Kidsguide HolidayGuide 2018

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Shows • Outings Skating • Camps Snow Play & Lots More!

450+ Things To Do!

WINTER 2018

Holiday Guide 2018

Nov. 23 thru Jan. 6

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HolidayGuide

The 2018 Holiday Guide is filled with tons of winter-break fun! Here’s how it works: 1) When looking for something to do on a particular day, first check Holiday Events for what’s happening—pages 4-47. Events are listed by start date and in many cases continue all month long. 2) Then check the special sections listed below. Don’t miss the advertisers along with way! They offer great family activities and services. Be sure to tell them, “I saw you in Kidsguide.” 3) Sign up on our website for The Buzzz.

This newsletter brings events directly to your inbox. 4) Finally, pick up a free

Holiday Events......................................................................4-47 Nutcracker Performances...................................................16-17 Indoor Playgrounds..................................................................20

copy of the 2018-19 fall/winter issue of Kidsguide available at libraries and kid-friendly retailers, or download your very own digital copy at www.kidsguidemagazine.com. It has thousands of additional ideas!

Important: Be sure to confirm dates and times before going to any activity—things can change. Plan ahead—some activities require reservations.

PUBLISHER • Liz Davis EDITORS • Alina Na & Erin Gardner AD SALES • Tiffany Salter CONTACT: 562.799.0140 info@kidsguidemagazine.com

Tubing & Sledding....................................................................24 Snow Days...............................................................................28 Ice Skating..........................................................................34-35 Attractions...............................................................................40 Spotlight on Kid-Friendly Businesses .....................................45 Winter Camps.....................................................................47-49 2 Kidsguide HolidayGuide 2018

Legal stuff: “Kidsguide® Copyright 2018 Liz Davis. All rights reserved. No portion of this magazine may be used for a derivative work, reproduced or copied—mechanically, electronically, or by any other means, including photocopying—distributed, or displayed without prior written permission of the publisher. The materials herein are provided on an “as is” basis and the publisher of this magazine, KIDSGUIDE, Inc., expressly disclaims all warranties, including without limitation the warranties of currentness, correctness, completeness, merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, non infringement of intellectual property, and freedom from errors. KIDSGUIDE, Inc. assumes no liability or responsibility for any loss or injury arising out of errors, omissions, uses, or participation as a result of publication of all magazine editions to the fullest extent permitted by law. KIDSGUIDE, Inc. is not in any way recommending or endorsing any program, business, activity, or advertiser listed within this magazine. Names, addresses, fees, descriptions, and services listed in KIDSGUIDE are subject to change. We sincerely request that any errors be brought to the publisher’s attention so that they may be corrected in future editions.”

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Holiday Events • Weekend Scenic Train Excursions at Fillmore & Western Railway 364 Main St., Fillmore (805) 524-2546 Ongoing, Saturdays and Sundays: Enjoy a beautiful family-friendly, 3 to 4-hour train trip adventure through the Heritage Valley on scheduled Saturdays and Sundays. Ride on historic train cars used in several well known movies, TV shows and commercials.

Each weekend scenic adventure includes two fun stops to explore along the route. Adults, $26; seniors (60+), $24; youth (4-12), $16; and child (2-3), $12.

Beer and wine available for purchase. Visit fwry.com for details and schedule. See ad on page 33.

A Whistling White House Wonderland at Nixon Library 18001 Yorba Linda Blvd., Yorba Linda Through January 7: Vintage model trains will fill the Nixon Library once again as the centerpiece of “A Whistling White House Wonderland,” a holiday celebration. The festive, 24-foot wide, 10-foot tall snow-capped mountain of toy trains will feature classic model trains of Christmas past, plus Thomas the Tank Engine whistling over bridges and chugging

4 Kidsguide HolidayGuide 2018

through tunnels. The six-track design, with more than 50 feet of rails, features an all-American 1950s Midwestern town, with billowing factories, quaint family homes and expansive farms. The showcase reflects President Nixon’s love of trains that began in his Yorba Linda childhood. Daily. $20+.

Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City (800) 864-8377 Through January 6: This holiday season, celebrate Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter where Hogsmeade is transformed in wondrous spirit.

Experience a holiday spectacle with dazzling lights and music cast against the majestic backdrop of Hogwarts castle. Included in admission. Daily.

Enchanted: Forest of Light at Descanso Gardens 1418 Descanso Drive, La Canada Flintridge (818) 949-4200 Through January 6: Enchanted Forest of Light is an interactive, nighttime experience unlike anything else in Los Angeles, featuring a one-mile walk through unique lighting experiences in some of the

most beloved areas of Descanso Gardens. Runs daily from 5:30-10 p.m. Purchase tickets online. Closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Festival of Lights at The Mission Inn Hotel 3649 Mission Inn Ave., Riverside (951) 784-0300 Through January 6: Your family will be swept away by more than 3.6 million+ brilliant lights transforming Riverside’s historic hotel into magic. In addition to the external light display, throughout the season The Mission Inn Hotel features a decorated Christmas tree, appearances by Santa Claus and Dickensian Carolers singing cheerful holiday tunes, authentic horse-drawn carriages, live reindeer, and hundreds of characters dressed in 17th century costumes to entertain crowds and evoke the spirit of the season.

L.A. Zoo Lights and Reindeer Romp at the Los Angeles Zoo 5333 Zoo Drive, Los Angeles (323) 644-4200 Through January 6: With the flick of a switch, the zoo is set aglow with breathtaking displays. Take a self-guided 60- to 90-minute stroll though a large area of the zoo filled with animal-themed displays, dynamic lights and projections, and seasonal magic.

Take photos with Santa in a charming new setting (on select dates). See real reindeer and learn about them from expert reindeer keepers. Daily, except Christmas Eve and Christmas. $12-22. Visit website for details and tickets.

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NOV 2 - JAN 6 • GIANT WHEEL COURT

NOV 23

NOV 23 - DEC 24 PALM COURT

NOV 23 - DEC 24

GIANT WHEEL COURT

FOR MORE DETAILS

IrvineSpectrumCenter.com

Knott’s Merry Farm in Buena Park 8039 Beach Blvd., Buena Park (714) 220-5200 Through January 6: Guests of all ages can embrace the joy of Christmas at Knott’s Merry Farm, with classic shows like the Holiday Ice Show featuring Snoopy, the Peanuts Gang and a cast of worldclass ice skaters, the nightly tree lighting ceremony and The Christmas Carol. Plus stroll through the merry streets of Calico for unique seasonal treats, Santa’s Christmas Cabin, traditional live Christmas carolers, a Christmas Crafts Village, an enchanting Snow and Glow show with nightly falling snow, and more. See website for details.

Holiday in the Park at Six Flags 26101 Magic Mountain Pkwy., Valencia (661) 255-4111 Through December 30: The park is transformed into a winter wonderland with thousands of colorful lights, carolers performing classic yuletide favorites, and personalized meet-and-greets with Santa and his helpers. Enjoy all the wonderful aromas and tastes of the season including hot chocolate, cider, custom fudge, holiday-inspired funnel cake flavors and many other traditional favorites. Check website for schedule.

• Holiday Entertainment and Santa Photos at Irvine Spectrum Center 670 Spectrum Center Drive, Irvine (949) 790-4871 November 23 - December 24: Decked out in his best red suit, Santa will be at his Crystal Cove beach-inspired surf shack to hear your wishes and take photos with kids of all ages. And through December 29, celebrate the season with live holiday entertainment on Friday and Saturday evenings; visit their website for schedule. See ad on page 5.

Muzeo Express & Holiday Model Trains at Muzeo Museum and Cultural Center 241 S. Anaheim Blvd., Anaheim (714) 956-8936 Through January 20: Come celebrate the holiday season with model trains, miniature scenes and hands-on activities. Complete with historical relics showcasing the history of trains in Southern California. Wednesday - Sunday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Adults, $10; kids, $7.

Black Friday Drop and Shop at Sur La Table Locations (949) 585-0031 November 23: This Black Friday, leave the baby sitting to Sur la Table. You’ll enjoy two hours of kid-free shopping while they (ages 8-12 only) learn the insand-outs of making fresh pasta, from mixing, rolling and cutting dough to making flavor-packed fillings and sauces. Plus, they’ll leave with a free ravioli stamp, ready to dazzle you with their new-found skills once they get home. $45. Friday, 10 a.m. - noon. Offered at Costa Mesa, Irvine, Newport Beach locations and more. Space is limited, pre-registration encouraged.

• Black Friday Frenzy at Irvine Spectrum Center 670 Spectrum Center Drive, Irvine (949) 753-5180 November 23: Starting at midnight after Thanksgiving, kick off the holidays with Black Friday Frenzy.

6 Kidsguide HolidayGuide 2018

Festivities will include incredible sales, DJ’s, free valet parking, ice skating, giant wheel and carousel rides. Friday, midnight - 8 a.m. See ad on page 5.

• Black Friday Mini-Camp at Lil’ Chef School in Irvine 15435 Jeffery Road, #132, Irvine (949) 679-8390 November 23: Parents can take advantage of this one-day Mini Camp that will allow them to shop while their kiddos learn to cook up a feast. Lil’ Chefs (5+) are invited to Black Friday Brunch, where they will learn to make delicious buttermilk blueberry muffins, cheesy potatoes, breakfast emapanadas, and chocolate chip pizookies for dessert. Participants learn knife skills, how to properly measure ingredients, and work as a team to complete each recipe from start to finish. Friday. 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. $99 for the first child; $89 for each additional sibling. See ad on page 43.

Bye Bye Birdie in Fullerton 1801 Warburton Way, Fullerton (714) 562-3860 November 23-25: This musical set in the early 1960s, features small-town America, teenagers, and rock and roll. Teen heartthrob Conrad Birdie has been drafted, so he chooses All-American girl Kim MacAfee for a very public farewell kiss. Get ready for a tuneful high-energy score and a hilarious script.

Free Green Friday at Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden 1500 N. College Ave., Claremont (909) 625-8767 November 23: “Green Friday” offers free garden admission to all, encouraging families spending the Thanksgiving holiday together to explore Origami in the Garden, a monumental sculpture exhibition. Each enchanting sculpture is inspired by a blank piece of paper and has been transformed into museum quality metals, telling the story of creativity and the art of making something out of nothing.

• Family Friday at Pretend City Children’s Museum 29 Hubble, Irvine (949) 428-3900 November 23: Take a break from the Black Friday madness and unwind at Pretend City. Continue the Thanksgiving celebration with turkey-themed fun by: playing with Thanksgiving leftovers, dancing and singing to turkey songs, and reading books about thankfulness. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. See ad on page 37.

It’s a Wonderful Life Radio Show at Stages Theatre 400 E. Commonwealth Ave., Fullerton (714) 525-4484 November 23 - December 22: The beloved American classic comes to captivating life as a live 1940’s radio broadcast. With the help of an ensemble that brings a few dozen characters to the stage, the story of idealistic George Bailey unfolds as he considers ending his life one fateful Christmas Eve. Fridays and Saturdays, 8 p.m.; Sundays, 2 p.m. $20-22.

Lighting of the Bay at Newport Dunes 1131 Back Bay Drive, Newport Beach (949) 729-3863 November 23: Kick off the holiday season at Newport Dunes with a weekend of family fun, including live performances, Santa’s arrival and the lighting of the bay, movie screenings, a train ride and puppet shows. Friday, 3-8 p.m. Free.

• Tree Lighting at Irvine Spectrum 670 Spectrum Center Drive, Irvine (949) 790-4871 November 23 - December 24: The beautifully decorated 74-foot tree will come to life at night with a choreographed light show every 30 minutes. Nightly, 5-11 p.m. Giant Wheel Court. See ad on page 5.

• Queen Mary Christmas in Long Beach 1126 Queens Hwy., Long Beach (562) 435-3511 November 23 - January 6: This holiday season, the Queen Mary invites you to a one-of-a-kind winter adventure to the North Pole. Explore the ship’s beautiful decks to discover memory-making activities for the whole family including meet and greets with Santa, an ice skating rink atop the Sports Deck, musical performances, dazzling light displays, and more! The Queen Mary will truly be decked out in her holiday best—as will her new Captain. He is often seen donning a white beard and signature red suit, and charting the course to the North Pole in his Captain’s Quarters. The holidays are about to set sail aboard the Queen Mary! See website for ticket prices and availability.

See ad on page 1.

Santa Claus is Coming to Pennypickle’s Workshop 42081 Main St., Temecula (951) 308-6376 November 23-25: Professor Pennypickle and Santa are long-time friends (remember they have figured out how to deliver presents all over the world in one night!) so naturally there’s a cozy little cabin just waiting for him. The jolly old man will make his arrival tonight! Friday, 6 p.m. Check the web for pricing.

• Science of Gingerbread Exhibit at Discovery Cube OC and LA (714) 542-2823 November 23 - January 6: Come see this year’s sweet entries for their annual Gingerbread competition. Create your own winter sleigh and decorate holiday cookies. Check out the Elves Workshop, spend some time at the build tables, color-mixing exhibit, infinity mirror exhibit and early learners area. Daily, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Buy tickets at www.discoverycube. org/oc or www.discoverycube.org/la. See ad on the front inside cover..

Tanaka Farms Christmas Trees 5380-3/4 University Drive, Irvine (949) 653-2100 November 23 - December 16: Pick out your own Christmas tree, including Noble Fir, Grand Fir and Douglas Fir. All are guaranteed to last until Christmas or Tanaka Farms will replace it free of charge. Other seasonal offerings include wreaths, poinsettias and cedar garlands. Daily.

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The Holiday GEM in Garden Grove 12852 Main St., Garden Grove (714) 741-9550, Ext. 221 November 23 - December 16: Backed by live musicians, stunning costumes and a whimsical set, Santa Claus, his tap dancing elves and a cast of talented performers journey into the magical world of Christmas Fantasy Land, where you’ll discover that anything is possible as long as you believe. Lighthearted, fun and entertaining! Days and times vary, visit their website for details. $26-30.

Tidepool Walks at Cabrillo Marine Aquarium 3720 Stephen M. White Drive, San Pedro (310) 548-7562 November 23 and 25: Attend an informative slide show in the John M. Olguin Auditorium, then come along on a naturalist-led ramble on the rocks to see animals in their natural habitat. Outdoor clothing and sneakers advised. Young children must be accompanied by adults. Free.

Winter Fantasy at the Sawdust Art Festival 935 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach (949) 494-3030 Weekends, November 23 - December 16: Winter Fantasy features 175 artists and makers, three stages of live music and entertainment, thousands of lights and decorations, glassblowing and art demos, handson pottery wheel and complimentary art classes, falling snow and picturesque holiday photo-ops, outdoor cafes and festive saloon offerings, and so much more.

Experience the magical outdoor art village during the holiday season, transformed into a picture-perfect winter wonderland in the heart of Laguna Beach.

Weekends, 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. (Also open Black Friday.)

Adults, $8; kids (6-12), $4; kids (under 5), free; Season pass, $12.

YMCA Thanksgiving Family Camp 4761 Pine Hills Road, Julian (760) 765-0642 November 23-25: Make YMCA part of your tradition for Turkey Day! Strengthen your family’s resiliency in team-building activities, appreciation for nature in one of the staff-led hiking programs and creativity in Graham Cracker House Creations. Friday - Sunday.

Registration required, see website for details.

• A Carpenters Christmas at La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts 14900 La Mirada Blvd., La Mirada (714) 994-6310 November 24: The feel-good music of the season!

Based on The Carpenters’ beloved holiday albums and Christmas variety shows, A Carpenters Christmas features “Merry Christmas, Darling,” the jazzy “Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town” and all the hits. Singer and playwright Lisa Rock and her six-piece band are keeping the Carpenters’ holiday traditions alive, bringing their unforgettable Christmas songs together in a warm-hearted concert that spreads joy and cheer to all. Saturday, 8 p.m. Visit website for ticket prices. See ad on page 51.

• A Christmas Carol at South Coast Repertory 655 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa (714) 708-5555 Select dates, November 24 - December 24: Recapture the spirit of an old-fashioned Christmas with 8 Kidsguide HolidayGuide 2018

this timeless Dickens classic and all your favorite characters—Tiny Tim and the Cratchit family, the Fezziwigs, the Ghosts of Christmas past, present and yetto-come and, as always, Hal Landon Jr. as everyone’s favorite curmudgeon, Ebenezer Scrooge. Ages 6+. No children under age six will be admitted. Weekdays at 7:30 p.m.; Saturdays at 2:30 and 7:30 p.m; Sundays at noon and 4 p.m. $42. Segerstrom Stage. See ad on page 14.

Color Mixing at the Children’s Museum in La Habra 301 S. Euclid St., La Habra (562) 383-4236 November 24: Use paper plates to explore color mixing and create a pumpkin or leaf collage. Saturday, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Holiday Festival at Calico Ghost Town 36600 Ghost Town Road, Yermo (877) 387-2757 November 24: Head to Calico Ghost Town, the Old West mining town founded in 1881, to kick off the holiday season. This fun family event includes kids’ crafts, visits with Santa Claus, a tree lighting, carolers and more holiday fun! Saturday, 9 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Adults, $8; kids (4-11), $5; under 3, free.

Kids Peaceful Painting Workshop at Sherman Library and Gardens 2647 East Coast Hwy., Corona del Mar (949) 673-2261 November 24: Kids (8-14) join local artist Stacey Fetterman as she weaves together mindfulness and art from the heart through breath work, visualization and play, on and off the canvas. Each child will complete their own canvas. Class sizes are limited. $40, Friends; $50, non-members. Saturday, noon - 3 p.m. For additional information, email staceyfetterman@gmail.com.

• North Pole Express Train in Fillmore 364 Main St., Fillmore (805) 524-2546 Select dates November 24 - December 26: Experience a magical one-hour ride aboard a vintage train. Enjoy cookies, chocolate milk and singing elves while you head to the North Pole to pick up Santa!

Wear your pajamas, dress warm, and remember to bring your camera to take pictures with Santa during and after the train ride. Visit craft vendors and ride on an antique carousel at the train depot. Train departs at 6 and 7:30 p.m.; additional 4:45 p.m. departures on December 15-23. Adults, $32; kids (2-12), $22.

See ad on page 33.

Reindeer in the Redwoods 4442 Carbon Canyon Road, Brea (714) 973-3160 November 24: Get an early start to the holiday season at Carbon Canyon Regional Park with Reindeer in the Redwoods! Complete the half-mile walk to the Redwood Grove and be rewarded with a Winter Wonderland, complete with Santa and live reindeer. There will also be holiday gnomes hidden along the way, so be sure to keep an eye out. Activities include holiday crafts, face painting, and cookie decorating. Saturday, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Free. Note: the closest parking

lot to the Redwood Grove is approximately a half mile away, wear comfortable shoes.

Rocking Around the Christmas Tree with Darci Lynne and Friends 2200 East Katella Ave., Anaheim November 24: Singer/ventriloquist Darci Lynne Farmer, at only 12 years old, is one of the youngest contestants to ever win “America’s Got Talent.”

Share the magic of the holidays with favorite holiday songs. Select performances will also feature Darci’s puppets. Saturday, 7 p.m. Grove of Anaheim.

• Sugar Plum Express Holiday Village and Tree Train 364 Main St., Fillmore (805) 524-2546 Weekends, November 24 - December 23: Take a three-hour train adventure to the Holiday Village (at Loose Caboose)! Santa will be onboard to visit everyone. Once there you can select a pre-cut Christmas Tree, purchase unique gifts and goodies, enjoy the new Winter Wonderland walk-thru, hop on the Holiday Jolly Jumper, visit craft vendors and see Santa’s Workshop. Also view the Koi fish, goats and birds while exploring. Food and beverages (including beer and wine) will be available onboard for purchase. Adults, $26; youth (4-12), $16; kids (23), $12. Fillmore & Western Railway Co. See ad on page 33.

Toyota Symphonies for Youth at the Music Center 135 N. Grand Ave., Los Angeles November 24: The LA Phil believes in the power of music to spark imaginations and shape young lives.

The Toyota Symphonies for Youth invite children, ages 5-11, to soak up the sounds of a world-class orchestra while experiencing the thrill of live performance. Kids enjoy hands-on workshops, including art-making, an instrument petting zoo and dance.

Join a morning of musical celebration that will stay with children for a lifetime. Saturday, 11 a.m. See website for ticket information.

Winter Village Festival in Sierra Madre November 24: Start your holiday shopping in the quaint village of Sierra Madre, with arts and crafts, music, snow sledding, horse-drawn carriage rides, a visit from Santa and a giant Christmas tree. Saturday, noon - 9 p.m. Free admission. Downtown Sierra Madre.

Crafty Kids at Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve 2301 University Drive, Newport Beach (949) 923-2290 November 25: Join the Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve for a fun-themed craft project. Crafty Kids Sunday features craft activities in the Muth Interpretive Center’s Discovery Classroom. Recommended for ages 2-10. No registration is required. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Sunday, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Free.

Hollywood Christmas Parade in Los Angeles Orange and Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood November 25: The Hollywood Christmas Parade celebrates with Santa, marching bands, celebrities and more. Celebrity performers include Ceelo Green, Lots More Fun at kidsguidemagazine.com

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American Idol’s Ruben Studdard, and The Village People. The U-shaped parade route starts at Hollywood and Orange and will travel east to Vine, south on Vine to Sunset Boulevard and west on Sunset, back to Orange. Sunday, 5 p.m. Check website for tickets.

Patchwork Indie Art and Craft Festival 2nd @ Sycamore, Santa Ana November 25: Fun family shopping with over 100 vendors displaying their handmade goods, plus kids’ arts and crafts, food trucks and music. Sunday, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Free admission and parking.

Tamale Festival and Tree Lighting of La Habra Euclid St. between La Habra Blvd. and Lambert Rd. (562) 383-4211 November 25: Join the City of La Habra’s Tamale Festival with a Kids Zone, as well as best tamale, best dessert tamale, and best salsa contests. As in past years, dance performances by local studios, tamale and other food vendors, craft and other vendors, and finally the city’s holiday tree lighting ceremony. Sunday, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Find a schedule of events and entertainment on their website. Free to attend.

Tofurky Trot in Los Angeles 4730 Crystal Springs Drive, Los Angeles (626) 577-3100 November 25: The Tofurky Company invites you to join in the Tofurky Trot, designed to support the health and vitality of local communities and raise money for local groups supporting plant-based diets. The 5K race (3.1 miles) is a run, trot, or walk open to kids and grown-ups of all fitness levels. $15+. Sunday, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Griffith Park, Crystal Springs Recreation Area, Los Angeles.

An Irish Christmas in Irvine Barclay Theatre, 4242 Campus Drive, Irvine (949) 854-4646 November 26: Take a journey through Christmas in Ireland with superb dancing, singing and authentic traditional music celebrating the international spirit of the holiday season. Following last year’s sold-out performance, An Irish Christmas features an awardwinning cast of Irish dancers in a memorable night of family entertainment that sparkles with the charm and magic that only this festive time of the year can bring. Tickets start at $36. Monday, 8 p.m.

10 Kidsguide HolidayGuide 2018

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• Family Autism Evening & Co-Parenting Tips at Pretend City Children’s Museum 29 Hubble, Irvine (949) 428-3900 November 26: Specifically for families with children who are on the autism spectrum or have other developmental disabilities. Play in Pretend City’s autismfriendly environment tonight. Staff will be on-hand to help enrich their learning/play experience, along with the support and help from community partners who specialize in the autism spectrum. Pretend City will be closed to the general public. Free to behavioral therapists and children on the spectrum or with other disabilities, and their immediate families; RSVP required.

Monday, 5-7:30 p.m.

November 26: Co-Parenting Tips and Strategies.

This workshop will teach parents how to shift their attention from the personal aspects of separation and divorce to the needs of their children. RSVP required, by November 23. $5-10. Monday, 6:30-7:30 p.m. See ad on page 37.

Los Angeles County Tree Lighting 200 North Grand Ave., Downtown Los Angeles November 26: The County of Los Angeles, Grand Park, and The Music Center celebrate the holidays with the Los Angeles County annual tree lighting ceremony, featuring performances by local music artists and community groups. Monday, all day. Free.

Tree Lighting Ceremony at Legoland One Legoland Drive (760) 918-5346 November 26: Legoland California’s nightly tree lighting ceremonies kick off November 26 when a celebrity guest lights the world’s tallest Lego Christmas tree in the annual tree lighting ceremony. The festive event features entertainment, fireworks and a visit from Santa! $93+. Visit website for details.

Balloon Workshop in Newport Beach 1000 Avocado Ave., Newport Beach (949) 717-3830 November 27: Learn to make your own balloon creations and crazy hats with Mr. Twister, the Balloon Man! This is a hands-on workshop that gets ev-

eryone involved! Ages 3 and up. Wednesday, 4 p.m.

