Winter Wonderland & Holiday Tree Lighting at Artesia Park
2025-12-05 18:00 - 21:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Artesia Park – City of Artesia, 18750 Clarkdale Avenue, Artesia
Friday, December 5, 2025
Join the Holiday Tree Lighting at 6pm and stay for a night of festivities and snow.

Black Friday Holiday Party | California African American Museum, Los Angeles
2025-12-05 18:00 - 21:00 | California African American Museum, 600 State Dr., Los Angeles, CA, 90037
Friday, December 5, 2025
Celebrate the holiday season in community at CAAM’s Black Friday Holiday Party. Explore music, festive treats, activity stations, and open galleries during this all-ages evening.
Enjoy after-hours access to all current exhibitions, including solo shows by American Artist, J.J. Anderson, Sadie Barnette, and Sage Ni’Ja Whiston. Group exhibitions respond to the legacy of architect and educator Amaza Lee Meredith, along with artworks from CAAM’s permanent collection inspired by the concept of home.

Luminaria Nights | California Botanic Gardens, Claremont
2025-12-05 18:00 - 2025-12-06 21:00 | California Botanic Garden, 1500 N. College Ave., Claremont, 91711
Friday & Saturday, December 5-20, 2025
This holiday lights experiences features peaceful paths lined with luminaria and string lights leading to musical venues. Enjoy live performers each night, new art installations, plus food, sweets and drinks available for purchase.
Admission is $16-21.

Seal Beach Christmas Parade | Main Street, Seal Beach
2025-12-05 19:00 | Main Street, Seal Beach, Main Street, Seal Beach, CA, United States
Friday, December 5, 2025
The Seal Beach Christmas Parade returns to Main Street with this year’s theme, “Christmas in Toyland.” The event features more than 90 entries and nearly 3,000 participants, filling the street with marching groups, community performers, and festive displays.
The parade is produced by the Seal Beach Lions Club with support from the city and local organizations. Perla Mendoza serves as this year’s Grand Marshal.
Parade begins at 7pm.

Merry-Achi Christmas at Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts
2025-12-05 19:00 - 2025-12-07 19:00 | Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts, 18000 Park Plaza Dr., Cerritos, CA, 90703
December 5-7, 2025
The annual tradition Merry-Achi Christmas returns to Cerritos in a colorful Mexican holiday celebration filled with seasonal songs, dance, and festive merriment. Headlining the exciting extravaganza is the nation’s premier Sol de México de José Hernández Mariachi, which is joined by America’s first all-female Mariachi – Reyna de Los Angeles – and Folklorico Revolucion.
Performances:
Friday, December 5, 2025, 7:00 PM
Saturday, December 6, 2025, 7:00 PM
Sunday, December 7, 2025, 2:00 PM

The Nutcracker at the Irvine Barclay Theatre
2025-12-06 - 2025-12-24 | Irvine Barclay Theatre, 4242 Campus Dr., Irvine, CA, 92612
Family-Friendly, Traditional, Warmth of the Holiday Season – A cherished holiday classic, perfect for all ages.
Create holiday memories for your family by sharing the magic of The Nutcracker.
Festival Ballet Theatre’s family-friendly breathtaking production features superb colorful scenery and dazzling costumes, which make this age-old tradition sparkle like new. Be swept away by Tchaikovsky’s iconic score as the Sugar Plum Fairy, our heroine Clara, and a cast of hundreds take you on a magical journey to mystical lands.
This full-length traditional production is choreographed and directed by Festival Ballet Theatre’s Artistic Director, Salwa Rizkalla, and features world-renowned guest artists, FBT’s professional company dancers, and exceptional young talent from across the Southland.

