Christmas Countdown 2009!
Southern California family Christmas activities!
On this page, you'll find family-friendly Southern California holiday activities listed day-by-day, counting down to Christmas Day itself!
You'll find some of Southern California's top family holiday events listed on this page. Not all of the events going on in greater LA will be listed here...wow, wouldn't THAT be a daunting task! However, you WILL find more seasonal activities on this page than you can possibly attend. (But why not TRY!)
Meanwhile, here's a link to the
www.kids-cooking-activities.com website.
You can enjoy making some Christmas goodies for the holidays, and have some "togetherness" time with the kids while doing it!
SoCal Christmas Events planned for November 2009
Family Holiday Events Scheduled from November 1 through 13th
November 1, 2009 (Sunday)
* Anaheim: Disneyland Park's "Nightmare Before Christmas" version of its popular "Haunted Mansion" ride continues today and throughout the rest of 2009 (from its opening date in September, 2009.)
* Irvine: Ice skating begins today at the Irvine Spectrum Center Mall in Orange County! The ice skating will take place by the Giant Wheel ride on a special temporary ice rink which will stay in place through January 18, 2010. For ice skating schedules and prices, you may view the www.SkateSpectrum.com website, the official website of the Irvine Spectrum's ice rink. To find out other fun stores you'll enjoy while visiting this beautiful, open-air mall, plus directions & a map, please see the Irvine Spectrum Center Mall page of this website.
November 13, 2009 (Friday)
Christmas activities begin at Disneyland Park! Friday, November 13th is a date that all Disney-fans should remember, because that's when holiday decorations will be completed and the annual Christmas parade (plus other activities) will begin. For further info, please see the Disneyland Christmas section of this website.
Christmas Countdown 2009---
Family Activities from November 14 thru November 18, 2009
November 14, 2009 (Saturday)
* Alpine: The Viejas casino & outlet mall's ice rink opens for the holiday season on the 14th of November! Up in the mountains east of San Diego, you'll find a winter wonderland...and Southern California's largest outdoor seasonal ice skating rink, as well! The ice skating rink stays open thru January 3, 2010. You can find out further info, including prices and session times, on The Viejas outlet center's official website.
November 17, 2009 (Tuesday)
* Thousand Oaks: The Lakes ice rink opens for the holiday season on the 17th of November! The ice skating rink stays open thru January 18, 2010. You can find out further info, including prices and session times, on The Lakes shopping center's official website.
Southern California Christmas Activities 2009
Holiday events November 18th through 22nd
November 19, 2009 (Thursday) * Los Angeles: The "Downtown on Ice" skating rink opens in Downtown LA's Pershing Square! Skating sessions run 7 days per week and begin frequently throughout the day. The Downtown Los Angeles ice rink costs $6 per 1 hour session. The Pershing Square ice rink's skate rentals cost $2/person. Skating season will last clear through until 1/18/2010, and will be OPEN on all the holidays...yes, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day, too! The Pershing Square address is 532 S Olive St, Los Angeles. For further information about the Downtown LA ice rink, call 213-847-4970...or visit the Downtown On Ice website.
* San Diego: Horton Plaza's "Fantasy on Ice" public skating rink opens! The Horton Plaza ice rink will open on November 19, 2009 and remain open most days (but not all) for your holiday enjoyment through January 10, 2010! For dates, times and prices, visit the www.SDIce.com official website.
November 21, 2009 (Saturday) * San Diego: A live stage production of "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" opens at the Old Globe Theater in San Diego's Balboa Park on November 21, 2009. The presentation of this Dr Seuss favorite is an annual tradition at the Old Globe! To find out further details about this family holiday play, please see the Old Globe Theater's official website, which is www.OldGlobe.org. "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" will continue at The Old Globe through December 27th.
