Updated Weekly!
Every Weekend there are amazing Things to do in Los Angeles with Kids! We’ve curated a list of what we think are the most fun, most interesting family events in Los Angeles this weekend – so you can have the best time together!
We’ll update this page every week so be sure to come back and see what great kids events we have coming up for the weekend in Los Angeles and Southern California. We are your source for the Best Things to do in LA with Kids!
Wondering what to do in LA this weekend? We got you! Whether you have Toddlers or Teens (or any kids in between), this list will give you great ideas for family fun this weekend! We work hard to add things to do we think you’ll enjoy.
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- Kid Events
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- Things to do for the Whole Family!
Things To Do in Los Angeles with Kids December 12-14, 2025
There are lots of fun things to do with your kids this weekend, December 12th – December 14th. Celebrate Las Posadas at Virginia Avenue Park in Santa Monica, check out the Surfing Santa Contest in Dana Point, enjoy the festivities at Redondo Beach’s Pier Holiday Celebration, get busy at the International Printing Museum’s Holiday Krazy Krafts Day, and much more!
The first night of Hanukkah is Sunday, December 14th. Be sure to check out our post, Hanukkah Celebrations in Los Angeles.
And, there are many productions of The Nutcracker Ballet happening all around Los Angeles. Our post, 21 Delightful Nutcrackers in Los Angeles, has a list! Many performances are happening this weekend.
Featured Events of the Week
Hanukkah Festival
Skirball Cultural Center, 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles 90049
Fill the first night of Hanukkah with joy at the Skirball! During this annual multigenerational festival, celebrate community with live music, dancing, storytelling, art making, a special book talk and latke tasting, and more. Plus, at sundown, take part in a meaningful community candle lighting ceremony. Families of all backgrounds welcome! Have some holiday shopping to do? While at Hanukkah Festival, shop Audrey’s Museum Store at the Skirball for unique gifts and other delights for all ages!
Holidays at the Cube
Discovery Cube Los Angeles, 11800 Foothill Blvd, Sylmar 91342
Holidays at the Cube transforms Discovery Cube LA into a festive destination filled with seasonal science and family fun. Guests can explore the Science of Gingerbread display from December 6 through January 4, featuring creative community-built gingerbread masterpieces included with admission. Outdoors, the Winter Festival runs December 20 through January 11 and brings big seasonal excitement with mega slides, bumper cars, holiday-themed science demos, and free photos with Santa on select weekends. On December 31, families can ring in the New Year early at our popular Noon Year’s Eve celebration, complete with balloon drops at 12:00 PM and 3:00 PM. With hands-on holiday activities and festive moments throughout the campus, Discovery Cube Los Angeles is the perfect place to celebrate the season together.
50+ Fun Things To Do in Los Angeles with Kids this Weekend
Children of the Winter Kingdom: The Bonkers Adventures of Holly and Spruce
The Actors’ Gang Theater
9070 Vencie Blvd., Culver City, CA 90232
The Actors’ Gang Presents Children of the Winter Kingdom: The Bonkers Adventures of Holly and Spruce. “When orphan twins Holly and Spruce escape from the circus, they get lost in the forest of an enchanted kingdom where they meet a series of extraordinary characters: a King and his Dragon, a Wild Girl, a Crow, a Sorceress, and an Ice Spider! Filled with music, puppetry, and theatrical wonder,” families are sure to enjoy this story of friendship, family, and home. Performances take place on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 8:00 pm through Saturday, December 20th. A Sunday Matinee is planned for Sunday, December 14th at 2:00 pm. (Recommended for families with children 7 and older.) Tickets are available online.
Roald Dahl’s The Enormous Crocodile
Kirk Douglas Theatre
9820 Washington Blvd., Culver City, CA 90232
“He’s greedy, he’s grumptious, he’s beastly! The Enormous Crocodile is weaving his way through the jungle of Los Angeles in search of delicious little fingers and squidgy podgy knees…” The mischievous musical is based on Roald Dahl’s book and features a “menagerie of puppets,” described as a “wickedly funny musical adventure, perfect for the whole family!” The show has a runtime of 55 minutes, no intermission. Recommended for children 3 and older. Shows are scheduled for select dates now through Sunday, January 4th, 2026. However, before the show planned for Sunday, December 14th at 1:00 pm, families are invited to arrive early to participate in pre-show activities. Details and tickets are available online.