Newport Beach Central Library. Free.

Salvation Army Kettle Kickoff Event at Farmers Market LA 6333 W. 3rd St., Los Angeles (323) 933-9211 November 27: Farmers Market welcomes The Salvation Army to ring in the most wonderful time of the year with a fun and festive event featuring live music, tributes to civic and community service leaders and the lighting of the Farmers Market Christmas tree! Special guests this year include Chef Curtis Stone and his wife, actress Lindsay Price. Tuesday, 5 - 6 p.m. All activities are free and take place on the Market Plaza.

Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony in Signal Hill 2200 Temple Ave., Signal Hill (562) 989-7330 November 28: The public is invited to attend the annual tree lighting ceremony which will officially ring in the start of the holidays. Enjoy a visit with Santa, festive treats and holiday music with Signal Hill dignitaries and community members alike. Inclement weather will cancel the event. Thursday, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Discovery Well Park.

Wicked at the Pantages 6233 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles (323) 468-1770 November 28 - January 27: The Broadway sensation hits the stage at a time before Dorothy found her way to the land of Oz. An unlikely friendship between an emerald green-skinned woman and a bubbly blonde turns negative as they are labeled “good” and “wicked.” An original and electrifying true story of the Witches of Oz, this tale will have you laughing, crying and thinking. Tuesday - Sunday, visit website for times and ticket prices.

Aliso Viejo Tree Lighting Ceremony 26841 Aliso Creek Road, Aliso Viejo November 29: Kick off the holiday season with Aliso Viejo’s All is Bright Holiday Celebration and Tree Lighting Ceremony. Enjoy holiday cheer, train rides, photo opportunities, ornament making, old-fashioned Christmas caroling, magical snow fall and a visit from jolly ole St. Nick as they light their 22-foot tall Christmas tree. Thursday, 5:30-8 p.m. Aliso Viejo Town Center.

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WINTER FUN STARTS HERE! • Extended Skate Sessions with Festive Decorations & Music December 24 - January 5

• Free Ice Skating Lessons; call for dates Select Fridays, 6-6:30 pm

Public Session • Skating School • Party Packages Fitness Center • Broomball • Figure Skating • Private Lessons Private Ice Rental • Adult Hockey League • Group Exercise Classes California Wave Youth Hockey

Visit our ice rink in Ontario, too!

For more information: (909) 986-ICE-1 www.ontariocenterice.com

EAST WEST ICE PALACE

(562) 809-6200 www.EastWestIcePalace.com 11446 Artesia Blvd.,Artesia

• Free Apollo Lighting at Columbia Memorial Space Center 12400 Columbia Way, Downey (562) 231-1200 November 29: Light up the holiday season with the Columbia Memorial Space Center. Participate in one of the newest Downey traditions, the lighting of the Apollo Capsule. Enjoy this outdoor event with popcorn, hot chocolate and carols. Thursday, 5-8 p.m.

See ad on page 31.

The Complete Works of William Shakespeare Abridged in Irvine 5500 Irvine Center Drive, Irvine (949) 451-5333 November 29: Watch an abridged version of Shakespeare’s works in a fast-paced, raucous, satirical performance, guaranteed to make you laugh even if you don’t know Shakespeare from Shinola. Thursday, 8 p.m. $5. Irvine Valley College Performing Arts Center.

Train to Santa’s Workshop at Orange Empire Railway Museum 2201 S. A St., Perris (951) 943-3020 November 29 - December 2, 6-9 and 13-16: Embark on a magical train ride and visit with Santa Claus himself at his North Pole workshop. Ride the train, where elves will lead your family in Christmas songs, holiday trivia games and storytelling. Santa greets the guests as they arrive at the workshop, then visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus at a play area where children can play with Thomas train tables and craft activities.

Enjoy refreshments at the Pinacate Station boarding area. Train departs: Saturdays and Sundays, 11 a.m. and 1, 3, 5 and 7 p.m.; and Thursdays and Fridays, 5:30 and 7 p.m. Trains fill up fast—advanced purchase recommended. Visit the website for prices.

A Christmas with Scrooge in Irvine 36-C Mauchly, Irvine (949) 753-1996 November 30 - December 29: Join the Musical Theatre Village for a production of this Christmas classic. Fridays at 7:30 p.m.; Saturdays at 2 and 7:30 p.m.; and Sundays at 2 p.m. Adults, $16; kids, $14 (add $3 for opening and closing gala nights).

Musical Theatre Village.

Christmas Tree Lighting & Laser Light Show at Long Beach Towne Center 7575 Carson Blvd., Long Beach November 30: Join the Long Beach Towne Center for the annual Christmas tree lighting and laser light show featuring live entertainment, stilt walking elf and toy soldier, and selfie station with Rudolph and Frosty! Friday, 7-9 p.m. Located on the Promenade.

• Elf the Musical at Carpenter Performing Arts Center 6200 E. Atherton St., Long Beach (562) 856-1999 November 30 - December 9: Buddy is coming to Musical Theatre West! Based on the cherished 2003 hit film starring Will Ferrell, Elf the Musical is the story of Buddy the elf. Featuring songs by Matthew Sklar and Chad Beguelin (Disney’s Aladdin on Broadway, The Wedding Singer), with a book by Thomas Meehan (Annie, The Producers, Hairspray) and Bob Martin (The Drowsy Chaperone). Rated PG. Fridays, 12 Kidsguide HolidayGuide 2018

7 p.m.; Saturdays, 2 and 7 p.m.; Sundays, 1 and 6 p.m. $20+. See ad on page 9.

Jake Shimabukuro at Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts 12700 Center Court Drive, Cerritos (562) 467-8819 November 30: When a YouTube clip of Jake Shimabukuro’s performance of While My Guitar Gently Weeps went viral, the ukulele sensation’s career skyrocketed, landing him on the Billboard World Album Chart several times and leading to collaborations with Bette Midler, Yo-Yo Ma, Ziggy Marley and Chris Botti. Friday, 8 p.m. $50-85.

Little Naturalist Program at Environmental Nature Center 1601 E. 16th St., Newport Beach (949) 645-8489 November 30: A reading of “A Log’s Life” by Wendy Pfeffer. Learn about all the life an Oak tree provides during its lifetime. Meet some ENC animals and decomposers, as featured in the story, along with a trail hike. Children will make their own nature journals and add bark rubbings of native trees to their journals along the hike. Non-member fee: $8/child, member fee: $5/child. No charge for adults. Preregistration required. Friday, 9:30-10:30 a.m.

• Pirates Dinner Adventure Pirates Take Christmas 7600 Beach Blvd., Buena Park (866) 439-2469 November 30 - December 25: Looking to add some fun and excitement to your holiday season? Celebrate Christmas with Pirates Dinner Adventure’s Christmas spectacular, Pirates Take Christmas. Santa and Mrs. Claus promise a magical evening for all! However, chaos ensues when a crew of scoundrel pirates take everyone in attendance prisoner and bring them, as well as all of Santa’s Christmas gifts, aboard their ship!

Evil first mate Jacob Randolph leads a mutiny and declares that Christmas is now his! Captain Sebastian the Black and his wife, Treasure, can’t believe what their crew has done and promise to return Santa and Mrs. Claus, along with all of the stolen gifts, back to the North Pole in time for Christmas. Will they succeed?

Can you help Santa and save Christmas? You, your family, and a little holiday magic can help ensure Santa defeats the pirates and saves the season! Join them to find out why Pirates Take Christmas’ has quickly become a holiday tradition in Orange County! See ad with discount code on page 41.

Tree Lighting in Hawaiian Gardens 21815 Pioneer Blvd., Hawaiian Gardens (562) 420-2641 November 30: Fun entertaining event, where family members enjoy an evening full of magical surprises.

Friday, 5-8 p.m. Free. C. Robert Lee Activity Center.

Wild North America Preschool Program at the OC Zoo 1 Irvine Park Road, Orange (949) 973-6846 November 30: Come find out what kinds of animals

are on our own continent. Kids (3-4) will enjoy a class that includes hands-on learning, fun crafts, and meeting zoo animals up close. $5 per child (includes one adult). Parking, $3. Friday, 10:15-11:15 a.m.

Registration is required.

25th Annual Holiday Sonata in Whittier Greenleaf Ave. and Philadelphia St., Whittier (562) 696-2262 December 1: Celebrate the season with horsedrawn carriages and a double-decker bus that carries visitors though the district. Enjoy an evening with friends and family as you stroll through Uptown for an evening of holiday cheer. There will also be community choirs, dance performances and, of course, Santa and his elves at Santa’s Village. Performances start at 5 p.m. Saturday, 4-9 p.m.

A Christmas Carol in Pasadena 3352 Foothill Blvd., Pasadena (626) 356-3100 Select dates, December 1-23: Join everybody’s favorite holiday humbug, Ebenezer Scrooge, on a fantastical journey that celebrates the spirit of the season. Bring the whole family and revel in this holiday tradition. Days and times vary, see website for details. $25-60. A Noise Within Theatre.

A Civil War Christmas at Drum Barracks Civil War Museum 1052 Banning Blvd., Wilmington (310) 548-7509 December 1-2: This annual holiday celebration should not be missed—it’s become a holiday tradition for thousands! The Banning Museum and the Drum Barracks Museum sponsor free horse-drawn carriage rides between the two sites, which are each decorated for true holiday delight. Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Free admission to both museums and carriage rides.

Annual Christmas Train at Irvine Park Railroad Irvine Regional Park, Orange (714) 997-3968 December 1-23: Come with family and friends and take this enchanting night ride through historic Irvine Regional Park to meet Santa Claus. The train departs from the brightly-lit train station and drops passengers off at the North Pole. Children share their wish list with Santa and have their photo taken with him too. You may take pictures with your personal camera or you may purchase a photo taken by Irvine Park Railroad. After visiting with Santa, hop back aboard the train and enjoy the colorful Christmas lights and decorations, as well as the magical “Tunnel of Lights,” on the ride back to Santa’s Village.

Daily. Train ride, $15. Activity tickets, $5. Book of 15 tickets, $60 ($15 savings). Activity tickets cannot be used to ride the Christmas Train. Parking, $3-7.

Aquarium of the Pacific Holiday Events 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach (562) 590-3100 Weekends, December 1-23: Aquarium Holidays features special holiday décor, a display of gingerbread houses, snow fall in the Great Hall, and the Aquarium’s costumed characters in their holiday outfits. Visitors can also enjoy shopping and a special holiday menu offered daily in Café Scuba.

On weekends, the Aquarium will have a snow play Lots More Fun at kidsguidemagazine.com

LONG BEACH TERRACE THEATER — DEC. 15, 16, 21, 22, 23

NOV 24–DEC 24 Charles Dickens’

Adapted by Jerry Patch Ages 6 & up. Children under 6 will not be admitted.

Hal Landon Jr. and the cast of A Christmas Carol. Photos: Henry DiRocco/Jim Cox

FEB 1–17

In this outrageously fun musical, Wilbur is different—he wears clothes and he likes it!

MAY 24–JUN 9

Ages

4+

This beloved classic about a stuffed rabbit who longs to be real has charmed families for decades.

scr.org • (714) 708-5555

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area, underwater shows with Santa Diver, children’s crafts, photo opportunities with Santa and holiday characters. Hanukkah storytelling with opportunities to play dreidel will be presented on December 1-2 and 8-9. A toy drive runs daily and supports the Long Beach Fire Department Spark of Love Toy Drive.

Adults (12+), $29.95; seniors (62+), $26.95; kids (3-11), $17.95; and free for children under age 3 and Aquarium members.

Bank of America Patrons Receive Free Admission to Museums December 1-2: Bank of America is helping its customers become “cultured” through their program “Museums on Us,” giving bank cardholders free admission to cultural venues in Southern California.

Photo ID and a valid Bank of America/Merrill Lynch credit or debit card must be presented. One free general admission limited to cardholder at participating institutions. Not to be combined with other offers.

Check website for participating museums.

Belmont Shore’s Annual Christmas Parade 2nd St., Long Beach (562) 434-3066 December 1: The Belmont Shore Christmas Parade takes place on East 2nd Street from Livingston Ave. to Bayshore Ave. and returns to Livingston Ave. Thousands line the street to watch the 100+ entries and more than a dozen marching bands. This year’s theme is “Parade of Lights.” Saturday, 6-9 p.m. Free to spectate.

Breakfast and Brunch with Santa in Lake Forest 28000 Rancho Pkwy., Lake Forest (949) 461-3450 December 1: Join Santa for a home-style cooked breakfast and brunch. There will be holiday melodies, cookie decorating, and story time with Santa. Be sure to invite your friends and family as Mrs. Claus and Santa’s elves will be on hand to join the fun! Saturday. Lake Forest Sports Park.

Breakfast with Santa at The Children’s Museum at La Habra 301 S. Euclid St., La Habra (562) 383-4236 December 1-2: He sees you when you’re sleeping, he knows when you’re coming to breakfast! Get your fill of holiday cheer and yummy treats as you make an ornament for your tree and pose for photos with jolly Santa Claus himself. After breakfast, guests are welcome to play in the museum too! Saturday and Sunday, 8:30, 9:45 and 11 a.m. Call for reservations.

Candy Caneland and Craft Faire in Buena Park 8150 Knott Ave., Buena Park (714) 562-3860 December 1: An annual holiday carnival with games and Santa, plus holiday craft and food booths. For parking, use free shuttle to and from Peak Park Pool, 7225 El Dorado Dr. Saturday, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Celebrating Nature at Tucker Wildlife Sanctuary 29322 Modjeska Canyon, Silverado (714) 649-2760 December 1: Join Tucker Wildlife Sanctuary for a guided geology walk, lemonade and cookies! $6/

14 Kidsguide HolidayGuide 2018

Lots More Fun at kidsguidemagazine.com

ORANGE COUNTY’S FESTIVAL BALLET THEATRE

DEC 8 — 24 ADD TO YOUR TICKETS

Sugar Plum & Cavalier:

Teresa Reichlen & Fabrice Calmels

Maria Kochetkova & Vitor Luiz

Tara Ghassemieh

Beckanne Sisk & Chase O’Connell

Sara Mearns & Jared Angle

New York City Ballet & Joffrey Ballet

San Francisco Ballet

Festival Ballet Theatre

Ballet West

New York City Ballet

tickets online 24/7 festivalballet.org | thebarclay.org | 949.854.4646

The Nutcracker The original story of The Nutcracker was written by E.T.A. Hoffman in 1816.

Alexandre Dumas rewrote the story to appeal to children in 1847.

By 1892, choreographer Marius Petipa asked Tchaikovsky to write music for the ballet.

In various interpretations, the story follows a young girl who receives a nutcracker as a Christmas present.

The Nutcracker comes to life as they journey to the Land of Sweets.

Inland Valley Classical Ballet in Temecula November 23-25: Friday, 7 p.m.; Saturday 2 p.m.; Sunday, 1 and 4 p.m. $20-24. Children under age 2 are free on adult lap. Must obtain a “Babes in Arms” ticket at the Ticket Office for entry into the theater.

Old Town Temecula Community Theater, 42051 Main St., Temecula. (866) 653-8696.

Westside Ballet in Santa Monica Select dates, November 24 - December 2: Saturday, November 24 and December 1; and Sunday, November 25 and December 2. Performances are at 1 and 5 p.m. $45. The Broad Stage, 1310 11th St., Santa Monica. (310) 828-2018.

Fun Fact In Germany, there is a folklore tradition based on the idea that nutcrackers protect your family and bring your home good luck. For this reason, nutcrackers were often given to children at Christmastime.

Bob Baker Marionette Theater in Pasadena Select dates, November 24 - December 30: Bob Baker’s Nutcracker is a guest production playing at The Carrie Hamilton Theatre at The Pasadena Playhouse. Let over 100 handcrafted puppets take you on an adventure through the wizardry of strings and into the enchanted world of the fantastic Nutcracker. Morning and afternoon performances; visit website for times. $20; under 2, free. Pasadena Playhouse, 39 S. El Molino Ave., (626) 356-7529.

Miami City Ballet in Los Angeles November 30 - December 2: Friday, November 30, 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, December 1 at 2 and 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, December 2 at 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. $34+. Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, 135 N. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. (213) 972-0711.

Los Angeles Youth Ballet in Glendale December 1-2: Los Angeles Ballet stays true to the traditions of the holiday story with some surprises! This production is set in 1912 Los Angeles.

Throughout the five scenes in two acts you will find hints and tastes of Southern California: a Spanishstyle home, calla lilies, bougainvillea, the snowy forests of the Sierras, Venice archways, a moonlit Pacific Ocean and more! $25+. Saturday, 6 p.m., Sunday, 2 p.m. Alex Theatre, 216 North Brand Blvd., Glendale. (818) 243-2539.

Ballet Etudes in Huntington Beach December 1-2 and 8-9: Saturday, December 1 and 8, 7 p.m.; Sunday, December 2 and 9, 2 p.m. $2030. Huntington Beach High School Theater, 1905 Main St., Huntington Beach. (714) 902-9423.

Inland Pacific Ballet in Rancho Cucamonga December 1-2 and 8-9: Saturday at 2 and 7:30 p.m.; Sunday at 2 p.m. $27+. Lewis Family Playhouse, 12505 Cultural Center Drive, Rancho Cucamonga.

Los Angeles Ballet Select dates, December 1-24: Special appearances by the Nutcracker cast of characters and Santa Claus at each performance. Ticket prices vary per venue.

See website for show times. Cerritos Center, November 24-25; Alex Theater, December 1-2; Dolby Theatre, December 8-9; Redondo Beach PAC, December 15-16; and Royce Hall, UCLA, December 22-24.

Festival Ballet Theatre in Newport Beach December 1: A special Nutcracker just for kids!

Enjoy a shortened, narrated version of the holiday Fun Fact The Nutcracker ballet is based on a story by E.T.A. Hoffman entitled “The Nutcracker and the Mouse King.” The original story is much darker than the ballet, featuring a battle between the Nutcracker and the Mouse King’s army and the backstory of how the prince was changed into a nutcracker.

16 Kidsguide HolidayGuide 2018

classic presented by Festival Ballet Theatre. Saturday, 2:30 p.m. and 4 p.m. Free; limited seating is first-come, first-served. Newport Beach Central Library Friends Room, 1000 Avocado Ave., Newport Beach. (949) 717-3800.

A Twisted Nutcracker in San Pedro December 1: PV’S Elite Dance Studio returns with a holiday favorite dance production, an alternative take on Tchaikovsky’s classic. This isn’t the Nutcracker you grew up with! Saturday, 2 p.m. $12-20.

Warner Grand Theatre, 478 W. 6th St., San Pedro.

(310) 548-2493.

The Hot Chocolate Nutcracker December 6-9: Thursday, December 6 at 7:30 p.m.; Friday, December 7 at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, December 8, at 1 and 7 p.m.; Sunday, December 9 at 2 p.m. $40-110. Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center. 1935 Manhattan Beach Blvd., Redondo Beach.

Fun Fact The composer Pytor Ilyich Tchaikovsky, was not as big of a fan of the score he composed as the audience is today. He believed that his composition for Sleeping Beauty was better.

Festival Ballet and Pacific Symphony in Costa Mesa December 8: A condensed 45-minute version of the Nutcracker created for kids ages 5-11. This annual favorite finishes with a grand finale sing-along and a jolly visit from Santa himself! Try a musical instrument, meet the performers and enjoy musical arts and crafts. Saturday, 10 and 11:30 a.m. $35+. Renee and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall. 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. (714) 755-5799.

American Pacific Ballet in Fullerton December 8-9: Saturday at 6 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. $20-30. Plummer Auditorium. 201 E. Chapman Ave., Fullerton.

Winter Fantasy and Nutcracker in Long Beach December 8-9: Saturday, performances at noon, 3 and 6 p.m.; Sunday, at noon and 3 p.m. $13-18. Millikan High School, 2800 Snowden Ave., Long Beach.

(562) 594-5818.

Lots More Fun at kidsguidemagazine.com

• Festival Ballet Theatre Presents The Nutcracker and Nutcracker Tea Party 4242 Campus Dr., Irvine (714) 962-5440 December 8-24: Create holiday memories for your family by sharing the magic of The Nutcracker. Perfect for all ages, Festival Ballet Theatre’s family-friendly production of the cherished holiday classic features superb, colorful scenery and dazzling costumes. Be swept away by Tchaikovsky’s iconic score as the Sugar Plum Fairy, heroine Clara, and a cast of hundreds take you on a magical journey to mystical lands. This fulllength traditional production features world-renowned guest artists, and exceptional young talent from across the Southland. Also, enjoy a pre-show Nutcracker Tea Party, before select performances, with tea, lemonade, finger sandwiches and sweet treats with Clara herself; champagne for the grown-ups as well. Clara will join in, and expect a special appearance by the Nutcracker Prince and his archenemy, the Mouse King, too. Photo opportunities and party favor for each guest included.

Additional ticket required; limited number available.

Visit their website for dates, times and ticket prices.

Family Night: Friday, December 14, 7 p.m. performance: save $10 per ticket when purchasing four or more tickets. See ad on page 15.

Fun Fact The Nutcracker is the most widely performed ballet in the world.

Laguna Dance Theatre in Mission Viejo December 13-16: Thursday and Friday, 7 p.m.; Saturday, 2 and 7 p.m.; Sunday, 1 and 6 p.m. $22-26.

Saddleback College McKinney Theater, 28000 Marguerite Pkwy., Mission Viejo. (949) 582-4656.

Moscow Ballet in Los Angeles December 14-15: Friday, 7 p.m. and Saturday 1 and 5 p.m. Tickets start at $33. The Wiltern Theatre, 3790 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles.

Maple Conservatory in Irvine December 14-16: Friday, 7 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 2 and 7 p.m. $28-33. Irvine Valley College Performing Arts Center, 1001 Cadence, Irvine. (888) 718-4253.

The Nouveau Chamber Ballet in Fullerton December 15 and 16: Saturday, 7:30 p.m.; and Sunday, 2 p.m. $28-35. Fullerton College Campus Theatre, 321 E. Chapman Ave., Fullerton. (714) 526-3862.

South Coast Ballet in Mission Viejo December 15-16: Saturday and Sunday, 2 and 6 p.m. $30. Capistrano Valley Performing Arts Center, 26301 Via Escolar, Mission Viejo. (949) 393-1460.

South Bay Ballet in Torrance December 15-16: Saturday and Sunday, 2 p.m.

Adults, $36; kids (12 and younger), $24. El Camino College Center for the Arts, 16007 Crenshaw Blvd., Torrance. (310) 329-5345.

Fun Fact The instrument used to make the unique twinkling sound you hear in “The Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy” is called a celesta.

California Dance Academy in Agoura Hills December 15-16: Saturday, 2 and 7 p.m.; and Sunday, 1 and 5:30 p.m. $22-37. Performing Arts Education Center, 28545 West Driver Ave., Agoura Hills.

(818) 347-9938.

Coast City Ballet in Huntington Beach December 21-22: Friday, 7 p.m.; and Saturday, 2 p.m. $24-27. Huntington Beach Historical Theater, 1905 Main St., Huntington Beach. (714) 963-9771.

• The Nutcracker at La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts December 22: This most beloved holiday classic comes to vibrant life in the acclaimed production from Santa Barbara’s State Street Ballet. The majestic sounds of Tchaikovsky’s legendary score are matched by sumptuous sets and costumes. Join young Clara on a magical adventure with her Nutcracker Prince, as she travels through the beautiful Land of the Snowflakes to meet the Sugar Plum Fairy in the Kingdom of Sweets. Humor, virtuosic dancing, and breathtaking choreography create a richly beautiful performance to delight audiences of all ages. Saturday, 2 and 7:30 p.m.

See ad on page 51.

The Nutcracker at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts December 14-23: Treat the whole family to this holiday tradition as the American Ballet Theatre returns its critically acclaimed production. Enjoy the sounds and movements of ballet and the enchantment of the holidays. Visit site for dates and times. Tickets start at $29. Segerstrom Hall, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. (714) 556-2787.

Southern California Dance Theatre in Downey December 22-23: Saturday, 7:30; and Sunday, 2:30 p.m. Tickets start at $35. Downey Theatre, 8435 Firestone Blvd., Downey.

Strong Studios Presents The Nutcracker in Huntington Beach December 15: Bring family and friends to an affordable show featuring seasoned dancers and local kids. Visit website for times and prices. 1905 Main St., Huntington Beach. (714) 404-0002.

Anaheim Ballet December 23: Sunday, 12:30-2:30 p.m., and 5:307:30 p.m. $25-$50. City National Grove of Anaheim, 2200 E. Katella Ave., Anaheim. (714) 712-2700.