* Beverly Hills: While everybody ELSE is lighting Christmas trees...guess what they're lighting in Beverly Hills? Elegant chandeliers--and you can join in the fun. Come to the Rodeo Drive holiday lighting of 20 magnificent Baccarat crystal chandeliers! The time? The lighting ceremonies start at 7 pm Saturday, November 21, 2009. (But come early, if you can...to enjoy strolling balloon artists, jugglers, musicians and carolers.) The place? The 200 block of North Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills. Also being lit is the Giant Crystal UNICEF snowflake atop the Beverly Wilshire Hotel Stick around, because fireworks will be the grand finale to the event this year! To discover the details about this event, you may visit the
official Beverly Hills visitors website's holiday page. If you can't make it to the lighting ceremony, both the Rodeo Drive chandeliers and the Unicef snowflake will be lit nighly through January 1, 2010.
* Laguna Beach: Craft lovers won't want to miss Laguna Beach's huge holiday tradition, the Sawdust Festival's Winter Fantasy 2009! You can get your Christmas holiday gifts purchased in a hurry, as you enjoy one beautiful hand-crafted item after another. You'll wish you had 100 more friends on your gift list! In addition to the hand-made crafts for sale, you may enjoy a free art activity (all ages invited), artist demonstrations, and live entertainment. You may enjoy this event weekends from Saturday, November 21nd through Sunday, December 13, 2008. For further info, please refer to the Sawdust Festival's official website (which is www.SawdustFestival.org.)
Holiday events November 23rd through 26th
November 25, 2009 (Wednesday) * Valencia: Free admission with food donation to Magic Mountain! For today only, you can get free admission to the Six Flags Magic Mountain theme park if you donate one full bag of food! Six Flags generously sponsors this annual holiday food drive called the "Bag A Ticket" program; and, today's "Bag A Ticket" day for 2007! For further details, please see the Six Flags Magic Mountain website's calendar of upcoming events.
* San Diego: "Skating by the Sea" begins at the Hotel del Coronado in San Diego! Skate on the area's only ice rink that boasts an ocean view! If you can't make it today...don't worry. You'll be able to skate at the Hotel del Coronado from November 25th, 2009 clear through January 3, 2010. For more info, please visit the Hotel del Coronado's official website, www.HotelDel.com, where you'll learn about not only skating, but about their other holiday events, as well.
* The "Wild Lights" holiday festival begins this evening, November 25, 2009, at The Living Desert Zoo in Palm Desert/greater Palm Springs. You'll see animated displays...and over 350,000 twinkling lights! Santa Claus will be on hand to greet the kiddies, as well. 2009 dates for the "Wild Lights" festivities are Nov. 25-28; and Dec 18 through January 2, 2010. (This schedule is remarkably different than in past years. It cuts out several weekends in early December, but adds several dates during the Christmas vacation period.) Gates open at 6 pm and the event closes at 9 pm. Admission prices are $7.75/adults and $5.50/children ages 3-12. Call Living Desert Zoo phone number 760-346-5694 for further information, or see the Living Desert's official website at www.livingdesert.org
Christmas Countdown 2009: November 26 (Thanksgiving Day)
November 26, 2009 (Thursday, Thanksgiving Day)
* Buena Park: Knott's Berry Farm's Christmas festivities begin today! The annual Knott's Berry Farm Christmas Crafts Fair Village opens as part of the celebration! Come enjoy browsing through hand-made items of the finest craftsmanship that Knotts could find! Also opening at Knott's Berry Farm today is the Snoopy's Christmas Ice Show! Please see the "Knott's Berry Farm Christmas" page of this website for further details.
* Buena Park: Also today at Knott's Berry Farm, Mrs. Knott's Chicken Dinner Restaurant is serving up its famous Thanksgiving Feast! Please see the "Mrs. Knott's Chicken Dinner Restaurant" page of this website for details.
* Del Mar: In greater San Diego, the Del Mar Fairgrounds "Holiday of Lights" begins Thanksgiving evening and runs through 1/3/2010. If you think you've seen lights before, try reviving your amazement with the Fairground's 350+ beautifully lighted and animated displays! Admission is $14/car for up to 5 people; and $19/car for 6+. Viewing hours begin daily at 5:30 pm and end at 10 pm (Sundays thru Thursdays) or 11 pm (Fridays and Saturdays.) This is a popular annual event---you'll be cruisin' along with 600 vehicles (average) per night! This year, for the first time, a Holiday Hayride will be offered (extra fee.) You can leave the driving to someone else while you enjoy the lighting displays! To see pictures of the Del Mar Christmas lighting display, you may view the Del Mar Holiday Lights page of this site. You may call phone number 858/755-1161 for further info, or visit the Del Mar Fairground's official website, www.SDFair.com.
