at this beloved annual parade, plus shop the Holiday Market before the celebration begins. FREE!

Dates:
Location:
Downtown San Pedro San Pedro, CA
+ Google Map
Cost:
Free

A Very Tamale Holiday | Old Town Placentia

December 11: Celebrate with live music, tasty tamales, a snowy North Pole Playground, and a festive tree lighting at this lively Placentia tradition. FREE!

Dates:
Location:
Old Town Placentia 100-200 Santa Fe Ave., Placentia
+ Google Map
Cost:
Free

Cowboy Christmas | Barnyard Buddies, Lakewood

December 12: Make crafts, meet farm animals, and snap photos with Santa at this festive Western-style holiday night.

Dates:
Location:
Barnyard Buddies - Lakewood Equestrian Center 11369 E Carson St., Lakewood, CA
+ Google Map

Snoopy House Holiday Display in Costa Mesa

December 12-19: Visit the Snoopy House for photos with Santa, train rides, performances and light displays. Special weekend activities included carolers, play areas, and sensory-friendly event. FREE!

Dates:
Location:
Costa Mesa City Hall 77 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa
+ Google Map
Cost:
Free

Parade of Lights & Fireworks | Ventura Harbor

December 12-13: Watch glowing boats light up Ventura Harbor and stay for carnival rides, snowfall, and a fireworks finale. FREE!

Dates:
Location:
Ventura Harbor Village 1583 Spinnaker Drive, Ventura, CA
+ Google Map
Cost:
Free

Holiday Sing-Along | Walt Disney Concert Hall, LA

December 13: Join in song with hundreds of fellow revelers – plus a jazz combo, a choir, and the mighty pipe organ – for this joyous annual tradition. A jolly good time for the whole family!

Dates:
Location:
Walt Disney Concert Hall 111 S Grand Ave., Los Angeles, CA
+ Google Map

Surfing Santa Competition in Dana Point

December 13: The annual Surfing Santa & Stand Up Paddle Board Contest was developed in 2010 to benefit Surfers Healing, the original surf camp for children with autism. A one-day event where contestants dress like Santa or other holiday-inspired characters and battle it out in the waves of Salt Creek Beach.

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

Annual Christmas Parade | City of Compton

December 13: See The Game lead Compton’s 70th annual parade, then enjoy a toy drive, bounce houses, and a Jon B performance at the community celebration that follows. FREE!

Dates:
Location:
Wilson Park - Compton 123 N. Rose St., Compton, CA
+ Google Map
Cost:
Free

Holiday Family Overnight Adventure | Battleship IOWA, San Pedro

December 13-14: Sleep in real sailor bunks, explore the ship after hours, and enjoy holiday crafts and STEM fun during this overnight family adventure aboard Battleship IOWA.

Dates:
Location:
Battleship USS Iowa 250 S. Harbor Blvd., Berth 87, San Pedro, CA
+ Google Map

Breakfast with Santa at Laguna Hills Community Center

December 13: Join Santa for a pancake breakfast. The event will feature crafts, pictures with Santa, and breakfast.

Dates:
Location:
Laguna Hills Community Center 25555 Alicia Pkwy, Laguna Hills, CA
Cost:
$10

Family Art Day | Crystal Cove Conservancy

December 13: Make art, explore tidepools, and enjoy festive carolers during this nature-themed family day at Crystal Cove.

Dates:
Location:
Crystal Cove State Park 8471 N. Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach
+ 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!