All events are subject to change. Please confirm with the event organizer before attending.
Holidays at Universal Studios Hollywood
NOVEMBER 24 - JANUARY 1: Join the celebration of Christmas in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter throughout Hogsmeade, discover the Who-tacular festivities with the Grinch and Max during Grinchmas, and enjoy holiday entertainment and festive treats.
North Pole Limited at Pacific Southwest Railway Museum
NOVEMBER 24 - DECEMBER 16: 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.
Winter Fantasy at the Sawdust Festival in Laguna Beach
NOVEMBER 17 - DECEMBER 17: Winter Fantasy offers a festive, unique shopping experience in an enchanting winter wonderland with thousands of lights and decorations, three stages of live music, carolers, puppeteers, art classes, and daily visits with Santa Claus.
A Christmas Carol at South Coast Repertory in Costa Mesa
NOVEMBER 25 - DECEMBER 24: Join all your favorite Dickens characters—Tiny Tim and the Cratchit family, the Fezziwigs, the Ghosts of Christmas past, present and yet-to-come, and of course, everyone’s favorite curmudgeon, Ebenezer Scrooge.
Wild Holidays at San Diego Zoo Safari Park
NOVEMBER 25 - JANUARY 1: See the Safari Park in a whole new light! Take a holiday expedition of light and travel through places that glow and twinkle with holiday cheer. Holiday tunes and live entertainment set the mood, and seasonal food treats tempt you throughout your journey.
Bob Baker’s Nutcracker – Marionette Adaptation in Los Angeles
NOVEMBER 25 - JANUARY 7: Enjoy a marionette adaptation of the ballet classic. It's Bob's most beloved holiday show since its opening in 1969.
Sail on ‘Spirit of Dana Point’ with Ocean Institute
SATURDAY THROUGH DECEMBER: Set sail aboard the schooner Spirit of Dana Point and experience California from the perspective of an early tallship explorer. Join the crew to help raise sail, handle lines, and steer the ship, or simply sit back, relax and enjoy the majesty of sailing the seas aboard a tallship.
Cooking Events at Lil’ Chef School
NOVEMBER 9, 10, 17 & 25: Hands-on workshops this month include sushi rolling, parents night out cookie exchange, and adult and me classes, where young chefs make sweet treats.
Disney Junior Live On Tour: Costume Palooza at Terrace Theater in Long Beach
NOVEMBER 25: This show brings beloved Disney Junior characters and favorite Marvel Super Heroes live on stage for a jam-packed, concert-style show with singing, dancing, acrobatics, and more.
Hollywood Christmas Parade
NOVEMBER 26: 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!
Native Storytelling Series at Southern California Children’s Museum
MONDAYS IN NOVEMBER: SCCM is honored to host a Native Storytelling Series featuring the Fernandeño Tataviam Band of Mission Indians in honor of Native American Heritage Month in November.
Christmas Tree Lighting at Nixon Library
NOVEMBER 28: Walk into a Christmas wonderland as guests explore the Nixon Library after hours featuring an indoor and outdoor experience with festive lights, Christmas music, and Santa Claus!
All is Bright Holiday Celebration & Tree Lighting Ceremony in Aliso Viejo
NOVEMBER 30: 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.
Pirates Take Christmas
DECEMBER 1 - JANUARY 1: This yuletide adventure combines audience participation, heart-pounding action and the spirit of the season; along with a hearty 3-course Feast.
Fancy Nancy Splendiferous Christmas at Chance Theater in Anaheim
DECEMBER 1 - 23: Ooh, la la! This year, Nancy is especially excited. After selling some of her old gowns and accessories, she has enough money to buy a brand-new sparkly tree topper. But when things don’t turn out the way Nancy planned, does Christmas still stand a chance of being splendiferous?
Mary Poppins at Rose Center Theater in Westminster
DECEMBER 1 - 17: Based on the beloved books by P.L. Travers and the classic Disney film, this heartwarming musical adaptation is back to enchant audiences of all ages.
Lakewood Tree Lighting
DECEMBER 1: Activities include lots of falling snow, holiday musical entertainment, holiday photo ops, costumed characters, and food trucks.
