All events are subject to change. Please confirm with the event organizer before attending.
Astra Lumina at South Coast Botanic Garden
Nov 6 - Dec 31: Wander through glowing gardens and cosmic installations in this 1-mile immersive night walk, where the South Coast Botanic Garden transforms into a field of stars.
Ice at Santa Monica
November 7 - January 19, 2026: Daily skating 12–10 PM with fire pits, private party tents, Tuesday themed nights, Classical Sundays, Taylor’s b-day skate (Dec 13), and an NYE East Coast Countdown (Dec 31).
Shark Lagoon Nights at the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach
SELECT FRIDAYS, JANUARY - NOVEMBER, 2025: Get up close with the ocean’s ultimate predators and have a chance to touch smaller sharks such as bamboo sharks. You will also see rays and large sharks in the Aquarium’s Shark Lagoon. Coffee, hot cocoa, and snacks are available for purchase. Shark Lagoon Nights are weather-dependent and can be canceled due to inclement weather.
Ice at Santa Monica Grand Opening Celebration
November 7: Grand Opening with free skating (first come, first served), on-ice performances, live DJ sets, giveaways, and a holiday “snow” moment from 6–10 PM. FREE!
Citadel Outlets Tree Lighting Concert
November 8: Celebrate the lighting of the World’s Tallest Christmas Tree with live performances by SZN4, Pressley, Full Circle Boys, and OCSA students at Citadel Outlets. FREE!
Scout-O-Rama 2025 at Irvine Ranch Outdoor Education Center
November 8: Explore archery, gold panning, camping, and more family-friendly adventures at Scout-O-Rama in Irvine. FREE!
Avatar: The Last Airbender in Concert 20th Anniversary Tour at the Dolby Theater in LA
November 9: Relive Avatar: The Last Airbender with a live orchestra and cinematic visuals celebrating 20 years of the series.
Day Out With Thomas at Southern California Railway Museum
November 1–2, 8–9, & 11: Ride with Thomas, meet Percy, and celebrate 80 years of railway fun with rides, games, petting zoo, and more at the Southern California Railway Museum.
Veterans Day Skate Clinic with Skatedogs
November 11: Come to a pizza party/skate clinic on Veterans Day! The clinic includes lessons in their skatepark, free skate, and pizza. Perfect for ages 5-13. All ability levels.
San Diego Veterans Day Parade in Downtown San Diego
November 11: Honor America’s heroes at the San Diego Veterans Day Parade featuring bands, vintage vehicles, and a tribute to WWII veterans. FREE!
L.A. Zoo Lights: Animals Aglow
Nov 13 - Jan 11: A nature-focused holiday celebration featuring all-new seasonal wonders, including Winter Wildlands with majestic pine trees, glowing ice crystals, snow-loving animals, views of the “northern lights,” and photo spots.
Rodeo Drive Holiday Lighting Celebration | Beverly Hills
November 13: Watch Rodeo Drive transform into a Nutcracker-inspired wonderland with live music, dancers, and a sparkling fireworks finale.
Circus Vargas Hollywood Dreams | Lakewood Center
November 14 - December 1: Step into the spotlight with Hollywood Dreams, Circus Vargas’ newest Big Top show inspired by the glitz of old Hollywood, packed with aerialists, acrobats, and world-class stunts.
DroneArt Show at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena
November 15: Watch over 500 drones dance to live classical music under a candlelit sky at the Rose Bowl mesmerizing DroneArt Show.
Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! The Musical! at Segerstom Center
NOVEMBER 15-16 - With a script written by Mo Willems, the creator of the #1 New York Times best-selling, Caldecott Honor award-winning "Pigeon" picture books, and featuring an innovative mix of songs and feathers, Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! The Musical! is sure to get everyone's wings flapping.
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.
Pokémon GO Wild Area: Community Celebration | Shoreline Aquatic Park, Long Beach
November 15: Catch, battle, and connect with fellow Trainers at Shoreline Aquatic Park during this free Pokémon GO community celebration in Long Beach.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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!
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.