Passport to Santa
Beverly Center (8th Floor)
8500 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90048
Passport to Santa is an “an interactive holiday adventure where every child becomes a traveler on a festive quest. Along the way, they’ll sign the Naughty or Nice List with Mrs. Claus, build toys in Santa’s Workshop, train with Rudolph, race in the Gingerbread Tower Challenge, test their strength in Nutcracker Kingdom, dunk the Grinch, and write wishes with the Christmas Angel.” With each completed activity children earn a stamp in their passport which can then be redeemed during a visit with Santa for “exclusive access to his Christmas Carnival — complete with obstacle courses, bounce houses, festive arts and crafts, and an array of holiday carnival games.” Passport to Santa is available on select days through Tuesday, December 30th. Details and tickets are available online.
Venice Farmer’s Market – Storytime and Crafts
500 Venice Blvd., Venice, CA 90291
Librarians and staff from the Venice – Abbot Kinney Memorial Branch Library will be at the Venice Farmer’s Market on Friday, December 12th from 9:30 am to 11:00 am. Families are invited to stop by to “hear stories and make fun sensory-friendly crafts.”
23rd Annual La Pintoresca Tree Lighting Ceremony
La Pintoresca Park
45 E. Washington Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91103
The City of Pasadena’s 23rd Annual La Pintoresca Tree Lighting Ceremony takes place on Friday, December 12th from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Festivities include arts and crafts, story time, holiday music, refreshments, and the arrival of Santa Claus. This is a free community event.
Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree 2025
The Original Farmers Market
6333 W. 3rd Street, Los Angeles, CA 90036
Visit The Original Farmers Market on Friday, December 12th from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm to enjoy “Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree: A Holiday Celebration at The Original Farmers Market.” Enjoy live musical and dance performances, a Santa Hat decorating craft (5 pm to 7 pm), a holiday photo booth, a special Drummer Boy character meet-and-greet, and more. The Salvation Army will be on-hand with their gift wrapping station. Plus, remember to bring a new, unwrapped toy to donate to the Toy Drive. (You can always do some shopping at Kip’s Toyland.) A schedule of performances is available online. (Note – The Original Farmers Market is also hosting its Chanukah Celebration on Sunday, December 14th from 2:30 pm to 5:00 pm. (Details can be found on our post, Hanukkah Celebrations in Los Angeles.)
2025 Wild Lights
The Teaching Zoo at Moorpark College
7075 Campus Road, Moorpark, CA 93021
The Teaching Zoo at Moorpark College is hosting Wild Lights on Friday, December 12th and Saturday, December 13th from 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm each night. (And if you can’t make it this weekend, Visit Wild Lights on Friday, December 19th through Tuesday, December 23rd.) The Zoo will be transformed into a “dazzling wonderland, filled with stunning light displays, festive cheer, and unforgettable family fun.” Families will take a 45-minute self-guided stroll through the Zoo, encountering larger-than-life light installations, interactive displays, fun photo opportunities, seasonal treats, music, and more. Plus, on Saturday, December 13th Santa will be available for photos from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm. No photos will be offered for purchased, meaning families can take photos themselves with their own phones and/or cameras. Advance tickets are recommended. Details are available online. (Note – this is not an animal-centered event. Some animals enjoy the lights, while others will sleep through the night.)
A Nutcracker Fantasy
The Cube Ice and Entertainment Center
27745 Smyth Dr., Valencia, CA 91355
A Nutcracker Fantasy is the Nutcracker like you’ve never experienced it before. The Skating Academy at The Cube, comprised of local skaters of all ages, “Twirl into the magic!” at this special production. “A Nutcracker Fantasy, brings the classic holiday story to life through elegant skating, whimsical characters and a festive winter setting.” The show is 75-minutes long. Performances are scheduled for Friday, December 12th at 7:00 pm, and two shows on Saturday, December 13th – 12:00 pm and 5:00 pm. Tickets are available online. (Note – temperature will be steady at 54 degrees. Audience members are encouraged to bring jackets, hats, gloves, and blankets.)
