All events are subject to change. Please confirm with the event organizer before attending.
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!
Disney’s Moana Live-to-Film Concert at Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts
November 15: Relive Moana with a full film screening accompanied by live orchestral and Polynesian performances at Cerritos Center.
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.
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!
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.
Making Scents of the Ancient World: Pylos Perfume Workshop at the Getty Center
September 21 - January 10: In this free, drop-in, perfume-making workshop, you can create your own perfume inspired by an ancient recipe from Pylos, in southern Greece.
Hanukkah Celebration at the Nixon Library
November 16: Community Menorah Candle Lighting and musical performances by various community organizations.
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!
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.
Pasko Sa Baryo: A Christmas Celebration | Arts District, Los Angeles
November 16: Savor Filipino flavors, live music, and parol-lit holiday cheer at this vibrant Christmas celebration in downtown LA.
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.
Centennial Farm Discovery Days
September 30 - June 1: During a Discovery Day, “farmers” are stationed around the farm available to answer questions and provide information.
Mermaid Story Time with Once Upon an Island in Newport Beach
Nov 5 - Jan 28, 2026: Enjoy mermaid story time with bubbles, puppets, and story time magic, plus a free latte for moms. RSVP required. FREE!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
Annual Tree Lighting & Santa Arrival | 2ND & PCH, Long Beach
November 20: Watch Santa arrive in style and the marina sparkle to life with fireworks, live music, and festive family fun at 2ND & PCH. 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!
Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony | Los Angeles Union Station
November 20: Sing along with carolers, sip milk and cookies, and watch Union Station light up with holiday cheer at this free family celebration.
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.
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.
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.
Disney’s The Emperor’s New Groove 25th Anniversary | El Capitan Theatre, Hollywood
November 21-23: Celebrate 25 years of The Emperor’s New Groove with a weekend of screenings and an exclusive D23 fan panel featuring the film’s creators and cast.
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!
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.
Robin Hood & the White Arrow: The Holiday Feast of Stephen at Rose Center Theater in the OC
Nov 21 - Dec 21: Experience Robin Hood’s adventure reimagined in a festive new musical full of love, laughter, and live music at Rose Center Theater.
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.
Lil’ Chef – Veterans Day Camp, Parents Night Out & Thanksgiving Camps
NOVEMBER 11, 21, 24-26 & 28: Kids, ages 4, will enjoy making slider burgers and cupcakes on Veterans Day, a Thanksgiving meal on Parent's Night Out, and breakfast treats and sugar cookies on Black Friday! Plus, at Thanksgiving Camp, Lil’ Chefs will make a turkey entrée, a side dish, and a yummy desserts!
Wild Tales at Upper Newport Bay in Newport Beach
Every Friday: Wild tales is offered every Friday and include an outdoor story time in the newly-renovated amphitheater, an age-appropriate hike, and a craft project in the classroom. FREE!
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.
Family Hike at Black Star Canyon | Irvine Ranch Open Space
March–April (Saturdays): Take a guided 3–4 mile family hike along a flat canyon trail with wildlife spotting and interpretive stops. Registration may be required.
MOMIX – Adventure Down the Rabbit Hole with Alice | The Soraya in Northridge
November 22: Join this dazzling company on a mind-bending adventure, as Alice encounters time-honored characters, including the undulating Caterpillar, a lobster quadrille, frenzied White Rabbits, a mad Queen of Hearts, and a variety of other surprises.
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!
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.
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!
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.
Symphonies for Youth: Melody & Pitch at the Walt Disney Concert Halls
November 8 & 22: Discover the LA Phil’s woodwinds through kid-friendly concerts, art activities, and musical fun at Walt Disney Concert Hall.
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!
Artist-at-Work: Knights, Tournaments, and Travel at the Getty Center in LA
November 22: See real knights in armor demonstrate sword and spear combat at the Getty Center’s Artist-at-Work: Knights, Tournaments, and Travel. FREE!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Netflix x CicLAvia: Stranger Things 5 One Last Ride | Los Angeles
November 23: Walk, bike, or skate through a Stranger Things–themed CicLAvia as Melrose Ave transforms into a car-free Hawkins for one day only. FREE!
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!
Lenny Pearce’s Toddler Techno Tour at The Novo in LA
November 23: Dance, laugh, and rave with Lenny Pearce’s Toddler Techno Tour—a global family sensation bringing kids’ hits and club vibes to The Novo.
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!
