Celebrate the art of puppetry at The Skirball. Puppet Festival photo by Ben Gibbs, courtesy of the Skirball Cultural Center
Disney on Ice, Arts & Literacy Festival, and More Top Things To Do in Los Angeles This Weekend
Enjoy Mother's Day at the Getty Villa. Photo courtesy of Mommy Poppins
37 Things To Do on Mother's Day 2024 in Los Angeles
Strawberries are that much sweeter when you pick them yourself. Photo courtesy of the Carlsbad Strawberry Company, Facebook
Go Strawberry Picking near Los Angeles: Family Farms Where Kids Can Pick Berries
GUIDE
Los Angeles Summer Camp Guide
Treat mom to Mother's Day brunch on the coast. Photo courtesy of Terranea Resort
Best Mother’s Day Brunch in Los Angeles
Watch the puppet masters at Bob Baker Day. Photo by Chloe Rice, courtesy of the Bob Baker Marionette Theater
Best Free and Fun Things To Do in Los Angeles with Kids April 2024
Amplify’s one-of-a-kind music and arts camp attracts deeply creative kids from California and around the world.
  VIDEO
This Top LA Area Music and Arts Camp Still Has Spots Open
Photo courtesy of The Flower Fields of Carlsbad
GUIDE
Spring Fun Guide for LA & OC Kids
Even in a dry year, California is bursting with gorgeous colors in the spring!
Stunning Spring Wildflower Hikes near Los Angeles
Dino Valley means jurassic fun in LEGOLAND for kids of all ages.
NEW Dino Valley in LEGOLAND is Open for T-Rex-Sized Fun
Where else are kids going to learn archery, besides summer camp? Photo courtesy of Tom Sawyer Camp
Best Summer Day Camps in Los Angeles
Wander to a local waterfall, with excited kids in tow.
Best Waterfall Hikes Near Los Angeles for Families
Get your game on at sports summer camps. Photo courtesy of Saken Sports Camp
Top Sports Summer Camps in Los Angeles: Soccer Summer Camps, Baseball Camps, and More
Photo by Bill Soistmann
GUIDE
Los Angeles Visitors' Guide for Families
Dive into fun at the Cayton Children's Museum. Photo by Matthew Tucciarone
Best Children's Museums in Los Angeles and Orange County
Right this way to all the free fun in LA, especially at the Griffith Observatory! Photo by Gina Ragland
100 Fun Free Things To Do in Los Angeles with Kids
Everything at the Cayton has been carefully crafted with one goal in mind: to help create a better world through the power of play.
Guide to the Cayton Children’s Museum in Santa Monica–A Parent Review
Step into an
NEW American Girl Store Opens in Los Angeles
Imaginative play for preschoolers is music to our ears. Photo courtesy of Pretend City
39 Things To Do with Preschoolers in Los Angeles Before They Turn 5
This 3 day itinerary will make you fall in love with LA. Photo by Roberto Nickson, via Pexels
3 Days in Los Angeles with Kids: Ultimate Itinerary by a Local Mom
Visit LACMA's Levitated Mass. Photo by Joey Zanetti
100 Things To Do in Los Angeles Before Kids Grow Up

Weekday Picks: Christmas Tree Lights, Holiday Shopping, Snoopy on Ice November 30 - December 4

11/30/15 - By Jacqueline Stansbury

There is nothing I enjoy so much as a brilliant display of holiday lights. That said, there were quite a few lighting ceremonies on our calendar in November, yet you didn’t hear about them from me. As far as I’m concerned, the acquisition and lighting of Christmas trees belong firmly in the month of December. Anything before that is just a sneaky way to push the holiday shopping agenda. Well, here we are in December, and I’m happy to report that there are still plenty of chances to celebrate the next four weeks of shopping with a lighting ceremony, whether you head west to Santa Monica , east to Downtown LA, or south towards Hermosa or Long Beach.

It is likely that you are well on your way with the toy shopping, but don’t forget that Tuesday and Wednesday are free LEGO days: a perfect stocking stuffer or spoonful of sugar on sock night. For more grown up gift ideas, Montana Avenue’s annual holiday walk in Santa Monica is this week.

Pershing Square outdoor ice rink welcomes Snoopy and friends for a mini preview of Knott’s Merry Farm’s Merry Christmas Snoopy this week. Those Peanuts never get old, especially when they have a new movie. 'Tis the season for many celebrations; there is much more to do on our Daily Events Calendar and in our Holiday Guide.

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

1. Holiday Light Festival Train Ride – Monday
The Christmas train has left the station! Holiday train season is off and running, and this year an old favorite returns to Griffith Park. A Monday evening early in the season is the best way to indulge without the lines.
See all Monday events

2. Snoopy Showcase Sneak Preview – Tuesday
The outdoor rink at Pershing Square hosts the cast of Knott’s Merry Farm’s Merry Christmas Snoopy ice show. This very Peanuts-centric holiday season is a great time to catch the annual ice show, and how great to get a peek without the drive or admission it usually requires! Use the outing as an excuse to check out the newly reopened classic Clifton's Cafeteria just around the corner. Kids will love the giant fake sequoia and dioramas that contribute to its decor. Lines to get in have been circling the block, but maybe you'll get lucky on a Tuesday evening. It's a great place to have some post skating Jell-O.
See all Tuesday events

3. Free First Wednesday at the Aquarium – Wednesday
Don't miss this last chance for free Wednesday admission to the Santa Monica Aquarium.
See all Wednesday events

4. Tree Lighting Ceremonies – Thursday
Tonight’s the night: catch tree lighting in Santa Monica, Hermosa Beach, Monrovia, or downtown at the Biltmore Hotel.
See all Thursday events

5. Montana Avenue Holiday Walk – Friday
Santa Claus heads to Santa Monica for lots of photo ops and shopping, armed with plenty of treats and serenaded by carolers.
See all Friday events

There are always plenty more activities on our Daily Events Calendar and in our monthly GoList. And if you don’t receive our newsletters full of suggestions for family fun, you really should subscribe…it’s free!