PICK OF THE MONTH
Winter Fest OC
Thursday, December 20 – Sunday, January 6
This seasonal extravaganza comes packed with ice tubing, ice skating, and two real Snow Play areas, along with carnival rides, games and special events, like a Flying Santa. This year also presents 40,000 square feet of new wintry adventures – a Festival of Lights, a Candy and Snowflake Wonderland and a SoCal Dickens Village. The SoCal Dicken’s Village takes guests through the 1800s with holidays past, present, and future. The Candy and Snowflake Wonderland is an interactive wonderland full of candy and snowflakes with a selfie experience to help visitors capture that Instaworthy moment. Festival of Lights is Winter Fest’s 100-foot-tunnel of two million lights that explores five lands with animated displays. For additional kid-friendly fun, make sure to ride through the Festival of Lights on the trackless train. Check the website for details and times.
OC Fair & Event Center
88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa
714-855-1187 | winterfestoc.com
Dana Point’s Boat Parade of Lights
December 7-8, 14-15
The 44th annual holiday boat parade presents “A Western Wonderland.” Cowboys and cowgirls of all ages are invited to watch the cowboy and Western-themed boats sail through the harbor. Attendees also are invited to bring unwrapped toy donations to be collected for Operation Santa Claus.
Dana Point Harbor
34555 Golden Lantern, Dana Point
949-923-2255 | danapointharbor.com
Knott’s Merry Farm
December 1 – January 7
Experience Knott’s largest-ever Christmas display this holiday season! Don’t miss the family favorite productions: “It’s The Merriest Christmas Show Ever, Charlie Brown,” “A Peanuts Guide to Christmas” and the “Merry Christmas, Snoopy!” ice show. Other highlights include Santa’s Christmas Cabin, the nightly tree lighting ceremony and the cool “Snow and Glow” experience. Daily hours and shows available on its website.
Knott’s Berry Farm
8039 Beach Boulevard, Buena Park
714-220-5200 | www.knotts.com
Holidays at the Disneyland Resort
Saturday, December 1 – Sunday, January 6
Both Disneyland and California Adventure present guests with a bevy of seasonal treats like the Festival of Holidays, “A Christmas Fantasy” parade and the “Believe…in Holiday Magic” fireworks spectacular. Carsland, It’s a Small World and Haunted Mansion have gotten holiday makeovers, and there’ll be Santa visits and other holiday happenings too. Check Disneyland’s website for complete park hour information.
Disneyland
1313 S. Harbor Boulevard, Anaheim
714-871-4565 | disneyland.disney.go.com
“Light a Light of Love” Holiday Celebration
Sunday, December 2
This special holiday event, benefitting the Waymakers’ Huntington Beach Youth Shelther, kicks off with live entertainment (3:30 pm) and the lively Children’s Holiday Parade (4 pm). Photo opportunities with Santa and Mrs. Claus start at 5 pm. The main event, however, is the spectacular lighting of the giant “snowflakes” along the pier at 6 pm.
Huntington Beach Pier Plaza
Main Street and Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach
714-842-6600 | waymakersoc.org
Occasionally an event listed changes date or location after printing. Always phone ahead to confirm information. Get your event listed! Email editor@parentingoc.com. Include the name of the event, date, time, address, short description, appropriate age range, fee, phone number and photos.
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