* LA: "Reindeer Romp" begins today at the Los Angeles Zoo! From Thanksgiving Day through January 1, 2010, there will be holiday decorations on display at the LA Zoo, one of Griffith Park's top attractions. Visitors can make special crafts projects...and even greet Santa Claus! The festivities take place during normal zoo hours (10 am through 5 pm...but, the last tickets are sold at 4 pm!) Normal ticket prices of $13/adults and $8/kids ages 2-12 apply. For further info, please see the LA Zoo's official website, www.LAzoo.org.
* Have Thanksgiving Dinner at the San Diego Zoo! That's right! You can enjoy a fun day of viewing your favorite animals without missing your traditional turkey 'n dressing feast! Actually, there are not only one, but TWO restaurants at the San Diego Zoo serving dinner...to help handle the crowd for this popular event. For more information on this fun & unusual Thanksgiving meal, please call them at 760-738-5055 or visit the San Diego Zoo's official website, www.SanDiegoZoo.org. Click on "calendar" for holiday event information.
* Escondido: You can ALSO enjoy your Thanksgiving feast at the San Diego Wild Animal Park in Escondido! You'll be able to enjoy either roast turkey or prime rib...or both!...at the all-you-can-eat buffet in the park's Hunte Nairobi Pavilion. (2 seatings will be held; the times are noon and 3 pm. Note: you must ALSO pay for admission to the San Diego Wild Animal Park, so this dinner is really only meant for those spending the day at the park, not for those who just wish to "drop in and dine.") Please call the San Diego Wild Animal Park at (760) 747-8702 for further details, or see the San Diego Zoo website (link above.)
* Long Beach: You can also eat your Thanksgiving Feast aboard a retired luxury ocean liner....The Queen Mary, in Long Beach! The Queen Mary has several dining rooms open today, serving meals from casual to elegant, and both menu-ordered and buffet-style. Please call 562/435-3511 for further information, or visit the restaurant section of the Queen Mary official website, www.QueenMary.com
Christmas Calendar 2009: November 27 (Black Friday)
You'll "drop" long before the shopping ends, because today's extended hours are LONG! Non-shoppers can find plenty of OTHER holiday fun!
Barstow Tanger Outlets: Midnight to 9 pm
Camarillo Premium Outlets: Midnight to 10 pm
Carlsbad Premium Outlets: Midnight to 10 pm
Citadel Outlet Mall, Commerce City: Opens at 11 pm Thanksgiving evening
Desert Hills Premium Outlets: Midnight to 10 pm. The smaller Cabazon Outlets, which is adjacent to the huge Desert Hills mall, opens 2 hours earlier...at 10 pm on Thanksgiving evening
Las Americas Premium Outlets: Midnight to 10 pm
Ontario Mills Mall: Midnight to 10 pm
Viejas Outlet Mall: Participating stores open at Midnight
More Outlet Mall information: You can reach detailed info about any of the above SoCal outlet malls (including a list of stores, addresses and maps) from the Southern California Outlet Malls overview page of this site.
* Black Friday at "regular" retail malls and shopping centers: You already know that every one of Southern California's malls and shopping centers are going to be packed with crowds today. But did you know that there's a website devoted to finding out what sales will be happening BEFORE the "official" announcements are made? If you'd like some fun reading and want to get clued-in about upcoming discounts, try visiting the bfads.net website.
* San Diego: "Breakfast with Shamu and Santa" begins at Sea World today! There will be 2 seatings: 8:30 to 9:30 am and 10:30 to 11:30 am. Breakfast with Shamu and Santa costs $26 plus tax for ages 10 thru adults; and $16 plus tax for ages 3 through 9. This popular holiday meal will also be held a number of other days throughout the holiday season. Call 800/25-SHAMU for further details (choose "dining" option from the menu) or visit the SeaWorld San Diego's dining reservations page to reserve your spot or learn details about the menu.