The Night Sky Show: Planetarium Show @ Santa Monica College
Math & Science Building
1900 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica, CA 90405
Families are invited to attend a Planetarium Show at Santa Monica College. During The Night Sky Show, “Planetarium Lecturer Sarah Vincent will project imagery on the planetarium’s 9-meter-diameter dome as she talks about news in astronomy and space exploration and presents a ‘tour’ of where to look for constellations and other night-sky celebrities making their appearance in the evenings ahead.” Shows are scheduled for Friday, December 12th from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm as well as Sunday, December 14th from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm. Details and tickets are available online.
A Winnie-the-Pooh Christmas Tail
The Phantom Projects Theatre at La Habra Depot
311 S. Euclid St., La Habra, CA 90631
Winnie-the-Pooh fans will want to get tickets to The Phantom Projects Theatre’s production of A Winnie-the-Pooh Christmas Tail which opens on Friday, December 12th and continues (on select dates) through Sunday, December 21st. The story involves the Christmas Eve when Eeyore lost his tail. Winnie-the-Pooh and Piglet got all their friends together and a search was organized, which leads to a lot of fun and delightful songs. The performance is about 65 minutes long (plus a 15-minute intermission). All ages are welcome to all performances. Tickets are available online.
7th Annual Santa Stroll
Hermosa Beach Pier
The 7th Annual Santa Stroll is happening on Saturday, December 13th. Check-in is at 8:00 am, and the event starts at 9:00 am. Hundreds of participants, all dressed as Santa, will stroll along the Strand from Hermosa Beach to Manhattan Beach and back. The 5K is a fun run, walk or stroll to benefit Mychal’s Learning Place, an “organization providing programs for youth and young adults with developmental disabilities as they strive to achieve their goals and dreams of living a more independent life.” Check the website for details and registration information.
Surfing Santa Contest
Salt Creek Beach (located directly below The Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel)
1 Ritz Carlton Dr., Dana Point, CA 92629
The annual Surfing Santa & Stand-Up Paddleboard Contest will take place on Saturday, December 13th starting at 7:00 am. This special event started back in 2010 and benefits Surfers Healing, “the original surf camp for children with autism.” Contestants “dress like Santa or other holiday-inspired characters and battle it out in the waves of Salt Creek Beach.” Check the website for all the details.
Glendora Christmas Parade
1.25-miles in Glendora Village
The annual Glendora Christmas Parade is happening on Saturday, December 13th starting at 9:00 am. The Glendora Christmas Parade will feature community organizations, marching bands, festive music, and of course, a special guest — Santa Claus!
Mini Winter Festival & SMC Glass Sale
Virginia Avenue Park
2200 Virginia Ave., Santa Monica, CA
The Mini Winter Festival & SMC Glass Sale will take place at Virginia Avenue Park on Saturday, December 13th from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon. The festive morning will include art booths, live music, local businesses, a photo booth, face painting, and more. Plus, the event will take place alongside the Pico Farmers Market, “making it a great opportunity to support local vendors and enjoy seasonal activities.”
Breakfast with Santa
Malibu City Hall
23825 Stuart Ranch Road, Malibu, CA 90265
“ ’Tis the sea-sun” for Breakfast with Santa! The City of Malibu invites families to enjoy Breakfast with Santa on Saturday, December 13th from 9:00 am to 10:00 am. The fun includes a pancake breakfast, hot chocolate, art activities, story time with the Malibu Library, and photos with Surfin’ Santa and Mrs. Claus. Register online. ($10 per participant, free for children under 2)
Cartoon Club (Holiday Edition) and
Family Matinee: Elf
New Beverly Cinema
7165 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90036
New Beverly Cinema invites families to a special holiday-themed Cartoon Club on Saturday, December 13th at 10:00 am. “Our December animation spectacular is a festive feast of holiday hilarity! Enjoy a feature-length assemblage of classic shorts, including rare gems unearthed from the vaults and other animated antics lovingly assembled from our large archive of film treasures.”