Performance Dates and Times:
Saturday, December 6 at 2pm
Sunday, December 7 at 1pm
Saturday, December 13 at 1pm
Saturday, December 13 at 6pm
Sunday, December 14 at 1pm
Sunday, December 14 at 6pm
Saturday, December 20 at 1pm
Saturday, December 20 at 6pm
Sunday, December 21 at 1pm
Sunday, December 21 at 6pm
Monday, December 22 at 6pm
Tuesday, December 23 at 1pm
Tuesday, December 23 at 6pm
Wednesday, December 24 at 11am

Nutcracker Tea Party
Attendees of The Nutcracker ballet production may purchase an additional, very special holiday treat… tickets to the pre-show Tea Party!
Guests will enjoy catered gourmet finger sandwiches, petit fours and scones with tea and lemonade in the elegantly holiday decorated Jade Room at Irvine Barclay Theatre. A glass of champagne adds to the festive experience for the adults. Characters from the Nutcracker ballet, including Clara, will join the party as the story of The Nutcracker ballet and the magical adventure is told.
Photo opportunities and a party favor for each guest included.
To purchase tickets, please select the “with Tea” option in the dropdown menu on your seat choice during the ordering process.
Nutcracker Tea Parties take place in the Barclay’s exclusive Jade Room one hour before the performance.

Festival Ballet Theatre’s The Nutcracker

Set to Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s iconic (traditional) score
Features world-renowned guest artists, FBT’s professional company dancers, exceptional young talent from across the Southland, and a cast of more than 200 Southern California children
Full-length, traditional production choreographed and directed by Festival Ballet Theatre’s Artistic Director Salwa Rizkalla
Family-friendly, fast-paced production perfect for all ages
Colorful scenery and dazzling costumes by Simon Pastukh and Galina Solovyeva

Festival Ballet Theatre’s Nutcracker history

Performances began in 1989
Presented at various Orange County venues throughout the years:
– Historic Huntington Beach High School Auditorium
– Orange Coast College’s Robert B. Moore Theatre
– Carpenter Performing Arts Center in Long Beach
Performed annually since 2007 at the beautiful 754-seat Irvine Barclay Theatre on the University of California, Irvine campus

Holidayfest at South Lake Avenue
2025-12-06 | South Lake Avenue, 345 S. Lake Avenue, Pasadena
Saturday, December 6, 2025
Enjoy live music, holidays activities, in-store promotions, raffles, free photos with Santa and holiday character, holiday airbrush, cookie and ornament decorating, and more.
Holidayfest! also offers a diverse and festive lineup of live musical performances at The Music Stage.

Family Hike at Black Star Canyon | Irvine Ranch Open Space
2025-12-06 | 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.

Nutcracker for Kids at Segerstrom Center for the Arts
2025-12-06 | Segerstrom Center for the Arts, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, CA
Saturday, December 6, 2025
See Tchaikovsky’s Christmas ballet performed in a condensed version created just for kids! This concert finishes with a visit from Santa and annual holiday sing-along.
Enjoy pre- or post-concert fun with special activities for kids in the concert hall lobbies related to the theme of the concert, including a coloring station, craft station, photo backdrop, and S.T.E.A.M. station. Activities start at 9 a.m. for 10 a.m. concertgoers, and 12:15 p.m. for 11:30 a.m. concertgoers.
Tickets start at $71.19

Santa's Village by the Sea in Downtown San Clemente
2025-12-06 | San Clemente Community Center, 100 N. Calle Seville, San Clemente
Saturday, December 6, 2025
Avenida Del Mar and the San Clemente Community Center transform into a seaside holiday celebration with snow hill rides, festive games, holiday crafts, live entertainment, local vendors, and a gingerbread contest. Santa arrives in a joyful procession at 4:30pm, shops stay open late, and the evening includes a tree lighting at 5pm plus cozy treats like hot cocoa and kettle corn for wristband holders.
Free entry; activity wristbands $12 presale / $15 day-of.

Holidays by the Sea in San Pedro
2025-12-06 | San Pedro Town Square and Promenade, 600 Sampson Way, San Pedro, CA, 90731
Saturday, December 6, 2025
Festivities include snow play, crafts, live entertainment like San Pedro Ballet & marionettes, a Christmas Tree lighting, and holiday boat parade.
Admission is free.