* Goleta: Ride the Candy Cane Train at the South Coast Railroad Museum in Goleta! This annual event in greater Santa Barbara kicks off today, November 27, 2009, during the hours of 1 pm to 4 pm, and continues through December 27th on select dates. If you attend this charming holiday event, you'll be able to enjoy riding a festively decorated miniature train (but note: the minimum height requirement is 34" tall.) Kids each receive a candy cane and holiday surprise bag. Next, it's on into the museum itself to view the enchanting exhibit "Toy Trains & Teddy Bears!" Admission cost is $3.50/person. Call 805/964-3540 for exact dates and further info, or visit the South Coast RR Museum's official website at www.GoletaDepot.org
* Riverside: The Mission Inn holds its Tree Lighting at sunset this evening. (The exact time is not specified.) Beginning November 27, 2009, the grounds of this famous hotel will be lit with 2 million+ lights and decorated with hundreds of angels and elves. If you can't get to the Tree Lighting ceremony, you are welcome to come stroll the grounds and enjoy the decorative Christmas lighting through January 3, 2010. Phone 951/784-0300 for further info. The Mission Inn address is 3649 Mission Inn Avenue, Riverside, CA 92501. Mission Inn's website is www.MissionInn.com
* Lake Arrowhead: What "feels" more like Christmas than pine trees? Here's a good excuse to head up into pine tree territory: attend the On November 27th, you may attend the Lake Arrowhead Village tree lighting ceremony. Then, the next day, come back for the Lake Arrowhead Village "Holiday Time in the Village" festivities. From noon through 5 pm on Saturday, November 28, 2009, kids can meet Santa! Carolers will sing...and of course, you can enjoy the Village shopping and dining. If you can't make it on opening day, the event will continue every Saturday and Sunday through Christmas. For info, call 909/337-2533, or visit the www.LakeArrowheadVillage.com official website. Christmas celebrations continue throught Thanksgiving weekend PLUS ever weekend until Christmas.
SoCal Christmas Calendar of Activities, November 28 & 29, 2009
The weekend after Thanksgiving is filled with fun!
November 28, 2009 (Saturday)
* Los Angeles: Griffith Park's "Train Ride to Santa" begins tonight! This event kicks off for the holiday season the evening of Saturday, November 29, 2009. It will be held selected nights through December 23rd. Head to TRAVEL TOWN...and NOT to the miniature train station on Crystal Springs Drive. Tickets are $7 per person; children under the age of 18 months are admitted free. Chug on over to the "Griffith Park Christmas Activities" page of this website to see photos of this event, and then visit the Griffith Park Miniature Train's website to discover further details.
* San Diego: Today (November 28, 2009) in San Diego, you may take pictures with Surfing Santa at Seaport Village (on the Embarcadero) from 1 to 5 pm! Festive live music and other entertainment complete the fun. For further details about this whimsical event, please visit the www.SeaportVillage.com official website.
November 29, 2009 (Sunday)
* Hollywood Santa Parade: The popular Hollywood Santa Parade will be held on Sunday, November 29, 2009. This annual Southern California tradition (which debuted with the name "Santa Claus Lane Parade," then went onto become the "Hollywood Christmas Parade" before it got its current name) draws thousands of visitors every year to see floats, bands, equestrian units...as well as major Hollywood performers! To learn further details, you may use the following link to visit the Hollywood Santa Parade website.
Christmas Countdown 2009: December Events
SoCal Family Holiday Activities from December 1st thru 6th, 2009
December 1, 2009 (Tuesday)
*The City of Burbank's Tree Lighting Ceremony and holiday festival take place tonight! The Burbank tree lighting ceremony starts at 6 pm by City Hall. (The Burbank City Hall address is 275 East Olive Avenue in Burbank, CA.) Next, the evening's other activities begin...one of which is a photo session with Santa! You can also enjoy live music, children's face painting and other fun. For further details, please consult the Downtown Burbank official website.
December 2, 2009 (Wednesday)
* San Diego: On Wednesday, December 2, 2009 from 4 to 7 pm, you can have some Christmas-themed fun at the Hotel del Coronado Holiday festival! In addition to skating on the ice rink (which opened in November---see above), you'll be able to visit with Santa Claus, view beautiful decorations and enjoy holiday activities at Hotel del Coronado's Santa's Village! Please contact 619/522-8815 to learn more about this super San Diego event, or visit the www.hoteldel.com official website.
