Southern California is brimming with festive cheer this holiday season! SheBuysTravel founder, Kim Orlando, shared this festive list during Good Day LA’s ‘Home for the Holidays’ segment. From snowball fights to dazzling boat parades, there’s something for everyone—so save the dates!
Southern California Polar Express – Perris, CA
All aboard the magic! The Southern California Railway Museum hosts an immersive Polar Express train ride where families can create lasting holiday memories.
- What’s Special:
- For kids: a golden ticket, hot chocolate, story time (“The Polar Express”), Santa meeting and a gift: a silver sleigh bell!
- Dates: November & December (exact dates vary, check the website)
- Location: Southern California Railway Museum
- Pricing: Varies by date and time, starts at $50 for adults, $43 for children 2-11, free for children under 2 if sitting on a lap
- Reservations: Required, book in advance as tickets often sell out
Winter Fest OC – Costa Mesa, CA
Experience a dazzling display of holiday cheer at Winter Fest OC. This enchanting event features over 2 million twinkling lights, a huge snow play area, and a thrilling 150-foot tube slide.
- What’s Special:
- The snow play area where kids can make snowmen and snowballs (even in Southern California!)
- 150-foot ice tubing slide…fun for kids of all ages
- Over 2 MILLION twinkling lights
- Dates: Select dates through January 5, 2025
- Location: Orange County Fair & Event Center, Costa Mesa, CA
- Pricing: Varies by date and time, starting at $50 for adults, $40 for children 3-11, free for children under 2. Parking: $12 per vehicle.
- Reservations: Required, book in advance for guaranteed entry
Mission Inn Festival of Lights – Riverside, CA
The historic Mission Inn Hotel & Spa in Riverside’s downtown Arts and Culture District, transforms into a winter wonderland during its annual Festival of Lights.
- What’s Special:
- Free: Santa Claus meeting, live holiday music, including Caroling
- Fun paid activities, including ice skating, riding a carousel, holiday shopping at the Merry Art Market, a carnival (rides and games) and more
- Dates: Through January 6, 2025
- Location: Mission Inn Hotel & Spa, Riverside, CA
- Pricing: The Mission Inn is open to the public. Some activities like ice skating, carousel rides and the carnival have fees per person or per game. Tickets can be purchased in person.
- Reservations: Not required.
Animals Aglow – Los Angeles Zoo
Experience the magic of the holidays at the Los Angeles Zoo with Animals Aglow. This enchanting nighttime event features a dazzling light show, interactive exhibits, and festive animal encounters.
- What’s Special:
- A vibrant light display that is 90 feet long and features an interactive area where the lights respond to your voice.
- Hanging out and learning about animals from around the world.
- Dates: Through January 5, 2025
- Location: Los Angeles Zoo, Los Angeles, CA
- Pricing:
- General admission to the zoo + a special Animals Aglow surcharge.
- Pricing information can be found on the Los Angeles Zoo website.
- Reservations: Recommended, especially for weekends.
Skiing Santa – Big Bear Lake, CA
Big Bear Lake in the San Bernardino National Forest is known for fishing, snowboarding and skiing, and now, a fun place to meet up with Santa! Located in the heart of SoCal and not so far from Phoenix or Las Vegas, this mountain town is a great place to get your snow fix and holiday entertainment.
- What’s Special:
- Meet Santa in a natural winter wonderland
- Mountain views, lots of lakeside and winter sport activities
- Dates:
- Snow Summit: December 21, 11am-3pm
- Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain: December 14, 11am-3pm
- Location: Big Bear Lake, California
- Pricing: Free photos with Santa
- Reservations: Arrive early so you don’t miss out!
DTLA Ice Skating – Los Angeles, CA
Lace up your skates and enjoy the festive atmosphere at LA’s largest outdoor ice rink in Downtown Los Angeles
- What’s Special:
- Ice skating…outside…in LA!
- Penguin and Polar Bear Ice Helpers available for kids at least 48” tall
- Dates: Through January 12, 2025
- Location: South Olive Street, Los Angeles, CA
- Pricing: Admission starts at just over $21. Admission, lockers, socks and Ice Helpers sold separately.
- Reservations: Recommended, especially for peak hours and weekends.
Boat Parades – Various Locations
There is a boat parade near you! San Diego, Dana Point, Newport, Marina Del Rey, Oceanside. All parades include at least 50 boats, boats range from dinghies to yachts and you could even be in the Newport Beach boat parade if you book a Holiday Boat Parade!
Dates (Visit the website for times and pricing):
- San Diego Bay Parade of Lights: December 8 and 15
- Dana Point Annual Boat Parade of Lights: December 13-15
- Newport Boat Parade: December 18-22
- Marina del Rey Holiday Boat Parade: December 14
- Oceanside Harbor Parade of Lights: December 14
Ventura Harbor Village Santa Paddle – Ventura, CA
Get ready for a truly unique holiday experience! Join Santa and fellow festive paddlers for a scenic one-hour procession through the beautiful Ventura Harbor. After your paddle (or anytime until January 1, 2025), you can shop and dine in the waterfront-inspired holiday decorations of the harbor district.
- What’s Special:
- Everybody dresses up as elves, reindeer or even tiny Santas!
- The “Best Dressed” in holiday spirit will win a gift card for a waterfront dining experience at Ventura Harbor Village.
- Dates: 1 day only, Saturday, December 21, 2024, 11am-12pm
- Location: Ventura Harbor Village, Ventura, CA
- Pricing: Varies by vendor, depending on rental or participation (bring your own or rent kayaks, SUPs, or pedal boats).
- Reservations: May be required for rentals, check with participating vendors.
12 Days of Christmas at the Queen Mary – Long Beach, CA
Step aboard the historic Queen Mary for a magical holiday experience. Enjoy festive performances, meet Santa, indulge in holiday treats, and dance the night away.
- What’s Special:
- Santa meeting, cookie decorating, gingerbread house building and story time with Mrs. Claus
- The “Lighting of the Stacks Ceremony”
- Krampus After Dark for a spooky (but fun!) twist on holiday traditions
- Adults only events like the Brushes and Bubbly Holiday Edition, the Holiday Ball featuring Jazz and the New Year’s Eve Gala
- Dates: December 12th – 23rd, 2024, with the Holiday Market open daily from 5-9pm
- Location: Queen Mary, Long Beach, CA
- Pricing: Varies depending on the event and ticket type. Check the website for options.
- Reservations: Recommended for most events.
Read More
- Best Places to Stay in Costa Mesa
- Best Things to Do in Costa Mesa – 2024 Holiday Edition
- Christmas Light Boat Parades Brighten California December Nights
- Kid-Friendly Christmas Events and Family Activities in Los Angeles
- Best Los Angeles Family Hotels to Soak Up the Sun
- 15 Best San Diego Christmas Events for Families
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