Family Hike at Black Star Canyon | Irvine Ranch Open Space
2025-11-29 | Black Star Canyon Wilderness Park, 12247 Black Star Canyon Rd., Silverado, CA, 92676
Saturdays, March – April 2026
Enjoy a guided family hike through Black Star Canyon in the Irvine Ranch Open Space. This easy, slower-paced outing follows a mostly flat trail, crosses a dry creek bed, and offers opportunities to spot local wildlife such as red-tailed hawks and mule deer along the way.
The hike averages 3–4 miles round trip and includes a medium level of interpretation, making it ideal for families and participants who prefer a relaxed pace. Guests are encouraged to wear comfortable clothing, sturdy shoes, and bring water.

Is the event free?
Registration required. Please check with OC Parks for current information.
Where is the event located?
Family Hikes are located at different trails. See website for more information.

Before You Go: Visit OC Parks for registration details and updated event information. Kidsguide is an independent community resource helping families discover fun events across Southern California.
Looking for more family fun? Explore more family-friendly events on our blog, browse our calendar, check out limited-time exhibits and experiences, or subscribe to our newsletter for weekly updates.

A Christmas Carol | South Coast Repertory
2025-11-29 - 2025-12-28 | South Coast Repertory, 655 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa
November 29 – December 28, 2025
Make this season merry and bright with A CHRISTMAS CAROL — the beloved classic that captures the heart of the holidays. Join Ebenezer Scrooge, Tiny Tim and all your favorite Dickens characters on a life-changing journey filled with festive music, joyful dancing and the timeless magic of the season.
It’s the perfect way to share traditions with loved ones — and rekindle your holiday spirit.
Running Time: Approx. 2 hours including one 15-minute intermission.
Advisory: Ages 6 and up. Children under the age of 6 will not be admitted to A Christmas Carol. Everyone—regardless of age—must have a ticket, sit in a seat and be able to sit quietly through the performance. This show contains smoke, haze, and strobe effects.
Sensory-Friendly/Relaxed Performance: Thursday, December 4 @ 7pm
ASL Performance: Saturday, December 6 @ 2:30pm

Holiday Happenings during A Christmas Carol
Hot Chocolate Bar
November 29 – December 28
Enjoy hot chocolate every performance pre-show and during intermission in the lobby. $15
Selfies with Santa
December 10-11, 17-18, 22-23 | 6-6:50pm
Take a selfie with Santa and get a limited edition 45th Anniversary sticker. Free with your ticket.
The Handbell Carolers
December 6, 12, 20 | 1:30-2:20pm
Enjoy a live performance on the terrace from The Handbell Carolers, a four-part mixed quartet combining harmony, handbells, and humor. Free.
Holiday Jazz with Debbie Ebert
December 7, 14, 21 | 3-3:50pm
Debbie Ebert performs a selection of holiday jazz hits accompanied by a live pianist in the lobby. Free with your ticket.

Newport Beach Boat Parade & Holiday Lights Cruises in Newport Beach
2025-11-29 - 2026-01-01 | Newport Landing, 309 Palm St., Newport Beach, CA, 92661
Christmas Parade: Dec. 17 – Dec. 21
Holiday Lights Cruise: Nov. 29 – Jan. 1
Experience Newport Harbor in full holiday décor aboard a decorated vessel on a 75-minute holiday lights cruise. View multi million dollar estates and vessels all decked out with thousands of lights. See elaborate Christmas light displays of bay-front estates with their Ring Of Lights competition and one of the largest decorated boat parades in the country.

908 Holiday Fair | Sports Basement, Long Beach
2025-11-29 08:00 - 2025-11-30 17:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Sports Basement Long Beach, 2100 North Bellflower Blvd., Long Beach, CA, 90815
Saturday, November 29-30, 2025
Explore East Long Beach’s biggest holiday market as the top floor of Sports Basement transforms into a festive community fair.
Shop from local vendors offering unique gifts, enjoy holiday cocktails, hot chocolate, coffee, and cider, and listen to performances from community choirs. Kids can take photos with Santa, enjoy crafts and games, and join in seasonal activities throughout the day. Local businesses and community groups are invited to participate as vendors, food partners, or activity hosts.
Event is free.

Zaferia Winterfest | Port City Tavern, Long Beach
2025-11-29 14:00 - 18:00 | Port City Tavern, 4306 E. Anaheim St., Long Beach, CA, 90804
Saturday, November 29, 2025
Celebrate Zaferia’s first-ever WinterFest with an afternoon of free, family-friendly fun hosted by the Zaferia Business Association.
Play in real snow, enjoy face painting, sip free hot chocolate, and visit with Santa for festive photos.
Guests can stop by with family or friends for holiday snapshots and seasonal cocktails inside Port City Tavern. Snow and activities run throughout the afternoon.
Event is free.