Big Screen Nutcrackers at Regal Theaters December 23: From the Bolshoi Ballet in Moscow, to select Regal Theaters nationwide. Check the web for locations and times.

The Nutcracker by Studio Fusion in Huntington Beach December 20-22: Thursday - Saturday. Visit website for times. Huntington Beach Central Library, 7111 Talbert Ave., Huntington Beach.

(714) 596-7400.

The Nutcracker in Placentia December 9: Art of Dance and Ballet Academy presents its holiday show, The Nutcracker! Sunday, 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. $18-20. Valencia High School Auditorium, 1651 Valencia Ave., Placentia.

(714) 630-3323.

• Long Beach Ballet Presents The Nutcracker December 15-16 and 21-23: The 36th anniversary of Southern California’s most popular production of “The Nutcracker.” The Long Beach Ballet will once again present its trade-mark flying sleigh, amazing pyrotechnics, magical theatrical effects, full symphony orchestra and guest appearances by worldclass ballet stars. “Crammed with special effect, the familiar Long Beach Ballet version of “The Nutcracker” has nearly everything money can buy. Opulent, family-oriented holiday entertainment, seek no further!” Lewis Segal, Los Angeles Times. Matinee and evening performances. $34-78; VIP tickets, $115.

Group discounts are available. Long Beach Terrace Theater. See ad on page 13.

Lots More Fun at kidsguidemagazine.com

Kidsguide HolidayGuide 2018 17

person. Saturday, 10-11:30 a.m. Suitable for ages 10+. Limited space.

Chili Holiday Celebration at Splash!

13806 La Mirada Blvd., La Mirada (562) 902-3191 December 1: Santa will spread holiday cheer as guests enjoy live entertainment, crafts and games.

Free chili, hot dogs, warm drinks and cookies will be served. Keepsake photos with Santa and train rides will be available for a small fee. Families may also participate in the holiday wreath auction. Nonperishable food items and unwrapped toys will be collected to support local families in need. Saturday, 5-8 p.m.

Christmas in the Air at Temecula Theater 42051 Main St., Temecula (866) 653-8696 December 1-2: Enjoy this holiday favorite as the Southwest Women’s Chorus presents Christmas In the Air! Enjoy some familiar tunes, fun new ones, and beautiful classical pieces as well. These sing-alongs will get you in the holiday mood. Saturday, 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, 2 p.m. $12-20.

Christmas Tree Lighting in Laguna Niguel 30111 Crown Valley Pkwy., Laguna Niguel (949) 362-4351 December 1: Join the City of Laguna Niguel for a Christmas party to light the community tree in this magical ceremony! Crafts, sweets, and whimsical treats will be available in the land of snowflakes, candy canes, and sugar plum fairies. Santa will be there, so don’t forget your camera. Bring your loved ones and neighbors, family members, and friends; please leave your pets at home. Saturday, 5-7 p.m. Free.

Creation Station at Rancho Los Cerritos 4600 Virginia Road, Long Beach (562) 206-2040 December 1: Kids can drop in for an afternoon of fun! Create unique seasonal crafts and participate in engaging rancho-themed activities. Today’s theme is Gorgeous Green (Christmas). Saturday, 1-4 p.m. Free.

Cub Scouts Day at Storymakery in Irvine 825 Spectrum Center Drive, Irvine (949) 396-1840 December 1: Join this fun workshop where scouts will design their own characters, build stories, and engage in fun self-expression activities. Spark their imagination and show them how much fun creative writing can be! Each scout will go home with a storybook and a character poster. Saturday. $25. Check website for schedule.

• December at Pretend City 29 Hubble, Irvine (949) 428-3900 December 1-31: Come home for the “Holly Days” and together, give back to your community by collecting gifts for local families in need. December 2: Imagination Playground. December 2-10: Hooray for Hanukkah. December 12-23: Christmas Countdown.

December 17: Sensitive Santa Visit and Photo Opp. December 26-30: Kwanzaa Celebration. December 31: Annual Noon-Year’s Confetti Countdown. See ad on page 37.

18 Kidsguide HolidayGuide 2018

Festival of Trees in Yorba Linda 16850 Bastenchury Road, Yorba Linda (714) 986-2380 December 1: Free event for the entire family! Enjoy photos with Santa, a kids’ area, games and crafts, vendors and entertainment, plus delicious food trucks. Saturday, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Free. Eastern Star Foundation and Senior Living Community. ¡Fiesta Navideña! at the Museum of Latin American Art 628 Alamitos Ave., Long Beach (562) 437-1689 December 1: Celebrate the holidays at MOLAA and immerse yourself in classic Mexican Christmas traditions! Enjoy a live Pastorela performance, participate in activities and art workshops based non Las Posadas and savor traditional Mexican holiday snacks, like tamales, champurrado and much more. Peruse hand-made crafts created by local vendors and pick up gifts at the museum shop. Saturday, 2-7 p.m.

Free for adults with museum admission, members free, children under 12 free.

Fishing with Santa at Whittier Narrows 823 Lexington-Gallatin Road, South El Monte (916) 322-8911 December 1: Annual derbies provide an opportunity for kids (2-15) to enjoy fishing while competing for prizes and trophies. Saturday, 8 a.m. - noon; registration begins at 8 a.m. Free. Whittier Narrows Regional Park Lake.

Grinchmas at Universal Studios 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City (800) 864-8377 December 1-2, 8-9, 14-30: A grinchy-green “Grinchmas” returns to Universal Studios Hollywood with a Who-lebration fit for The Grinch. Universal Plaza will once again feature a towering 60-foot-tall whimsical Grinchmas tree as the ideal photo op for guests. The spirit of Grinchmas will also come to life aboard the world-famous, behind-the-scenes Studio Tour, with engaging performances by Who-ville Whos re-enacting popular scenes and songs from the blockbuster film, Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Included in the price of park admission.

Holiday Afloat Boat Parade at the USS Iowa 250 S. Harbor Blvd., San Pedro (877) 446-9261 December 1: Watch the Los Angeles Harbor Holiday Afloat boat parade sitting on the historic wood decks of Battleship Iowa. More than 60 vessels of all shapes and sizes will participate in this annual event including powerboats, sailboats, tall ships and harbor working craft. Santa Claus will make a visit along with carolers and holiday treats. There will also be cookies, hot cocoa, candy canes and much more.

Saturday, 6 p.m.

Holiday Celebration at The Autry 4700 Western Heritage Way, Los Angeles (323) 667-2000 December 1: Get into the holiday spirit with hot chocolate, cider, treats, live music, and a visit from

Santa Claus! Enjoy early Autry store access and an extra 10% discount. Members and their children and grandchildren are invited to meet and take their own photo with Santa Claus. 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Included with museum admission.

Holiday Lamplight Celebration at Heritage Square Museum 3800 Homer St., Los Angeles (323) 225-2700 December 1-2: This annual Holiday Lamplight Celebration immerses you in the spirit of the season!

Experience as the past becomes the present among the glow of Victorian homes. Reserved tours begin every 20 minutes beginning at 4 p.m. Advance reservations are required. Price includes admission to the Lamplight Celebration program and the festive wine and cheese reception with caroling and desserts. Adults, $45; children (6-12), $15; member adults, $40; member children (6-12), $12. Saturday - Sunday, 4-8 p.m.

Hot Wheels Garage Event in El Segundo 610 Lairport St., El Segundo December 1: Come see life-size Hot Wheels cars!

Race tracks, art projects, face painting, balloon artist, train rides, prizes and raffles. $3 ice cream sundaes at a 1950s-themed ice cream parlor. Saturday, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Free for kids 10 and under.

LA International Children’s Film Festival 5905 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles (323) 857-6000 December 1 and 2: The 14th annual festival will present full-length and short-animated, live-action and documentary films from around the world, for toddlers to teens. Filmmakers and actors will be present for question-and-answer sessions after each screening. Saturday and Sunday. Free. Los Angeles County Museum of Art. Merry-Achi Christmas at Cerritos Performing Arts Center 12700 Center Court Drive, Cerritos (562) 467-8819 December 1 and 2: Merry-Achi Christmas returns to the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts in a colorfully traditional Mexican holiday celebration filled with seasonal songs, dance, and festive merriment.

Saturday and Sunday, 7 p.m. and 2 p.m. $35-86.

Nature Hike at Caspers Wilderness Park 33401 Ortega Hwy., San Juan Capistrano (949) 923-2235 December 1-2, 9, 16, 23, 30: Join the park ranger for a one-mile nature hike in the beautiful Bell Canyon area of Caspers Wilderness Park. Hike lasts approximately one hour and is suitable for all ages.

Saturday and Sunday, 8-9:15 a.m. $5 per vehicle.

Meet at the Old Corral day use area.

• North Pole Pack at Golf N’ Stuff 10555 E. Firestone Blvd., Norwalk (562) 868-9956 December 1-31: With Golf N’ Stuff’s “North Pole Pack,” the kids can enjoy two full hours unlimited use of: go-karts, bumper boats, kiddie train and Disk’O Thrill ride. Plus, one round of miniature golf, and a cool cookie. All for just $21 per person (regularly $34; prices and hours subject to change without noLots More Fun at kidsguidemagazine.com

DECEMBER 13 TH - 22 ND, 2018 Journey to Christmas is sure to become a new holiday tradition to share with your loved ones.

The heartfelt and beloved music drives these captivating stories, each performed by a stage full of incredibly gifted singers, dancers and musicians.

Travel from heartwarming modern day family gatherings back to the very first Christmas, Journey to Christmas brings the story to life in a contemporary and theatrical style with beautifully projected imagery, stunning lighting, and of course a little Christmas magic.

FOR TICKETS AND MORE INFORMATION, VISIT MTOC.ORG OR CALL OUR INFORMATION LINE: (714) 637-0186 Performances held at the PYLUSD Performing Arts Center 1651 Valencia Ave, Placentia, CA 92870

tice). Park opens daily at 10 a.m.; they’re even open on Christmas Day at noon. See ad on page 29.

Indoor Playgrounds AdventurePlex Manhattan Beach. (310) 546-7708

BounceU Huntington Beach, (714) 892-4842. Orange, (714) 744-5867

host, set-up and clean-up, full color invitations, balloons, face painting and paper products. Upgrades can include food, drinks and goody bags. Perfect for birthday parties, team parties, field trips and more. And they didn’t forget about the parents—enjoy free Wi-Fi access while your kids are having a blast! See ad on page 21 for $2 off open play, and party package deals.

Frogg’s Bounce House Fountain Valley. (714) 418-0442

Silly Goose Playground Lomita. (310) 539-2792

Jump N’ Jammin Mission Viejo. (949) 582-5890

Twinkle Twinkle Kids Cafe Lomita. (310) 530-4535

Jumping Fun Kids Buena Park. (714) 787-4994

We Play Loud Lake Forest and Huntington Beach.

Jumper’s Jungle Gardena, Riverside, Santa Fe Spring and South Gate.

Trampoline Parks Big Air - Locations in Laguna Hills and Buena Park,. CircusTrix - Mission Viejo.

Kidz Town Lakewood. (562) 420-PLAY (7529)

GetAir - Huntington Beach, (714) 916-5815.

Sky Zone - Locations in Anaheim, Torrance and Westminster.

Billy Beez Anaheim. (657) 207-4841

Luv 2 Play Lake Forest. (949) 916-0877 Playland Cafe Irvine. (949) 829-2789 Pump it Up Anaheim Hills, Huntington Beach, Irvine, Lake Forest and Torrance.

Pumper Jumpers Fullerton. (714) 265-7121 Scooter’s Jungle Aliso Viejo, Placentia and El Segundo.

• Seascape Kids Fun 4771 E. Hunter Ave., Anaheim (714) 970-7100 Seascape Kids Fun offers open play and private party packages. Whether it’s a party for 10 guests, or 100, the three-stories arena is designed to fit parties and open-play for all ages. It has inflatable slides, an obstacle course, bouncer, 13 foam ball shooting air guns and a toddler section. Party packages can include themed play rooms, including Aquarium or Beach Ball, and different themes, such as Pajama Party! All packages include use of the private party dining room, party

Rockin’ Jump - Santa Ana, (714) 249-7676

Operation Santa Paws 2018 (562) 439-3316 December 1-21: An annual collection of pet toys, shelter supplies and treats that are delivered to shelter and rescue dogs and cats. Deliveries will be made on December 22 to animals in need. Visit their website for program details and drop-off locations.

Piecemakers Christmas Village in Costa Mesa 1720 Adams Ave., Costa Mesa (714) 641-3112 December 1: A whimsical holiday event in a quaint village setting, the fair features over 70 artists with the finest crafted treasures, antiques and collectibles, plus kids’ activities, stage entertainment and food booths. Saturday, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Free admission and parking.

Pomona Harvest Festival Art and Craft Show 1101 West McKinley Ave., Building 4, Pomona (925) 392-7300 December 1-2: Santa’s helpers take note! With strolling performers, contests, crafting demonstrations, and an interactive Kidzone, it’s a yuletide celebration for all ages. Adults, $9; kids (13-17), $4; kids 12 and under, free. Parking, $10. See website for times and details.

Ralph Breaks the Internet at the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood 6838 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood December 1-16: In Ralph Breaks the Internet, videogame bad guy Ralph and best friend Vanellope von Schweetz leave the comforts of Litwak’s arcade in an attempt to save her game, Sugar Rush. Their quest takes them to the vast, uncharted world of the internet where they rely on the citizens of the internet, the Netizens, to help navigate their way. Daily. $13+.

Redwood Grove Hike in Carbon Canyon Regional Park 4442 Carbon Canyon Road, Brea (714) 973-3160 December 1: Join OC Parks’ trained staff on an easy 1.1-mile hike to the park’s Coastal Redwood grove. You will use your five senses to engage with nature as you stroll to the redwoods. You will also have an opportunity to learn about native plants along the way. Saturday, 8:30-10:30 a.m. Free; parking, $5. Participants should remember water, sunscreen, hat and hiking shoes.

Reservations preferred; call or email carboncanyon@ ocparks.com. Meet at the Nature Center.

Tamale Festival in Indio Corner of Miles and Oasis, Indio (760) 832-8620, Ext. 46 December 1-2: Try all kinds of tasty tamales to start the holiday season, plus a carnival, parade, live music and entertainment, a car show and Kiddie Land activities. The event was ranked among the top 10 “All-American Food Festivals” in the nation by the Food Channel! Saturday, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Free admission. Downtown Indio.

The Smells of Winter at Kidspace 480 N. Arroyo Blvd., Pasadena (626) 449-9144

20 Kidsguide HolidayGuide 2018

Lots More Fun at kidsguidemagazine.com

Coupon valid at Seascape Kids Fun. Cannot combine with any other offers or discounts. Must book party by expiration date (does not need to be used by expiration). Must bring coupon when paying at the end of the party to receive discount. Expiration Date: 1/31/19

Coupon valid at Seascape Kids Fun. Cannot combine with any other offers or discounts. Good for up to 4 children. No charge for adults. Exp.1/31/19

4771 E. Hunter Ave. Anaheim, CA 92807 • (714) 970-7100 • www.seascapekidsfun.com

December 1-2: Especially designed for little learners age 5 and under! Enjoy the smells of winter by exploring sensory bins filled with yummy seasonal scents, such as evergreen, gingerbread, and peppermint. Saturday and Sunday, 10:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Tree Lighting Festivities in Fountain Valley 16400 Brookhurst St., Fountain Valley (714) 839-8611 December 1: Enjoy pictures with Santa, games, live entertainment, story time, crafts, a spectacular fireworks show, and much more! Food will be available for purchase to support local youth organizations.

Saturday, 4:30-8 p.m.; the tree will be lit between 5:30-5:45 p.m. Free to attend.

Tree Trimming Party in Huntington Beach 7111 Talbert, Huntington Beach (714) 375-5107 December 1: Join Huntington Beach Library’s annual tree decorating party. Kids also make an ornament and visit Santa during the event! Saturday, 10 a.m. - noon Tickets, $5. This event is very popular and could sell out.

Ugly Sweater Workshop at Fashion Camp in Tustin 2477 Park Ave., Tustin (714) 259-0946 December 1, 8 and 15: Kids (8+) can learn to hand sew a one-of-a-kind ugly holiday sweater for the season. All materials included. Saturday, 9-11 a.m. $32.

Victorian Christmas at the Banning Museum 401 E M St., Wilmington (310) 548-7777 December 1 and 2: Kick off the holiday season in grand style at the annual Victorian Christmas Celebration and Open House! Visitors will enjoy period entertainment, tours of the museum decorated in holiday splendor, refreshments, children’s craft, a blacksmith, a horse-drawn trolley ride between The Banning Museum and Drum Barracks Civil War Museum, as well as local food and craft vendors. Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Free admission, raffle tickets are $5.

Winter Celebration at Leonis Adobe Museum 23537 Calabasas Road, Calabasas (818) 222-6511 December 1: Join the Leonis Adobe Museum for the annual family-friendly Winter Celebration featuring holiday arts and crafts, live music, and more.

The grounds and house will be decked out in holiday cheer for all to see! Saturday, 2-5 p.m.

Winter Drop-in Crafts in Newport Beach 1000 Avocado Ave., Newport Beach (949) 717-3800 December 1: Keep little hands busy with fun winterthemed crafts for kids ages 3-8. Saturday, noon - 3 p.m. Free; no registration required. Newport Beach Public Library.

Winter Glow in Grand Park LA 200 N. Grand Ave., Los Angeles December 1-25: Grand Park’s Winter Glow is a new month-long, immersive nighttime art experience that will take over Grand Park in celebration of the 22 Kidsguide HolidayGuide 2018

holidays. Families will make new holiday memories strolling together through this 12-acre art, projection and light display, exhibit and installation, and experience the wonder of Grand Park lit up like never before. Familiar pathways will lead to exciting new discoveries as the latest in light and projection technology transforms spaces in the park. Daily. Free.

Winter Market in Fullerton Downtown Plaza, Fullerton (714) 738-6545 December 1: Enjoy live holiday entertainment, free pictures with Santa, holiday shopping at vendor and food booths, kids activities, beer and wine garden, and more. Bring a unwrapped toy to donate to Toys for Tots. Saturday, 12-4 p.m. Free admission. Fullerton Museum Center.

Winter Reading Challenge at Placentia Library 411 E. Chapman Ave., Placentia (714) 528-1906 December 1-31: How many books do you think you can read this winter? For each eligible item you checkout or download from the Placentia or Anaheim Libraries, they will give you a drawing ticket for a chance to win one of four fabulous prizes! The more you read the more chances you have to win. Take a little bit of time out of your busy holiday schedule to relax, have fun, learn and read! Ages 14+.

Winter-Break Crafts at the Mission San Juan Capistrano 26801 Ortega Hwy., San Juan Capistrano (949) 234-1315 Weekends, December 1-30: Kids enjoy special winter-break activities at the Mission, including panning for gold, adobe brick making and arrowhead necklace making. Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. $5 per craft or $10 for three crafts, in addition to admission.

A Faery Hunt’s a Mermaid’s Tail in Los Angeles 1000 Hanley Ave., Los Angeles December 2: A Faery Hunt shows are interactive performances designed for young audiences and families to inspire creativity, imaginations and fun.

Auntie Angelica takes the audience on a gentle adventure to help Mermaid LiBan back to the ocean to find her tail! With the help of the audience, the faeries, and Pirate Scrappy’s map of hidden treasures, go on a musical adventure filled with a treasure hunt, fun, laughs and surprises. Costumes encouraged.

Sunday, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Tickets $15, see website for ticket purchase. Crestwood Hills Park.

Caring Santa at Brea Mall 1065 Brea Mall, Brea (714) 990-2732 December 2: Caring Santa provides a subdued and welcoming environment for children with special needs and their families. Sunday, 9-10:30 a.m.

Caring Santa at Shops at Mission Viejo 555 The Shops at Mission Viejo, Mission Viejo (949) 364-1832 December 2: Kids with special needs join a special

time, before the mall opens, to meet Santa. Sunday, 9-10:30 a.m. Register on their website.

Caring Santa at the Del Amo Fashion Center 3525 West Carson St., Torrance (310) 542-8525 December 2: Caring Santa provides a subdued and welcoming environment for children with special needs and their families. Free. Reserve your spot online. Sunday, 9:30-11 a.m.

Chanukah Story Time and Menorah Lighting in Huntington Beach 14401 Willow Lane, Huntington Beach (714) 863-0757 December 2 and 4: Join the Hebrew Academy for Chanukah Story Time and a Menorah Lighting! Menorah Lighting on Sunday, December 2, 4 p.m. at the Citibank Parking Lot. 5354 East 2nd St., Long Beach.

Story Time on Tuesday, December 4, 7 p.m. at the Huntington Beach Central Library, 7111 Talbert Ave., Huntington Beach.

CicLAvia in Los Angeles (213) 355-8500 December 2: Get ready for CicLAvia’s annual Heart of LA Route on Sunday, December 2 as CicLAvia returns to Chinatown, DTLA, and Boyle Heights! Streets will be closed to cars and open for cyclists, pedestrians, runners and skaters to use as a recreational space. Visit website for route information. Sunday, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Free.

Corona del Mar Christmas Walk 2855 E. Coast Hwy., Corona del Mar (949) 673-4050 December 2: The Corona del Mar Chamber of Commerce presents the community’s most popular event of the year. A special event filled with holiday festivities for family, friends, residents and visitors looking for a spectacular way to ring in the holiday season.

Each year “The Walk” brings together thousands of fun-loving people into the village of Corona del Mar for live entertainment, food, prizes and games in true holiday spirit. Sunday, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Free.

Family Christmas Concerts at Nixon Library 18001 Yorba Linda Blvd., Yorba Linda (714) 993-5075 December 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30: At the Nixon Library, concerts are held all year-round on Sundays, and are free and open to the public. Bring the whole clan and enjoy holiday favorites. December 2: Placentia Community Chorus Christmas Concert. December 9: Kid Singers Annual Christmas Concert, East Room, 12:30 p.m. December 16: Green/Orozco Family Annual Christmas Concert. December 23: Orange County Cello Ensemble. December 30: To be announced.

Feeling the Holiday Spirit Concert at Los Altos United Methodist Church 5950 E. Willow St., Long Beach December 2: The Southern California Brass Consortium presents an evening of new works and holiday classics. Sunday, 4 p.m. $25.

Hanukkah Celebration at Farmers Market LA 3rd St. and Fairfax Ave., Los Angeles December 2: Celebrate Hanukkah with the lighting Lots More Fun at kidsguidemagazine.com

of a giant Lego menorah, music, and arts and crafts!

Sunday, 2:30 p.m. Free.

Tubing & Sledding • Alpine Slide and Snow Play 800 Wildrose Lane, Big Bear Lake (909) 866-4626 Late November - March: Enjoy tubing and snow play, plus take a chairlift ride to the top of the Alpine Slide. Here, riders navigate their own individually controlled sleds, each with teflon runners and ball-bearing wheels, down their choice of two quarter-mile long cement tracks filled with highbanked turns and long straightaways. Go-karts and mini-golf are also offered. Enjoy beautiful views of Big Bear Lake on the new Soaring Eagle attraction. Check website for seasonal dates and operating times, including Christmas Day. Tubing: $35 per session. Children 36”-42” tall, $20 with a paying adult and must ride with the adult. Daily, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. or Night Sessions (Friday, Saturday and holiday nights), 5-9 p.m. Alpine Slide: $6, single ride; $25, five-ride book. Soaring Eagle: $12 per person, 42” minimum height.

• Big Bear Snow Play 42825 Big Bear Blvd., Big Bear Lake (909) 585-0075 Late-November through Easter: Day and night “glow” tubing at Big Bear Snow Play. Daily, 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. Glow-in-the-dark night sessions, 5-9 p.m., Friday, Saturday and holiday periods.

Christmas Eve, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Christmas Day, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. $35 per person, per session.

Children between 36-42 inches are $20 with paying adult. See ad on page 29.

Mt. Baldy Tubing Park 8401 Mt. Baldy Road, Mt. Baldy (909) 982-0800 Tubing packages include a round-trip scenic lift ride on the Sugar Pine chairlift and a 90-minute tubing session. The park is located at the top of

the Sugar Pine Chair Lift. It will take no less than one hour to park, check in and ride the lift to the top. Tickets can be purchased online.

