Unique SoCal Holiday Experiences Your Family Will Love
Visit Mr. Rex and Santa’s velociraptor-pulling sleigh
This iconic roadside attraction just got even more epic! From now until January 1, 2023, see Mr. Rex in his Santa suit! Santa Claus and his Velociraptor-pulling sleigh is also available for photos. Stroll through the walking trail to see more dinosaurs in colorful lights.
Go on a holiday adventure with Dorothy and be part of the show
The classic American tale gets a holiday makeover as Dorothy is spirited away by a blizzard on Christmas Eve and finds herself in a strange and wondrous land full of witches, munchkins and more!
This unique performance is based on the British tradition of pantomime, where the audiences’ participation is part of the show! So expect a hilarious, heartwarming evening full of your favorite holiday tunes.
Plus, you could add a Golden Ticket to any child’s ticket for a special onstage sing-along experience during the performance and a gift bag with special surprises. The show runs until December 29, 2022.
Wander through a dreamy lavender farm
Take a private carriage ride to the 1000 year-old oak tree. Grab a cup of hot chocolate at the cafe transformed into a life-size gingerbread house. Wander through acres of lavender, century-old olive grove and oaks all shining bright with a display of over 1 million lights.
Ask the Information Desk for a Scavenger Hunt game board. Kids can hunt for clues around the property to solve the riddle for a small treat. Visit their website for dates on when Santa Claus will be at the workshop for free photos.
Visit the Snoopy House – an Orange County tradition since 1966
The Snoopy House first made its appearance at Costa Mesa City Hall in 2011, when the Jordan family, faced with some difficult financial times, considered putting an end to the display that had graced their home each holiday season since 1966. The City of Costa Mesa agreed to host the display and provide an even larger venue for it with plenty of room for activities for children and live entertainment.
This year, the Snoopy House is on display until December 23, 2033. Free activities include photos with Santa, train rides, letters to Santa, stage performances, and the Snoopy House light displays. Normally, there is also a sled hill and snow play, but not this year due to drought conditions and ice shortages.
Enjoy a unique musical that combines the holiday spirit with the magic of science
Follow along with Lumina as she realizes the importance of the scientific process, accepting failure, leading from her heart, and the support of community and family. Will her experiment work in time for the big Science Fair?
The show runs until January 8, 2023 at Discovery Cube Orange County. You’ll also get to explore a winter lights display at the museum, singing snowmen, and a holiday light tunnel.
Watch a holiday movie and tour Victorian homes
Join Street Food Cinema for Yuletide Cinemaland at Heritage Square Museum now through December 23, 2022. Stroll through the Wintertime Walkway and the Twinkling Light Tunnel, enjoy food trucks, special photo ops, live piano sing-alongs, and Victorian home tours.
Enjoy this fully-personalized Santa experience that’s nothing short of pure magic
The Once Upon a Christmas experience is packed with magic! Open the enchanted doors with Santa’s patented Sprit-O-Meter machine, travel through portals on a private elf-guided tour of the North Pole, stop at the reindeer barn to talk to Comet the reindeer, transport to the workshop to make toys magically appear, and even make your own real snow globe.
Finally, true believers can open the secret door to find the one-and-only Santa Claus who greets your children by name and enchants them with all he knows about them. This experience is truly magical!
Visit the quaint village of Solvang during Julefest
Visiting the historic Danish village of Solvang during Julefest is like a walk through a vintage postcard and a Hallmark movie at the same time. Activities for all ages are held throughout the month including nightly light and music shows.
Visit the birthplace of Orange County
Experience the historic Mission in colorful holiday lights and enjoy visits with Santa, Dickens era carolers, kids crafts, sweet treats, nightly Christmas Tree lighting, and a new holiday-themed audio tour.
Meet the horses of the Rose Parade
Each year, the Rose Parade’s equestrian units showcase their breeds and demonstrate their talent with performances at Equestfest. Held on December 30, 2022 at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center, this family-friendly event includes an equestrian show, musical performances, and a food and vendor court.
Guests are invited to stroll through the stables, meet equestrian participants, and participate in educational and interactive exhibits.
Visit the one and only Santa’s Village
Visit Santa in his North Pole cabin, hop on the NorthWoods Express Train, go on an interactive nighttime walk through the forest, go ice skating at the Silver Bells Arena, explore Santa’s Workshop & Post Office, and stroll through the Village of Lights.
Special holiday experiences include having breakfast with Santa, joining Mrs. Claus for a tea party, and crafting or cookie decorating with Santa’s elves.
Santa’s Village is magical year-round, but these exciting holiday activities run through January 8, 2023.
Categories: Blog
This post was written by Alina Na