Yuletide Cinemaland at the Heritage Square Museum in Los Angeles
2025-12-06 | Heritage Square Museum, 3800 Homer St., Los Angeles, CA, 90031
December 6-23, 2025
Join Street Food Cinema for an immersive holiday experience featuring Victorian holiday home tours, food trucks, vendors, Santa appearances, photo ops, and holiday films under the stars.
December 6: Elf & A Christmas StoryDecember 13: The Nightmare Before Christmas & How The Grinch Stole ChristmasDecember 20: The Santa Clause (Double Feature)December 21: Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer & The Muppet Christmas CarolDecember 22: Home Alone (Double Feature)December 23: Elf & Home Alone
Admission is required.

Tree Lighting & Fireworks Show in Fountain Valley
2025-12-06 | Fountain Valley Recreation Center & Sports Park , 16400 Brookhurst St., Fountain Valley, 92708
Saturday, December 6, 2025
Kick off the holiday with a special visit from our friend at the North Pole and the Hyundai Snow Zone. The tree will be lit between 5:30pm-5:45pm followed by fireworks in the FV sky.
Event is free.

Tree Lighting Ceremony | Santa Fe Springs
2025-12-06 | Town Center Plaza – Santa Fe Springs, 11740 Telegraph Rd., Santa Fe Springs, CA, 90670
Saturday, December 6, 2025
Snow sledding, holiday crafts, live performances, food vendors, letters to Santa, and photos with Santa fill this evening celebration at Town Center Plaza. Families can enjoy festive activities throughout the plaza before gathering for the city’s annual tree lighting.
Free event.

Holiday Junior Aviator’s Day & Santa Fly-In | Planes of Fame Air Museum, Chino
2025-12-06 | Planes of Fame Air Museum, 14998 Cal Aero Drive, Chino, 91710
Saturday, December 6, 2025
Planes of Fame turns into a holiday airfield with a full day of hands-on aviation fun, festive activities, and a spectacular Santa fly-in. Kids 11 and under get in free on Junior Aviator’s Day, making this a family-friendly celebration packed with history, exploration, and holiday cheer.
Watch Santa soar overhead in a vintage 1940 Boeing-Stearman before landing for photos, dive into model-making workshops, explore holiday-themed crafts, join a special one-hour Hangar Talk, and gather at the Hot Ramp for a live engine-start and flight of the iconic P-38 Lightning.
General admission applies.

Cars & Creations By The Sea | Huntington Beach State Park
2025-12-06 | Huntington Beach State Park, 21601 Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach, CA, 92646, United States
Saturday, December 6, 2025
Orange County Connect hosts Cars & Creations By The Sea, a community event featuring vendors, food, music, and a car show along the sand. Families can visit with Santa, say hello to a favorite blue pup character, and stop by a dog adoption area. Giveaways and creative booths add to the afternoon lineup.
Highlights include:

Local vendors
Santa visit
Blue pup character appearance
Dog adoption area
Car show & music

Event runs 12-7pm. General admission is $5 and includes two raffle tickets, car show, picture with Santa, and more.

Boat Ride with Santa at the Dana Wharf
2025-12-06 - 2025-12-07 | Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching, 34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 92629
December 6-7, 2025
Take a boat ride with Santa this holiday season around Dana Point Harbor!
Admission is $6.

A Victorian Celebration | LA Arboretum
2025-12-06 - 2025-12-07 | Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden, 301 North Baldwin Ave., Arcadia, CA, 91007, United States
December 6-7 & 13-14, 2025
Step into a charming Victorian holiday scene as the Arboretum’s historic core transforms into a festive marketplace with 30+ local vendors, themed refreshments, and lively Victorian-era entertainment.
Kids can decorate English Christmas crowns or craft a pickle ornament, families can visit Santa from 11am–2pm, and guests can enjoy dancers or carolers on select dates.
Lawn festivities and marketplace are included with admission.
General admission required (members free).

Holiday Express Train | Metrolink Stations
2025-12-06 - 2025-12-07 | Metrolink Stations
Weekends, December 6-21, 2025
Kick off the holidays aboard Metrolink’s festive Holiday Express, a seasonal experience that begins with a station celebration and continues with a scenic ride filled with music, characters, and onboard cheer. Families can enjoy crafts, treats, photo ops, live carolers, and meet Santa and Mrs. Claus as the decorated train travels from host stations including L.A. Union Station, San Bernardino, Irvine, Riverside-Downtown, and Simi Valley.
Tickets must be purchased online in advance. Holiday Express tickets are $30 per rider; children 2 and under ride free on a lap.