* Los Angeles: Griffith Park's lighting display opens to non-motorists! Thursday, December 3 is reserved for bicycles; then Friday, December 4th (through December 17th) the Griffith Park lighting display opens to pedestrians. You'll get in on an "early bird preview" of the dazzling Griffith Park "Holiday Light Festival's" mile-long display of decorations and Christmas lights before this event opens to cars on Friday, December 18, 2008. Further information can be found on the DWP-Griffith Park Festival of Lights website.
December 4, 2009 (Friday)
* Dana Point: Bring the whole family to Dana Point's Holiday in the Harbor! On Friday, December 4, 2009 from 4 pm until 8 pm, you'll get in on Santa photos, live music and entertainment, and holiday activities (such as face painting.) Set your course for the Dana Point Harbor to take advantage of this free fun-filled festival! For further info, please consult this Dana Point Christmas event's official flyer (and you'll read about other holiday festivities at the Dana Point Harbor, too!)
* San Diego: "December Nights" at Balboa Park begins! Friday, December 4, 2009 and Saturday, December 5, 2009 are the 2 dates when you'll be able to enjoy this popular San Diego Christmas activity. Balboa Park's December Nights celebration is so LARGE and so VARIED that you absolutely WON'T be capable of taking it all in! PLUS---it's FREE! Festival hours on Friday night start at 5 pm and run through 10 pm. On Saturday, December Nights activities at Balboa Park start at noon and end at 10 pm. Head to the www.BalboaPark.org official website to find out details about this popular San Diego holiday event.
* Seal Beach: For an Orange County Christmas celebration with a small-town atmosphere, try the Seal Beach Holiday Parade on Friday, December 4, 2009! The small-and-cute Seal Beach downtown is where you'll take in this 7 pm spectacle featuring bands, clowns, drill teams, floats, and (naturally!), Santa Claus. The parade will start off at the Seal Beach Pier, progress down the shop-lined Main Street, and end up at the Pacific Coast Highway. Visit the Seal Beach Chamber of Commerce website for further details.
* Santa Barbara:Enjoy both fun and beauty at the Annual Downtown Santa Barbara Holiday Parade tonight, Friday, December 4, 2009! You'll glimpse floats, hear marching bands, and enjoy the festive atmosphere of Santa Barbara's beautiful State Street shopping district. The parade begins at 6:30 pm on State Street at the intersection of Sola, then continues along State to its Cota Street finish. For further info, please visit the www.SantaBarbaraDowntown.com official website.
December 5, 2009 (Saturday)
Burbank: It's Snow Day in Burbank! On Saturday, December 5, 2009, you can stay busy with family holiday activities in Burbank, California! From 11 pm to 2 pm, bring the kids the AMC Walkway to romp and play in 15 TONS of fresh snow! Enjoy refreshments, holiday music and watch an ice sculptor at work. Put your wallet away, because the snow-play activity is FREE! Visit the www.downtown-burbank.org website for details about Snow Day and other Burbank holiday events.
* Chula Vista: This evening, December 5, 2009 along 3rd Avenue, you may witness Chula Vista's Starlight Parade! This beautiful annual evening parade begins at 6 pm, and features floats, bands, drill teams, classic cars and Santa Claus! But, come early to Chula Vista's Memorial Park, because there will be activities for children between 1 pm and 5 pm, followed by a Tree Lighting Ceremony! For further info, you may contact 619/442-1982 or head to the Third Street Village website. Memorial Park is located just west of 3rd and G streets in Chula Vista (south San Diego county.)
* La Habra: Have Breakfast with Santa at the La Habra Children's Museum! (Address: 301 S Euclid St, La Habra.) Not only will you enjoy your favorite breakfast foods, but your kids will also enjoy holiday craft-making, photos with Santa Claus, and admission to the regular museum exhibits. For ticket information and to make a reservation, call 562/905-9647. Seatings will be held Saturday, December 5, 2009 and Sunday, December 6, 2009 at 8:30 am, 9:45 am and 11 am. You may visit the La Habra Children's Museum website for more information about both the museum and its schedule of activities.