Winter Wonderland & Holiday Tree Lighting at Artesia Park
DECEMBER 1: Join the Holiday Tree Lighting at 5pm and stay for a night of kids performances and holiday fun with 15 tons of snow.
Christmas Tree Lighting at Buena Park City Hall
DECEMBER 1: The Annual Christmas Tree Lighting will feature entertainment, local school performances, festivities, and even a visit from Santa Claus himself!
Dana Point Harbor Holiday Lights Cruises in Dana Point
DECEMBER 1-2, 15-16, and 21-22, 2023: Take a 60 minute boat ride and get a panoramic view of the beautiful harbor all dressed up for the season.
Nutcracker for Kids at Segerstrom Center for the Arts
DECEMBER 2: 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.
Narrated Nutcracker at Central Library in Huntington Beach
DECEMBER 2-3: Festival Ballet Theatre’s lavish 45-minute, narrated rendition of The Nutcracker is specially designed to introduce young children to the beauty of classical ballet and music.
Santa’s Village by the Sea in Downtown San Clemente
DECEMBER 2: More details to come!
Santa Ana Winter Village
DECEMBER 2 - 31: This month-long event includes family friendly events and activities throughout its entirety. Participants are able to enjoy ice skating, a holiday light show, food vendors, and more.
Holidayz at Great Park in Irvine
DECEMBER 2 - JANUARY 7: The Great Park transforms into a winterscape of holiday-themed art, music, and lights. Visit the Palm Court Arts Complex to enjoy interactive displays and festive photo backdrops.
Snowhite at Santa Monica Playhouse
DECEMBER 2-3: A tale of companionship, coming-of-age, and the magical bond between mothers and daughters, this colorful musical fantasy for kids 2 to 102 takes audiences on a magical adventure.
Capistrano Lights at Mission San Juan Capistrano
DECEMBER 2-30: Enjoy performances by Dickens-era Carolers and take selfies with Santa. Visit the Serra Chapel open after hours, California’s most historic chapel. Enjoy the Mission in lights, community Christmas trees around the grounds, extended holiday shopping hours in the Mission Store and more. Kids craft vendor and sweet treat vendor will be available on select days as well as surprise performances.
Santa’s Big Day at Citadel Outlets
DECEMBER 2: Get ready for a day filled with festive cheer and joyful celebrations at Citadel Outlets' Santa's Big Day Event. It's the perfect way to kick off the holiday season and create unforgettable memories with family and friends.
Papyrus Scroll Making Family Workshop at Getty Villa
NOVEMBER 4 - JANUARY 27: Become a scribe and create your own papyrus scene inspired by illustrations in the Book of the Dead. Learn about the making and use of the scrolls and ancient Egyptian art and belief.
Santa’s Jolly Trolley in Dana Point
DECEMBER 2: Santa and his elves from the Recreation Division will be riding on his Jolly Trolley and making stops at parks throughout Dana Point to hand out pre-packaged treats for kids up to 12 years of age.
Illuminate Irvine at Great Park Palm Court Arts Complex
DECEMBER 2: Ring in the season with winter-wonderland inspired activities and holiday music classics. The evening culminates with the lighting of the Holiday Tree and Palm Court Arts Complex.
Tree Lighting at Laguna Hills Community Center
DECEMBER 2: Kick off the holiday season with an evening of festive lights, carolers, refreshments, crafts, and a visit from Santa.
Merry-Achi Christmas at Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts
DECEMBER 2 & 3: The annual tradition Merry-Achi Christmas returns to Cerritos in a colorful Mexican holiday celebration filled with seasonal songs, dance, and festive merriment.
Hug & Groom Horses with Free Rein Foundation
FIRST SUNDAYS: Come learn, hug and groom rescue and therapy horses. You may meet playful mustangs, a feisty thoroughbred, or a big white mule.
Celebration of Winter Holidays at Bowers Museum
DECEMBER 3: Enjoy a full day of fun for the entire family from 11am - 3pm. This free family festival includes complimentary face painting, art projects, live performances, and more.