And as part of its Family Matinee program, New Beverly Cinema is screening Elf on Saturday, December 13th and Sunday, December 14th at 2:00 pm. The Will Ferrell film is a favorite of both kiddos and adults. Tickets are available online. (The movie is rated PG.)
Bergamot Station Annual Winter Open House
Bergamot Station ARTS CENTER
2525 Michigan Ave., Santa Monica, CA 90404
Bergamot Station Annual Winter Open House is happening on Saturday, December 13th from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. The free community event will include live music and comedy shows, art gallery exhibitions, artist talks, food, hands-on activities perfect for kids, and more. A complete list of events is available online. (Note – very limited on-site parking. Check the website for details.)
Holiday Krazy Krafts Day
International Printing Museum
315 W. Torrance Blvd., Carson, CA 90745
The International Printing Museum invites families to Holiday Krazy Krafts Day, a special event happening on Saturday, December 13th from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Holiday Krazy Krafts Day celebrates the art of printing, paper arts, and book making and is fun for all ages. “Activities include letterpress printing of keepsakes and bookmarks, rubber stamping, paper making, bookbinding, paper marbling, screen printing, and so much more.” There will also be live printing demonstrations and mini-tours of the Printing Museum. Tickets are available online. $15 per person)
Malibu Creek State Park “Welcome Walk”
Meet at Malibu Creek State Park – Main Trailhead Parking Lot
1925 Las Virgenes Road, Calabasas CA 91301
A Malibu Creek docent will be leading an “easy nature walk along the creek and under the oaks” on Saturday, December 13th from 10:00 am to 12:30 pm. Participants will learn about “the animals and plants found in the mountains, plus the park’s unique history, including its movie making past.” Check the website for details.
Platform Snow Day
Platform Park
8806 Washington Blvd., Culver City, CA 90232
Platform Park is hosting a Snow Day on Saturday, December 13th from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm. Get ready for a “ginormous sledding hill,” as well as holiday crafts, on-site food trucks, and lots of fun. RSVP online for this free event.
Holiday Family Faire and It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play
Will Geer’s Theatricum Botanicum
1419 Topanga Canyon Blvd., Topanga, CA 90290
Will Geer’s Theatricum Botanicum invites families to its Holiday Family Faire happening on Saturday, December 13th from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm. The outdoor Winter Wonderland will feature an artisan holiday marketplace, festive food and drink, special performances, photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and much more! Details and tickets are available online.
And after the Faire, for an additional fee, families are invited to attend a “heartwarming and festive performance of It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play by Joe Landry. This staged reading is performed in the tradition of a 1940s live radio broadcast, complete with Foley sound effects created live on stage and unforgettable performances by Theatricum’s Company and special guests Beau Bridges, Wendie Malick, Joe Mantegna and Rory O’Malley.” Check the website for details and to purchase tickets.
Winter Dance Party
Kidspace Children’s Museum
480 N. Arroyo Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91103
Kidspace Children’s Museum is hosting a Winter Dance Party on Saturday, December 13th. Enjoy DJ Perry’s dance party sets at 11:15 am and 1:15 pm.“Shake your snowflakes, play reindeer games, bust a move, and giggle your way into the holiday spirit.” Plus, don’t forget about all the fun to be had at Kidspace’s Winter Frolic event. “Kidspace will transform into a land of wonder and delight, filled with all your favorite, imaginative, cold-weather activities, but without snowplows and mudrooms. It’s a joyful space for children to explore, play, and create while sharing the magic of the season with their families.” Activities include the Sock Skating Rink, “ice fishing,” dressing up a no-melt snowman, and more. The Winter Dance Party and Winter Frolic activities are included with general Kidspace admission, except the Sock Skating Rink, which is $5.50 per person. Details and tickets are available online. (Winter Frolic will be available through Sunday, January 11th, 2026.)
