List of Southern California Christmas Activities
November & December activities (by category) to help you plan your holiday family fun!
What's the Christmas holiday season FOR if not to celebrate with your loved ones? Forget the shopping awhile. Pust those "end of the year" sales quotas to the back of your mind. Finish up those term papers and final exams without dawdling. Whatever's keeping you from joining in on the fun...well, to use Santa's words, "You better think twice!" Christmas 2008 isn't coming back again, so enjoy it now!
There are 2 ways of finding Southern California holiday activities on this website.
One way is "by date." To choose your activity according to what days you have "penciled in for fun," you may see the So Cal Christmas Countdown 2009 page of this website. There, you can pick from a smorgasbord of family-oriented holiday happenings!
Or, you can seach for activities "by category." That's what THIS webpage is all about. If you're only interested in attending certain TYPES of activities, then this page is for you! See what you want...and skip the rest!
List of Christmas Boat Parades in Southern California
Christmas Boat Parades...nighttime spectacles of light and beauty!
Dana Point---Come see the lovely annual Dana Point Boat Parade of Lights! This beautiful boat parade will be held on four different evenings in 2009: Friday, December 11th & Saturday December 12th; plus Friday, December 18 & Saturday, December 19, 2009. The Dana Point Boat Parade begins at 7:30 pm each night of its run. We should see some zany and creative entries this year---after all, the theme is "Santa's Surfin' Safari!" Entrants will be vying hard for the one of the prizes, which include cash, trophies and certificates! The Dana Point Harbor Visitor's Center address is 25001 Dana Point Harbor Dr, Dana Point, CA 92629; here's a Google Map to the Dana Point Harbor parade area for your convenience. Naturally, though, viewing of the parade can be done at many different points along the harbor. For further information, use the following link to see the Dana Point Harbor's pdf Christmas Boat Parade flyer.
Long Beach/Naples: the annual Naples Holiday Boat Parade will be held on Saturday, December 19, 2009. The Small Boat Parade will start at 6 pm, and the Large Boat Parade begins at 6:30 pm. More information about the Naples Christmas boat parade is posted on the Naples website, which includes an informative Question & Answer section.
Huntington Harbor--- Thursday, December 17, 2009 is this year's first night of the Huntington Harbor Cruise of Lights Boat Ride event! (Some people call it the Huntington Beach Cruise of Lights.) This annual holiday festival will run nightly through the evening of December 23, 2009. Unlike the Newport Beach Boat Parade...where guests SIT and the boats do the cruising, in Huntington Harbor it's the visitors who board the boats. Then, in 45 to 50 minute sessions, the visitors cruise around the canals of Huntington Harbor enjoying the specatularly decorated and lit-up homes that line the waterways. Cruising sessions begin each evening at 5:30 pm, 6:30 pm, 7:30 pm, or 8:00 pm. To purchase tickets ($13 to $15/adults and $9 ages 2-12) please visit the www.CruiseOfLights.org website.
Marina del Rey---A local holiday tradition, the Marina del Rey Holiday Boat Parade will be held on the evening of Saturday, December 12th, 2009. (There is no "Preview Night" this year.) On Dec 12th, the Marina del Rey Christmas boat parade kicks off with fireworks at 5:55 pm, then the parade itself begins at 6 pm & continues until 8 pm. Viewing points for the boat parade include Burton Chace Park (which is where you'll enjoy hearing a live commentary on the parade), Fisherman's Village, and the following restaurants: El Torito, Sapori Italian Restaurant, Shanghai Red's, The Angler's Choice, and the Marina del Rey Hotel. For further info, use the following link to the Marina del Rey Boat Parade's website. You may use the following address for the Burton Chace Park viewing area: 4701 Admiralty Way, Marina Del Rey, CA 90292. Here's a Google map to the Marina Del Rey boat parade area, centering around Burton Chace Park.