• North Pole Tubing Park at Mountain High (888) 754-7878 New this season, Mountain High Resort in Wrightwood, CA, is unveiling two new Yeti Snow Parks, each with tubing, snow play, and grabn-go lessons. Mountain High is Southern California’s “gateway to winter” and each of these zones serve as an introduction to snow sports with a direct conduit to alpine skiing and snowboarding. Guests can slide down 15+ lanes in the tubing park, meet the Yeti and friends in the snow play area, or get a taste of skiing and snowboarding in the start park where roving instructors are waiting to help. Each lesson participant receives a Bounce Back coupon to save on a future lesson. Yeti’s Snow Parks are located at both the East and North Resorts, and open weekends and holidays from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Tickets are $30 for tubing, $20 for snowplay, $25 for ski/snowboard introductions, or $59 for all three. Future activities include ice skating, a snow climbing wall, the Yeti’s cave, and scenic sky chair rides. To learn more about the Yeti’s Snow Parks at Mountain High visit www.tinyurl. com/YetiSnowParks. See ad on page 25.

Snow Drift Tubing Park (909) 867-2640 Snowy slopes for downhill rides on individual snow tubes specially designed with a belly strap and handles. Beginner, intermediate and advanced slopes available. Check website for hours and pricing. Highway 18, four miles past Running Springs.

Snow Los Angeles at Elysian Park 1199 Scott Ave., Los Angeles Through December 30: LA’s first tubing park has over 10,000 square feet of snow tubing lanes.

Hop on a tube and fly through archways, decorated trees and falling snow. Stop for a snow globe photo op, and enjoy the all new Winter Skating Rink and animated penguin light path, plus food trucks and drinks. Dates and times vary, see website for details. $12+; free parking.

Snow Valley Snow Play (909) 867-2751 Snow Play offers lift-served sledding, Fridays Sundays and holiday periods. Other days sledders walk up the hill. Sleds are always included, as are downhill sled rides. Accessories such as snow boots, gloves and waterproof pants are available.

Rates for non-lift service, $11-19; lift service, $16-37. Visit website for hours.

Hanukkah Family Festival at Skirball 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles (310) 440-4500 December 2: This celebration of the ancient Jewish festival of light explores the themes of justice, courage, and persistence at the core of the Hanukkah story and the current exhibition Notorious RBG: The Life and Times of Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Activities include performances, hands-on workshops, storytelling, and more. Adults, $12; kids (2-12), $7; free for members and kids under age 2. Advance tickets recommended. Sunday, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Holiday Parade and Pier Lighting in Huntington Beach 325 Pacific Coast Hwy., Huntington Beach (714) 960-9276 December 2: The Light a Light of Love holiday parade is an annual tradition that features a children’s parade filled with community spirit and love. Parade participants include youth groups, a band, several classic cars and Santa and Mrs. Santa Claus on a Huntington Beach Fire Engine. The parade will start at Orange and Main Street, continue down Main Street, and will end at Pier Plaza, next to the Huntington Beach Pier. In addition to the children’s parade, activities include entertainment at Pier Plaza, a Taste of Main Street, and a snowflake lighting ceremony at the pier. Light A Light of Love benefits the Huntington Beach Youth Shelter. Sunday, 3:307 p.m. Free.

• Hooray for Hanukkah at Pretend City Children’s Museum 29 Hubble, Irvine (949) 428-3900 December 2-10: Celebrate Hanukkah at Pretend City. Your child will love these rich and diverse activities about the Hanukkah miracle and the importance of many of the traditions of the holiday. Have fun learning about this wonderful holiday through games, finger-play rhymes, art projects and activities. Daily, visit their website for schedule. Free with admission; reservation not required. See ad on page 37.

Menorah Lighting in Newport Beach 401 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach (949) 721-2000 December 2: Celebrate Chanukah at Fashion Island with singing and festive traditions! Sunday, 5:307:30 p.m. Free. Atrium Garden Courtyard.

Over and Under the Snow at the Norton Simon Museum 411 Colorado Blvd., Pasadena (626) 449-6840 December 2 and 16: Explore the path over the snow where a young girl and her father ski, and discover the secret kingdom under the snow where beavers gnaw and bullfrogs snooze. Look at Van Gogh’s Winter (The Vicarage Garden under Snow), and draw what you might find underneath the snowy garden! Free with admission. This activity is designed for families with children ages 4-8. Meets in Entrance Gallery. No reservations needed. Sunday, 2-3 p.m.

Lots More Fun at kidsguidemagazine.com

YETI FOR WINTER?

 TUBING  SNOW PLAY  INTRODUCTORY LESSONS Treat your kids to a winter adventure at Mountain High’s new Yeti Snow Park. Slide down 10+ lanes in the tubing park, meet the Yeti & friends in the snow play area,or get a taste of skiing and snowboarding in the “start park” where roving instructors are waiting to help. Mountain High is your gateway to winter, just an hour and a half from downtown Los Angeles with no mountain driving.

Open weekends and holidays from 8:30am-5:00pm.

Pet Photos with Santa at The Shops of Montebello 2134 Montebello Town Center, Montebello (323) 722-8454 December 2 and 9: Bring your furry friend for photos with Santa on either Sunday, 7:30-8:30 p.m.

Santa and the Polar Express at Lomita Railroad Museum 2137 W. 250th St., Lomita (310) 326-6255 December 2: Visit with Santa and enjoy a special reading of The Polar Express at the Lomita Railroad Museum. Bring the entire family—there will be lots of activities for the kids and a free photo with Santa!

Sunday, noon - 4 p.m. $15 per family (up to 6).

Santa’s Breakfast at Parker’s Lighthouse in Long Beach 435 Shoreline Village Drive, Long Beach (562) 432-6500 December 2: Santa arrives by yacht and will be available to talk and take pictures with kids. The Long Beach community can help support the patients by attending Santa’s Breakfast with the proceeds benefitting Miller Children’s Hospital, specifically the Child Life Department. Saturday, 8-11 a.m. Adults, $10; kids (12 and under), $7. Breakfast includes bacon, eggs, potatoes, muffins, coffee, tea and orange juice.

Reservation required by phone.

Sensitive Santa at the Westminster Mall 1025 Westminster Mall, Westminster (714) 898-2559 December 2-3: Westminster Mall set aside a special time with Santa for children needing more time and those with special needs. See website for details.

• Story Pirates Greatest Hits! in La Mirada 14900 La Mirada Blvd., La Mirada (562- 944-9801 December 2: The Story Pirates aren’t your typical swashbuckling sailors. They don’t steal gold, pillage villages, or claim land; they’re searching for a different kind of treasure: kids’ wildest, most imaginative stories. Based entirely on stories written by elementary-school students, part of the show is made up on-the-spot by kids (4+) in the audience. Sunday, 1 and 3:30 p.m. $12; or subscribe to all three of La Mirada Theatre’s Programs for Young Audiences shows for just $27. See ad on page 51.

Southern California Children’s Chorus Holiday Concert 600 St. Andrews Road, Newport Beach (949) 250-9114 December 2: Enjoy the Southern California Children’s Chorus as they perform their Christmas concert “Christmas Around The World.” Sunday, 4:30-6:30 p.m. Reserve tickets online. St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church.

Tree Lighting and Candlelight Choir in Orange 1 Plaza Square, Orange (714) 288-2451 December 2: Sing traditional carols of the season with the Orange Community Master Chorale led by musical director Michael Short. Local non-profit groups will provide delicious food and youth activities for a nominal charge.

26 Kidsguide HolidayGuide 2018

Tuba Christmas in LA 6300 Forest Lawn Drive, Hollywood Hills December 2: Hear traditional Christmas songs played by seasoned tuba players of all ages. Sunday, 7 p.m. Free. Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills.

Victorian Christmas at the Bembridge House in Long Beach 953 Park Circle, Long Beach Tuesdays and Saturdays, December 2-22: Rediscover the magic of an olde-tyme Christmas. Experience a family-friendly celebration focused on holiday traditions in this lovingly decorated historic house. 1-3 p.m. $15-20. RSVP required. See website for tickets.

Winter Solstice Festival at Bowers Kidseum 2002 N. Main St., Santa Ana (714) 550-0906 December 2: Start off the festive month of December by celebrating with some international holiday traditions. Mexico’s Posadas, Kwanzaa, and Chanukah. Face painting, art projects, a special sweet treat and exciting performances by Raices de Mexico Folklorico, 3rd Degree Blues, and from New York City, Isle of Klezbos, all female klezmer band. Sunday, 11 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Free festival. General admission to Bowers Museum is free on Festival Sundays for members and Santa Ana residents only.

Winter Wonderland at the Irvine Civic Center 1 Civic Center Plaza, Irvine (949) 724-6606 December 2: Celebrate winter as “snow” falls over the Irvine Civic Center and the community gathers for games, crafts, entertainment, food, and a tree-lighting ceremony. The City’s signature holiday event includes a Joyful Jingles holiday concert and visit from Santa Claus. Sunday, 3-7 p.m. Admission is free.

Tree Lighting Ceremony and Community Sing at Civic Center Sunken Gardens 8200 Westminster Blvd., Westminster (714) 895-2860 December 3: Join Westminster for this annual holiday tree lighting ceremony. There will be a tree lighting, caroling, restocking “food closets” for the needy, and of course...a visit from Santa Claus himself!

Monday, 6:30 p.m.

Cypress Holiday Sing and Tree Lighting (714) 229-6780 December 4: Cypress Recreation sponsors this event featuring a tree lighting, school performances, train rides, visits with Santa, refreshments and more.

Tuesday, 6 p.m. Free. Civic Center Green.

Free Family Night at Kidspace in Pasadena 480 N. Arroyo Blvd., Pasadena (626) 449-9144 December 4: Celebrate the winter solstice traditions from around the world at Kidspace. Participate in winter ice experiments, make and learn how to play dreidel, participate in Las Posadas, and more!

Don’t miss a special cultural performance at 6 p.m.

Tuesday. Free.

Little Naturalists Story Time at Environmental Nature Center 1601 E. 16th St., Newport Beach (949) 645-8489 December 4 and 14: Little Naturalist programs are outdoor experiential education classes designed for 3-5 year olds and their adult guardians. Read a story and enjoy a fun activity to enrich physical and cognitive skills. 9:30-10:30 a.m. $5-8, preregistration required. December 4: One Bear Lost, children will make their own bear masks and play a hibernation game. December 14: The Mitten, children learn how animals keep warm and build their own critters.

Beauty and the Beast: A Christmas Rose in Laguna Beach 606 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach (949) 497-2787 Select dates, December 5-30: This modern version of the classic fairytale, Lythgoe Family Panto’s Beauty and the Beast: A Christmas Rose brings all the magic of the traditional British family Holiday Panto to American audiences. In this interactive experience, the audience is encouraged to cheer for Belle, boo for Gus and sing along with popular songs such as the BeeGees’ “Staying Alive,” The Chainsmokers and Coldplay’s “Something Just Like This,” and Edith Piaf’s “La Vie En Rose.” Directed by Tony-nominated Sheldon Epps, and choreographed by La La Land’s Mandy Moore, Beauty and the Beast: A Christmas Rose is sure to delight children of all ages! Dates and times vary, see website for details. $41-76. The Laguna Playhouse.

• Santa Visits at Pretend City Children’s Museum 29 Hubble, Irvine (949) 428-3900 December 5: Meet Saint Nick, tell him your holiday wishes, and sit on his lap for a photo! Wednesday, 9:30-11:30 a.m. Free with admission; no reservation required. See ad on page 37.

Snow White in Laguna 25555 Alicia Pkwy., Laguna Hills (949) 297-6257 December 5: Join actors (6-13) from Creative Kids Playhouse for this performance of Snow White.

Wednesday, 5 and 7 p.m. $5 at the door. Laguna Hills Community Center.

Success with Resistant, Unmotivated, and Disruptive Kids in Fullerton 340 W. Commonwealth Ave., Fullerton (800) 338-4065 December 5: Parents and teachers can join Dr. Charles Fay from the 40-year-old Love and Logic Institute to learn how to build cooperative relationships with resistant kids and tips for dealing with youth who argue, manipulate and constantly try to control others. He’ll also present strategies for staying sane with kids who constantly test limits. Wednesday, 8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. $109; college credit available. Fullerton Community Center.

Tamale Festival and Las Posadas in Placentia 100-200 Santa Fe Ave., Placentia December 5: The Placentia Tamale Festival and Las Posadas is a family-friendly day of free fun for all! An Orange County original celebration, the fest invites you to enjoy delicious tamales and perhaps even take Lots More Fun at kidsguidemagazine.com

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ments, children’s activities, a visit by Santa and Mrs. Claus, and an unforgettable tree lighting ceremony.

Unlimited snow slide rides for $5. Food will be available for purchase. Saturday, 4-8 p.m. Village Green Park.

Snow Days Here’s your chance to enjoy snow in the city. Bring your hat and mittens to these special events that offer snow sliding, snowman making and much more. Also see “Tubing and Sledding” on page 24 for mountain snow play.

Winter Village Festival in Sierra Madre November 24: Start your holiday shopping in the quaint village of Sierra Madre, with arts and crafts, music, snow sledding, horse-drawn carriage rides, a visit from Santa, and a giant Christmas tree. Saturday, noon - 9 p.m. Free admission. Downtown Sierra Madre.

Christmas at Mission San Juan Capistrano 26801 Ortega Hwy., San Juan Capistrano (949) 234-1300 December 1: Celebrate the holidays with Mission San Juan Capistrano! Held in conjunction with the City of San Juan Capistrano’s annual tree lighting ceremony and community-wide holiday celebration, the event features snow play, carolers, choirs, “merry-achi” music, visits with Father Christmas, cookie decorating for kids, handcrafted gifts and seasonal delicacies. Saturday, 5:30-8 p.m. Adults and kids, $7; kids under 3 are free.

SnowFest and Tree Lighting Ceremony 12700 Norwalk Blvd., Norwalk (562) 929-5702 December 1: Bring the entire family as the City of Norwalk transforms the City Hall Lawn into a SnowFest filled with snow slides, a snow play area, game booths, a holiday train ride, craft tents, face painting, and more! Local entertainers will perform on stage throughout the day. There will also be food available for purchase. Ring in the holiday season by attending the lighting of the new 30-foot Christmas tree!

Saturday, noon - 8 p.m. Free admission. Norwalk City Hall Lawn.

Winter in the Grove 12732 Main St., Garden Grove (714) 741-5200 December 1: Starting this year, the best of Winterfest and Christmas Tree Lighting holiday celebrations are coming together into one exciting new event— Winter in the Grove! Enjoy free seasonal refresh-

28 Kidsguide HolidayGuide 2018

Winter Wonderland at the Plaza in Los Alamitos 10961 Reagan St., Los Alamitos (562) 430-1073 December 1: Take part in a community event at the St. Isidore Historical Plaza, featuring a snow play area, activities, Santa’s Village, a tree lighting ceremony, refreshments and entertainment. Saturday, 4-7:30 p.m. Free.

Snow Wonderland in Anaheim 1440 S. Anaheim Blvd., Anaheim (714) 999-0888 December 2: Get into the holiday spirit and play in the snow! The Anaheim Marketplace will have over 25 tons of snow for families to play in. There will be live entertainment, free hot chocolate, crafts and giveaways. Sunday, noon - 4 p.m.

Tree Lighting Ceremony in Downey 11111 Brookshire Ave., Downey (562) 904-7284 December 3: Join a tree lighting ceremony with entertainment, a snow play area, arts and crafts, and photos with Santa. Monday, 6-8:30 p.m.; lighting at 6:30 p.m. Downey Civic Center.

Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony in Bellflower 16559 Bellflower Blvd., Bellflower (562) 804-1424, Ext. 2261 December 7: Join in the festivities as the City of Bellflower lights their holiday tree. Santa Claus will arrive during the event and meet with children oneon-one to take their holiday wishes. Plus, a rink for scooters and skates (children are encouraged to wear a helmet to enter the rink), holiday crafts, and a new area for snow sledding. Refreshments will be served. Friday, 6:30 p.m. Friendship Square.

December 26-30: Play in snow, build your own snowman friend, perfect your snowball making skills, and make snow angels. Continue to celebrate the season with live performances each day, winterthemed art, and the science of snow. Break out your mittens, boots, and snow hat for a day of winter wonderland fun! Wednesday - Sunday. Included with museum admission.

Winter Fest OC in Costa Mesa 88 Fair Dr., Costa Mesa December 20 - January 6: Winter Fest is coming to town, blowing tons of family fun into the OC Fair and Event Center. Winter Fest is a giant wonderland of immersive wintry fun, featuring a full outdoor ice rink, 130-foot, six-lane Snowflake Summit ice slide, a play park featuring real snow blown in daily for snow angels and snowman building, photos on the world’s largest rocking horse, strolling carolers and personal visits in the cabin of Mr. and Mrs. Claus.

A Festival of Lights walk-through holiday light show features more than two million sparkling lights. Daily, check the website for times. $17-30.

Snow Day in Fullerton 1700 N. Harbor Blvd., Fullerton January 27: Tons of frosty snow will be delivered to the park to enable youngsters to sled, make snow people, and have old-fashioned snowball battles.

Children are advised to wear warm clothes and gloves. Saturday, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Space is limited to 900, early registration is recommended. Advance registration fee: $15 for Fullerton residents, $18 for non-residents. Day of the event admission will be $18 for Fullerton residents, $21 non-residents. Kids under 2 admitted for free. Brea Dam Park.

Nutcracker Holiday Village and Tree Lighting in Anaheim 205 W. Center St. Promenade, Anaheim (714) 956-3586 December 8: Ring in the holidays with a tree lighting celebration! Free pictures with Santa, plus free snow play area, free kids’ crafts, free train rides and family music show. Bring your mittens, boots and camera. Saturday, 5 p.m. - 2 a.m.

Downtown Anaheim, Center Street Promenade.

Winter in Willmore at Drake Park 951 Maine Ave., Long Beach (562) 659-9455 December 15: Enjoy sledding and snow play, holiday lights, treats, crafts and pictures with Santa!

Families can also decorate their very own gingerbread houses. See website for details.

Snow Days at Kidspace Museum 480 N. Arroyo Blvd., Pasadena (626) 449-9144

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Kidsguide HolidayGuide 2018 29

December 6: Join the City of Stanton for a tree lighting with entertainment. Plus, photos with Santa.

Thursday, 6-7:30 p.m.

Tickets Only $14-24 Make This Your Holiday Tradition

December 7-23

Thurs, Fri and Sat at 8pm Sunday at 2pm (562) 494-1014 • lbplayhouse.org 5021 E. Anaheim St., Long Beach

some home. Take in the Las Posadas procession, meet Santa Claus with the kids, and see the holiday tree lighting. Wednesday, 4-9:30 p.m. Free to attend.

Old Town Placentia.

Candle Craft at Zimmer Children’s Museum 6505 Wilshire Blvd., #100, Los Angeles (323) 761-8984 December 6: This month, cultures around the world celebrate the winter season by lighting candles to bring light to the short days and long nights. Some families celebrate with a Hanukkah menorah, a Kwanza Kinara, or an Advent Wreath, and all of these wonderful traditions need candles to bring them to life! Join this event in the art room to make candles in honor of the holiday season. Thursday, 3-4 p.m. Admission cost: adults $7.50; children 1-17 $7.50; children under 1 are free.

Christmas Blvd. 2018 in Fullerton 2801 Brea Blvd., Fullerton December 6-9: Christmas Blvd. is a popular, familyoriented Christmas experience that is returning to North Orange County this year! Join an evening filled with holiday festivities, food and fun. Thursday - Sunday, 4-9 p.m. EvFree Church of Fullerton.

Christmas Tree Lightning Ceremony at Stanton Central Park 10660 Western Ave., Stanton (714) 890-4268

30 Kidsguide HolidayGuide 2018

• The Magic of Christmas Starring The Young Americans at La Mirada Theatre 14900 La Mirada Blvd., La Mirada (562) 944-9801 Select dates, December 6-16: The 250 Young Americans cast members come together to turn La Mirada Theatre into a winter wonderland and bring holiday cheer to theatre-goers of all ages. The Magic of Christmas features state-of-the-art 45-foot LED walls, over 6,000 costumes and 30 festive scene changes. Creatively produced and choreographed, these “fun for the whole family” musical numbers range from hip-hopping penguins, dancing Santas, and The Nutcracker Suite, to Toyland, The Polar Express and Christmas choral music including Handel’s Messiah. Dates and times vary, see website for details. Tickets start at $23. See ad on page 51.

Up Up and Away Kids Consignment Sale 630 El Camino Real, Tustin (714) 497-0199 December 6-9: Families can save money and make money at the same time. Consignors earn top dollar for their items while buyers save a ton of money purchasing name brand, new and nearly new items (clothing, toys, strollers, highchairs, etc.) at less than half the cost of department stores. They are not a store open year round, instead they hold huge fourday events. You do not need to be a consignor to attend and purchase items. Thursday, 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.; and Sunday, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Free to attend, visit their website for more information about consigning, shopping or volunteering.

Winter Sale at Valley Kids Consignment in San Fernando Valley 18425-A Nordhoff St., Northridge December 6: Check out items for newborns to juniors, including toys, strollers, books, ride-on toys, furniture, clothes, Pack N Plays, backpacks, shoes, maternity, and more. Register online to sell. Thursday. See website for details.

LeAnn Rimes Holiday Concert at Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts 18000 Park Plaza Drive, Cerritos (562) 916-8500 December 7: With more than 37 million albums sold, Country singer LeAnn Rimes has won two Grammy Awards and numerous Billboard and Academy of Country Music Award honors. Rimes delivers her all-time hits and seasonal favorites in this holiday concert. $55-90. Friday, 8 p.m.

‘Tis the Season Holiday Party in Pasadena 459 E Colorado Blvd., Pasadena December 7: The winter season is all about familyfriendly holiday fun! Celebrate with little ones with a memorable princess story time from Lythgoe Family Panto in celebration of their holiday production, The Wonderful Winter of Oz’! Enjoy unique crafts, handson activities, and get some holiday shopping done at the That’s Darling! boutique. Friday, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. $8/per person. Kids under 1 are free. Southern California Children’s Museum.

A Charlie Brown Christmas in Anaheim Chance Theater, 5522 E. La Palma Ave., Anaheim (714) 777-3033 Select dates, December 7-23: 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. A Charlie Brown Christmas is a present the whole family can enjoy! Visit website for dates and times. $30+.

• A Christmas Carol at Long Beach Playhouse 5021 E. Anaheim St., Long Beach (562) 494-1014 Select dates, December 7-23: For nearly 170 years, Bob Cratchit, Tiny Tim, Ebenezer Scrooge and the ghosts of Christmas past, present and future have reminded us that even the most miserly can find redemption in kindness and generosity toward others. This year the Long Beach Playhouse brings Dickens’ story to life in its Mainstage Theater. Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 8 p.m.; and Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets, $14-24. See ad on this page.

Aladdin in Long Beach 3341 E. 59th St., Long Beach (323) 920-5069 December 7-8, 9 and 14-16: Based on the Disney movie, this play tells a story about a “diamond in the rough” street rat who learns that his true worth lies deep within. Wanting to earn the respect of the princess, Jasmine, Aladdin embarks on an adventure that will test his will and his moral character. December 7, 8, 14, and 15 at 7 p.m.; December 9 and 16 at 3 p.m. $8. Act Out Theatre.

American Girl Welcomes Santa in LA 189 The Grove Drive, Los Angeles (877) 247-5223 December 7, 14 and 16: Share a holiday experience that includes a jolly “ho-ho-ho!” Santa is coming to the store. The perfect photo opportunity! This festive event includes one 5x7 keepsake photo per girl, a delicious meal, a fun holiday card craft, and a wish-themed activity for your girl to enjoy. Recommended for girls, ages 3 and up. Friday, 5:45-7 p.m.

Sunday, 8:30-10 a.m. $25 per person; reservations required.

• Boat Parade of Lights in Dana Point Harbor December 7, 8, 14 and 15: Celebrate the holiday season at the spectacular 44th annual Boat Parade of Lights at Dana Point Harbor! Enjoy a holiday extravaganza throughout the harbor each night that features carolers, trick ropers, games, crafts, free photos with Santa, and culminates with the Boat Parade. Festivities begin at 4:30 p.m., “A Western Wonderland” Boat Parade starts at 7:30 p.m. Trolley service will be available from 3:30-10:30 p.m. See ad on page 4.

Breakfast with Santa in Newport Beach 6401 San Joaquin Hills Road, Newport Beach (949) 270-8100 December 7: Join a fun breakfast with Santa, plus crafts and photos. Friday, 9:30-11 a.m. $15 per person; kids (2 and under), free. Preregistration required. Newport Coast Community Center.

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Candlelight Walks at Heritage Hill 25151 Serrano Road, Lake Forest (949) 923-2230 December 7: Experience the historic park in a unique, once-a-year opportunity during Heritage Hill’s Candlelight Tours. More than 1,000 luminarias will light the park’s pathways as strolling carolers and musicians fill the air with music. Friday, 5:30-8:30 p.m. $5 per person, under the age of 3 is free.