Holiday Sing-Along: Deck the Hall Holiday Concerts
Walt Disney Concert Hall
111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90012
“Ring in the season at Walt Disney Concert Hall” on Saturday, December 13th. Holiday Sing-Along: Deck the Hall Holiday Concert is a festive-favorite. “Join in song with hundreds of fellow revelers—plus a jazz combo, a choir, and the pipe organ—for this joyous annual tradition.” Two performances are planned — one at 11:30 am and one at 2:30 pm. Arrive early (10:30 am) and have some holiday fun in Winter Wonderland. Enjoy complimentary hot cocoa, create a holiday craft, and take a picture with Santa Claus. (Note – children 2 and older are welcome to attend.) Details and tickets are available online.
Santa Monica’s 150th Anniversary Culminating Celebration
Third Street Promenade, Santa Monica, CA
Santa Monica’s 150th Anniversary Culminating Celebration is happening on Saturday, December 13th from 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm. This free cultural festival and community gathering will include games, live music, dancing, art activities, and much more. Register online for this free event.
Drop-In Workshop for Families: Creature Design and Pepper’s Ghost
Academy Museum of Motion Pictures
6067 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90036
The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures invites families to participate in a special Drop-In Workshop for Families on Saturday, December 13th from 12:30 pm to 2:30 pm. Families will design their own “alien creatures that could live on planets in a galaxy far, far away. Additionally, learn about and create your own Pepper’s Ghost illusion, which makes flat images appear three-dimensional, like the hologram we see of Princess Leia in Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope (1977).” The drop-in workshop is available on a first-come, first-served basis and is included in general museum admission. (As a reminder, admission is free for children 17 and younger.) Details and ticket information are available online.
Annual Holiday Arts and Music Festival
Warner Center Park
5800 Topanga Canyon Blvd., Woodland Hills, CA 91367
Valley Cultural Foundation is hosting its Annual Holiday Arts and Music Festival on Saturday, December 13th from 1:00 pm to 4:30 pm. You’ll find something for everyone including performances by local musicians, holiday arts and crafts for children, a snow play area, the chance to shop for gifts from small business vendors, and free photos with Santa (after 1:30 pm). This is a free community event.
Jingle & Mingle: A Holiday Concert
Pasadena Playhouse
39 S. El Molino Ave., Pasadena, CA 91101
Jingle & Mingle: A Holiday Concert is the special event being held at Pasadena Playhouse on Saturday, December 13th, with performances at 1:00 pm and 5:00 pm. “From the youngest Playhouse Players to our seasoned seniors, enjoy a heartwarming evening of song, story, and performance that showcases the creativity of our entire community. Highlights include a Frozen megamix, personal storytelling, festive tunes from the Playhouse Singers, and a joyful audience singalong.” The Pasadena Playhouse Holiday Open House (from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm) will be a campus-wide, all-ages event giving attendees the opportunity to attend performances, make crafts, explore behind the scenes, and take lots of photos by the Playhouse’s Christmas tree. (Note – a ticket to either of the Holiday Concerts includes your RSVP for Holiday Open House.) Check the website for details.
Winterfest Celebration
The Green @ Bella Terra
7777 Edinger Ave., Huntington Beach, CA
Families are invited to the Winterfest Celebration at Bella Terra on Saturday, December 13th from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm. The afternoon event will feature artificial snow falling throughout the event (a perfect backdrop for family holiday photos), giveaways, live holiday entertainment, face painting, crafts, and more. Plus, families are invited to participate in the One Warm Coat drive and a canned food drive. Details are available online.
Pier Holiday Celebration
Fisherman’s Wharf, Redondo Beach, CA 90277
(West end of the The Pier)
Head to Redondo Beach on Saturday, December 13th for the Pier Holiday Celebration happening from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm. The free, annual community event will include holiday carolers, a DJ, holiday arts and crafts, holiday gift wrapping, games, the chance to take special holiday photos, and more.