Mission Bay Holiday Boat Parade: Mission Bay's annual Christmas boat parade will be held on December 12, 2009. Formally called the "Mission Bay Parade of Lights," this popular San Diego boat parade is set to begin at 7 pm. For information about the Mission Bay parade and other Yacht Club events, you may use the following link to view the Events page of the Mission Bay Yacht Club website.
Newport Beach: See the entry for "Balboa/Newport Beach" above.
Oxnard (Ventura County)---On Saturday, December 12, 2009, you'll be able to witness the festive Channel Islands Harbor Christmas Boat Parade, named the "Parade of Lights." The parade itself starts at 7 pm...but it's just the culmination of a full day of family festivities! You may head to the all-day seasonal event at from 10 am to 5 pm if you'd like to enjoy fun family activities to celebrate the holiday season! Call the Channel Islands Harbor Visitor's Center phone number at (805) 985-4852 for further info, or use the following link to view the Channel Islands Harbor's official website. The Channel Islands Harbor address is 3900 Pelican Way, Oxnard, CA 93035; here's a Google map to the Channel Islands Harbor to help you find your way.
Perris---If you didn't think that Perris, California was an oceanside community...you're right! But the plucky residents of Perris won't let that stop them from having a Christmas Boat Parade! On Saturday, December 5, 2009 at 5:00 pm, the Lake Perris SRA hosts the 11th Annual "Lights on the Lake" holiday boat parade! The Lake Perris SRA address is 17801 Lake Perris Dr. Perris, CA 92571; here's a Google Map to the Lake Perris boat parade, if you're unfamiliar with this area. There is a modest admission fee to enter this California state park. You may call 951-940-5600 for further information. Or, you may view the Lake Perris SRA Events Calendar on the California State Parks website.
San Diego---Head to San Diego's Big Bay for 2 days of Christmas boat parade fun! The San Diego Bay Holiday Boat Parade of Lights will be held on both Sunday, December 13, 2009 and Sunday, December 20, 2009. The boat parade starts at 5:30 pm at Shelter Island following a fireworks kick-off display. The boat parade then heads next to Harbor Island, where it's scheduled to pass at 6 pm. Next, it's on to the San Diego Embarcadero, where it should pass the Maritime Museum around 6:30 pm, and reach Seaport Village by 7 pm. To finish up the parade, the line of decorated yachts will head to the Coronado Ferry Landing, where onlookers may start viewing the parade at 7:30 pm. The parade may last as late as 9 pm, depending on your viewing point. This year's theme, "Christmas at the Zoo" sounds like lots of fun! For further details about this Christmas boat parade, please consult the the www.SDParadeOfLights.org official website.
Santa Barbara---On Sunday, December 13, 2009, your family can enjoy the Santa Barbara Harbor Boat Parade of Lights! You may head to the harbor at 5:30 pm to enjoy the parade...OR you may come early to get in on some family holiday activities at "Santa's Village" (3 pm through 5 pm.) Next, it's the Stearn's Wharf Tree Lighting Ceremony at 5:30 pm...immediately followed by the boat parade. Then, after the parade, you may stick around for a fireworks display. What a fun-filled day of family Christmas events! You may call 805/897-1962 for further details of these events. Or, view the
City of Santa Barbara's events page.
List of Southern California holiday ice skating rinks
Temporary outdoor ice rinks spring up every Christmas season for extra family fun!
* Irvine---Ice skating at the Irvine Spectrum Center(in Orange County) will take place by this open-air mall's Giant Wheel ride daily. This special temporary ice rink will stay in place from November 1, 2009 through January 18, 2010. For further details, including prices, dates and opening/closing times, please see the Irvine Spectrum ice rink's website. Or, to discover stores and restaurants you might enjoy while visiting this lovely shopping mall, visit the Irvine Spectrum Center Mall page of this website.