Christmas Melodrama and Ice Cream Social at Orange Coast College 2701 Fairview Road, Costa Mesa (714) 432-5880 December 7-9 and 14-16: The Orange Coast College Drama Department presents an old-fashioned Christmas melodrama and ice cream social. Boo the villain, cheer the hero and enjoy an ice cream treat during this fun family sing-along. Dates and times vary, see website for ticket information. $5-10. Orange Coast College Drama Lab Theatre.

Christmas Prince of Peace Pageant in Long Beach December 7-9: The Prince of Peace Pageant is a candlelit outdoor walk sponsored by six churches with displays telling the story of Christmas, complete with actors and live animals. Follow the path through many nativity scenes. Delightful singers, musicians, chimes and handbells complete the joyous celebration. Friday - Sunday, 7:30-9 p.m. Performances and refreshments are free for all. 5500 block of Wardlow Road between Bellflower Blvd. and Woodruff Ave. Christmas Tree Lighting in Mission Viejo 27741 Crown Valley Pkwy., Mission Viejo December 7: Ring in the holiday cheer with a festive Christmas tree lighting ceremony. Co-hosted by Mariners Mission Viejo, the evening will include free children’s activities and holiday caroling. The entertainment will culminate in the Christmas tree being lit. Friday, 6:30-9 p.m. Free to attend.

Christmas Tree Lighting in Tustin 345 E. Main St., Tustin (714) 573-3326 December 7: Kick off the holiday season at this free event with holiday carols, stage entertainment, and the traditional tree lighting. Friday, 6 p.m. Tustin Library Courtyard.

Evening Campfire at Turtle Rock Nature Center 1 Sunnyhill Drive, Irvine December 7: Spend an evening with friends and family singing songs, storytelling and making s’mores. All ages welcome; adults must accompany children younger than 18. Friday, 7-8:30 p.m. $6.

Holiday Tree Lighting in Lakewood 5000 Clark Ave., Lakewood (562) 866-9771, Ext. 2160 December 7: Join the City of Lakewood for a tree lighting with carolers and entertainment. Plus, refreshments for purchase. Friday, 4:30 p.m. Civic Center Plaza.

Holly Jolly Light Tour in Mission Viejo 200 Civic Center Drive, Mission Viejo (949) 470-3062 Lots More Fun at kidsguidemagazine.com

Kidsguide HolidayGuide 2018 31

City of Signal Hill Community Services Department

with Join Santa and Mrs. Claus for story time and cookies.

Wear your favorite holiday pajamas!

3

$

per person

Saturday, December 8, 2018 6:3 0 pm • Signal Hill Public Library 1780 E. Hill Street, Signal Hill, CA 90755

Registration Dates Residents: Monday, November 5 Non-Residents: Tuesday, November 13 Pre-registration is required. Limit 2 adults per family.

Please call 562-989-7330 for more information

December 7-8: Bring family and friends and join the Mission Viejo Activities Committee this holiday season for a fun evening. Before climbing aboard the Holly Jolly Lights Tour for a scheduled tour, enjoy the festivities planned just for you. A ticket includes an outdoor party with live entertainment, a holiday cookie and hot chocolate, a marshmallow for toasting and a warm fire. Friday - Saturday. 6-7:30 p.m. and 8-9:30 p.m. $12/person. Civic Center Plaza.

See website for tickets.

La Virgen de Guadalupe in Los Angeles 555 W. Temple St., Los Angeles (866) 811-4111 December 7-8: A 15-year Los Angeles tradition, the city’s largest theatrical holiday production stars renowned opera singer Suzanna Guzman, plus 100 actors, singers and dancers, including children and seniors from the community. Join the tens of thousands who have become transfixed by the story of Juan Diego, a simple peasant to whom the Virgin Mary appeared on four occasions in the mountains of Tepeyac near Mexico City in 1531. Performed in Spanish with English subtitles. Friday and Saturday, 7:30 p.m. Free; reserved seating, $44. Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels.

Nights of 1000 Lights at Sherman Library and Gardens 2647 E. Coast Hwy., Corona del Mar (949) 673-2261 December 7-8: The 5th Annual Nights of 1000 Lights celebration looks to be the best yet, with all 32 Kidsguide HolidayGuide 2018

new light displays, featuring more lights than ever.

Visitors will enjoy a flurry of fun in the Central Garden, boogie through the disco inFERNo, and take a trip through the glistening light tunnel. Walk throughout the Gardens and soak up the technicolor displays; in the Tea Garden, join the hula dancers in singing Mele Kalikimaka; visit the gnome village on the way to Santa’s Workshop. All guests can enjoy complimentary coffee, hot chocolate, cookies and a make-your-own-smores station. Also, photo-op with Santa, holiday photo booth, and fun arts and crafts activities. Optionally, no-host wine and beer bar, tamale vendor, holiday shopping available in the Garden Shop, and Cafe Jardin will offer a special prix fixe holiday dinner. (For dinner at the Cafe, tickets to the event and reservations are required.) Members, $10; non-members, $20; kids (3 and under), free. Friday and Saturday, 6-9 p.m. This is a rain or shine event.

Seal Beach Christmas and Holiday Parade Main St., Seal Beach (562) 799-0179 December 7: Holiday parade along Main Street includes a visit from Santa. Friday, 7 p.m.

Tree Lighting and Toy Drive in Buena Park 6650 Beach Blvd., Buena Park (714) 562-3860 December 7: Enjoy live performances, tree lighting and visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, plus Snoopy,

knights and pirates. Seasonal treats and warm refreshments will be available for purchase. In honor of this season of giving, the event will also host a toy drive benefiting local charities. Attendees are encouraged to bring new, unwrapped gifts for children.

Friday, 6 p.m. Free to attend.

Tree of Life and Holiday Open House at Woodlawn Cemetery 1847 14th St., Santa Monica (310) 458-8717 December 7: Features performances by the John Adams Middle School Choir, a holiday movie, light refreshments and photos with Santa Claus. Plus, personalize and decorate ornaments in honor of Loved Ones who have passed away and place them on the 11-foot Tree of Life in the Mausoleum, ornaments and craft decorations provided. Woodlawn Cemetery is also an official drop-off site of the Toys for Tots toy donation drive through December 15, so bring toy donations to the event. Friday, 4-6 p.m. Free admission and parking.

Yuletide Cinemaland at Heritage Square Museum 3800 Homer St., Los Angeles Friday - Sunday, December 7-23: Join Yuletide Cinemaland in LA for screenings of holiday classics like Elf, Home Alone, A Christmas Story and more! Visit website for tickets. December 7: A Christmas Story.

December 8: Elf. December 9: Home Alone. December 14: Love Actually. December 15: The Year Without a Santa Claus and How the Grinch Stole Christmas.

December 16: It’s a Wonderful Life. December 21: National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. December 22: The Nightmare Before Christmas. December 23: Elf. A Faery Hunt’s “The King of the Fairies” in Encino 16756 Moorpark St., Encino (818) 324-6802 December 8: A Faery Hunt shows are interactive performances designed for young audiences and families to inspire creativity, imagination, and fun. Go on a gentle, musical quest through the forest to help the faeries find the true King of Fairyland! Costumes encouraged. Saturday, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Tickets are $12.50, see website for purchase. Los Encinos State Historic Park.

Artful Weaving at the Norton Simon Museum 411 Colorado Blvd., Pasadena (626) 449-6840 December 8: View works from the exhibition Once upon a Tapestry: Woven Tales of Helen and Dido and create your own woven artwork using cardboard looms and yarn. Saturday, 1:30-3:30 p.m. Free with admission. Designed for families with children ages 4-10. Meet in Entrance Gallery. No reservations needed.

Breakfast with Santa in Westminster 8200 Westminster Blvd., Westminster (714) 895-2860 December 8: Gather the family to have breakfast with Santa, includes breakfast, crafts, a visit from Santa Claus and a small stocking for each child.

Adults are encouraged to bring their cameras to capture these holiday memories. Saturday, 9-10:30 a.m. $8. Space is limited and early registration is Lots More Fun at kidsguidemagazine.com

recommended. Westminster Community Services and Recreation.

Christmas Parade in Whittier Whittier Blvd. and Greenleaf Ave., Whittier December 8: Enjoy this year’s theme “Christmas Around the World” as marching bands, vintage automobiles, local dignitaries, floats, equestrians, civic groups, dance troupes, drill teams, marching bands and Santa Claus himself roll through historic Uptown Whittier. Saturday, 10 a.m. - noon. Free.

Colors of Christmas at Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts 12700 Center Court Drive, Cerritos (562) 467-8819 December 8: For 25 seasons, the popular Colors of Christmas extravaganza has delighted audiences at the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts. The lively annual tradition returns with Grammy winner Peabo Bryson in an all-star lineup that includes Grammy nominee Taylor Dayne and Grammy winners Jon Secada and Deniece Williams delivering holiday tunes and seasonal cheer. Saturday, 8 p.m. $55-100.

• Cookies with Santa at Signal Hill Public Library 1780 E. Hill St., Signal Hill (562) 989-7330 December 8: Join Santa and Ms. Claus for story time and milk and cookies. Wear your favorite holiday pajamas. Bring your camera to take holiday pictures with Santa! Saturday, 6:30 p.m. Pre-registration is required. Limited to two adults per child. $3 per person. See ad on page 32.

December Events at El Segundo Museum of Art 208 Main St., El Segundo (424) 277-1020 December 8, 9, 14 and 15: Enjoy a variety of fun events at the El Segundo Museum of Art this month!

All activities are free. December 8: Create! An art activity connected to the in-gallery experience, 1-4 p.m. December 9: Christmas Parade along Main Street, 1-3 p.m. December 14: Tinkertopia. Play, tinker, build, rebuild, engineer and tune-up inventions using recycled tinkering materials. For kids age 8+ and their favorite adult companion. Siblings of all ages are welcome! 3:30-5 p.m. December 15: Play.

Early childhood program for 3-5 year olds and their favorite adult companion; siblings welcome. RSVP to rsvp@artlab21.org. Free. 10-11 a.m.

Dickens Day Celebration at The International Printing Museum 315 Torrance Blvd., Carson (310) 515-7166 December 8: The highlight will be Mr. Charles Dickens himself entertaining guests in the Museum’s Heritage Theater retelling “A Christmas Carol” and becoming Scrooge, while randomly using his audience as cast members. Be sure to come dressed in your finest Victorian dress because it would be a humbug otherwise! Saturday, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. with three shows each day. $25 or $80 for a group of four, advance tickets are highly recommended and group discount is available.

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Snow Much More - at -

kidsguidemagazine.com Sports • Child Care • Schools • Arts • More Kidsguide HolidayGuide 2018 33

• Evening of Celebration Holiday Skating Show at The Rinks - Yorba Linda 23641 La Palma Ave., Yorba Linda (714) 692-8776, Ext. 0 December 8: Join The Rinks - Yorba Linda ICE for the “Evening of Celebration Holiday Skating Exhibition Show.” Saturday, 6 p.m. Free admission.

Family Bird Walk at the Arboretum in Arcadia 301 N. Baldwin Ave., Arcadia December 8: Bring your binoculars and wear comfortable walking shoes, and join an experienced birder and naturalist for a fun morning of finding and watching our fine-feathered friends.

The walk is open to all ages and levels of birding knowledge; kids must be accompanied by an adult. Saturday, 8-10 a.m. Free. Meet at the steps leading to the arboretum entrance.

Festival of Carols at Walt Disney Concert Hall 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles (213) 972-7282 December 8 and 15: Ring in the holidays at Walt Disney Concert Hall with your favorite carols and songs of the season sung to perfection by the Los Angeles Master Chorale. Festival of Carols has something for everyone—traditional favorites, new arrangements and undiscovered gems.

See website for ticket information and program.

Please note that children under 6 are not admitted to Master Chorale concerts.

Ice Skating Outdoor Ice Rinks • Ice Rink at Irvine Spectrum Center 670 Spectrum Center Dr., Irvine (949) 790-4871 Through January 6: Skate outdoors (and even under the stars!) at the festive Holiday Ice Rink in the Giant Wheel Court at Irvine Spectrum Center. Daily, starting at 3 p.m., skate sessions are 90-minutes long. Adults and kids with skate rental, $20; without skate rental, $18; toddlers, $16 (double-blade skates are included). Helmets are optional but recommended and provided for $5. Season passes $199 (includes skate rental). Find open session times and single sessions schedule on their website. See ad on page 5.

Ice Rink at The Pike Outlets 95 S. Pine Ave., Long Beach (562) 432-8325 Through January 6: Sponsored by the Los Angeles Kings, enjoy a REAL Ice Rink at The Pike Outlets this 34 Kidsguide HolidayGuide 2018

Free 1K Kids’ Penguin Waddle in Pomona 1101 W. McKinley Ave., Pomona December 8: Dress up as your favorite holiday character for this free kids’ 1K fun run through the Pomona Fairplex, part of the grown-ups’ Holiday Half Marathon and 5K. Each registered waddler (12 and under) receives a race bib, finisher’s certificate and Penguin medal.

Gingerbread Houses at Art To Grow On 710 Pier Ave., Hermosa Beach (310) 625-6028 December 8-9: Bring the entire family and learn how to frost, design and decorate your very own gingerbread house and/or jumbo gingerbread man. Includes all holiday candies, lollipops, gum-drops, candy canes, snow icing and more! Saturday and Sunday, 10-11:30 a.m., 1-3:30 p.m., or 4-5:30 p.m. $85. Register online. Hermosa Beach Community Center.

• Holiday Ice Skating Show at The Rinks Westminster ICE 300 13071 Springdale St., Westminster (714) 248-9611 December 8: The Rinks - Westminster ICE presents their annual holiday ice skating show. Saturday, 5:30 p.m. General admission, $15; youth (ages 3-12), $10; ages 2 and under, free. Tickets can be purchased at The Rinks - Westminster ICE Program Office.

Holiday Kid Drop Off / Parent Shop in La Habra 101 W. La Habra Blvd., La Habra (562) 383-4200

Holiday season! November 16 - December 17, Monday - Friday, 5-8 p.m. and 8:30-10:30 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 4-7 p.m. and 7:30-10:30 p.m. December 16 - January 6, Monday - Sunday, 4-7 p.m. and 7:3010:30 p.m. Adults, $16; kids, $15.

Ice Skating in Santa Monica 1324 5th St., Santa Monica (310) 260-1199 Through January 21: Santa Monica brings a little ice to the beachside community. Monday - Thursday, 2-10 p.m.; Friday, 2 p.m. - midnight; Saturday, 10 a.m. - midnight; and Sunday, 10 a.m.- 10 p.m. $15, includes skate rental. The ice rink will operate if it rains, but will close should conditions become dangerous to skaters or staff. All ticket sales are final and there are no refunds on purchased tickets due to rain or other weather-related circumstances or said conditions’ impact on the skating surface or overall experience.

Ice Skating at Pershing Square 532 South Olive St., Los Angeles (213) 624-4289 Through January 21: Join a winter wonderland at Pershing Square with a host of free community and special events. Daily, skating sessions vary, visit their website for times. General admission: $9 per person; skate or hockey skate rental, $5; skate helper, $6. Group rates and private party options are available.

December 8: Parents, get your holiday shopping done while your kids (4-12) enjoy a day making holiday gifts, decorating holiday goodies, playing games and watching a holiday movie. Breakfast and lunch included. Saturday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. $20 per child, $15 per additional sibling; call or visit to register. La Habra Community Center.

Holiday Magic at the Mariners Library 1300 Irvine Ave., Newport Beach (949) 644-3075 December 8: Ring in the holiday season with family fun and magic. Join the library in the Vincent Jorgensen Room for an amazing magic show for all ages with Mark Gibson! Saturday, 3-4 p.m.

Holiday Merriment at the Homestead Museum 15415 E. Don Julian Road, City of Industry (626) 968-8493 December 8-9: How did Christmas in Los Angeles change from the days of the Mexican ranchos through the 1920s? See for yourself as you tour the decorated historic houses. Make crafts, enjoy music, visit with Santa Claus, and more! Picnics are welcome. Saturday - Sunday, 12-4 p.m. Free.

Holiday Treats for the Animals Festival at Aquarium of the Pacific 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach (562) 590-3100 December 8-9: In celebration of the holiday season, Santa Diver will be delivering an ocean of gifts to the Aquarium for its animals, including penguins,

Ice Skating in Downtown Burbank 150 N 3rd St., Burbank (818) 238-5180 December 13 - January 6: Downtown Burbank’s most festive holiday tradition will return for outdoor ice skating, fundraising events, and special performances at The Rink in Downtown Burbank. Steps away from hundreds of shops and restaurants decked out for the holiday season. Hours of operation will be 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, extended to 11:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday nights.

Ice Skating in Temecula 41902 Main St., Temecula (951) 297-9423 December 13 - January 6: Start practicing those double axels, Temecula On Ice returns for the holiday season!

You’ll find a state-of-the-art ice rink, comfortable rental skates, the always popular Bobby skating aid and its own radio station playing the best ice skating music in Temecula. See website for dates and times. Admission, $12; skate rental, $5; Bobby skating aid, $8. Town Square Park.

Ice Skating in LA 800 Olympic Blvd., Los Angeles (877) 234-8425 Through January 7: The annual LA Kings Holiday Ice brings outdoor ice skating to LA. November 10 to December 14, 5-7 p.m., 7:30-9:30 p.m., and 10 p.m. - midnight. December 15 - January 7, 4-7 p.m., Lots More Fun at kidsguidemagazine.com

sea otters, seals, sea lions, lorikeets, and fish. Holiday Treats for the Animals festival kicks off Aquarium Holidays, featuring festive décor, a display of gingerbread houses, daily Penguin Walks at 10 a.m., shopping, snowfall in the Great Hall, a special holiday menu in Café Scuba, and daily appearances by Santa Diver and Aquarium characters in their holiday outfits. Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Adults (12+), $29.95; seniors (62+), $26.95; kids (3-11), $17.95; and free for children under age 3 and Aquarium members.

Huntington Harbor Cruise of Lights Huntington Beach (714) 840-7542 December 8-9: In it’s 56th year, the narrated cruise sails through the waterways of Huntington Harbor to see the holiday lighted homes and decorations. Days and times vary. See website for details.

Jungle Bells at San Diego Zoo 2920 Zoo Drive, San Diego (619) 231-1515 December 8 - January 1: The San Diego Zoo’s annual winter celebration is filled with holiday cheer!

During this wintery celebration, guests can experience holiday-themed animal presentations and a nightly tree lighting ceremony, as well as other festive activities. Daily, times vary by day. Included with zoo admission.

King Harbor Holiday Boat Parade in Redondo Beach 181 N. Harbor Drive, Redondo Beach

7:30-9:30 p.m., 10 p.m. - midnight. Daily. Admission, $17; kids (6 and under), $13.

Outdoor Ice Skating in Canoga Park 6600 Topanga Canyon Blvd., Canoga Park (818) 296-5887 Through January 6: The annual LA Kings Holiday Ice brings outdoor ice skating to Westfield Topanga. November 16 - December 17, Monday - Friday, 5-8 p.m. and 8:30-10:30 p.m., Saturday - Sunday, 4-7 p.m. and 7:30-10:30 p.m. December 17 - January 6, 4-7 p.m. and 7:30-10:30 p.m. Daily. $12+.

Indoor Ice Rinks • East West Ice Palace 11446 Artesia Blvd., Artesia (562) 809-6200 December 24 - January 5: For winter break, East West Ice Palace will be extending their public session hours and celebrating the holidays with festive decorations and music. Come and join in on the fun! Public session times vary by day, call or visit their website for details and schedules. See ad on page 11.

• The Rinks Anaheim ICE Lakewood ICE Westminster ICE Yorba Linda ICE

(714) 535-RINK (562) 429-1805 (714) 248-9611 (714) 692-8776

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December 8: Get ready for a California Christmas with a holiday boat parade. Stroll the harbor, boardwalk, and pier shops and view the Holiday Harbor Lights. Plus, enjoy a family fun arcade, boat rides, music, seafood, and more. Free boat parade viewing locations throughout Redondo Beach including Moonstone Park in King Harbor Marina, Portofino Hotel and Marina, Redondo Beach Marina sea wall and Redondo Beach Pier. Saturday. Parade at 5:30 p.m.

Koo Koo Kanga Roo in Los Angeles 1822 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles December 8: It’s the ultimate pop star party for kids and families! Come sing and dance along to catchy songs. Featuring Kitty Kat Fan Club. Visit website to reserve tickets. Saturday, 5:30 p.m. $15. The Echo.

Little Elves Workshop in Stanton 10660 Western Ave., Stanton (714) 890-4268 December 8: Attention, Santa’s little helpers (ages 5-12)! Come down to Stanton Central Park to enjoy crafts, music, games, and more. This is a perfect opportunity for parents to run some last-minute errands while kids get in the holiday spirit! Saturday. $15.

Long Beach Daisy Avenue Tree Lighting and Parade Daisy Ave., Long Beach (562) 570-7777 December 8: See the brightest street in Long Beach light up, plus the Daisy Avenue Christmas Tree Lane Parade! Bring blankets and chairs. Saturday, 5 p.m.

Guests of all ages enjoy skating at The Rinks. With several daily public skating sessions, skate rentals and full-service snack bars, they offer the coolest fun! If you are new to skating, The Rinks offer a variety of Learn-to-Skate classes. For kids looking to try hockey, check out the Anaheim Ducks Learnto-Play Program, which is free to new participants, or the Little Ducks Hockey Program, a developmental hockey program that provides participants with a free set of hockey equipment, as well as on-ice instruction. No matter your age or ability, The Rinks has hockey programs and skating programs for you. For public skating session times and prices, and hockey and skating class information, visit them online or call.

Daisy Ave., between Hill Street and Pacific Coast Highway.

Naples Boat Parade in Long Beach (562) 598-9401 December 8: Twinkling Christmas lights decorate the small boats that cruise the canals of Naples, while larger boats sail through the bay. Hundreds of homes and boats are festively decorated throughout the season, inspired by an annual decorating competition. Theme: “Star Spangled Christmas.” Saturday, 6 p.m. Free to spectate.

Nutcracker Holiday Village and Tree Lighting in Downtown Anaheim 205 W. Center St. Promenade, Anaheim (714) 956-3586 December 8: Ring in the holidays with a tree lighting celebration! Free pictures with Santa. Bring your mittens, boots and camera. Saturday, 5 p.m. - 2 a.m.

Free. Downtown Anaheim, Center Street Promenade.

• Story Pirates Live at The Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts 9390 N. Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills (310) 246-3800 December 8, March 9 and May 11: The Story Pirates aren’t your typical swashbuckling sailors. They don’t steal gold—they’re searching for kids’ wildest, most imaginative stories. The Pirates then adapt these tales into a musical sketch comedy show (ages 5+), performed by the best actors from the Groundlings, Second City and elsewhere. Visit The Wallis’

Locations: 300 W. Lincoln Ave., Anaheim; 3975 Pixie Ave., Lakewood; 13071 Springdale, Westminster; and 23641 La Palma Ave., Yorba Linda. See ad on page 23.

More Skating Rinks Aliso Viejo Ice Palace Ice only. Skating and hockey (2+). 9 Journey, Aliso Viejo. (949) 643-9648.

KHS Ice Arena 1000 E. Cerritos Ave., Anaheim.

(714) 422-1236.

Lake Forest Ice Palace Figure skating and hockey available. 25821 Atlantic Ocean Drive, Lake Forest. (949) 305-9658.

Paramount Iceland Skating school, freestyle and hockey. 8041 Jackson St. (562) 633-1171.

Promenade Ice Chalet 550 Deep Valley Drive #107, Rolling Hills Estates (310) 541-6630 Skating classes, figure skating, hockey and broomball. Camps and birthday parties also offered.

Kidsguide HolidayGuide 2018 35

website to submit your child’s stories for their three themed shows this season! Saturdays, 2 p.m. Visit website for tickets. See ad on page 3.

Surfing Santa and Live Concert at the Redondo Beach Pier 100 Fisherman’s Wharf, Redondo Beach December 8: Surfing Santa makes his appearance along with a holiday concert and Surfing Santa photo ops. Saturday, 2-4 p.m. Free admission and parking.

The Gift Holiday Musical at South Coast Conservatory 27652 Camino Capistrano, Laguna Niguel (949) 393-1460 December 8-9: This musical event combines a winter musical and winter showcase in a fun and entertaining way. Saturday and Sunday. Tickets available for purchase on their website.