63rd Annual Marina del Rey Holiday Boat Parade
Burton Chace Park
13650 Mindanao Way, Marina del Rey, CA 90292
The 63rd Annual Marina del Rey Holiday Boat Parade takes place on Saturday, December 13th from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Festivities include roaming carolers, on-site food trucks, photo booth, kids’ art corner, a drone show (from 5:45 pm to 6:00 pm), and the Holiday Boat Parade (from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm). Check the website for details.
71st Annual Daisy Lane Parade
Daisy Lane (between Hill St. & Pacific Coast Hwy), Long Beach
The 71st Annual Daisy Lane Parade is happening on Saturday, December 13th at 5:00 pm. This “cherished community tradition” will feature holiday floats, festive entertainment, and lots of un. Check the website for a map of the parade route.
Annual Barnyard Lights Tour
William S. Hart Park and Museum
24151 N. Newhall Ave., Newhall, CA 91321
Make plans to attend the Annual Barnyard Lights Tour at the William S. Hart Park and Museum on Saturday, December 13th from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm. During the free event, families can tour the Ranch House and get creative with holiday crafts. Plus, the evening includes s’mores, holiday music, animal petting and feeding, and photos with Santa.
Cinespia: Elf + Holiday Party
Los Angeles Theatre
615 S. Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90014
Cinespia is hosting a special screening of Elf on Saturday, December 13th. “Step into the dazzling Los Angeles Theatre for Elf on the big screen, and a party twinkling with holiday cheer on every floor. Our holiday party features photo moments, live festive music, DJ sets before and after the film,” and more. Doors open at 6:15 pm, and the movie begins at 8:00 pm. This is an all-ages event. Details and tickets are available online.
Taylor’s Birthday @ Ice at Santa Monica
Arizona Ave. and 5th Street, Santa Monica, CA
Ice at Santa Monica is celebrating Taylor Swift’s Birthday on Saturday, December 13th. Two skating sessions will be offered — one from 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm and one from 8:30 pm to 9:30 pm. “Show up in your sparkliest showgirl fit” or “your favorite era’s style.” Tickets are available online. (And if you can’t make it on Friday, remember Ice at Santa Monica will be open through Monday, January 19th, 2026.)
Yuletide Cinemaland: The Nightmare Before Christmas & How the Grinch Stole Christmas (Double Feature)
Heritage Square Museum
3545 Pasadena Ave., Los Angeles, CA
Mark your calendars for Yuletide Cinemaland’s special event happening on Saturday, December 13th. “Yuletide Cinemaland transforms Heritage Square Museum into a magical holiday wonderland with festive décor, Victorian home tours, holiday films under the stars, seasonal bites, cocktails, and more!” Sit back and watch two holiday favorites — The Nightmare Before Christmas and How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Doors open at 5:30 pm, Victorian Home Tours take place from 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm, and the first movie (The Nightmare Before Christmas) starts at 6:30 pm. (Both movies are rated PG.) Details and tickets are available online. (Children 5 and younger are free.)
The Percy Jackson Quest
Getty Villa
17985 Pacific Coast Hwy, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272
“To celebrate Season 2 of Percy Jackson and the Olympians, all demigods (and ancient world enthusiasts) are invited to join a quest through the galleries and gardens of the Getty Villa Museum. Test your knowledge of Greek mythology and the world of Percy Jackson—complete the quest to receive a prize!” The special event is taking place this weekend, Saturday, December 13th and Sunday, December 14th. Prizes are limited and available only while supplies last. A ticket is required for event entrance and will serve as your Villa entrance reservations. Tickets are free and available online. (Note there is a fee for parking.)
Magical Musical Forest Storytime & Mini Piano Lesson with Jordan Daniels and
Night Market
Village Well Books & Coffee
9900 Culver Blvd. #1B, Culver City, CA 90232
Village Well Books & Coffee is hosting two special events this weekend. On Saturday, December 13th, “join pianist and children’s author Jordan Daniels for an interactive storytime and beginner-friendly piano workshop.” Jordan will be reading from The Magical Musical Forest Adventure, as well as playing live music, and teaching children how to play some simple songs, such as “Hot Cross Buns” and “Mary Had a Little Lamb. “Children will get hands-on time with the book’s built-in piano and a giant floor piano mat.”