Lowrider Photos with Santa | Muzeo Museum & Cultural Center, Anaheim
2025-11-29 15:00 - 17:00 | Muzeo Museum and Cultural Center, 241 S. Anaheim Blvd., Anaheim, 92805
Saturday, November 29, 2025
Santa’s trading in his sleigh for a classic lowrider at this fun, free family photo event at Muzeo. Families are invited to hop in, strike a pose, and capture a unique holiday photo perfect for cards or keepsakes.
Event is free. RSVP is free and encouraged.

Events at Long Beach Public Libraries
2025-11-30 | Long Beach Public Libary, Long Beach, CA
Discover a variety of free events and programs happening at Long Beach Public Libraries! From storytimes and book clubs to hands-on crafts, workshops, and cultural events, there’s something for all ages. Enjoy STEM activities, author talks, tech classes, and more—all designed to educate, inspire, and connect the community.

Santa’s Arrival and Celebration | Civic Center, Mission Viejo
2025-11-30 08:00 - 17:00 | Civic Center Mission Viejo, 200 Civic Center, Mission Viejo, CA, 92691
Sunday, November 30, 2025
Gather with family and friends for an afternoon of interactive activities, live entertainment, and festive holiday fun at the Mission Viejo Civic Center.
The celebration runs through the late afternoon, leading up to Santa’s grand arrival on a fire engine at 6 p.m. Santa will help light up the Civic Center as the seasonal decorations illuminate the evening.
Event is free.

Community Day at Back Bay Science Center in Newport Beach
2025-11-30 10:00 - 14:00 | Back Bay Science Center, 600 Shellmaker Rd., Newport Beach, CA, 92660
Every Sunday
Spend your Sunday exploring Shellmaker Island at the Back Bay Science Center’s Community Day. Pop in anytime to check out marine life exhibits, touch intertidal animals, and stroll the loop trail for some prime shorebird spotting.
Take a peek inside the teaching and aquatic labs, visit the touch tanks, and swing by the Native Plant Nursery to see what’s growing—and maybe even help with seed collecting, sowing, or weeding.
Stick around between 12–1pm for public animal feeding and some fun facts about the creatures who call the Back Bay home.
What to explore:

Marine life exhibits & touch tanks
Shellmaker Island trail & bird watching
Teaching and aquatic labs
Native Plant Nursery tours & activities
Public Animal Feeding (12–1pm)

Free parking and admission. Open-house style—drop in anytime between 10am–2pm. No pets allowed due to endangered bird activity. Bike racks available behind the building by the touch tanks (no riding on island trails).
More info here.
**Be sure to check online to see if there are any days Community Day is not happening.

Holiday Carnival at the Anaheim Town Square
2025-11-30 12:00 - 15:00 | Anaheim Town Square, 2180 E. Lincoln Ave., Anaheim, CA, 92806
Sunday, November 30, 2025
Celebrate the season at Anaheim Town Square with Santa’s grand arrival, snow play, cookie decorating, bounce houses, crafts, and family-friendly entertainment.
Enjoy photos with Santa, storytelling with Mrs. Claus, real snow for sledding, and performances from stilt walkers, balloon twisters, a bubble elf, and a holiday magician.
Kids can decorate cookies, create holiday crafts, and play in festive activity areas throughout the afternoon.
Event is free.

Hollywood Christmas Parade
2025-11-30 18:00 | Hollywood, Hollywood Blvd at Orange Dr., Hollywood, CA, United States
Sunday, November 30, 2025
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!
The U-shaped parade route starts on Hollywood Blvd. at Orange Drive then travels east to Vine St., south on Vine St. to Sunset Blvd., and west on Sunset Blvd. back to Orange Drive.

LA County Tree Lighting | Jerry Moss Plaza
2025-12-01 17:00 - 20:00 | Jerry Moss Plaza, 135 N. Grand Ave., Los Angeles, CA
Monday, December 1, 2025
Arrive early to this annual free public celebration to enjoy live music, art-making with the Armory Center for the Arts, snow flurries, complimentary hot chocolate and the opportunity to support local nonprofits, sustainable makers, cultural establishments and small businesses at the LA2050 Holiday Impact Market. This year, help spread even more joy by contributing to an art supply drive supporting local arts and social service nonprofit, Music Changing Lives, serving the Pasadena/Altadena community. The L.A. County Board of Supervisors will offer holiday greetings before lighting the tree. Come after work, and bring the whole family!