* Los Angeles---In the city's downtown area, you may enjoy the "Downtown on Ice" seasonal rink Pershing Square! Skating sessions begin frequently throughout the day, and cost $8/session (which lasts 1 hour.) Skating season will begin November 19, 2009 and last until 1/18/10. The Pershing Square ice skating rink will be OPEN on all the major holidays, including Christmas Day and New Year's Day! The Pershing Square address is 532 S Olive St, Los Angeles. Call (213) 847-4970 for further info, including dates and hours of operation; or read the Pershing Square website, part of the Los Angeles Parks website. You can see pictures of LA's Pershing Square ice skating rink in the slide show to your left---taken by members of the Flickr photo website.
* San Diego/Coronado---"Skating by the Sea," opens at the Hotel del Coronado on November 25, 2009 and will remain open for your ice skating pleasure through January 3, 2010. This is Southern California's only ice rink that boasts an ocean view! No, you do NOT have to be a hotel guest to enjoy this popular ice skating rink. Fees for the 3 hour sessions (either 2 pm to 5 pm; or 6 pm through 9 pm) are $20/adults or $15/kids age 10 and under. 2-hour "matinee" sessions are available on some dates and cost $15. Skate rental is $5. For more info, call 619/522-8815, or view the Hotel del Coronado's official website.
* San Diego/Downtown---Horton Plaza's "Fantasy on Ice" public skating rink awaits you! This temporary ice rink will open on November 19, 2009 and remain open for your holiday enjoyment through January 10, 2009. Hours are 10 am to 10 pm daily, with ice skating sessions beginning every few hours throughout the day and evening. For the dates the rink will close during the holidays, and for prices, please consult the Horton Plaza ice skating rink's official website. Pictures of the Horton Plaza ice rink are showing in the Google Gadget to your right. Members of the Flickr website took these images.
* Thousand Oaks---Come skating at The Lakes! This elegant shopping center makes a lovely place to take a spin over the ice. The Lakes' seasonal ice skating rink opens on November 17, 2009 and continues for your holiday enjoyment through January 18, 2010. For prices and session times, please refer to The Lakes official website.
Holiday Activities for Train Lovers
Railroad Museums steam ahead with family fun events!
*Campo (Imperial County)---After selling out in every year in the recent past, The North Pole Express at the Pacific Southwest Railway Museum in Campo (Imperial County), has added an extra train car on each day of the event. As of this update (November 17, 2009) there are still seats available...but ONLY on a few dates. Hurry to reserve your spot if you'd like to take part in this fun, family-friendly Christmas event! For information, use the following link to view their official website at www.sdrm.org*Goleta (Santa Barbara County)---Beginning November 27, 2009, and running on selected dates thru December 27th, you'll be able to ride the Candy Cane Train at the South Coast Railroad Museum in Goleta! (Finally, for the first time, some after-Christmas dates have been added!) If you attend this charming holiday event, you'll ride on a festively decorated miniature train. Each child will receive a candy cane and holiday surprise bag. Next, it's on into the museum itself to view the seasonal exhibit, "Toy Trains & Teddy Bears!" Admission cost is $3.50/person. The South Coast Railroad Museum address is 300 North Los Carneros Road, Goleta, California 93117. Call the South Coast Railroad Museum phone number at 805/964-3540 for further information, or view the museum's official website at www.goletadepot.org
*Perris---On four dates...December 5, 6, 12 & 13, 2009...you may ride a train with Santa Claus! Where? In Perris, California, at the Orange Empire Railway Museum! To round out the festivities, you'll hear holiday music, tour the museum, and partake of refreshments. It's a train lover's ideal Christmas celebration! Hours are 11 am to 4 pm. The Orange Empire Railway Museum address is 2201 S. "A" St, Perris, CA. The Orange Empire Railway Museum phone number is (951) 943-3020. And, the museum's official website is www.oerm.org
List of favorite Southern California Christmas Light Displays
Christmas Chandeliers of Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills: you can enjoy beautiful chandeliers made of genuine Baccarat crystal lighting up Rodeo Drive nightly between Saturday, November 21, 2009 and January 1, 2010. This stunning and unusual holiday lighting display is a unique, "only in California" experience which is free. You'll also view the huge UNICEF crystal snowflake above the Beverly Wilshire hotel!