And on Sunday, December 14th from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm, Village Well is hosting a Night Market. “Dozens of artisans and vendors will transform the store into an indoor market where you can find anything you’re looking for. Whether it’s hand-crafted jewelry, bespoke greeting cards, or a tarot reading, we’ve got a little something for everyone.”
Breakfast with Santa and
Aquarium Holidays
Aquarium of the Pacific
100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802
The Aquarium of the Pacific is definitely in the holiday spirit! Breakfast with Santa is happening on Saturday, December 13th from 8:00 am to 9:00 am. “Enjoy a delicious buffet breakfast in Café Scuba with a special visit from Surfer Santa! Plus, throughout the morning, a selection of our beloved Aquarium mascots such as the ray, polar bear, and sea otter will be dressed in their holiday best to spread cheer all around.” A menu is available online. (Note – if you can’t make it this weekend, Breakfast with Santa will also take place next weekend, Saturday, December 20th.) Reservations may be made online.
Now through Sunday, December 21st the Aquarium of the Pacific is celebrating with Aquarium Holidays. Celebrate the Holiday SEAson with “festive decorations, daily appearances by Santa Diver, photo opportunities, a special Kwanzaa display, holiday films, and shopping in the Pacific Collections gift store.” Surfer Santa will be available for photos and visits. Plus, on Sunday, December 14th families can gather for Hanukkah-themed storytelling. All activities are included in general admission. Tickets are available online.
Holidays & Hanukkah Craft Fair and Gingerbread House Contest
Beverly Hills Farmers’ Market
9300 block of Civic Center Dr., Beverly Hills, CA 90210
The City of Beverly Hills is hosting a Holidays & Hanukkah Craft Fair at its weekly Farmers’ Market on Sunday, December 14th from 8:00 am to 12:30 pm. The event will feature “a wide selection of artisan vendors that include jewelry, essential oils, clothing, pottery, florals, candles, and more. You’ll also be able to shop from our local farmers and vendors that have specialty holiday items.” In addition, be sure to check out the Gingerbread House Contest. Whether you choose to participate or simply admire, you don’t want to miss it. Details are available online.
Merry Melrose in December
Melrose Trading Post @ Fairfax High School
7850 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90046
Melrose Trading Post, the long-standing weekly vintage and artisan market held on the campus of Fairfax High School, is hosting Merry Melrose each Sunday in December. In addition to the usual two hundred-plus vendors and live music, each December Sunday will feature holiday surprises/discounts/giveaways. On Sunday, December 14th families are invited to donate a new, unwrapped toy to the Mágico Toy Drive (run by a Fairfax H.S. alumna) and receive free entry. Plus, you’ll enjoy the sounds of the Grand Arts Jazz Carolers (student performers), participate in hands-on workshops, and more. Details and tickets are available online. (Melrose Trading Post is open each Sunday, 10 am to 5 pm.)
Family Holiday Extravaganza
Oak Park Community Center
1000 N. Kanan Road, Oak Park, CA 91377
Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District presents Family Holiday Extravaganza, a special event happening on Sunday, December 14th from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm. The fun includes holiday crafts, cookies and hot chocolate, storytime, festive photo ops, holiday bingo, and more. Registration information is available online.
Dara Henry Reads From & Signs Mazel Tov, Baby!
Vroman’s Bookstore
695 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91101
Vroman’s Bookstore and PJ Library of the Jewish Federation of the Greater San Gabriel & Pomona Valleys present Dara Henry reading from and signing Mazel Tov, Baby! on Sunday, December 14th at 11:00 am. The cute rhyming book celebrates “all of the wonderful—and sometimes hidden—things that make each baby special and unique.” The book is perfect for little hands and also features seven full-sized flaps that lift up, down, and sideways, plus a surprise mirror at the end.