December Events | Pretend City
2025-12-02 - 2025-12-31 | Pretend City Children’s Museum, 29 Hubble, Irvine, CA, 92618
Pretend City Events in December 2025
Enjoy different events all month long at Pretend City!
12/2, Tuesday
Baby Steps
Infant-only playtime with Santa plus gentle social learning for little ones.
12/5, Friday
Little Hands, Big Impact
Kids help package real food donations for families in partnership with Second Harvest.
12/6, Saturday
Pretend City Tree Lighting Ceremony
Kick off the holidays with cocoa, cookies, Santa, and a festive tree-lighting moment.
12/7, Sunday
FilmPsych Program and Pacific Dance
A special themed program is in the works — updates coming soon.
12/9, Tuesday
Neurodivergent Family Night
A free, sensory-friendly night designed for neurodivergent children and caregivers.
12/11, Thursday
Cooking in the City
Imaginative hands-on cooking fun using real, tasty ingredients.
12/12, Friday
Way to Play Day
Drop-in developmental screenings with experts to support your child’s growth.
12/13, Saturday
STEM Up to the Challenge
Try a snowy, hands-on STEM experiment perfect for curious kids.
12/14, Sunday (AM)
Baby Steps
Infant-only morning session focused on early learning and gentle social play.
12/14, Sunday (PM)
Little Latkes Hanukkah Party at Pretend City
Celebrate with storytime, dreidel games, music, treats, and a community candle lighting.
12/17, Wednesday
Las Posadas
Experience a child-friendly take on this beautiful Mexican holiday tradition.
12/18, Thursday
Neurodivergent Family Night
Enjoy a calm evening of play in a supportive, neuro-affirming space.
12/20, Saturday
Kwanzaa Celebration
Honor African heritage with drumming, dance, and cultural traditions.
12/21, Sunday
Winter Solstice/Christmas Celebration
Celebrate the longest night with activities, traditions, and family fun.
12/22, Monday
Stories & Cookies With Mrs. Claus
Cozy up for holiday stories, photos, and cookies with Mrs. Claus herself.
12/31, Wednesday
New Year’s Eve Around the World
Ring in the New Year early with cultural celebrations, music, and countdown fun.

Santa Float in Santa Fe Springs
2025-12-02 - 2025-12-19 | Santa Fe Springs
December 2-19, 2025
Enjoy jingling bells, holiday carols, Santa’s famous “Ho, ho, ho” echoing in the neighborhood, and take a photo with Santa. See program calendar for float location.

Holiday Sing & Tree Lighting | Civic Center Green, Cypress
2025-12-02 18:00 | Civic Center Green, 5275 Orange Ave., Cypress, CA, 90630
Tuesday, December 2, 2025
Enjoy an evening of festive fun at Civic Center Green with performances from local schools, visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, games, train rides, and holiday crafts. Families can write letters to Santa and cards to Veterans, enjoy hot chocolate and cookies from the City of Cypress, and pick up hot dogs and water from the Kiwanis Club—while supplies last. Bring blankets or chairs for festival-style seating, and don’t forget your camera for holiday photos.
Event is free.

Mermaid Story Time with Once Upon an Island in Newport Beach
2025-12-03 10:00 | Once Upon an Island, 118 Agate Ave., Newport Beach, California
Select Wednesdays, November 5 – January 28, 206
Dive into a morning of magic at Free Mermaid Story Time, a whimsical weekly event designed for toddlers and preschoolers. Hosted by a friendly Neverland Mermaid, this 20–40 minute story time features interactive puppets, bubbles, and age-appropriate tales, followed by a quick meet & greet and photo moment.
Grown-ups can enjoy a complimentary crafted latte while little ones listen, laugh, and play. Families are welcome to stay afterward to explore the boutique play space or enjoy sparkly A-la-Carte add-ons like mini braids and glitter gems (starting at $10).
Event is free but RSVP is required. Space is limited.

Holiday Tree Lighting | Paséa Hotel & Spa, Huntington Beach
2025-12-03 18:00 - 20:00 | Paséa Hotel, 21080 Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach, CA, 92648
Wednesday, December 3, 2025
Celebrate the season seaside as Paséa Hotel & Spa lights its 30-foot Christmas tree on the hotel’s front drive. Enjoy performances by OCSA holiday carolers, meet Santa for festive photo ops, sip complimentary hot cocoa, and shop from local vendors in a coastal holiday setting. Guests can drop off new toys for the hotel’s Toys for Tots drive, and discounted valet parking is available for attendees.
Event is free.