Griffith Park-DWP Holiday Lighting Display: This fun 'n free Southern California Christmas event is a popular annual event. Kicking off this traditional Los Angeles celebration is "Bicycles Only" evening, which is USUALLY in late November...but this year, it has been delayed until Thursday, December 4, 2009. Next, special evenings will be for pedestrian traffic only; the dates for this are December 4 through December 17, 2009. Then on December 18, 2009, the beautiful lighting displays on Crystal Springs Drive in Griffith Park become open for cars to drive through for the rest of the holiday season. The free event runs from 5pm to 10pm. The last day of the Griffith Park Christmas lighting display is December 30th. To see pictures and discover further details, please see the Griffith Park Christmas Activities page of this website.
The Del Mar Fairgrounds holds a popular annual holiday light display, which is also one of the largest Christmas lighting events in Southern California. It's called the Del Mar "Holiday of Lights." You may enjoy this traditional drive-through San Diego County holiday celebration between Thanksgiving (November 26, 2009) and Jan 3, 2010. For event times and ticket prices, please visit the Del Mar Fairgrounds official website. Or, if you'd like to see pictures of this fun San Diego County family Christmas attraction, please see the Del Mar Holiday of Lights page of this website.
Wild Lights at the Living Desert Zoo in greater Palm Springs will kick off its celebration on November 25, 2009, and run (on selected evenings only) through January 2, 2010. For details about this beautiful Christmas lighting display, please call for information at 760-346-5694 ext. 2000, or visit the Living Desert Zoo's official website.
Holiday Activities by Category: Performances
Southern California live holiday plays & productions
The Ten Tenors Holiday Program: What's the Christmas concert of the year in San Diego? It's Australia's 10 Tenors at the San Diego Civic Theatre! This six-night event runs from December 8 through December 13, 2009. Matinee performances are available on the weekends, as well. This concert features both traditional holiday favorites, plus a few unexpected surprises, as well. Please view the www.sdcivic.org official website to discover complete details & get your tickets.
Disney On Ice: Almost every holiday season, Disney on Ice brings a different one of it delightful ice skating spectacles to Southern California. During December, 2009, you may find performances of Disney Ice Shows coming both to Anaheim/Orange County (at the Honda Center) and Los Angeles (at the Staples Center.) I can't get the Disney On Ice official website to work, but if you can, here's a link to the Disney On Ice official website. Otherwise, you can find the schedule and ticketing info you need on the AceTicket.com website. I have no affliation with this company; in fact, I know nothing about them. But, they do have a readable schedule & that's the important thing.
In the Disney on Ice pictures to your right, you're viewing images taken by members of the Flickr photo sharing website. (When that site is down for maintenance, the slide show will not appear.)
Nutcracker Ballet: Every December, numerous performances of the popular Nutcracker Ballet are performed all over Southern California...by numerous ballet companies from amateurs to professionals. There's one excellent website on the internet which devotes itself to maintaining a list of where you may find performances. If your family would enjoy attending a performance of the Nutcracker, you'll want to follow the upcoming link to visit
the NutcrackerBallet.net website.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas: It's tradition! Every December, the Old Globe Theater in San Diego's Balboa Park offers a live production of Dr Seuss' "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" to an eagerly-awaiting public. This year is no exception! Performances are being held on selected dates beginning Saturday, November 21, 2009 through December 27, 2009. If you'd like to discover the dates of these performances and their showtimes, along with ticket prices, use the upcoming link to view the Old Globe Theater's official website.
List of Theme Park Christmas events
Southern California's major theme parks offer holiday fun!
Anaheim---Christmas attractions at Disneyland Park began Friday, November 13, 2009. There are many seasonal events which you can enjoy at the Disneyland Resort...which includes world-famous Disneyland Park; Disneyland's "sister" park, the Disney California Adventure theme park; and a popular shopping, dining and entertainment area called the Downtown Disney District. You may visit the "Disney Christmas 2009" page of this website for information about Christmas activities at the Disneyland Resort...and see pictures of the Disneyland Christmas Parade, the Disneyland Snow & Fireworks displays, the Holiday "It's A Small World" ride, the Holiday Haunted Mansion ride, the "Santa's Reindeer Roundup" attraction and Disney's Electrical Parade (all of which are important parts of the Disneyland Resort's holiday celebration.)