Second Sundays: Radical Histories
Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens
1151 Oxford Road, San Marino, CA 91108
On Sunday, December 14th from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm, The Huntington invites families to “celebrate the legacy of Chicano art in the new exhibition Radical Histories: Chicano Prints from the Smithsonian American Art Museum through art-making, music, and conversations with curators at this event for visitors of all ages.” Enjoy live musical performances, a poster giveaway, foam-block-print-making workshop, and much more. Details, including information about purchasing your tickets, are available online.
826LA @ Hammer: Pitch and Write! My First Opinion Piece: A Workshop for Kids Who Have Something to Say
Hammer Museum
10899 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90024
826LA and The Hammer Museum present Pitch and Write! My First Opinion Piece: A Workshop for Kids Who Have Something to Say. The special event takes place on Sunday, December 14th at 11:00 am and will be led by Ralinda Harvey Smith, a writer whose opinions and essays have been published in Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, and Huffington Post. Participants will learn the op-ed format and will learn how to “think critically and communicate clearly and from the heart will be the secret weapon for the leaders of tomorrow.” The workshop is designed for up to 20 students. Reservations may be made online or by calling 310-915-0200.
El Segundo Chamber of Commerce’s Holiday Parade
Starts on Main Street at Imperial Ave., El Segundo, CA
El Segundo Chamber of Commerce’s Holiday Parade will take place on Sunday, December 14th from 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm. This year’s theme is “Santa’s Workshop.” The festivities include floats, marching bands, vintage vehicles, marching bands, community organizations, and more. Check the website for details.
2025 Chatsworth Holiday Parade and Festival
Starts at Devonshire Street & Topanga Canyon Blvd., Chatsworth, CA
The 2025 Chatsworth Holiday Parade and Festival is happening on Sunday, December 14th. The parade begins at 1:00 pm and features equestrian units, vintage automobiles, marching bands, dancers, community organizations, music, and more. The Festival takes place on Canoga Avenue at Devonshire Street from 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm. The Festival will feature handmade gift items, crafts, food, jewelry, toys, and more. A map of the parade route is available online.
Zine Workshop: Kwanzaa
California African American Museum (CAAM)
Exposition Park
600 State Dr., Los Angeles, CA 90037
California African American Museum is hosting a Kwanzaa-themed Zine Workshop on Sunday, December 14th from 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm. Participants will work with educators from Able ARTS Work—a nonprofit offering opportunities in the creative arts for people of all abilities. Celebrate Kwanzaa a bit early at this all-ages special event. (Note – Kwanzaa always starts on December 26th and lasts for seven days.) RSVP online for this free event.
37th Annual Skechers Manhattan Beach Holiday Fireworks Festival
Manhattan Beach Pier
Mark your calendars. The 37th Annual Skechers Manhattan Beach Holiday Fireworks Festival is happening on Sunday, December 14th from 3:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Bring your blankets, beach chairs, and a picnic dinner and pick out a spot for the spectacular show. Fireworks start at 7:00 pm, but there’s lot to do before then. Check out the Snow Park (from 3 pm to 4 pm), enjoy the sounds of the carolers strolling through downtown, celebrate the first night of Hanukkah with the lighting of the menorah, enjoy musical performances, and more. Families are also encouraged to drop off a new, unwrapped toy for the Beach Cities Toy Drive (which is collecting toys through Friday, December 19th.) Details are available online.
3rd Annual Celebración de las Artes
The Music Center’s Jerry Moss Plaza
135 N. Grand Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90012
The 3rd Annual Celebración de las Artes will take place on Sunday, December 14th at 4:30 pm. This free community event is presented by LA Opera Connects and Hispanics for LA Opera. Families will have the chance to shop the holiday mercado (perfect for taking care of some of your holiday gift shopping); enjoy live bolero, mariachi, and holiday choir performances; and families will be able to meet-and-greet the stars of La Bohème, and snap a selfie with the cast. A list of holiday market vendors and the planned live performances are available online.
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Wendy Kennar is a mother, writer, and former teacher who has lived her entire life in the same Los Angeles zip code. You can read more from Wendy at her website WendyKennar.com where she writes about books, boys, and bodies (living with an invisible disability).
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