The Little Mermaid Jr. in Long Beach 4000 E. 4th St., Long Beach December 8-9: Join Children’s Theatre of Long Beach for their Junior Main Stage production of The Little Mermaid Jr. Relive the story of a young maiden’s conflict between the underwater world she has known her whole life and a longing desire of a world inhabited by human beings. Saturday and Sunday, 2 p.m. Visit website for ticket prices. Fremont Elementary School.

“Unusual Animals” Author Visit at Kidspace Children’s Museum 480 N. Arroyo Blvd., Pasadena (626) 449-9144 December 8: Kids are invited to the Storyteller Studio to meet Heather Jones, author of the awardwinning picture book “Unusual Animals.” Share drawings of unusual animals and their unique characteristics and get a copy of the book autographed.

Saturday. 1:30 p.m. 480 N. Arroyo Blvd., Pasadena.

A Christmas Carol Live at Calvary Chapel of the Harbour 16450 Pacific Coast Hwy., Huntington Beach (562) 592-1800 December 9-11, 13-14 and 16: Join the ACTS Drama group for a free performance of this holiday classic. Various days and times, visit website. Free.

A Christmas Story at Avalon Casino Theatre 217 Metropole Ave., Catalina Island December 9: Join the Catalina Museum for a special performance and a screening of “A Christmas Story” in the Avalon Casino Theatre. Set in the 1940s, the film follows nine-year-old Ralphie Parker who desperately wants a Red Ryder BB gun for Christmas. Much to his dismay, his pleas are rejected by his mother, his teacher and even a department store Santa Claus, all giving him the same warning: “You’ll shoot your eye out.” As Christmas Day approaches, Ralphie does his best to keep his hopes up. Viewing this classic film on the big screen is sure to get everyone in the holiday spirit! Saturday. See website for tickets.

Annual Long Beach Youth Chorus Holiday Concert 3955 Studebaker Road, Long Beach (562) 420-3393 December 9: Usher in the season with the Long 36 Kidsguide HolidayGuide 2018

Beach Youth Chorus’ holiday concert! Celebrating the musical talent among young people from diverse backgrounds in a mutually supportive environment, the LBYC will feature seasonal favorites. Sunday, 6:30 p.m. Grace First Presbyterian Church. Free-will donation.

Ballet Etudes at Huntington Beach Central Library 7111 Talbert Ave., Huntington Beach (714) 842-4481 December 9-12: Ballet Etudes performs at the Huntington Beach Central Library. Intended for children, each performance will last approximately 45 to 60 minutes. Seating is first come, first served.

Christmas Tree Lane Lighting in Altadena December 9: Officials will flip the switch on a mile of deodar cedar Christmas trees strung with 10,000 lights at the oldest large-scale Christmas lighting spectacle in the country. The festival includes holiday treats, entertainment, community booths and photos with Santa. Santa Rosa Ave. between Woodbury Ave. and Altadena Drive.

December Activities Zimmer Children’s Museum in LA 6505 Wilshire Blvd., #100, Los Angeles (323) 761-8984 December 9: It’s the eighth day of Hanukkah, so visit the Zimmer for the annual Hanukkah Festival! There will be Dreidel making in the Art Room, add a paper flame to the giant collaborative menorah, enjoy Hanukkah-themed story time, and discover other activities for the whole family to celebrate the festival of lights!

Sunday, 2-4 p.m.

December 13: Join the Culture Club and make a paper rock sculpture inspired by the Inuit Inuksuk!

Thursday, 3-4 p.m.

December 20: Celebrate the Winter Solstice, the day marking the shortest day and longest night of the year.

In Northern Europe, people started the tradition of making wreaths out of evergreen branches to symbolize the year as a wheel. Come make a wreath from natural materials you can find in your own backyard!

Thursday, 3-4 p.m.

December 30: Let the countdown begin! Join Zimmer Children’s Museum for the annual New Year’s Eve (eve) balloon drops at 1:18, 2:18, and 3:18 p.m.! Decorate accessories and noisemakers and get ready to ring in 2019! Sunday, 1, 2, and 3 p.m.

Home for the Holidays Pet Adoption Fair at Irvine Animal Care Center 6443 Oak Canyon, Irvine (949) 724-7740 December 9: Help animals find homes at the 12th annual Home for the Holidays Pet Adoption Fair. More than 40 pet rescue groups and animal shelters will bring about 600 homeless dogs, cats, rabbits and small animals for adoption. The fair also features dozens of pet-related vendors, gourmet food trucks, a silent auction, low-cost microchipping on-site, and

an opportunity drawing. Suggested donation is $2 per person or $5 per family. Sunday, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Koo Koo Kangaroo at House of Blues 400 Disney Way, Ste. 337, Anaheim December 9: It’s the ultimate pop star party for kids and families! Come sing and dance along to catchy songs. Featuring Kitty Kat Fan Club. Visit website to reserve tickets. Sunday, 5 p.m. $15. The Parish at House of Blues.

LA Children’s Chorus Winter Concert 585 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena (626) 793-4231 December 9 and 16: Acclaimed for its pure sound that has made it one of the most in-demand children’s choirs in the country, Los Angeles Children’s Chorus presents its popular Winter Concert, as part of the LA Philharmonic’s prestigious “Sounds About Town” series. Sunday, 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $13.

Pasadena Presbyterian Church.

• Menorah Lighting Ceremony in Irvine 670 Spectrum Center Drive, Irvine (949) 790-4871 December 9: Celebrate Hanukkah at the Irvine Spectrum with music and festive traditions at the annual Menorah Lighting, hosted by the Chabad of Irvine.

Sunday, 3 p.m. Edwards Court. See ad on page 5.

Myths & Monsters Workshop at the Hammer Museum 10899 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles (310) 915-0200 December 9: Reconnect with some classic childhood myths to find out why and how stories shape perceptions of ourselves and the world. Then rewrite your myths for a modern era. Designed for up to 20 students. Reservations are encouraged. Drop-ins are welcome, if space allows. Sunday, 11 a.m. Free.

Parking, $6.

Old Time Christmas Festival at Rancho Los Cerritos 4600 Virginia Road, Long Beach (562) 206-2040 December 9: Discover traditions of a Victorian Christmas! Make historic crafts, enjoy holiday music from a live brass band and carolers, strike the piñatas, listen to storytellers in the library, sip warm cider, get a head start on holiday shopping in the Museum Shop, and tour the adobe, lavishly decorated for the holidays. This event is fun for the whole family. Sunday, 1-4 p.m. $5 per person.

Orange County Walk Now for Autism Speaks 2000 E Gene Autry Way, Anaheim December 9: Join thousands of autism supporters and families affected by autism for the annual Orange County Autism Walk. Sunday, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Registration required. Angels Stadium.

Posada Navideña at the Anaheim Marketplace 1440 S. Anaheim Blvd., Anaheim (714) 999-0888 December 9: Enjoy carolers singing throughout the Marketplace ending at a Nativity set with a re-enactment of Mary and Joseph. Live festive music will surround La Placita. Activities for kids will include face painting, jumpers, and more! Sunday, noon - 4 p.m.

Lots More Fun at kidsguidemagazine.com

Queen Anne Cottage Holiday Tours at the Arboretum 301 N. Baldwin Ave., Arcadia December 9: Stroll down memory lane and view treasures and furnishings normally seen only through the windows of the charming Victorian-era cottage at LA County Arboretum. The dwelling, decorated in its Christmas finery, has become a Southland tradition for holiday visitors. Tours will be available throughout the day; also stop by the historic Coach Barn of the Santa Anita Depot. Sunday, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Adults, $5; kids (12 and under), $3, in addition to arboretum admission.

Santa Cares at South Bay Galleria 1815 Hawthorne Blvd., Redondo Beach (310) 371-7546 December 9: Santa Cares is an opportunity for children with special needs and their families to enjoy a photo session with Santa. Extra care has been taken to support the sensory, physical and other developmental needs of children so they can enjoy this wonderful holiday tradition. Sunday, 9-10:30 a.m. Make a reservation on their website. Free.

Winter Solstice Walk to Barbara’s Lake Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, Laguna Coast (714) 973-3160 December 9: Come and enjoy the winter solstice on an easy, 2.5-mile hike over moderate but uneven terrain (45-ft. elevation gain). Starting at the James Dilley Preserve, enjoy the sights and sounds along the Lake Trail. Come and look for the first signs of winter as you walk to Barbara’s Lake and back. Online reservations required. Parking: $3/vehicle. Friday, 1-4 p.m.

Wreath Making at Descanso Gardens 1418 Descanso Drive, La Canada Flintridge (818) 790-3663 December 9: Make a beautiful winter wreath for your home using natural materials, including botanicals gathered in the gardens. Expert instruction will be provided to get you started. $40 members, $50 non-members. Includes materials. Advance registration required. Sunday, 10 a.m.

Christmas Fantasia at Segerstrom Center for the Arts 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa (714) 556-2787 December 10: Kick off your holiday season in style!

Enjoy favorite carols and breathtaking masterpieces performed by Vanguard University’s 200-member choir and orchestra in the elegance and acoustical perfection of Segerstrom Concert Hall. Awe-inspiring performances of carols and holiday favorites make this family-friendly night unforgettable. Monday, 8 p.m. Tickets start at $25.

Trolley Tour of Lights in Long Beach 5236 E. 2nd St. (in front of Legends), Long Beach (562) 888-2870 December 10-28: Board a classic cable-car trolley for a waterfront tour that will showcase the best light displays around Long Beach. Each tour includes hot cocoa and a sugar cookie, a souvenir Santa hat and candy cane, holiday music and light narration. Dates and times vary, see website for details. Adults, $30; kids (12 and under), $20.

Lots More Fun at kidsguidemagazine.com

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Unwrap the

Gift of Play

Celebrate the magic of the holidays all month long Hooray for Chanukah Celebrations Christmas Countdown Festivities Las Posadas Celebrations Santa Claus Visits Pretend City Festival of Kwanzaa Toy Drive Winter Solstice And so much more!

Don’t miss our Annual Noon Years Confetti Countdown (12/31) Countdown celebrations at 10 AM, 12 PM, 2 PM, and 4 PM!

www.pretendcity.org 29 Hubble | Irvine, CA 92618 | 949.428.3900

©2018 Pretend City Children’s Museum.

Something to Unwrap Every Week!

The Buzzz

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Cocoa with Santa at Rancho Los Cerritos 4600 Virginia Road, Long Beach (562) 206-2040 December 11, 14 and 15: Enjoy delicious cocoa and treats, make holiday crafts, enjoy stories, and meet Santa himself. Times vary, see website for details. $15 per person, includes a photo with Santa.

Reservations required.

A Ranch Christmas at Rancho Los Alamitos 6400 E. Bixby Hill Road, Long Beach (562) 431-3541 December 12-14: Celebrate the season with a tour of the historic Ranch House decorated in 1930s holiday style. Delight in the twinkling lights and festive adornments throughout the ranch. Kids will love to visit the ranch animals in the barnyard. Enjoy complimentary refreshments and holiday music under the eaves of the horse barn. Admission is free. Reservations are required for parking.

• Christmas Countdown at Pretend City Children’s Museum 29 Hubble, Irvine (949) 428-3900 December 12-23: It’s time to begin the 12 days of Christmas Countdown! The weeks that lead up to Christmas are an exciting and magical time for young children. The wait for Christmas day can seem almost endless. These daily activities will help to channel your young child’s anticipation into simple activities that celebrate the holiday. Daily, visit their website for schedule. Free with admission; no reservation required. See ad on page 37.

Fiesta Navidad Mariachi Los Camperos at Segerstrom Center for the Arts 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa (714) 556-2121 December 12: The Grammy Award-winning Mariachi Los Camperos returns to Segerstrom Center with one of Orange County’s most beloved holiday events, Fiesta Navidad. Filled with music and dance, this colorful celebration of Mexican holiday traditions is perfect for the whole family. Wednesday, 8 p.m.

Tickets start at $29.

Santa Story Time at La Habra Library 221 E. La Habra Blvd., La Habra (714) 526-7728 December 12: Bring your little ones down to meet Santa in person. Bring cameras! Wednesday, 10:30 a.m. Free.

The Spooky Adventures of Hansel and Gretel 135 N. Grand Ave., Los Angeles (213) 972-8001 December 12 and 15: Enjoy this classic filled with holiday magic, as the spooky adventures of Hansel and Gretel come to the operatic stage with 12-foot-tall creatures, fantastical sets and elaborate special effects. Diva extraordinaire Susan Graham stars as the uproariously wicked witch, eager to lure her young victims into a delicious trap, but last-minute ingenuity saves the day and the plucky children emerge triumphant

38 Kidsguide HolidayGuide 2018

in the heartfelt conclusion. Wednesday and Saturday, 7:30 p.m. Ticket prices vary, see website for details. As part of the Domingo Family Program, a Sunday matinee performance is offered on December 9 with half-price tickets for kids (917); only available by calling the Box Office: (213) 972-8001 (Monday - Saturday, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.).

These events include fun activities and an exclusive program signing with cast members following the performance. Dorothy Chandler Pavilion.

Wonderful Winter Crafts in Balboa 100 E. Balboa Blvd., Balboa December 12: Kids (ages 3-8) welcome the winter holiday season with sparkly crafty fun. Wednesday, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Free. Newport Beach Libraries, Balboa branch.

Disney On Ice Presents Dare To Dream Select dates, December 13 - January 27: Celebrate what’s possible as five Disney heroines spark the courage inside us all at Disney On Ice presents Dare To Dream! In her Disney On Ice debut, see how far Moana goes on a quest with demigod Maui to save her island and find her own identity. Anna’s devotion to her sister Elsa sets her on a journey to stop an eternal winter. Rapunzel goes to great lengths to realize her dream. Fearless Belle befriends the enchanted castle staff and uncovers the Beast’s gentleness. With help from her friends, Cinderella is determined to make her wish come true. Along with Mickey and friends, discover your inner hero at Disney On Ice presents Dare To Dream! Multiple locations, dates and times vary, see website for details.

Tickets start at $25.

Geminid Meteor Shower December 13: Tonight is likely the peak night of the 2018 Geminid meteor shower, though under the light of the full moon. The Geminids are considered to be one of the most spectacular meteor showers of the year, with the possibility of sighting around 120 meteors per hour at its peak!

• Journey to Christmas in Placentia 1651 Valencia Ave., Placentia (714) 637-0186 Select dates, December 13-22: Journey to Christmas is sure to become a new holiday tradition to share with your loved ones. The heartfelt and beloved music drives these captivating stories, each performed by a stage full of incredibly gifted singers, dancers and musicians. Travel from heartwarming modern day family gatherings back to the very first Christmas; Journey to Christmas brings the story to life in a contemporary and theatrical style with beautifully projected imagery, stunning lighting, and of course a little Christmas magic.

Ages 3+. $30-35. Days and times vary, see website for details. PYLUSD Performing Arts Center. See ad on page 19.

• Someone Special and Me Gingerbread House Decorating at Lil’ Chef School 15435 Jeffery Road, #132, Irvine (949) 679-8390 December 13: For the tiny chefs (3-6), with the help of a parent, to learn how to decorate a Gingerbread house using icing, candy and sprinkles. Thursday, 10-11:30 a.m. $59 includes up to three family mem-

bers per house. Call or visit their website to register.

See ad on page 43.

• 17th Annual Cocoa with Santa Party at My Gym 3287 Industry Drive, Signal Hill (562) 986-0066 December 14: Bring the kids to enjoy My Gym’s 17th Annual Cocoa with Santa Party! Fifty-minute time slots. All attendees must sign up for a time slot.

Space is limited—sign up today! Friday, 4-8 p.m.

See ad on page 2.

A Rawhide Country Christmas at Rawhide Ranch in Bonsall 6987 W. Lilac Road, Bonsall (760) 758-0083 December 14-16: Join a magical holiday event at Rawhide Ranch, a 40-acre working ranch and camp nestled in the hills of Bonsall. This Christmas family event offers something for adults and kids of all ages. Activities include pony rides, hay rides, photos with Santa, Christmas lights, BBQ dinner, holiday snacks and refreshments, horse-vaulting exhibit, carolers, live music, carols around a campfire, and arts and crafts fair. Friday - Sunday, 3-8 p.m. Free admission, minimal fee for activities and BBQ dinner. Parking, $10.

Christmas Light Walk at Sherman Library and Gardens 2647 East Coast Hwy., Corona del Mar (949) 673-2261 December 14-22: Stroll through the gardens and enjoy unique holiday light displays and festive decorations. There will be a no-host wine and beer bar, hot chocolate bar, and a make-your-own ‘smores packet available for purchase. Recorded Christmas music will be playing. Friends, free; non-members, $10; children (under 3), free. Tickets available at the door, no reservation required.

Nightly, 5-8 p.m.

Christmas with Jackie Evancho at Segerstrom Center for the Arts 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa (714) 556-2787 December 14-15: Come celebrate the most wonderful time of the year as teenage superstar Jackie Evancho performs some of the most memorable classics of the season, including hits from her holiday album “Someday at Christmas,” and more. Friday and Saturday, 8 p.m. Tickets start at $45.

Santa’s Workshops with Fashion Camp 2477 Park Ave., Tustin (714) 259-0946 December 14 and 21: Kids (8+) join Fashionable Funday and create and design presents for friends and family during Santa’s Workshop. No experience necessary and materials included. Friday, 3:30-5:30 p.m. $32.

Snoopy House in Costa Mesa City Hall, 77 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa (714) 754-5300 December 14-23: Since 1966, The Snoopy House features holiday scenes and music for nightly viewing. Daily, 5:30-9 p.m. Santa will visit nightly from 7-9 p.m.

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Annie Jr. in Irvine 1 Federation Way, #200, Irvine December 15-16: Join the cast of Creative Kids Playhouse (CKP) for this production of Annie Junior!

Saturday and Sunday, 2:30, 3 and 6:30 p.m. Merage Jewish Community Center. See website for ticket information.

For all ages and levels

Breakfast with Santa in Huntington Beach 7000 Norma Drive, Huntington Beach (714) 960-8884 December 15: Put on your best holiday gear and bring the family to enjoy festivities, including a pancake breakfast, bounce house, holiday music, arts and crafts, and a picture with Santa. Saturday, 8:3010:30 a.m. and 9:30-11:30 a.m. $10 per person; registration required, space is limited. Murdy Community Center.

Breakfast with Santa in Seal Beach 151 Marina Drive.

(562) 431-2527, Ext. 1344 December 15: Enjoy a pancake breakfast with Santa, holiday crafts, and a photo opportunity. Saturday, 8-10:30 a.m. Free, first come, first served.

Children Decorate a Holiday Tree at Sherman Library and Gardens 2647 E. Coast Hwy., Corona del Mar (949) 673-2261 December 15: During this fun workshop, children will decorate a live mini tree with ribbon, berries, a faux bird and florals—a festive decoration for the home. Saturday, 9:30 a.m. Friends, $30; non-members, $35; second child, $25.

Children’s Holiday Party in Bellflower 16614 S. Clark Ave., Bellflower (562) 866-7510 December 15: Join the City of Bellflower for a holiday party with crafts, activities, refreshments and a visit with Santa. Saturday, 10:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. Free to attend. Simms Park.

Fun & Safe

www.kidnastics.net | (562) 431-1102 10712 Reagan St Suite A, Los Alamitos, CA 90720

Children’s Workshop: Terrific Terrariums 1151 Oxford Road, San Marino (800) 838-3006 December 15: Kids (7+) take a tour of the Teaching Greenhouse and learn how to design, build, and care for your own miniature ecosystem terrarium filled with amazing air plants. All materials provided. $5565. Fee includes one accompanying adult. Registration required. Huntington Library, Art Collections and Botanical Garden.

Christmas with the Nelsons in Cerritos 18000 Park Plaza Drive, Cerritos December 15: Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Ricky Nelson’s sons Matthew and Gunnar Nelson deliver hits and seasonal classics in this fun, multi-media live concert. Humor, sibling harmonies, and videos on a state-of-the-art big screen make this a holiday treat for the entire family. $40-70. Saturday, 8 p.m.

Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts.

• Family Accessibility Night at Columbia Memorial Space Center 12400 Columbia Way, Downey (562) 231-1200 December 15: Columbia Memorial Space Center Lots More Fun at kidsguidemagazine.com

Win Tickets!

Win a Family 4-Pack to Disney on Ice: Dare to Dream Los Angeles: 12/13 • Anaheim: 12/13 - 12/21 Ontario: 12/26 - 12/27 • Long Beach: 1/3 - 1/4

ENTER HERE Kidsguide HolidayGuide 2018 39

Attractions • Boat Parade of Lights in Dana Point Harbor Celebrate the holiday season at the spectacular 44th annual Boat Parade of Lights at Dana Point Harbor! Enjoy a holiday extravaganza throughout the harbor each night that features carolers, trick ropers, games, crafts, free photos with Santa, and culminates with the Boat Parade. Fridays and Saturdays, December 7, 8, 14 and 15. Festivities begin at 4:30 p.m.; “A Western Wonderland” Boat Parade starts at 7:30 p.m. Trolley service will be available from 3:30-10:30 p.m. See ad on page 4.

• Columbia Memorial Space Center 12400 Columbia Way, Downey (562) 231-1200 Hands-on learning center that is dedicated to bringing the wonder and excitement of space science to children of all ages. It also serves as the national memorial for the Space Shuttle Columbia’s seven crew members, lost in 2003. The 20,000-squarefoot visitor center is equipped with not only amazing technology and visual teaching exhibits, it also holds engaging classes and workshops. The Space Center hosts the only Challenger Learning Center in the greater Los Angeles area, where you can: Return to the Moon, or go on a Voyage to Mars, and experience the real-life excitement of working in Mission Control or in the Spacecraft; available for field trips, team-building exercises and parties of 16 or more. Tuesday - Saturday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Closed Sundays and Mondays. $5 per person (4+). See ad on page 31.

• East West Ice Palace 11446 Artesia Blvd., Artesia (562) 809-6200 Ice rink offers public skating, skating classes for kids (3+) and adults, freestyle sessions, in-house hockey, hockey classes, youth travel hockey league, adult hockey league, stick time and broomball. Competitive synchronized skating teams and classes also available. A collection of Michelle Kwan memorabilia is available in the gallery. Fitness center is open to the public. Check website for details on holiday ice schedule and events. See ad on page 11.

• Golf N’ Stuff Family Fun Park 10555 E. Firestone Blvd., Norwalk (562) 868-9956 Take a break and have fun at Golf N’ Stuff Family Fun Park! Offers challenging miniature golf and exciting rides, including go-karts, bumper boats and

40 Kidsguide HolidayGuide 2018

kiddie train. While you’re there, check out the latest in arcade games, great prizes, snack bar, and party facilities for birthday or team parties. Ask about their free school and doctors’ office incentive programs. Where the 5 and 605 freeways meet. Also see Calendar and Parties. See ad on page 29.

• Irvine Spectrum Center - Holiday Hangout 670 Spectrum Center Drive, Irvine (949) 753-5180 Live Holiday Entertainment on Fridays and Saturdays through December 29. Skating Under the Stars and Outdoor Ice Rink through January 6.

Black Friday Frenzy and Black Friday Drop and Shop at Sur La Table, November 23. Santa Photos at his Crystal Cove beach-inspired surf shack, November 23 - December 24. Nightly Tree Lighting, November 23 - December 24. Sensory-Friendly Photos with Santa, December 2. Breakfast with Santa at CPK, December 8. Menorah Lighting Ceremony, December 9. See ad on page 5.

• Pirates Dinner Adventure Pirates Take Christmas 7600 Beach Blvd., Buena Park (866) 439-2469 Looking to add some fun and excitement to your holiday season? Celebrate Christmas with Pirates Dinner Adventure’s Christmas spectacular, Pirates Take Christmas, November 30 - December 25. Santa and Mrs. Claus promise a magical evening for all! However, chaos ensues when a crew of scoundrel pirates take everyone in attendance prisoner and bring them, as well as all of Santa’s Christmas gifts, aboard their ship!

Evil First Mate Jacob Randolph leads a mutiny and declares that Christmas is now his! Captain Sebastian the Black and his wife, Treasure, can’t believe what their crew has done and promise to return Santa and Mrs. Claus, along with all of the stolen gifts, back to the North Pole in time for Christmas. Will they succeed?

Can you help Santa and save Christmas? You, your family, and a little holiday magic can help ensure Santa defeats the pirates and saves the season! Join them to find out why Pirates Take Christmas has quickly become a holiday tradition in Orange County! See ad with discount code on page 41.