Buena Park---Knott's Berry Farm Christmas fun begins on Thanksgiving Day (11/26/09) Families will enjoy a multitude of Christmas activities (including a Snoopy Ice Show, a Christmas crafts fair, strolling carolers, live holiday plays, and Santa Claus) at Knott's Berry Farm's annual "Knott's Merry Farm" celebration! For complete details about the fun you can have during December at Knott's, please visit the "Knott's Berry Farm Christmas 2009" page of this website.
Carlsbad---Legoland Celifornia will kick off its Christmas events with a new live stage performance of "Let It Snow, the Musical" on November 27, 2009! Various other holiday events will be held different dates. At Legoland, you know what THAT surely includes...decorations made entirely of Lego bricks! (If you've never seen a a 30 foot tall Christmas tree made out of 245,000+ Duplo bricks, now's your chance!) There will be lights, seasonal music, and other live entertainment. In addition, a New Year's Eve event especially for kids takes place on December 31st...with "New Year 2009" being rung in at "Midnight" (which is 6 pm in Legoland Standard Time!) Visit the "Legoland Christmas Fun" page of this blog to see pictures and discover further details.
San Diego---Christmas fun at Sea World San Diego begins on Friday, November 27, 2008! Seaworld's holiday decorations inspire oohs and aahs...and a special holiday-themed Clyde & Seamore show is held. And who's the star of Sea World's holiday celebration? That's Shamu the killer whale, of course---and he stars in his own special nighttime holiday show! SeaWorld is open every day of December, but the special seasonal events are only held on selected dates. SeaWorld's Christmas show & activity dates are as follows: November 27, 28, 29; December 6, 7, 13, 14...and daily between December 19-31st, 2009. To view photos of SeaWorld San Diego's holiday celebration, please visit the SeaWorld Christmas Pictures page of this website.
Hollywood/Universal City--- "Grinchmas" will be returning to Universal Studios Hollywood in December, 2009. The Universal Studio's California location will be offering Christmas activities starting December 19th, and continuing daily through December 31, 2009 (its ending date.) To see pictures of Christmas at Universal Studios, please visit the "Grinchmas at Universal Studios Hollywood" page of this blog.
Backwards Links: Family-Vacation-Getaways.com HOME :: Latest News :: Privacy Policy ::
Back to top of "December Activities by Category"
Explore a different Christmas topic: Christmas Activities Del Mar Holiday Lights :: Griffith Park Christmas Activities :: Hollywood Santa Parade :: Knott's Christmas 2009 :: Legoland Christmas Fun :: Newport Beach Boat Parade :: SeaWorld Christmas :: Disney: Disneyland Christmas Overview :: Disney Christmas Parade :: Disney Holiday Parade, pt 2 :: Disney Fireworks & Snow :: Santa's Beach Blast :: Santa's Reindeer Roundup :: Small World Holiday :: Haunted Mansion pics :: Haunted Mansion, pt 2 :: Other Activities: SoCal Christmas Activities :: Christmas Activities Calendar 2009 :: Seasonal Family Fun :: Stores: Michaels Craft Stores :: Party City/Los Angeles :: Party City/other So Cal :: Year-round costume stores :: Christmas Costumes: Angel Costumes :: Elf, Snowman & Reindeer Costumes :: Santa & Mrs Claus Costumes :: New Years: Disney New Years Eve :: Praise Celebration 2010
Plan a Southern California activity: SoCal Attractions Overview Beaches :: Camping :: Christmas Fun :: Family Fun Centers :: Halloween Fun :: Hollywood fun :: Parks :: Restaurants :: Road Trips :: San Diego Fun :: Shopping :: Outlet Shopping :: Theaters :: Theme Parks :: Water Parks :: Zoos ::
Begin a new search:
