All events are subject to change. Please confirm with the event organizer before attending.
Light of the World at Saddleback Church in Lake Forest
DECEMBER 2-19, 2021: During this walk-through event, share the joy of community while sipping on hot chocolate, strolling through Christmas-themed lands, and snapping photos of the illuminated night sky.
A Charlie Brown Christmas Live in Anaheim
DECEMBER 3-19, 2021: Everyone’s favorite holiday classic comes to life in the all-new stage adaptation! Join Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Lucy, Linus, and the whole Peanuts gang as they produce their own Christmas play and ultimately learn the true meaning of the season.
Holiday Open House at Rancho Los Alamitos
DECEMBER 3-5: In the early 1900s, the Bixby family hosted the ranch’s community of workers, families, and friends for a big Christmas party. And now you’re invited! Bring your family and friends for a festive afternoon at Rancho Los Alamitos. Tour the decorated Ranch House, get creative with crafts for kids, and enjoy music and light refreshments. Free. Parking reservations required.
One World, One Sky: Big Bird’s Adventure at Mt. SAC Planetarium
Big Bird, Elmo and their friend from China, Hu Hu Zhu, take viewers on a 30-minute journey of discovery to learn about the Big Dipper, the North Star, the Sun,... View Article
Christmas Parade in Seal Beach
DECEMBER 3: Floats, cars, wagons, strollers, bikes, boats, bands, and animals will all be part of the parade this year, along with the arrival of Santa Claus on Main Street!
The Nutcracker by the Los Angeles Ballet
DECEMBER 4-26, 2021: The Nutcracker is the city’s holiday tradition perfect for celebrating the season. Set to Tchaikovsky’s iconic score, Los Angeles Ballet stays true to the traditions of the holiday story with some surprises! Performances at Alex Theatre (Dec 4-5), Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center (Dec 11-12), Royce Hall UCLA (Dec 17-19), and Dolby Theatre (Dec 23, 24, 26).
Santa’s Jolly Trolley & Tree Lighting – City of Dana Point
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2021: Come see Santa as he rides on the Jolly Trolley with his elves from the City of Dana Point Recreation Division! The Jolley Trolley will be making stops to four parks. At the last stop, La Plaza Park, the annual tree lighting ceremony will be held with carolers, hot chocolate, and cookies.
December Events at The Children’s Museum at La Habra
DECEMBER 4, 11, 21, and 31, 2021: Join the Children's Museum at La Habra for fun, holiday festivities! Photos with Santa at La Habra Tamale Festival (12/4), Santa's Elves Workshop (12/11), Stories & Cookies with Mrs. Claus (12/21), and New Years at Noon (12/31).
Holidays Around the World at Segerstrom Center for the Arts
SATURDAYS, DECEMBER 4 & 11, 2021: Enjoy live performances from local music and dance groups that celebrate holiday traditions from around the world, create your own seasonal craft, and spectacular snowfall.
Cruise-In with the Clauses at The Zimmerman
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2021: Cruise-In with the Clauses, enjoy Victorian Christmas Carolers, a Hot Wheels Raffle, and photo opportunities with Santa & Mrs. Claus. Donate unopened toys, savor $3 sundaes, and enjoy all the vintage, classic, and custom automobiles!
The Nutcracker Ballet at La Mirada Theatre
DECEMBER 4-5, 2021: Join La Mirada Theatre this holiday season as the lights fade, the music swells, snowflakes fall, flowers waltz and a young girl dreams about a magical sweet-filled world in the charming and magical The Nutcracker Ballet.
Snow N Glow Holiday Festival in Del Mar
DECEMBER 4 - JANUARY 2, 2022: Go tubing down a giant snow hill made with real snow, sip on hot cocoa, and stroll through a million festive lights. Igloo private party rentals, s'mores kits, food and drink available for purchase.
Boat Rides with Santa at Dana Point Harbor
DECEMBER 4 & 5: Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching will host Boat Rides with Santa on Saturday, December 4 and Sunday, December 5. $5 donation. Register early. This event sells out.
City of La Mirada Chili Holiday
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2021: Festivities include live entertainment, holiday crafts, coffee and hot chocolate, cookies, and of course, chili! Enjoy snow sledding, take a photo with Santa, and ride the holiday train through a winter wonderland.
Corona del Mar Christmas Walk
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2021: Festivities include live entertainment, Santa visits and snapshots, vendor gifts, children's activities, and more.
Holiday Open House at Homestead Museum
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2021: You and your family can explore Christmas in the 1920s as you wander the first floor of this beautiful home. Take photos, hear holiday music, visit with Santa, sit-in for a story, or make a craft during your visit to enjoy these beautiful historic decorations.
Chanukah in the Air – Lighting a Giant Candy Menorah
DECEMBER 5: Enjoy trampoline jumping with a special area for younger kids, plus donuts and chocolate coins!
Hanukkah Festival at Skirball Cultural Center
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2021: Watch Skirball Storytellers recount the age-old story of Hanukkah, create a one-of-a-kind art project, enjoy classic Hanukkah treats and holiday drinks, and celebrate community with a joyous sunset candle lighting.
Visit with Santa at Pretend City + Sensitive Santa Night
DECEMBER 8, 16, 17 & 22: Meet jolly Saint Nick, divulge your holiday wishes, and even take a photo with him! Family Autism Night & Sensitive Santa will be held on December 16.
Disney On Ice: Dream Big at Honda Center in Anaheim
DECEMBER 8-12, 2021: Dream Big features favorite Disney friends such as Mickey, Minnie, Miguel, Moana, Elsa, Belle, Genie, and more highlighting all the magic and adventure of Disney’s tales through world-class figure skating.
December Events at Pretend City in Irvine
SELECT DAYS, DECEMBER 8-31, 2021: Join in on festive events and themed activities at Pretend City Children's Museum
Temecula On Ice
DECEMBER 9 - JANUARY 2, 2022: Sharpen your skates, practice your double axel, and we’ll see you on the ice! Temecula On Ice returns with a state-of-the-art ice rink, rental skates, Bobby skating aid and its own radio station playing the best ice skating music.
Drive-in Movies at Lakewood Center
DECEMBER 10 & 17: The City of Lakewood will offer two nights of Drive-in Movies at Lakewood Center: The Grinch and A Christmas Story. Registration early!
Luminaria Nights at California Botanic Garden in Claremont
DECEMBER 10-11 and 17-18, 2021: Be enchanted at this Claremont tradition where the Garden glows with light for the holidays. Special holiday installations, live music and beverages/snacks for sale!
Christmas in Color: Drive-Thru Animated Light Show at Raging Waters
NOW - JANUARY 2, 2022: Drive through millions of lights perfectly synchronized to holiday music you’ll hear right through your radio. Drive by giant candy canes, snowmen, arched pathways and more.
Way to Play Day / Free Developmental Screenings at Pretend City Children’s Museum
DECEMBER 10: Join guides as they highlight how to make playtime in the museum more educational. Plus, free ASQ Developmental Check-ups and speech and language screenings.
The Nightmare Before Christmas at Segerstrom Center for the Arts
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2021: Cozy up with some cocoa and head to Argyros Plaza for a movie night that the whole family will enjoy.
Holiday Kraft Day for Kids at The International Printing Museum
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2021: Come down to the Museum for a day of family friendly holiday crafts! Activities will include letterpress printing, paper making, calligraphy, bookbinding, screen printing, and much more.
Yule-Tide Holiday Market at Ocean Institute
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2021: This holiday market will bring local makers, artists, and craftspeople together with the community for a unique holiday shopping experience filled with high quality one-of-a-kind handmade goods.
Christmas Parade in Whittier
DECEMBER 11: Enjoy marching bands, vintage automobiles, floats, dance troupes, drill teams, marching bands and Santa Claus himself roll through historic Uptown Whittier.
Welcome Day: Becoming Jane at Natural History Museum Los Angeles
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2021: In connection with their newest temporary exhibition, Becoming Jane: The Evolution of Jane Goodall, guests are invited for a fun-filled afternoon of activities. Get up close to local mammal specimens, meet some of NHM's animal ambassadors during live animal presentations, enjoy a guided nature walk or nature journaling activity, and more.
Free Mobile Recess – City of Long Beach
NOW - FEBRUARY 22, 2022: City of Long Beach Parks, Recreation and Marine's Mobile Recess Program conducts supervised physical fitness, and arts and crafts activities for ages 5-14 along designated streets blocked off for safety.
Holidays in Your Car – Del Mar Fairgrounds
NOW - JANUARY 2, 2022: This twinkling event is back! Drive through an enchanting 1.5 mile display of a million LED lights, holograms and lasers–all put together and set up by Santa’s little helpers.
Disney On Ice: Dream Big at Staples Center in LA
DECEMBER 16-18, 2021: Dream Big features favorite Disney friends such as Mickey, Minnie, Miguel, Moana, Elsa, Belle, Genie, and more highlighting all the magic and adventure of Disney’s tales through world-class figure skating.
Lakewood Winter Vacation Park Program + Santa + Candy Cane Hunt
DECEMBER 20-31: Holiday activities at Lakewood parks activities will include winter holiday craft projects, indoor and outdoor games, and fun with food. Plus, Santa will make an early appearance on Saturday, December 18 at each of the parks, followed by a candy cane hunt.
Holiday Spectacular at Anaheim Hills Festival
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2021: Celebrate the season with a holiday kid's craft, photos with Santa, train rides, face painting, balloon art, and more!
Grinch Day at Great Park in Irvine
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2021: Great Park is hosting a free Grinch-themed drawing session in the morning, and a drive-in movie (SOLD OUT) showing of Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas in the evening. Visitors are welcome to wear green or dress as their favorite Grinch characters during Grinch Day at Great Park.
Polar Bear Plunge at Splash! in La Mirada
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2021: Come plunge down the slides into the unheated pool. The event is $5 per person and free to 2022 pass holders. Admission includes two hours of riding down the slides, recreational swim in the heated 25-yard pool, and free hot cocoa.
Christmas in the Canyons in Silverado
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2021: Enjoy an old-fashioned country holiday in historic Silverado. Local artisans, live entertainment, photo with Santa, and hayrides ($5).
YMCA of Orange County Winter-Break Camps
WINTER-BREAK: The YMCA of OC is offering a variety of activities for your child to participate in during their winter school break. Activities: Esports Camp, Arctic Adventure Winter Day Camp, and Various Sports and Specialty camps (including Art, Basketball, Science, and much more). Each camp offers small teacher to child ratios, fun activities, and time with friends!
Winter Camp – City of Long Beach
DECEMBER 20-30, 2021: City of Long Beach Parks, Recreation and Marine will offer day camps for youth (ages 5-12) at 21 Long Beach parks weekdays from 9am-4pm beginning December 20 through December 30 (excluding Christmas Day). Cost is $30 per week.
Winter Camp at My Gym Long Beach
DECEMBER 20-22 & 28-30: At Winter Camp, they activate the fun every single day! Energizing games, exciting gymnastics, cool arts and crafts, and more. A variety of themes and programs make it an engaging experience each week.
Winter-Break Rock Climbing Camps – Sender One in Santa Ana and LA
DECEMBER 20-23 and DECEMBER 27-30: Looking for something fun and health-conscious to do for your child this season? Sign up for Sender One's 4-day rock climbing camp! Activities include rope climbing, bouldering, games, zip line, king swing, slackline, and Sender City.
Winter-Break Fun at El Dorado Nature Center
DECEMBER 20 -24 and 27 – 31: Children, ages 5-8, will enjoy two different camps: Wild Journeys and Superpower Senses. Register early as these fill up fast.
Disney On Ice: Dream Big at Toyota Arena in Ontario
DECEMBER 22-27, 2021: Dream Big features favorite Disney friends such as Mickey, Minnie, Miguel, Moana, Elsa, Belle, Genie, and more highlighting all the magic and adventure of Disney’s tales through world-class figure skating.
New Year’s Eve 50th Annual Revue at Santa Monica Playhouse
DECEMBER 31: Champagne, sparkling juice, and delightful sweets and savories accompany the 50th anniversary of this rousing, family-friendly in-person multi-media New Year’s event!
A Magical Cirque Christmas at Segerstrom Center for the Arts
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2021: Enjoy an evening of dazzling performers and breathtaking cirque artists, accompanied by your favorite holiday music performed live. Get into the spirit of the season with this merry treat that’s perfect for the entire family.
Santa Fishing at El Dorado Park in Long Beach
MONDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2021: Santa is coming to Long Beach to fish at El Dorado East Regional Park. He will be giving away fishy prizes and a big check for $25,000 for the park. Join in on the fun.
Roller Skate Your Way into the New Year
DECEMBER 31: Bring the family to ring in 2022 on the rink! Early sessions are available for younger kids.
Winter-Break Skateboarding Camp with Skatedogs in Irvine
DECEMBER 27-30: Kids make new friends, advance their skateboarding skills, and most importantly, have fun at Skatedogs’ wiinter-break skateboarding camp!
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!