• Queen Mary Christmas 1126 Queens Hwy., Long Beach (562) 435-3511 This holiday season, the Queen Mary invites you to a one-of-a-kind winter adventure to the North Pole, November 23 through January 6. Explore the ship’s beautiful decks to discover memory-making activities for the whole family, including meet and greets with Santa, an ice skating rink atop the Sports Deck, musical performances, dazzling light displays, and more! The Queen Mary will truly be decked out in her holiday best—as will her new Captain. He is often seen donning a white beard and signature red suit, and charting the course to the North Pole in his Captain’s Quarters. The holidays are about to set sail aboard the Queen Mary! See website for ticket prices and availability. See ad on page 1.

• The Lion Guard: The Exhibit at Discovery Cube OC 2500 North Main St., Santa Ana Through January 13. Join an adventure through the African savanna through hands-on activities, and interactive imaginative play. Explore the Pride Lands and protect the Circle of Life! Daily 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Buy tickets at www.discoverycube.org/oc. See ad on front inside cover.

• The Rinks Anaheim ICE (714) 535-RINK Huntington Beach Inline (714) 901-2629 Irvine Inline (949) 559-9949 Lakewood ICE (562) 429-1805 Westminster ICE (714) 248-9611 Yorba Linda ICE (714) 692-8776 Guests of all ages enjoy skating at The Rinks. With several daily public skating sessions, skate rentals and full-service snack bars, they offer the coolest fun! If you are new to skating, The Rinks offer a variety of Learn-to-Skate classes. For kids looking to try hockey, check out the Anaheim Ducks Learnto-Play Program, which is free to new participants, or the Little Ducks Hockey Program, a developmental hockey program that provides participants with a free set of hockey equipment, as well as on-ice instruction. No matter your age or ability, The Rinks has hockey programs and skating programs for you. For public skating session times and prices, and hockey and skating class information, visit them online or call. See ad on page 23.

• Vans Skatepark 20 City Blvd. West, Orange (714) 769-3800 40,000-square-foot facility featuring a full skate and BMX course free for all skill levels, ages 6 and older.

The location also houses a full Vans retail store and skate pro shop. Birthday party packages, private lessons and skate camps are available. Open seven days a week, 10 a.m. - 10 p.m. (9 p.m. on Sundays).

Vans also offers Off the Wall Skatepark and Vans Store at 7471 Center Ave., Huntington Beach. This free park, open seven days a week, features a large street plaza and transition area with clover bowl, backyard flow bowl, and palm tree planter with rock extension. BMX allowed all day Wednesdays. (714) 379-6666. See ad on page 7.

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(CMSC) hosts this event specifically geared to the disabled community, to help grow and enhance everyone’s experience in STEM. There will be specialized STEM activities to help create awareness about different disabilities and how to interact with all types of people. Saturday, 5:30-8:30 p.m.

Admission, $5; CMSC members, free. See ad on page 31.

• Holiday Skating Shows at The Rinks Yorba Linda ICE & Lakewood ICE 23641 La Palma Ave., Yorba Linda (714) 692-8776 3975 Pixie Ave., Lakewood (562) 429-1805 December 15: Join Yorba Linda ICE for the “Celebration Holiday Skating Exhibition Show,” Saturday, 4:30-5:30 p.m. Call Lakewood ICE for details on their holiday recital.

• Gingerbread House Decorating Workshop at Lil’ Chef School 15435 Jeffery Road, #132, Irvine (949) 679-8390 December 15: Lil’ Chefs (5+) will learn how to make royal icing and Christmas trees using sugar cones. There will be plenty of candy and sprinkles to decorate their masterpieces. Hot cocoa and popcorn will be served during class while listening to holiday jingle favorites. Saturday, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. $59; $50 for an additional sibling. Visit their website to register.

See ad on page 43.

Holiday Candlelight Concert with the Pasadena Symphony 132 N. Euclid Ave., Pasadena (626) 793-7172 December 15: As Pasadena’s most sought-after holiday concert, Holiday Candlelight sells out quickly. Top the holiday season and enjoy fullyreserved seating arrangements in the architecturally exquisite and acoustically sonorous All Saints Church, Pasadena’s equivalent of a classic European cathedral. An array of choruses highlight this festive concert featuring the most popular and cherished holiday melodies performed by candlelight, an aural respite that is sure to summon the spirit of the season. Saturday, 4 and 7 p.m. $20+.

Holiday Pops Spectacular at the Warner Grand Theatre 478 W. 6th St., San Pedro (310) 548-2493 December 15: Golden State Pops Orchestra helps you get into the holiday spirit with great music from classic holiday films and traditional favorites performed by a full symphony orchestra and chorale.

Always a season favorite, join in singing “The Hallelujah Chorus” by Handel, and walk out of the WGT to San Pedro’s “first snow of the season.” $28-60.

Saturday, 8 p.m.

Holidays at the D.D. Johnston-Hargitt House Museum in Norwalk 12426 Mapledale St., Norwalk (562) 929-5521 December 15: Everyone is invited to the Museum for a jolly time filled with holiday entertainment and refreshments! Enjoy touring the museum, which will be decorated just for this special occasion. Saturday, 1-4 p.m. Free.

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Happy Holidays! from the Kidsguide Team

Liz • Tiffany • Alina • Erin Kidsguide HolidayGuide 2018 41

• Kids Night Out at Alpert JCC in Long Beach 3801 E. Willow St., Long Beach (562) 426-7601 December 15: Kids (grades K-8) join Alpert JCC for a night of fun, including dinner, movie, crafts and games, while their parents enjoy a night out or holiday shopping. Saturday, 5-9 p.m. $35. Sibling discounts. Registration required. See ad on page 47.

Make Your Own Holiday Card at Brea Library 1 Civic Center Circle, Brea (714) 671-1722 December 15: Join the Brea Library to make your own holiday cards! Paper, stickers, and other materials will be provided. Make a loved one a special hand-made card for this holiday season! Saturday, all day, while supplies last.

Medieval Yule Festival at Bowers Kidseum in Santa Ana 1802 N. Main St., Santa Ana (714) 480-1520 December 15: Enjoy Winter Solstice medieval style at Kidseum! Be merry and partake in traditional Yule festivities including music and games! Saturday, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Free with Kidseum admission.

Ocean in Art Gyotaku at Cabrillo Marine Aquarium 3720 Stephen M. White Drive, San Pedro (310) 548-7562 December 15: Create one-of-a-kind gifts as you practice the art of Gyotaku fish printing. Fee includes paint and paper—please bring fabric or clothes to print on during this studio workshop. Saturday, 9:30 a.m. - noon. Member, $16; non-members, $18. Preregistration required.

Parade of 1,000 Lights in Long Beach December 15: Watch dozens of boats and yachts decked out with holiday lights cruise along the coast.

With the best viewing points at Shoreline Village, the parade will wind from Shoreline Marina to Rainbow Harbor, past Pine Avenue Pier and alongside the Queen Mary. Saturday, 5-7 p.m. Free.

Snow Day with the Critters at Santa Ana Zoo 1801 Chestnut Ave., Santa Ana (714) 953-8555 December 15-16: All-zoo celebration featuring stations focusing on winter and snow. Watch animals receive icy treats, listen to festive music, enjoy the winter decorations, play educational games, create cool crafts and listen to delightful winter stories. 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. both days. Included with admission.

Star Party at Griffith Observatory 2800 E. Observatory Road, Los Angeles (213) 473-0800 December 15: Look through a large variety of professional and home-built telescopes to view the sun, planets, the moon and deep sky objects like doublestars, star clusters, and nebulae. The observatory’s Zeiss 12-inch refractor and computer-controlled 11-inch lawn telescopes are set up throughout the event. Saturday, 2-9:45 p.m. Free.

The Wonderful Winter of Oz with Kermit the Frog in Pasadena 300 E Green St., Pasadena 42 Kidsguide HolidayGuide 2018

(626) 793-2122 Select dates, December 15-30: Fly over the rainbow with Kermit The Frog as the Wizard of Oz and Tony Award-winner Marissa Jaret Winokur (Hairspray) as Glinda in Lythgoe Family Panto’s The Wonderful Winter of Oz! An updated version of the beloved classic, this glittering production features family-friendly magic, comedic twists, dancing (with “So You Think You Can Dance” alumni), contemporary music and more. Dates and times vary, see website for ticket information. Tickets start at $42.

Pasadena Civic Auditorium.

Trombone Christmas at Anaheim GardenWalk 400 W. Disney Way, Anaheim (714) 635-7410 December 15: Head to Anaheim GardenWalk for the annual Trombone Christmas! Hundreds of Trombone players from teens to professionals will be performing Christmas music. Saturday. Free.

Tuba Christmas at Orange County Market Place 200 Main St., Huntington Beach December 15: Hear traditional Christmas songs played by seasoned tuba players of all ages. Saturday, 11:30 a.m. Free.

• Vans Skatepark Holiday Skate Clinics 20 City Blvd., West, Orange (714) 769-3800 December 15 and 22: Vans Skatepark in Orange, a 40,000-square-foot facility, offers two Holiday Clinics on Saturday, December 15 and 22. Instruction is offered for beginner to advanced street skateboarders, ages 6-16. Pizza lunch is included. Clinic hours: 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. Free clinics open to the public, see associate for details. Space is limited, so sign up today. See ad on page 7.

Arctic Lights at the Moorpark College Teaching Zoo 7075 Campus Road, Moorpark (805) 378-1441 December 16-17: The zoo will be decorated from top to bottom with sparkles and lights! Get that last minute gift shopping done at the merchandise table and bake sale while the kids play in real snow, drink hot chocolate, and enjoy winter-themed crafts and games. 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Adults, $8; kids (3-12), $6.

Bring in a string of working LED lights and receive free adult admission for that day. For an extra $7 per person, guests can tour the back areas and interact with some of the animals.

Family Flicks: A Christmas Story at the Hammer Museum 10899 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles (310) 443-7000 December 16: Recommended for ages 8+. Sunday, 11 a.m. Free. Parking, $6.

Holiday Festival at the Muckenthaler 1201 W. Malvern Ave., Fullerton (714) 738-6595 December 16: The Muckenthaler’s annual Holiday Festival. Celebrate the season with family-friendly

activities, live music, free art workshops for kids, an arts and crafts sale, and a special appearance by Santa Claus. Sunday, noon - 4 p.m. Free.

Joyeux Noel in Anaheim 1952 West La Palma Ave., Anaheim (714) 519-6370 December 16: A holiday concert featuring the Meritage vocal arts ensemble! Sunday, 4 p.m. $20. Anaheim United Methodist Church.

Los Posadas on Olvera Street Olvera Street, Los Angeles December 16-24: This presentation of the journey of Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem is portrayed with singing, dance, a candlelight procession on Olvera Street and a children’s piñata breaking. Free sweet bread and champurrado are given to all in attendance. Festivities begin at 6 p.m. each night. Free to attend.

Santa Run 5/10K and Kids’ Fun Run in Irvine 3817 Viewpark Ave., Irvine December 16: Wear your Santa hat and holiday costume to Orange County’s best holiday run. It’s stroller-friendly! Medals are given to the top three finishers by age group, plus prizes for the best running Santa, best non-Santa holiday costume and best kids’ holiday costume. Registration and packet pick up begins at 6 a.m. $18-42. Hicks Canyon Elementary School. Free shuttles from Beckman High School. See website for race times.

Squirrel Mania at South Coast Botanic Garden 26300 Crenshaw Blvd., Palos Verdes December 16: Join the Kids Club at South Coast Botanic Garden for Squirrel Mania! This event is rain or shine. Kids Club is included with Garden admission or membership. RSVP highly encouraged. Sunday, 1-4 p.m.

• The Lost Clown Circus Extravaganza Holiday Skating Show at The Rinks - Anaheim ICE 300 W. Lincoln Ave., Anaheim (714) 535-7465 December 16: The Rinks - Anaheim ICE presents their annual holiday show, “The Lost Clown Circus Extravaganza.” Sunday, 4 p.m. Adults, $15; kids (12 and under), $10. Tickets can be purchased at The Rinks - Anaheim ICE Program Office.

The MoonRays at Kidspace 480 N. Arroyo Blvd., Pasadena (626) 449-9144 December 16: Sing and dance with performers on the frog-shaped stage in the Stone Hollow Amphitheater! Rock and dance along to The MoonRays, a four-part harmony acapella group paying tribute to the most popular acts of the 50’s and 60’s. Sunday, 1 p.m.

Messiah Sing-Along at the Walt Disney Concert Hall 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles (213) 972-7282 December 17: The popular do-it-yourself version of Handel’s Messiah, where the audience is the chorus, returns! This will be the 38th annual Messiah Sing-Along and is sure to pack the house.

Bring your own score or purchase one in the lobby.

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A limited number of VIP onstage tickets are available to bring you closer to the musical action.

Monday, 7:30 p.m. $30-85.

• Sensitive Santa Visit and Photo Opp at Pretend City Autism Night 29 Hubble, Irvine (949) 428-3900 December 17: Santa is coming to Pretend City Children’s Museum for Autism Night! Specifically for children on the Autism Spectrum (or other disabilities) only, and their families, the sensory-sensitive experience with low Christmas carols, dim lights, and trained Santa, in a private room for one family at a time, will ease some of the anxieties that may come with visiting Santa. This is a wonderful opportunity for grown-ups to capture photos of their child with Santa that might not be possible at a busy mall or crowded event. Monday, 5-7:30 p.m. Free to children on the autism spectrum. See ad on page 37.

• Las Posadas Fiesta at Pretend City Children’s Museum 29 Hubble, Irvine (949) 428-3900 December 18: Go to Pretend City with your family to celebrate the first day of this nine-day Mexican Christmas Fiesta. Through special activities and events your children will have fun learning about the history of this celebration. Saturday, all day.

Free with admission; no reservation required. See ad on page 37.

Christmas Boat Parade at Newport Sea Base 1931 W. Coast Hwy., Newport Beach (949) 642-5031 December 19-23: Enjoy prime water’s edge seating at the Newport Sea Base for this spectacular holiday tradition! Bring the whole family for activities and entertainment, sip on hot cocoa and delight in the dazzling show of holiday lights. $10 per child (ages 2-15), $12 per adult (ages 16+), children under 2 are free. Parking $20 per vehicle.

WINTER

CAMPS Theme:

3-Day Ski Vacation December 26-28 January 2-4

9:30am - 12:30pm Someone Special & Me: Gingerbre ad House Decoratin g Thursday, Dec 13 10-11:30 am

use read Ho Gingerb ting Decora Dec 15 , y Saturda 1 pm 11 am -

Parent’ s Nig New Ye ht Out Celebr ar’s ation Friday, Dec 28 5:30-9 pm

New Year’s Funday Workshop Saturday, Dec 29 11 am - 1 pm

Parties • Boy & Girl Scout Activities At-School Classes • Field Trips Adult Classes & Corporate Cooking Events 15435 Jeffrey Road, #132, Irvine

949-679-8390 • www.lilchefschool.com

Christmas Festivities at Farmers Market LA 3rd and Fairfax, Los Angeles (323) 933-9211 December 19-24: The Original Farmers Market is decked out in Yuletide finery to welcome the season.

Celebrate the holidays with music, arts and crafts, variety shows, Dickensian carolers and more. Daily.

Free.

Full Moon Hike in Orchard Hills 6400 Shady Canyon Drive, Irvine December 19: Families with kids (12+) enjoy the serenity of a moonlit night in Orchard Hills at an easy pace. This program is for participants who would enjoy a slower paced hike, are in good health and can walk on uneven surfaces in a wilderness environment. Wear comfortable clothes and sturdy shoes, and bring water and a redtinted flashlight for the hike. Be ready to enjoy the sounds and smells of the evening along with the full moon. Wednesday, 6:30-9 p.m. Register on their website.

Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade December 19-23: Join over a million viewers to watch beautifully decorated yachts, boats, kayaks Lots More Fun at kidsguidemagazine.com

Kidsguide HolidayGuide 2018 43

and canoes sail along Newport Harbor in the annual Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade. View elaborate Christmas light displays of bayfront estates with their “Ring Of Lights” competition and hundreds of decorated ships of all sizes compete for top awards in over a half dozen categories.

Nightly, 6:15-9 p.m.

brought holiday cheer to the world for more than five decades. Now, for the first time, Wilson and his longtime bandmates, Al Jardine and Blondie Chaplin, will perform the Christmas Album in its entirety along with cuts from his solo Christmas album and other holiday fan favorites. $90-150.

Friday, 8 p.m.

Newport Harbor Christmas Boat Parade and Holiday Cruises 400 Main St., Newport Beach (949) 673-1435 December 19-23 and December 24-31: Holiday cruises are offered nightly on the nights of the Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade. $31+. Register by phone or online.

Marina Park Family Fun Night in Newport December 21: Enjoy a fun family event for all ages, with lots of activities including crafts for kids, photos with Santa and food. Finish off the evening with one of the most prestigious locations to watch the annual Christmas Boat Parade.

Friday, 5:30-8 p.m.; adults, $25 and kids, $15.

Marina Park Community Center, 1600 W. Balboa Blvd. It is highly recommended to carpool and/or arrive early to avoid traffic delays, find parking and locate a viewing area.

Family Movie Night at Fullerton Library 353 W. Commonwealth Ave., Fullerton (714) 738-6338 December 20: Bring your family for a fun-filled evening at the library. The library will feature ageappropriate movies for you to enjoy in this entertaining evening! Thursday, 6:30-8 p.m. Free. Osborne Auditorium (Room A & C).

Holidays with The 5 Browns in Costa Mesa 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa December 20: An extraordinary holiday experience, five Steinway pianos fill the concert hall stage as the widely celebrated quintet of piano-playing siblings known as The 5 Browns perform beloved holiday music from Bach, The Nutcracker, A Charlie Brown Christmas, and Leroy Anderson (Sleigh Ride). Thursday, 8 p.m. Tickets start at $30.

Winter Fest at OC Fair & Event Center 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa December 20 - January 6: Winter Fest is a giant wonderland of immersive wintry fun featuring a full outdoor ice rink, 130-foot, six-lane Snowflake Summit ice slide, a play park featuring real snow blown in daily for snow angels and snowman building, photos on the world’s largest rocking horse, strolling carolers and personal visits in the cabin of Mr. and Mrs. Claus. A Festival of Lights walkthrough holiday light show features more than two million sparkling lights. Daily, check the website for times. $17-30.

Tall Ships in Newport Beach (805) 477-0470 December 21-26: Tall Ships Lady Washington and Hawaiian Chieftain stop in Newport Beach.

Events include tours, a Battle Sail and a sail. See website for details and tickets.

Under the Streetlamp at The Grove of Anaheim 2200 East Katella Ave., Anaheim December 21: Come out and get hip to the holidays with “Under the Streetlamp!” rockin’ your favorite tunes from their studio album, Every Day’s a Holiday, featuring I’ll Be Home for Christmas, Santa Bring My Baby Back, Run Run Rudolph, Ave Maria and many more! Friday, 7 p.m. $40+.

• Winter Solstice Celebration at Pretend City Children’s Museum 29 Hubble, Irvine (949) 428-3900 December 21: Put on your warm mittens and cozy scarves. It’s officially winter! The beginning of winter is marked by the solstice, the shortest day of the year. Celebrate with cool activities and art projects.

Friday, visit their website for daily schedule. Free with admission; no reservation required. See ad on page 37.

A Christmas Carol Radio Show in Long Beach 4250 Atlantic Ave., Long Beach (562) 997-1494 December 21-23: The Long Beach Shakespeare Company presents the classic 1939 radio edition of A Christmas Carol. Scrooge, his Nephew Fred, Marley’s Ghost, the three Christmas Spirits, Bob Cratchit, Mr. Fezziwig, Tiny Tim, and all the wonderful characters you remember, come to life on the intimate stage of the Richard Goad Theatre. Friday - Sunday, 8 p.m. and 2 p.m. $12.50.

Winter Solstice Hike in Newport 2301 University Drive, Newport Beach (949) 923-2290 December 21: Join OC Parks staff on a winter solstice hike at Upper Newport Bay to take a break from the holiday festivities, burn some calories, and count down to the solstice. This hike is about two to three miles on well-developed trails with some hills.

Minors 16 and younger must have legal guardian present at all times. Rain will cancel the event.

Registration required. Visit www.letsgooutside.org to sign up. Friday, 1-3 p.m. Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center.

Brian Wilson Presents the Christmas Album Live in Cerritos 18000 Park Plaza Dr., Cerritos December 21: Harmonies. That’s what Christmas songs are all about for music legend Brian Wilson.

From the seminal 1964 classic The Beach Boys’ Christmas Album to his acclaimed 2005 solo effort “What I Really Want for Christmas,” Wilson has

Holiday POPS! at Long Beach Arena Pacific Ballroom 300 E. Ocean Blvd., Long Beach December 22: It’s the most wonderful time of year to start a new holiday tradition! Join Long Beach Symphony and The Camerata Singers to experience this festive concert of seasonal favorites guar-

44 Kidsguide HolidayGuide 2018

anteed to put you and your family in the holiday spirit. The POPS! Series is a fun and friendly way to enjoy an entertaining night out. There are two ways to experience the POPS!—either at a table of 10 on the arena floor or from the upstairs loge in a theater-style seat. The concert itself starts at 8 p.m., but the doors open at 6:30 p.m. and people are encouraged to come early and bring a picnic dinner to enjoy before the show; concessions also available. $29-175. Saturday.

Holiday Sing-Along with the LA Phil 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles (323) 850-2000 December 22: Bring your yuletide spirit to this beloved L.A. holiday tradition! Accompanied by Walt Disney Concert Hall’s huge pipe organ, a choir and a jazz combo, you’ll enjoy singing numerous popular songs of the season. A jolly good time for the entire family! Saturday, 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. $34+.

Walt Disney Concert Hall.

Pennypickle’s Polar Express in Temecula 42081 Main St., Temecula (951) 308-6376 December 22: Moms and dads, enjoy some “alone time” during this busy season while your PJ-androbe-clad child (5-10) boards Professor Pennypickle’s Polar Express for fun activities and adventures!

You may send food and drinks for your child if you wish. Friday, 5:30-7:30 p.m. $25.

Tis the Season in Costa Mesa 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa (714) 556-2787 December 22-23: Resounding brass and organ, angelic children’s voices, and the splendid singers of the Pacific Chorale bring seasonal classics and popular favorites to life in one of Orange County’s best-loved holiday traditions. Saturday, 5 p.m. and Sunday, 3 p.m. Tickets start at $29. Segerstrom Center for the Arts.

King Tide at the Bay in Newport 2301 University Drive, Newport Beach (949) 923-2290 December 23: King tides are the highest tides of the year and occur during full moons in the winter. Join the Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve for a family- friendly program to learn about how and why king tides occur. After a brief program in the interpretive center, head out on the trail to observe the last king tide of 2018 and hopefully capture some scientifically valuable images. Minors 16 and younger must have legal guardian present at all times. Rain will cancel the event. Registration required. Visit www.letsgooutside.org to sign up.

Sunday, 8-10 a.m.

Loteria at La Habra Library 221 E. La Habra Blvd., La Habra (714) 526-7728 December 23: Come play Loteria at La Habra Library. Loteria is a game like bingo that is over one hundred years old! It is free to participate and there will be fun prizes. Sunday, 3-4 p.m. Free.

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Spotlight • Kidnastics Gymnastics and Rise-Up Athletics All-Star Cheerleading 10712 Reagan St., Los Alamitos (562) 431-1102 Kidnastics has been pleased to offer quality gymnastics instruction for over 40 years. As a recreational gymnastics and competitive cheerleading facility with over 23,000 square feet of full-line gymnastics equipment and two full-size gymnastics floors, they offer nothing but the best instructional classes for your children. Here, children learn all levels of gymnastics and cheerleading. Known for their quality and effective instructional classes and the lowest student-to-teacher ratio, students learn to train and stay fit in a safe and fun environment. They offer a variety of classes for children 12 months through the teen years. Programs include Totnastics, their early motor development and coordination classes designed for children 12-36 months, and gymnastics and tumbling classes for ages 3 years and up. In addition to their great gymnastics program, they also offer competitive cheer programs: Rise-Up Athletics All-Star Cheerleading Program for ages 4 years and up, plus their seasonal day camps and party packages. See ad on page 39.

• La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts Coming Up This Season 14900 La Mirada Blvd., La Mirada (714) 994-6310 Coming up this season: Story Pirates Greatest Hits!, December 2. The Nutcracker, December 22. Disney’s Moana Sing-Along, February 10. The Ugly Duckling, February 17. Journey to Oz, March 31. Slapstick Sillies, May 18. Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, May 31 - June 23. See ad on page 51.

• Musical Theatre West - Coming Up This Season (562) 856-1999 Coming up this season: Elf the Musical, November 30 - December 9. Oliver!, February 8-24. Disney’s The Little Mermaid, July 12-28. MTW at Carpenter Performing Arts Center, 6200 E Atherton St., Long Beach. See ad on page 9.