A Very Sherman Holiday | Sherman Library & Gardens, Corona del Mar
2025-12-06 - 2025-12-07 | Sherman Library & Gardens, 2647 E. Coast Hwy., Corona Del Mar
December 6-7, 2025
Sherman Library & Gardens launches a new daytime holiday experience with two days of shopping, crafts, treats, and festive traditions. Families are invited to browse handcrafted creations from garden volunteers and local vendors, sip hot chocolate, enjoy cookies or an adult beverage, and take photos with Santa.
Seasonal activities include live music, a craft station, and beloved Sherman traditions like the Wishing Tree and Letters to Santa. Santa is onsite from 12-3pm each day, and tacos and tamales are available during the same hours.
Highlights include:

Handcrafted vendor shopping
Photos with Santa (12-3pm)
Seasonal craft station
Hot chocolate, cookies & drinks
Live music & Sherman traditions

December 6 is reserved for members only. Expect increased crowds due to the Annual Corona del Mar Christmas Walk. Ticket pricing varies for members and non-members; children 3 and under are free.

All About Santa | Santa Monica Playhouse
2025-12-06 - 2025-12-14 | Santa Monica Playhouse, 1211 4th Street, Santa Monica, 90401
December 6-14, 2025
Join the North Pole crew for a musical holiday adventure as Santa mysteriously goes missing and Mrs. Claus scrambles to keep the season on track. Audience participation helps foil the mischievous “Suits” from Badison Avenue, while elves, inventors, toy soldiers, and porcelain dolls bring the Victorian-style tale to life with humor and heart. Families can cheer, boo, and help save the holidays in this interactive, kid-friendly production.
Admission is $15 for kids and $17.50 for adults.

A Christmas Carol at Long Beach Playhouse
2025-12-06 - 2025-12-21 | Long Beach Playhouse, 5021 E Anaheim St., Long Beach, CA, 90804
December 6-21, 2025
The perennial favorite returns for its twelfth incarnation at the Long Beach Playhouse.
In this quick-paced, highly theatrical retelling of Charles Dickens’ classic tale, the ghosts of Christmases Past, Present, and Future show Ebenezer Scrooge the poverty of his material wealth and the blessings that come with generosity. Can they convince him to change before it’s too late?
Come spend time with the characters you’ve come to love – Bob Cratchit, Tiny Tim, and of course the irascible miser himself. This production will be the Christmas party needed to set you and your loved ones on the path to holiday cheer.

Aquarium Holidays at Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach
2025-12-06 - 2025-12-21 | Aquarium of the Pacific, 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA, 90802, United States
December 6-21, 2025

Enjoy festive decorations, daily appearances by Santa Diver, photo opportunities, a special Kwanzaa display, and shopping in the Pacific Collections gift store. Each weekend, meet Surfer Santa for photos and visits, and on December 21, gather for Hanukkah storytelling.

A Snow White Christmas – A Holiday Spectacular at Laguna Playhouse
2025-12-06 - 2025-12-28 | Laguna Playhouse, 606 Laguna Canyon Rd., Laguna Beach, CA, 92651
Experience the magic of A Snow White Christmas!
This festive panto from the Lythgoe Family blends timeless fairy-tale charm with dazzling pop tunes—from Lady Gaga to Bruno Mars—in a laughter-packed, interactive journey.
With Muddles the jester guiding the fun—complete with zany audience banter—and a wicked Queen to boo and hiss, every moment is a riot of song, slapstick, and sparkle. Add in awe-inspiring dancing, playful puppetry of the dwarfs, and singalong moments perfect for all ages, and you’ve got a joyous holiday treat.
Don’t miss the merriment—get your tickets now and make your holidays shine!

Add On to Any Order!
Golden Tickets are an add-on to any child’s ticket for an additional $50 each (limit of 10 Golden Tickets per performance). A Golden Ticket provides the ticket holder (children ages 4 – 12 only) with a special onstage sing-along experience during the performance and a gift bag with special surprises.