* Long Beach: The traditional Belmont Shores Christmas Parade is tonight, Saturday, December 5, 2009. And, in 2009, this popular local parade celebrates its 27th anniversary! Head to 2nd Street in the Belmont Shores neighborhood of Long Beach between 7 and 9 pm to enjoy this family festival...but it's even better if you arrive early to get a good parade-watching spot. Please see the Belmont Shores official website for further details.
* Ocean Beach Holiday Parade! This annual San Diego tradition is one of SoCal's fun family Christmas activities. The parade starts Saturday, December 5, 2009 at 5 pm on Newport Avenue and runs until about 7 pm. You may view the Ocean Beach Town Council's Event Calendar for further info, and to discover other Ocean Beach holiday fun.
* Oxnard: Celebrate the season on Saturday, December 5, 2009 at Oxnard's Christmas Parade! Head to Ventura County for this 10 am event which takes place along "A" street in Oxnard. You'll enjoy bands, classic cars, and skillful equestrian riders at this fun family activity. Need further info about this event? Or, would you like to discover other Oxnard holiday activities? Please see the Events page of the www.VisitOxnard.com website for further details.
* Palm Springs: It's time again for the Palm Springs Festival of Lights Parade! The sights on Palm Canyon Drive will REALLY make you "ooh and ahh" tonight as beautifully lit and decorated floats make their procession down the street, accompanied by holiday music...and even SNOW! Head to Downtown Palm Springs (between Tamarisk & Ramon) by 5:45 pm on Saturday, December 5, 2009 to keep from missing out on the fun. Want further info? You may view the parade's official website at www.paradesofpalmsprings.com
* San Juan Capistrano: On Saturday, December 5, 2009, you may enjoy "Christmas at the Mission," a celebration on the beautiful grounds of historic Mission San Juan Capistrano. You'll find a nativity scene, music, entertainment, and refreshments. The Mission San Juan Capistrano address is 26801 Ortega Hwy in San Juan Capistrano, just several blocks west of I-5. You may visit the Events page of the mission's website to find out details about this fun family Christmas activity. Plus, you may find out about still MORE family Christmas activities in San Juan Capistrano by visiting the Zoomars Petting Zoo website.
December 6, 2009 (Sunday)
* Del Mar: Holiday Wonderland in downtown Del Mar Village is today! This greater San Diego holiday event on Sunday, December 6, 2009 includes a large gift bazaar, a trackless train, live music, crafts, face painting, bounce houses, balloon twisters...and even horse-drawn carriage rides. The street fair celebration lasts from 1 pm until 5 pm...but then continues with music and a tree lighting ceremony. Tickets required for activities; price for advance tickets is 25 tickets for $20. Day-of-event tickets will cost $25 for 25 tickets. You may visit the www.DelMarMainStreet.com website for further details.
* La Jolla: Sunday, December 6, 2009 is the date for this year's La Jolla Christmas Parade and Holiday Festival! You'll see floats, bands, equestrian units and vintage vehicles...plus Santa Claus himself! The La Jolla Christmas Parade begins at 2 pm. A holiday festival follows the parade from 3:30 pm to 5 pm at the La Jolla Rec Center. AND, there's a holiday tree lighting at 4:30 pm, as well! Please see the www.LJparade.com official website for the complete scoop on this fun Southern California holiday event.
SoCal Family Holiday Celebrations from December 7th thru 13th, 2009
December 12, 2009 (Saturday)
* Long Beach: This year's Long Beach tradition, the 55th Annual Daisy Avenue Christmas Tree Lane Parade takes place Saturday, December 12, 2009 beginning at 5 pm. Head to Daisy Avenue from Hill St. to Pacific Coast Avenue to watch the action along the parade route! If you can't make it tonight, be sure to drive by Daisy Avenue (between Willow and PCH) any evening for the rest of the holiday season to check out the many lighted & decorated Christmas Trees that are the focal point of the Long Beach "Christmas Tree Lane." For further information, here is the Daisy Avenue Christmas Parade's special page at the City of Long Beach website.