• Parties By Erin & Co. (562) 901-0111 With more than 15 years experience, self-proclaimed Party Whisperer, Erin, and her team of talented performers can give your child the party of their dreams.

They custom build every party according to theme, age group and number of children so you can sit back and relax, while they run the show. From face

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painting and magic with Cinderella, to relays and games with tweens, their energetic team can continue to perform and do parties as your child gets older.

Magicians, characters, music, Who-Done-It Mystery, Super Hero Training, face painters...no child is too young or too old and no event is too large or too small for Parties By Erin and Co! Have an idea or theme of your own? Give them a call and let them create the perfect party for you. Also see Winter Camps for their youth theater program, Acting Out. See ad on page 50.

• Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts - Coming Up This Season 9390 N. Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills (310) 746-4000 Coming up this season: Story Pirates LIVE for ages 5+, December 8, March 9 and May 11. Story Pirates for ages 2+, January 13 and February 10. The Old Man and The Old Moon, March 2-17. Black Beauty, April 26 - May 5. Dance Sundays with Debbie Allen & Friends, second Sundays, through June. See ad on page 3.

• Skatedogs (714) 313-8787 After-school and weekend classes in skateboarding, one of the world’s fastest growing sports.

Offered in conjunction with the recreation departments of Aliso Viejo, Arcadia, Beverly Hills, Brea, Cerritos, Cypress, Glendora, Huntington Beach, Irvine, Lakewood, Long Beach, Los Alamitos, Manhattan Beach, Mission Viejo, Newport Beach, Redondo Beach, Seal Beach and Tustin. They offer classes for all ability levels. Kids (5-13) make new friends, advance their skateboarding skills, and most importantly, have fun—all in Skatedogs’ private skatepark. They also offer private lessons, birthday parties and camps during school breaks.

For details on this year’s Winter Camps, offered in both Irvine and Long Beach, see Winter Camps. See ad on page 31.

• The Tutoring Center 4215 Atlantic Ave., Long Beach (562) 653-4380 Are you happy with your child’s grades? Call The Tutoring Center today to schedule your Free Diagnostic Assessment. The Tutoring Center uses a unique system known as “The Rotational Approach to Learning.”

Your child will receive intense one-to-one instruction in reading, math (all levels) and/or writing to rapidly increase academic skills while also improving concentration, focus and attention span. See ad on page 10.

• South Coast Repertory - Coming Up This Season 655 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa (714) 708-5555 Coming up this season: A Christmas Carol, for ages 6+ (children under 6 will not be admitted), November 24 - December 24. Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed, The Rock Experience, for ages 4+, February 1-17. The Velveteen Rabbit, for ages 4+, May 24 - June 9. See ad on page 14.

• St. Hedwig School 3591 Orangewood Ave., Los Alamitos (562) 296-9060 Serving students from TK-8th grade, St. Hedwig School strives to develop the whole child, one who is academically competitive and who demonstrates good character grounded in Catholic values.

They aim to provide an exceptional educational experience and to empower students to face the challenges of 21st-century learning and make a difference in their world. In addition to rigorous academics, St. Hedwig offers music, the arts, and physical education classes, plus competitive sports and after-school enrichment programs. Middle school students have 1:1 technology and Spanish classes twice a week. All students participate in STEM programs that promote hands-on learning and critical thinking skills. The entire St. Hedwig family of teachers and administrators welcome the opportunity to partner with you as parents, to guide and educate your child. Open enrollment is yearround! Call today to schedule a private tour. See ad on page 43.

• United States Youth Volleyball League (888) 988-7985 USYVL provides an eight-week instructional youth volleyball league for boys and girls, ages 7-15. This is a great opportunity for children to learn and play volleyball in a fun and positive environment. Every site has a volleyball instructor (clinician) who guides the volunteer coaches and the players in a structured teaching method to ensure participants are developing proper volleyball skills. Registration price includes a volleyball, T-shirt and participation award. Sign up now for spring on their website. Register by January 1st and receive a discount. Multiple child discounts and financial aid are also available to those that quality. USVL offers over 20 locations in Los Angeles and Orange County. See ad on page 26.

• Lil’ Chef School 15435 Jeffrey Road, #132, Irvine (949) 679-8390 Lil’ Chefs (5+) and Junior Chefs (9+, or with instructor approval) are cooking classes full of learning and fun. Plus, a program for teens. Lil’ Chef also offer school-break camps, party packages, after-school classes, and more. Upcoming special holiday events include Parent Nights Out, Gingerbread House Workshops, and fun pre-New Year’s celebrations. See ad on page 43.

Kidsguide HolidayGuide 2018 45

59th Annual Free LA County Holiday Celebration 135 N. Grand Ave., Los Angeles (213) 972-3099 December 24: Bring the whole family to Los Angeles’ biggest, Emmy Award-winning holiday show.

Choirs, music ensembles and dance companies from the many neighborhoods and cultures of L.A. celebrate the season during this free three-hour extravaganza, a decades-old tradition, beloved by Angelenos. The entire three hours will also be broadcast live on local public television. Monday, 3-6 p.m. Free; no reservations or tickets to the show; first come, first seated. Dorothy Chandler Pavilion at The Music Center.

• Begin a Holiday Tradition with a Round of Golf at Golf N’ Stuff 10555 E. Firestone Blvd., Norwalk (562) 868-9956 December 25: Bring family and friends for Christmas day fun at Golf N’ Stuff. They offer challenging miniature golf, exciting rides, including go-karts, bumper boats, kiddie train and Disk’O Thrill ride. Plus, be sure to utilize their “North Pole Pack,” just $21 (regularly $34), offered throughout December. Opens Christmas day at noon. See ad on page 29.

• Festival of Kwanzaa at Pretend City Children’s Museum 29 Hubble, Irvine (949) 428-3900 December 26-30: Kwanzaa is here, and there are so many fun things to do! Join Pretend City each day during the Festival of Kwanzaa to “light” a candle on the Kinara. Every day, celebrate a new Kwanzaa principle through a variety of activities including working at the family stand, making gifts for family and friends, playing Kwanzaa games, and more.

This is a special gift your child can give to you while expanding vocabulary, word association, and most importantly increase his or her appreciation for another’s culture and traditions. Visit their website for daily schedule. Free with admission; reservation not required. See ad on page 37.

4th Street Retro Row Open House in Long Beach 4th St., Temple to Cherry, Long Beach December 28: Enjoy extended store hours, food and drink specials, discounted merchandise, pop up shops, art shows, live music and more along the thoroughfare. Friday, 6-9 p.m.

Mannheim Steamroller Christmas at Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts 18000 Park Plaza Drive, Cerritos December 28: Mannheim Steamroller’s holiday albums have become synonymous with Christmas and continue to occupy Billboard’s seasonal charts every year! Enjoy Grammy winner Chip Davis’ showcase of Mannheim Steamroller’s holiday classics and compositions from his groundbreaking Fresh Aire series. Complete with dazzling multimedia effects, the show celebrates the 30th anniversary of the first Christmas album and 40 years since the first Fresh Aire album, which introduced their distinctive sound to America. $75-95.

Friday, 8 p.m.

46 Kidsguide HolidayGuide 2018

• Parent’s Night Out and New Year’s Celebration at Lil’ Chef School 15435 Jeffery Road, #132, Irvine (949) 679-8390 December 28: Parents can enjoy a night out, while your kids (3+) enjoy making their own pizza dinner from scratch and countdown cookies. Kids will have a pre-New Year’s celebration, complete with hats, blowers and New Year’s punch to drink! Friday. 5:309 p.m. $50; $30 per sibling. Children younger than 5 must be potty trained and have an older sibling attend. Visit their website to register. See ad on page 43.

Equestfest with the Tournament of Roses 480 W. Riverside Drive, Burbank (626) 795-4171 December 29: Get up close and personal with the 2019 Rose Parade equestrian units at Equestfest presented by Wells Fargo. Watch beautiful horses and talented riders perform drills and dances and demonstrate trick riding and roping. Attendees can also stroll through the stables, talk to riders and learn about the various tack and the many different breeds while enjoying the vendor court, displays, great music, food, and drinks. Saturday, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., show begins at noon. $15-40; parking, $10. Los Angeles Equestrian Center.

• New Year’s-Themed Funday Workshop at Lil’ Chef School 15435 Jeffery Road, #132, Irvine (949) 679-8390 December 29: Lil Chefs (5+) will learn to make favorite New Year’s appetizers, party punch and a yummy dessert. Participants learn knife skills, properly measuring wet and dry ingredients, and how to read and follow a recipe, working together as a team to complete all recipes. Saturday, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. $49; $40 for an additional sibling. Visit their website to register. See ad on page 43.

Tournament of Roses Bandfest in Pasadena 1570 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena (626) 795-4171 December 29-30: Bandfest features the prizewinning bands of the 2018 Rose Parade performing their field shows. Three shows over two days give everyone a chance to see these talented musicians, dancers and auxiliary performers in action. Saturday and Sunday. $15. Visit their website for ticket information and performance times.

• 4th Annual Noon Year’s Eve Party at My Gym 3287 Industry Drive, Signal Hill (562) 986-0066 December 30: Get ready to toot your horn at the 4th Annual Noon Year’s Eve Party at My Gym. Sunday, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Two time slots available. Call today to sign up. See ad on page 2.

• Annual Noon-Year’s Confetti Countdown at Pretend City Children’s Museum 29 Hubble, Irvine (949) 428-3900 December 31: Twas’ the day before New Year’s

and all through the city the citizens are stirring and buzzing about! With sparkling streamers, blowouts, noise makers, and confetti that will make this the party of all parties! Sunday, check website for schedule. Free with admission; no reservation required. See ad on page 37.

Family New Year’s Eve at LA Zoo 5333 Zoo Drive, Los Angeles (323) 644-4200 December 31: Celebrate the new year in style with express entry to L.A. Zoo Lights, a dinner buffet that includes soft drinks and dessert, a carousel ride, games, DJ dance party, and live broadcast of the Times Square ball drop. Raise a toast to the new year with complimentary champagne for adults (21+) and sparkling apple cider for kids. Cash bar available. After the party, families are welcome to enjoy L.A. Zoo Lights until closing. Monday, 6 p.m. Adults, $69; kids (2-12), $45.

First Night 2018 in Downtown Fullerton Harbor Blvd., Pomona Ave., and Wilshire Ave. (714) 738-6545 December 31: Stop by Downtown Fullerton to ring in the New Year! The City of Fullerton celebrates the 26th anniversary of the annual “First Night Fullerton.” Enjoy kids activities, rides, live entertainment, food vendors, roaming entertainment and a fireworks show at midnight. Monday, 7 p.m. - midnight. Admission is free.

Kids’ New Year’s Eve Celebration at Legoland One Legoland Drive, Carlsbad (760) 918-5346 December 31: “Midnight” comes early for families at Legoland California Resort, celebrating the New Year together without missing their bedtimes. Legoland California re-creates the Times Square ball drop with a giant Lego brick falling 22 feet in the air! Join in the festivities with party hats and special glasses for viewing fireworks.

The party includes performances by some of the top children’s entertainment groups in the nation, and a fireworks display illuminating the sky and providing a great ending to an amazing year.

Monday. $93+ New Year’s Eve at Knott’s Merry Farm 8039 Beach Blvd., Buena Park (714) 220-5200 December 31: The countdown to the New Year is on at Knott’s Merry Farm with special fireworks, live entertainment, and special extended hours for the one-night event. Guests have a chance to say goodbye to the final moments of 2018 at Knott’s as the park celebrates with memorable festivities including Merry Farm seasonal performances throughout the day. Monday. Included with regular park admission.

New Year’s Eve Family Musical Revue 1211 4th St., Santa Monica (310) 394-9779 December 31: Enjoy a scrumptious and sumptuous complimentary buffet supper followed by the internationally acclaimed Actors’ Repertory Theatre’s highly entertaining, family-friendly Rudie DeCarlo musical revue, with prizes, songs, dancing in the aisles, humor and other delights culled Lots More Fun at kidsguidemagazine.com

from five decades of audience favorites. Monday, 6 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. $29+.

as you count down to the stroke of noon! Monday, noon. Included with museum admission.

New Year’s Eve at the Waterfront 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach December 31: Downtown Long Beach welcomes the new year in style with a family-friendly event on the waterfront, and a street party. At 9 p.m., the sky will light up for an East Coast countdown with a fireworks spectacular from Rainbow Harbor’s lighthouse peninsula! Monday, 5-10:30 p.m. Free.

Noon Year’s Eve Party at Southern California Children’s Museum 459 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena December 31: Ring in 2019 before bedtime! Enjoy crafts and other interactive activities to welcome the new year at noon sharp with a special surprise.

Monday, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. $8/per person. Kids under 1 are free.

New Year’s Eve at Universal Studios 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City (800) 864-8377 December 31: Be part of Hollywood’s biggest New Year’s Eve celebration at Universal Studios Hollywood’s Eve event this December 31. Fill your day with heart-pounding rides, shows and attractions, and then keep the thrills going into the night. Enjoy multiple party areas featuring music, dancing, drinks, special souvenirs and a midnight countdown celebration with fireworks! Events subject to change.

NYE at Winter Fest at OC Fair & Event Center 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa December 31: Ring in the new year not once, but twice, with a special countdown, Orange Ball drop, fireworks and an unforgettable balloon drop at both 6 p.m. and midnight. Multiple live bands will be playing to commemorate the end of the year, and the start of a new one. Monday, noon - 1 a.m. $10-79.

Noon Year’s Eve at Kidspace Children’s Museum 480 N. Arroyo Blvd., Pasadena (626) 449-9144 December 31: Midnight is way past bedtime, so celebrate the new year a bit early with Kidspace! Experience the ginormous balloon drop at noon, sip and toast cups of sparkling cider, and create your own party hats and noisemakers to ring in 2019! Dance

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NYELA New Year’s Eve LA at Grand Park Downtown Los Angeles December 31: For the sixth year, Grand Park + The Music Center’s N.Y.E.L.A. will be the goto central gathering place in Los Angeles where Angelenos ring in the new year. Includes music, dancing, large-scale art installations and a unique only-in-Los Angeles New Year’s countdown, featuring 3-D digital video mapping on the side of the iconic City Hall with an integrated light show.

Monday, 8 p.m. - 1 a.m. Free.

Winter Camps • Acting Out (562) 901-0111 www.actingoutcamp.com Save your drama for Acting Out’s school-break workshops for kids (7-13)! Musical Theater Mayhem, December 27 and 28: sing, dance, act and laugh in this two-day musical theatre intensive that is perfect for both experienced musical theatre kids and Broadway newbies alike. Focus on ensemble, musical theatre dance, and how to act through song. Dance technique, Broadway sing alongs, and acting games galore, too.

All skill levels welcome. All Things Acting Out, January 3 and 4: Through theater games, improvisation and creative drama, campers will express themselves and discover fun ways to perform as individuals and as an ensemble. Play, act out, do scene work and make each other laugh. Both sessions will culminate with a showcase of what the campers learned during the work-

Kidsguide HolidayGuide 2018 47

Got These? petsguidemagazine.com sops. Sign up for one or both! 9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Email: actingoutcamp@yahoo.com. See ad on page 50.

• AJCC Camp Komaroff Winter Break Camp (562) 426-7601, Ext. 1024 Looking for a place where your kids can enjoy different activities this winter break? At the Alpert JCC Camp Komaroff, kids in grades K-9 enjoy indoor sports, cooking, dance party, day trips, arts and crafts, and lots more! There’s something for everyone! Open to all ages and faiths. Winter Camp is available from December 26-28 and January 2-4.

9 a.m. - 4 p.m. or 7 a.m. - 6 p.m. options available.

Register online at alpertjcc.org. For more information, contact Brandon Julian at (562) 426-7601, Ext. 1024 or bjulian@alpertjcc.org. See ad on page 47.

Anaheim Community Services (714) 765-5219 CampVenture Day Camp (6-13) - Daily activities include crafts, movies, nature, science, cooking, sports, weekly excursion and more. Themed-weekly sessions through January 4. 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Extended hours, 7:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. Call for fees.

• Anaheim ICE Winter Youth Hockey Camp 300 W. Lincoln Ave., Anaheim (714) 535-RINK Spend an unforgettable three days with professional coaches, learning all aspects of the game of ice hockey at The Rinks Anaheim ICE (the official training facility of the Anaheim Ducks). December 17-19. On- and off-ice drills, games and tons of fun! $375 per player (includes jersey). Ages 7-13.

Arts & Learning Conservatory (714) 728-7100 Act, sing, and dance your way into the holidays, with Arts & Learning Conservatory’s winter camps!

Mornings feature a rotation of classes for campers (4-18) in acting, voice, and dance with the afternoon spent applying those skills, rehearsing and building a modified performance—all taught by musical theater professionals. Each week of camp concludes with a final performance for friends and family. From youngest campers who explore an introduction into the theatrical arts, to high school students seeking to build upon and improve their musical theater talent, they prepare students of all levels and ages to hit the stage! Sugarplum Camp, 48 Kidsguide HolidayGuide 2018

December 26-28: Selections from Nutcracker, Polar Express, and Elf. Grinch Camp, January 2-4: Selections from The Grinch, Charlie Brown Christmas, and Christmas Carol.

Boys and Girls Club Day camps (5-18) are offered at most branches during vacation breaks and school holidays, usually Monday - Friday, 6:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. (hours vary).

Most clubs also offer overnight and leadership camps (13-18). Find your nearest location at www.bgca.org.

Camp Fire 7070 E. Carson St., Long Beach (562) 421-2725 Winter-break camp offered January 2-4. Check website for details.

Costa Mesa Parks and Community Services (714) 754-5300 Winter Camp Costa Mesa (grades K-6) - Excursions, games, skits, arts and crafts, and more. December 24 - January 4 and February 19-22, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

(No camp December 25, January 1 and February 18.) $165 per week.

Downey Parks and Recreation (562) 904-7223 Camp Avalanche, December 26 - January 4, 7 a.m. 6 p.m. Includes a daily snack and a weekly excursion.

A sack lunch must be sent daily. Call or visit their website for more information on themes and trips included in this winter’s camp planning.

Fullerton Parks and Recreation (714) 738-6575 Winter Day Camps - Kids (5-12) get active outdoors and explore, create and learn through various arts, crafts and enrichment projects. Call for dates and fees.

Irvine Community Services (949) 724-6610 Winter camps available. Visit their website for details.

Gryphon Fencing and Fitness Studio 971 Via Rodeo, Placentia (714) 519-1343

Go from Zero to Zorro! Vacation-break camps will teach your child the sport of fencing. In the popular Go Medieval camp, kids learn archery, fencing and build a working catapult. Camps offer the chance to have fun, meet new friends, learn new skills and build confidence. Email: info@gryphonfencing.com.

• Kidnastics Winter-Break Camp 10712 Reagan St., Los Alamitos (562) 431-1102 Are you looking for a fun-filled exciting program for your children to get into? Well, look no further. Kidnastics Gymnastics offers exciting seasonal winter, spring, and summer day camps for children ages 4 years and up.

With flexible day camp programs, either for the dayto-day camper or the full week, your child will enjoy instructional gymnastics along with arts, crafts, games and much more. Visit the website or call the number listed for more program information. See ad on page 39.

Lake Forest Community Services 25550 Commercentre Drive, Lake Forest (949) 273-6960 Holiday Hoopla Rockin’ Winter Camp and Winter Adventure Camp - December 26-28 and January 2-4.

Etnies Fall Skate Camp also offered. Call for details, ages, and fees.

• Lil’ Chef School - Winter Camp 15435 Jeffrey Road, #132, Irvine (949) 679-8390 Ski-son Greetings! Join Lil’ Chef for their epic ThreeDay Ski Vacation Camp. Together, you will “visit” their three favorite Ski Resorts around the world during Winter Break: Whistler, Aspen and the French Alps. Lil’ Chefs (5+) will learn to make hearty soups, delicious stews, an awesome variety of doughs (bread, bagel, biscuit, and Pate Brisee) and yummy desserts. December 26-28 and January 2-4 (Wednesday - Friday). 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Sibling discount available. Join them for all three days for an epic savings; daily rates are also available. Visit their website to register. See ad on page 43.

Long Beach Parks Recreation and Marine (562) 570-3100 Winter School-Break Programs - Park community centers will be open for extended hours for youth recreation programs, December 24 - January 4.

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El Dorado Nature Center Workshops - One-day workshops teach science principals to kids, ages 5-8.

December 26-29 and January 2-5. Workshops run 9 a.m. - noon. Each class is $15. Call for daily themes.

Los Alamitos Recreation (562) 430-1073 Winter camp (5-12): December 26 - January 4.

9 a.m. - 4 p.m.; extended hours, 7 a.m. - 6 p.m. $25-28 per day, $40-43 per extended day.

• Half-Day Camps at My Gym Long Beach 3287 Industry Drive, Signal Hill (562) 986-0066 December 27 - January 4: My Gym Children’s Fitness Center offers one of the best camp programs in town.

Children of all ages can enjoy a day of camp with hands-on arts and crafts, music, relays, games, and overall emphasis on learning solid skills and fundamentals in sports and gymnastics. Themed days and activities add to the fun and atmosphere of their winter camps. Sign up for one day or up to four days per week. See ad on page 2.

Newport Beach Recreation (949) 644-3151 The City of Newport Beach offers a variety of winter camps, including a modified City Day Camp. Call or visit website for pricing and more information.

Sandie Mercer Ranch at Lakewood Equestrian Center 11369 Carson St., Lakewood

2 Winter Mini-Workshops

(562) 425-1905 Holiday weekly extended lesson program at Sandie Mercer Ranch for ages 7-17. Learn all about horses: leading, grooming, bathing, parts of saddle and bridle, breed types, colors and markings, plus horseback riding two times daily. Enrollment is limited.

Email: sandiejmercer@gmail.com.

• Signal Hill Community Services (562) 989-7330, Winter camp (grades K-5) - January 2-4, 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. $30-42 per week. Signal Hill Park.

• Skatedogs’ Winter-Break Camp (714) 313-8787 Whether you are just learning or ready to learn advanced tricks, this camp is right for you! Participants (5-13) make new friends, advance their skills, play games, and most importantly, have fun in the Skatedogs’ private skatepark. Requirements: signed Skatedogs waiver form, skateboard, knee pads, elbow pads and helmet. Irvine: January 2-4, 9 a.m. - noon, $100; register through Irvine Recreation Department, (949) 222-2251. Long Beach: single or multiple days available, December 27 and 28, January 2, 3 and 4; 9 a.m. - noon, $40 per day; register via skatedogs.com or (714) 313-8787. See ad on page 31.

• Vans Skatepark Holiday Skate Clinics 20 City Blvd., West, Orange (714) 769-3800, December 15 and 22: Vans Skatepark in Orange, a 40,000-square-foot facility, offers two Holiday Clinics on Saturday, December 15 and 22. Instruction is

YMCA Individual branches offer day camp (5-15) during traditional and year-round school vacations. Financial assistance is available. Find your nearest location at www.ymca.net.

YMCA of OC Winter Overnight Camp - Winter Camp is a great way for kids, ages 8-14, to see a whole new side of YMCA’s Camp E.L.K. Camp is quite likely to have snow which will allow for additional activities like sledding, snow science, archery, winter survival skills, outdoor cooking, a New Year’s Eve Party and more. December 27 - January 1. $525. Financial assistance available; sibling discounts, too. Enrollment is limited to 50 campers. More information at www.campelk.org.

Winter Day Camp - A great way for children to have fun in a safe and supportive environment during holiday break, December 26 - January 4 right on your school campus. Join them for a “winter funland” themed camp and enjoy participating in fun activities like: video making, chillin’ arts and crafts, frozen frenzy games, scavenger hunts, melting math fun, and on-site special events and field trips.

Find a location near you at www.ymcaoc.org/wdc.

Parties by Erin & Co. Musical Theater Mayhem December 27 & 28 Dancing Singing & Acting

All Things Acting Out

Ages 7-13

offered for beginner to advanced street skateboarders, ages 6-16. Pizza lunch is included. Clinic hours: 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. Free clinics open to the public, see associate for details. Space is limited, so sign up today. See ad on page 7.

Also...Holiday Events!

Boys & Girls • All Ages Birthdays • Special Events Corporate Picnics Themed Parties

January 3 & 4 Theater Games, Improv & Creative Drama All skill levels welcome!

9am - 3:30pm | Call Today to Reserve a Spot!

actingoutcamp.com | (562) 901-0111 50 Kidsguide HolidayGuide 2018

bestpartiesbyerin.com Lots More Fun at kidsguidemagazine.com