Santa's Workshop | Civic Center, Mission Viejo
2025-12-03 18:00 - 2025-12-21 20:00 | Civic Center Mission Viejo, 200 Civic Center, Mission Viejo, CA, 92691
December 3-21, 2025
Santa and Mrs. Claus return to Santa’s Village for evening photo sessions throughout December. Families are invited to stop by between 6-8pm to take pictures, enjoy the festive setting, and explore the holiday displays in the plaza.
Santa’s Village is open on the same evenings, offering a cheerful spot to walk around before or after photos.
Highlights include:

Photos with Santa & Mrs. Claus
Festive holiday setting
Open-air Santa’s Village

Admission is free. Event takes place on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

Free Day at The Huntington Library
2025-12-04 | The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens, 1151 Oxford Road, San Marino, 91108
The first Thursday of every month is a Free Day. Admission is free of charge with advance reservation.
Free Day tickets are available the last Thursday of every month for admission the following week.
Visit the website to reserve your ticket!

Rancho Voices: A Holiday Celebration | Rancho Los Alamitos, Long Beach
2025-12-04 - 2025-12-05 | Rancho Los Alamitos, 6400 East Bixby Hill Road, Long Beach, CA, 90815
December 4-5, 2025
Tour the Ranch House decked for a 1920s holiday party. Docents will be stationed in the house to call out special stories past holiday parties and answer questions. Explore our grounds to listen to stories about the ranch workers’ experiences during their time there in the early to mid-1900s.
Admission is Free. Parking reservation required.

Cool Yule Celebration | Pacific City, Huntington Beach
2025-12-04 13:00 - 19:00 | Pacific City, 21010 Pacific Coast Hwy., Huntington Beach, CA
Thursday, December 4, 2025
Celebrate the season at Pacific City as the center transforms into a coastal, mid-century holiday wonderland. Enjoy live performances, photo moments, festive activities, and a sparkling tree lighting ceremony on the paver patio between Tommy Bahama and Urban Outfitters.
Families can enjoy cookie decorating, letters to Santa, kids’ crafts, a hot cocoa station, s’mores, a scavenger hunt, and holiday entertainment throughout the evening. Adults can access the Santa Speakeasy with a limited-edition Santa’s Coin earned through qualifying Pacific City purchases.
Registration is recommended, and parking is free for attendees.
Event is free.

Joy Around the World: Festival of Holidays & Tree Lighting | El Segundo
2025-12-04 15:00 - 20:00 | City Hall Plaza – El Segundo, 350 Main St., El Segundo, CA, 90245
Thursday, December 4, 2025
El Segundo blends global winter traditions with its annual tree lighting at this free outdoor festival stretching across City Hall Plaza and Main Street. Families can enjoy cultural dance and music performances, a visit with Santa, craft stations celebrating holidays from around the world, a kids’ train ride, food trucks, handmade goods, and more. Santa arrives just after 3 p.m., and the tree lighting ceremony takes place at 5:30 p.m.
Event is free.

Cal Heights Neighborhood Tree Lighting in Long Beach
2025-12-04 16:30 - 19:30 | Cal Heights Long Beach, Corner of Orange Ave. and Bixby Rd., CA
Thursday, December 4, 2025
The Cal Heights Tree Lighting returns with real snow, Santa visits, character photos, holiday merch, live music, family activities, and plenty of festive treats. This community celebration fills the corner of Orange Ave. and Bixby Rd. with seasonal cheer, a toy drive, and small-business pop-ups. Parking is limited, so walking is encouraged.
Event is free.

All is Bright Holiday Celebration & Tree Lighting Ceremony | Aliso Viejo
2025-12-04 17:00 - 20:00 | Aliso Viejo Town Center, 26841 Aliso Creek Road, Aliso Viejo
Thursday, December 4, 2025
Enjoy holiday cheer, train rides, ornament making, community and aerial performances, snow fall, and a visit from Santa Claus as the 22-foot tree is lit at the Aliso Viejo Town Center Fountain and Amphitheater.
Event is free.