Gingerbread Wonderland | Discovery Cube Orange County
2025-12-06 - 2026-01-04 | Discovery Cube – Orange County, 2500 N. Main Street, Santa Ana, CA, 92705
December 6 – January 4, 2025
Step into Discovery Cube’s all-new Gingerbread Wonderland, an immersive holiday experience blending festive fun with hands-on science. Join a lively Holiday Sing-Along, then head into the Runaway Sleigh Theater, where a magical sleigh “sleds” through Gingerbread Village.
Race down a towering indoor toboggan slide, and test your skills in the Sugar Rush Arcade with reindeer races, marshmallow tosses, and frosty challenges. The event is included with general admission or membership.
Activities include:

Holiday Sing-Along
Runaway Sleigh Theater
Indoor toboggan slide
Sugar Rush Arcade games

King Tide Watch | Roundhouse Aquarium, Manhattan Beach
2025-12-06 09:00 - 10:30 | Roundhouse Aquarium, End of Manhattan Beach Pier, Manhattan Beach, CA, 90267
Saturday, December 6, 2025
Join the Roundhouse Aquarium, local scientists, and climate educators for a King Tide Watch at the pier. This community event highlights one of the year’s highest tides, created when the sun, moon, and Earth align. Participants observe the tide up close and help document coastal conditions as part of the California Coastal Commission’s King Tide Project.
Bring a camera or phone to photograph the tide and contribute to this community science effort.
What to bring:

Sunglasses & hat
Camera or phone
Reusable water bottle
Warm layers

Event runs 9-10:30am. Free and open to all ages.

Snow Festival & Breakfast with Santa | Arcadia Community Center
2025-12-06 09:00 - 14:00 | Arcadia Community Center, 375 Campus Dr., Arcadia, CA, 91007
Saturday, December 6, 2025
Celebrate the season at Arcadia’s annual Snow Festival, where the Community Center parking lot transforms into a winter play zone.
Families can enjoy free snow sledding, holiday crafts, face painting, games, and festive activities throughout the morning. Breakfast with Santa is available as a presold, ticketed experience, while snow play remains free for all attendees.
Event is free, with separate ticketing for Breakfast with Santa.

Santa's Big Day at Citadel Outlets
2025-12-06 09:00 - 18:00 | Citadel Outlets, 100 Citadel Drive, Los Angeles
Saturday, December 6, 2025
Citadel Outlets turns into a full-blown holiday playground with balloon twisting, giant games, face painting, storytime with Mrs. Claus, roaming holiday characters, coloring tables, scavenger hunts, and plenty of festive photo ops around the center. Kids can drop letters to Santa, meet costumed characters, and enjoy hands-on fun all day long.
Families looking for an upgraded experience can join the ticketed Pancake Breakfast with Santa, featuring a Ruby’s-catered buffet, printed family photo, coloring station, and meet-and-greets with Santa, Mrs. Claus, and North Pole friends.
Free event; optional ticketed breakfast available

Skate with Santa | Irvine Spectrum
2025-12-06 10:00 - 11:30 | Irvine Spectrum Center, 670 Spectrum Center Drive, Irvine
Saturday, December 6, 2025
Enjoy an enchanting morning and skate with Santa!
Tickets are $40/children, $45/adult.

Tree Lighting & Holiday Bazaar | Crystal Cove
2025-12-06 10:00 - 17:30 | Crystal Cove State Park, 8471 N. Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, 92651
Saturday, December 6, 2025
Crystal Cove Conservancy marks the season with the 29th Annual Tree Lighting & Holiday Bazaar. Families can browse the Holiday Art Bazaar, check out local artisans, and spend the day enjoying simple seasonal activities by the beach.
The schedule also includes a meet-and-greet with Santa and a Tree Lighting Program in the afternoon.
Highlights include:

Holiday Art Bazaar (10am-6pm)
Santa meet & greet (3:30-5pm)
Tree Lighting Program (3-5:30pm)

Parking is in the Los Trancos lot with a $15 day-use fee or free with a State Parks annual pass.