Skatedogs Thanksgiving-Break Camp in Long Beach
NOVEMBER 24-28: Whether you are just learning or ready to learn advanced tricks, this camp is right for you. Make new friends, play games, win prizes, advance your skills and most importantly, have fun in their private skatepark. Ages 5-13, all ability levels.
North Pole Limited | Pacific Southwest Railway Museum
Nov 28 - Dec 21: The North Pole Limited winds its way through the backcountry on its way to the North Pole, where it stops at Santa’s Workshop to pick up Santa and Mrs. Claus.
DroneArt Show | Huntington Beach
November 28–29: Watch over 500 drones dance to live classical music under a candlelit sky at Huntington Beach’s mesmerizing DroneArt Show.
Yeti’s Snow Play Opening Weekend | Mountain High
November 28-30: Slide, sip, and celebrate at Yeti’s Snow Play Opening Weekend - featuring snow, Santa visits, tubing, and holiday cheer for all ages.
Holiday Light Festival at Griffith Park Train Rides
Nov 28 - Jan 11: Enjoy an evening train ride around the festively decorated, one-mile track in Griffith Park that is transformed into a magical train ride with delightful and festive scenes with thousands of lights.
Wild Holidays at San Diego Zoo Safari Park
Select Nights, Nov 28 - Jan 4: Go on an expedition of light and travel through places that glow, shine, and twinkle with holiday cheer. Fanciful characters, musical entertainment, festive storytelling, and culinary treats create family fun and get everyone in the spirit of the season!
Lighting of the Bay | Newport Dunes
November 28: Enjoy crafts, rides, s’mores, live music, and Santa’s lighting of the bay at Newport Dunes’ festive opening night. FREE!
A Christmas Carol | South Coast Repertory
November 29 - December 28: Gather your loved ones and celebrate the season with festive music, joyful dancing and the heartwarming story of one magical, life-changing night in the life of Ebenezer Scrooge.
Zaferia Winterfest | Port City Tavern, Long Beach
November 29: Play in real snow, enjoy face painting, sip free hot chocolate, and visit with Santa for festive photos.
Hollywood Christmas Parade
November 30: The annual Hollywood Christmas parade will feature Hollywood celebrities, award-wining marching bands and dance groups from around the country, dazzling equestrians, larger-than-life character balloons, colorful floats and humorous specialty acts. The parade culminates with the appearance of the Jolly Old Elf himself, Santa Claus and his reindeer, ushering in the holiday season!
December Events | Pretend City
Dec 2, 14: Baby Steps · Dec 5: Little Hands, Big Impact · Dec 6: Tree Lighting Ceremony · Dec 7: FilmPsych Program & Pacific Dance · Dec 9, 18: Neurodivergent Family Night · Dec 11: Cooking in the City · Dec 12: Way to Play Day · Dec 13: STEM Up to the Challenge · Dec 14: Little Latkes Hanukkah Party · Dec 17: Las Posadas · Dec 20: Kwanzaa Celebration · Dec 21: Winter Solstice/Christmas Celebration · Dec 22: Stories & Cookies With Mrs. Claus · Dec 31: New Year’s Eve Around the World
Cool Yule Celebration | Pacific City, Huntington Beach
December 4: Welcome the holiday season with Santa, holiday crafts, carolers, and tuba performances! Free parking for a stress free day of shopping & fun!
December Nights | Balboa Park, San Diego
December 5-6: Explore glowing museums, global foods, festive performances, and screenings of Ice Age and Frozen during Balboa Park’s biggest holiday celebration. FREE!
Home Alone in Concert | Walt Disney Concert Hall, LA
December 5-7: Watch the full Home Alone movie with its iconic score performed live by a full orchestra.
Holiday Junior Aviator’s Day & Santa Fly-In | Planes of Fame Air Museum, Chino
December 6: See Santa land in a vintage biplane, watch a P-38 Lightning take flight, and explore hands-on aviation workshops during this all-day holiday adventure.
Aquarium Holidays at Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach
December 6-21: Aquarium Holidays features festive décor, photo ops, Kwanzaa display, and meet Surfer Santa on the weekends!
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!
