Fun & Free Things to Do This Weekend with LA Kids: Tree Lightings, Holiday Trains, and Snow Nov 19 - 20

11/16/11 - By Toby B

You better not pout, you better not cry, because Santa Claus is coming to town in a big way!  We’ve got tree lightings, Santa appearances, holiday trains and snow in the Southland - not to mention dozens of Nutcrackers and a few outdoor ice rinks - and it isn’t even Thanksgiving yet!

But you haven’t even started your Christmas shopping, you say?  No problem!  Who needs Black Friday, when Mini Social and Petunia Pickle Bottom are holding sample sales this weekend?

So put on your parkas and mittens, and get ready for the start of the Christmas season in Southern California.

Keep reading for some of our top choices for the weekend...

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

ALL WEEKEND

SAMO's Clubhouse Grand Opening - Santa Monica
Santa Monica Place launches SAMO’s Clubhouse, its new free playspace, with music, crafts, giveaways, and playtime with SAMO, a 42-foot humpback whale.

Circus Vargas - Long Beach
Circus Vargas continues its Southern California tour with a 5-day stint in Long Beach.

Fashion Island Tree Lighting Ceremony - Newport Beach
Mickey Mouse and friends help Fashion Island light its Christmas tree. (Friday & Saturday).

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 17

Cirque du Santa and Tree Lighting at The Americana at Brand - Glendale
The Americana launches its holiday season with Cirque du Santa - a winter wonderland of magical elves, flying reindeer, dancing snowmen, magic, Santa Claus, and a fireworks finale.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 18

Free Screening of Arctic Tale - Venice
The folks at the Electric Lodge fire up the eco-friendly projector to bring families a free screening of Arctic Tale (G), a real-life adventure from the creators of March of the Penguins

Holiday in the Park - Burbank
Magnolia Park gets the Christmas season started with an evening of in-store events, street caroling, gifts, prizes, and more.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 19

Ruby's Studio Live at Scribble Press - Santa Monica
Scribble Press celebrates the launch of two new books with crafts and storytime.

Snow Days at the L.A. Zoo - Griffith Park
Kids can watch lions and tigers and bears in the snow, oh my!

Spark of Love Toy Drive - Kick Off Event - Anaheim
The Metrolink Holiday Toy Express gets off to a spectacular start with Santa, roving carolers and firefighters from around Southern California.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 20

Chip Taylor & the Grandkids - Los Feliz
The songwriter of Wild Thing writes and performs in collaboration with his grandkids.

Los Encinos Living History Day - Encino
Families can experience 1870’s Southern California at this free event.

Max and Ruby Bunny Party - Long Beach
The Nickelodeon favorites perform a live musical show.

As always, there are many more activities listed on our daily events calendar.  Whatever you choose to do, have a wonderful weekend!