Holiday Stroll | Riviera Village, Redondo Beach
2025-12-04 17:00 - 21:00 | Riviera Village, Redondo Beach, 1799 S Catalina Ave., Redondo Beach, CA, 90277
Thursday, December 4, 2025
Celebrate the season in Riviera Village as the annual Holiday Stroll returns with shopping, festive attractions, and community fun. Stroll along car-free streets lined with shops open late offering refreshments, holiday treats, and seasonal specials. Enjoy interactive activities, meet Santa and the Grinch, and take photos with holiday characters and large illuminated displays. Visitors are encouraged to make dinner reservations and enjoy the evening in the Village.
Event is free.

Tree Lighting Ceremony | Third Street Promenade, Santa Monica
2025-12-04 18:00 - 20:00 | Third Street Promenade Santa Monica, 1200 3rd Street Promenade, Santa Monica
Thursday, December 4, 2025
Santa Monica’s annual Holiday Tree Lighting returns to the Third Street Promenade with live performances from Westside Ballet, Samohi Choir, Lincoln Middle School’s Madrigals, AcaPali Choir, and the SMC Emeritus Concert Band.
Santa leads the countdown to illuminate the city’s official holiday tree before offering free photos and a snowfall moment on the Promenade.
Guests can also enjoy a holiday market, themed crafts, giveaways, hot cocoa, and a photo op with Big Blue Bus’ festive wrapped bus.
Event is free.

Tree Lighting Ceremony | Civic & Cultural Center, Brea
2025-12-04 18:30 | Brea Civic Center Circle, 1 Civic Center Circle, Brea, CA, 92821
Thursday, December 4, 2025
Kick off the holiday season at Brea’s annual Tree Lighting Ceremony with lights, refreshments, festive snowfall, and a visit from Santa. Families can enjoy photos with Santa, sip hot chocolate, and explore extended hours at the Brea Gallery. Guests receive free admission to The Super Art Friends Show, celebrating 20 years of Yo Gabba Gabba!
Event is free.

Tree Lighting & Fall Music Night | The Autry, LA
2025-12-04 18:30 - 20:00 | Autry Museum of the American West, 4700 Western Heritage Way, Los Angeles, CA, 90027
Thursday, December 4, 2025
Celebrate the holidays at the Autry with an evening of live music, dancing, and the museum’s annual tree lighting ceremony. Guests can explore select museum galleries, shop the museum store, enjoy food trucks, and sip festive cocktails from the cash bar.
Live performances by the Matt Axton Band bookend the evening, leading up to the tree lighting.
Admission is ticketed. Regular museum admission rates apply; members receive discounted entry.

Christmas Tree Lighting at Buena Park City Hall
2025-12-05 | Buena Park City Hall & Civic Center, 6650 Beach Blvd., Buena Park
Friday, Decemer 5, 2025
The Annual Christmas Tree Lighting will feature photo opportunities, food and dessert vendors, pictures with Mr. and Ms. Claus, the return of extremely popular Santa train, and of course the lighting of the Christmas tree.

Lil' Chef - December Events
2025-12-05 | Lil’ Chef School, 15435 Jeffrey Road, #132, Irvine, 92618
Gingerbread Cookies
Friday, December 5, 2025
5:30-6:30 pm
Tiny Chefs, ages 3-5, still need adults by their side as they learn. Lil’ Chef School focuses on hands-on cooking classes that allow an adult to assist their little ones in measuring dry and wet ingredients. Each adult has the choice to cook alongside their child or just assist, depending on their age and capabilities. Today: Decorate gingerbread cookies.
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Winter Wonderland Workshop
Friday, December 12, 2025
5:30-7:30 pm
Come bake and whip up some fun. This course is designed for Lil’ Chefs that want to learn more about baking and pastry techniques. Today: Make individual 4-inch cakes with white snow buttercream frosting with chocolate Twix candied Christmas trees to add to the top.
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Cookie Exchange
Friday, December 19, 2025
5:30-6:30 pm
Tiny Chefs, ages 3-5, still need adults by their side as they learn. Lil’ Chef School focuses on hands-on cooking classes that allow an adult to assist their little ones in measuring dry and wet ingredients. Each adult has the choice to cook alongside their child or just assist, depending on their age and capabilities. Today: Bake two different cookies for a cookie exchange to share with the family.
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Gingerbread House Decorating – Parents Night Out
December 19, 2025
Friday, 5:30 – 8:30 pm
This is a great workshop for the parents to GO OUT and let their children (ages 3+) have a fun-filled FRIDAY evening! Listen to Christmas jingles and watch the movie, “The Santa Claus.” Menu: Pizza from scratch and decorate pre-built gingerbread houses with all the candies and frosting to complete the ultimate masterpiece! Popcorn and hot chocolate will be services.