* Long Beach--Snow day at Shoreline Village! What kid doesn't like to play in the snow?! But in Southern California, real snow is impossible to find without heading up into the hills along the Angeles Crest Highway. Shoreline Village in Long Beach doesn't want you to make that trek---it's brought the snow to YOU! Come spend the afternoon of Saturday, December 12, 2009 between 1 pm and 4 pm at Shoreline Village, and let your kids age 12 and under play in 20 tons of the chilly white stuff. Visit the www.ShorelineVillage.com official website for details.
SoCal Family Holiday Celebrations from December 14th thru 20th, 2009
December 19, 2009 (Saturday)* Santa Ana Zoo's "Holidays with the Critters" begins! Head to the Santa Ana Zoo at I-5 and 4th St on Saturday, December 19, 2009 from 5:30 pm to 8 pm for this fun nighttime celebration. Families can view lighted displays, hear holiday music, make crafts, and take train rides! This fun family Christmas event at the Santa Ana Zoo will also be held on Saturday, December 26th from 5:30 pm to 8 pm, as well. You may visit the www.santaanazoo.org official website for complete details.
Southern California Holiday Events December 21-24
December 23, 2009 (Wednesday)
* San Diego: Qualcomm Stadium hosts the Poinsettia Bowl! The pre-game show begins at 4:30 pm on Wednesday, December 23, 2009. You won't want to miss this spectacle which features bands and a balloon parade. Also not to be missed is the half-time show featuring the college bands...and even fireworks! You may check out all the details at PoinsettiaBowl.net
December 24, 2009 (Thursday, Christmas Eve)
* The 50th Los Angeles County Holiday Celebration takes place in downtown LA at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion this afternoon. This huge, free spectacle of the arts lasts 6 hours...in a "come and go as you wish" fashion. The doors open at 2:30 pm, and the first performance begins at 3 pm. All together, 45 musical ensembles, choirs and dance groups will perform by the events closing time at 9 pm....1,500+ performers in all! Visit HolidayCelebration.org for further info.
SoCal holiday activities on Christmas Day, December 25, 2009
Schedule of family activities that are open or closed on Christmas Day
Open and Closed theme parks and family attractions:
* Disneyland Park: OPEN 8 am through midnight
* Disney's California Adventure Park: OPEN 10 am through 10 pm
* Downtown Disney District: Stores and restaurants OPEN, and "street entertainment" will be on hand for your enjoyment
* Knott's Berry Farm Park: CLOSED for the Christmas holiday
* SeaWorld San Diego: OPEN from 10 am to 6 pm
* Universal Studios Hollywood: OPEN for Christmas Day
* Universal Studios CityWalk: OPEN for Christmas Day, 12 noon to 8 pm
* Six Flags Magic Mountain: CLOSED Christmas Day
* Legoland California: OPENS at 10 am Christmas Day, closes at 5 pm
* Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier: OPEN for Christmas Day
* San Diego Zoo: OPEN 9 am to 5 pm Christmas Day; last entry allowed at 4 pm
* San Diego Wild Animal Park, Escondido: OPEN; Operating hours are 9 am to 5 pm; last entry allowed at 4 pm
* Los Angeles Zoo in Griffith Park: CLOSED Christmas Day
* Aquarium of the Pacific, Long Beach: CLOSED for Christmas Day
* Scripps Aquarium, La Jolla: CLOSED for Christmas
* Taco Bell Discovery Science Museum in Santa Ana: CLOSED Christmas Day
* California Science Center in Los Angeles: CLOSED for Christmas
* "Downtown on Ice" skating rink at Pershing Square in downtown Los Angeles: OPEN for Christmas Day
* Boomers family fun parks, OPEN for Christmas Day; each location has its own hours; see www.boomersparks.com for info
* Castle Park in Riverside, OPEN for arcade games and miniature golf only; phone number 951/785-3000
* Camelot Golfland in Anaheim, CLOSED Christmas Day; phone number 714/630-3340
* Scandia family fun center in Ontario, CLOSED December 25, Christmas; phone number 909/390-3092
* Golf 'n Stuff in Norwalk, OPEN Christmas Day; phone number 562/864-7706
* Movie Theaters: All major movie theater chains in Southern California will be OPEN on Christmas Day, December 25th.
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