Holiday Bash Family Rave in Santa Ana
DECEMBER 3: Groove to awesome house, techno, dnb music on a multi-sensory dance floor filled with bubbles, confetti, balloons, and parachute dance finale. There's also a crafting area, fun activities, and bar (for grown-ups).
La Plaza Park Tree Lighting in Dana Point
DECEMBER 4: Santa and his elves will be arriving at La Plaza Park on his Jolly Trolley to hand out pre-packaged treats for children up to 12 years old. The event features carolers, hot chocolate, cookies, and the annual tree lighting at 5:15pm.
Dr Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical at Pantages Theatre
DECEMBER 6-17: Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical features the hit songs "You're A Mean One Mr. Grinch" and "Welcome Christmas." Max the Dog narrates as the mean and scheming Grinch, whose heart is "two sizes too small," decides to steal Christmas away from the holiday loving Whos.
Blippi: The Wonderful World Tour at City National Grove of Anaheim
December 7: Dance, sing, and learn with Blippi and special guest Meekah as they discover what makes different cities unique and special. Will there be monster trucks, excavators, and garbage trucks galore? You bet! So get ready to shake those wiggles out and OJ Twist your way through this brand-new musical party!
A Cinderella Christmas at Laguna Playhouse
DECEMBER 7-29: A wild, wacky, and interactive holiday event featuring all of your favorite characters, A Cinderella Christmas sets the age-old fairytale of Cinderella to modern music, with a comical twist and incredible magic!
Debbie Allen’s Hot Chocolate Nutcracker in Redondo Beach
DECEMBER 7-10: Debbie Allen has taken the ballet classic and given it fresh, new context with lively characters, new music by industry legends, diverse choreography, spectacular aerial arts and state-of-the-art projection to create an immersive, vibrant and memorable theater experience for all ages.
Free Day at The Huntington Library
EVERY FIRST THURSDAY: The first Thursday of every month is Free Day. Admission is free of charge with advance reservation.
American Ballet Theatre’s The Nutcracker
DECEMBER 8-17: Southern California’s favorite holiday tradition returns with American Ballet Theatre’s The Nutcracker. This magical treat for the whole family features an impressive cast of over 100 performers, incredible sets and costumes, and Pacific Symphony performing Tchaikovsky’s timeless score!
A Charlie Brown Christmas at The Phantom Projects Theatre at La Habra Depot
DECEMBER 8-10 & 15-17: The classic animated television special A Charlie Brown Christmas comes to life in this faithful stage adaptation in which Charlie Brown, Snoopy and the rest of the Peanuts gang discover the true meaning of Christmas. Stay after and meet the cast of this family-friendly performance that's perfect for your Christmas activities!
Who Stole Christmas? at Rose Center Theater in Westminster
DECEMBER 8 - 10: The annual performances of Who Stole Christmas? are being presented by Clifton Dance Project, a local dance studio.
Las Posadas at Heritage Park in Santa Fe Springs
DECEMBER 8: Take the whole family out to enjoy this traditional cultural event as you go through Mary and Joseph’s journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem in search of shelter through this guided, candle-lit procession through Heritage Park.
An Evening of Holiday Music at Laguna Hills Community Center
DECEMBER 8: Enjoy a performance by the Concordia Handbell Choir and the Pollytechnic Brass Quintet.
A Christmas Carol at Long Beach Playhouse
DECEMBER 9-23: 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.
Festival Ballet Theatre’s The Nutcracker in Irvine
DECEMBER 9-24: Festival Ballet Theatre's family-friendly production of The Nutcracker features colorful scenery and dazzling costumes, making this age-old tradition sparkle like new.
123 Andrés at Segerstrom Center for the Arts
DECEMBER 9-10: 123 Andrés (pronounced “uno, dos, tres, Andrés) is an interactive family show designed to provide a fun opportunity for kids to learn another culture and language. Husband-wife duo Andrés and Christina are well-renowned for their tuneful songs and upbeat performances to cultivate an educational and entertaining experience for families.
Disclaimer: The Kidsguide team works hard to ensure all events are accurate at the time of posting, but details are subject to change without notice. Confirm all details with event organizer before attending. Kidsguide is not liable for errors, omissions, or changes to listings on our calendar.
