ALL WEEKEND

Disney on Ice: Toy Story 3 - Downtown
When no one's looking, the toys come to life... on ice! (Check out our review!)

Newport Beach Boat Parade - Newport Beach
The country's oldest boat parade sets the harbor alight for five consecutive nights.

Cruise of Lights - Huntington Beach
In this inverse boat parade, spectators ride in a boat past an array of fully decked out homes in the harbor.

SATURDAY DECEMBER 17

Santa Monica Pier Holiday Open House  - Santa Monica
Santa Claus himself offers free merry-go-round rides at the Santa Monica Pier.

Christmas at the OC Zoo - Orange
If you ever wanted to see what a bear gets under his Christmas Tree (or in it) now’s your chance!

A Faery Hunt - Los Angeles
Rumor has it faery folk lurk in Crestwood Hills Park. Your kids can join the fanciful hunt.

Junior Scientist: The Particulars of Plants - Downtown
Budding scientists are encouraged to explore and discover the wonders of plants.

Holiday Sing-Along - Downtown
Warm up your vocal chords and sing along with the holiday classics! (Lyrics provided in case you forget the words).

Public Run Day Southern California Live Steamers - Torrance
Climb aboard for the last run of 2011 on these marvelous small scale trains.

SUNDAY DECEMBER 18

UP! – Ed Asner In Person! - Santa Monica
The great Ed Asner makes an appearance at this matinee screening of the Oscar-winning Disney’s Up!

Unsilent Night - Venice
Audience becomes performer in this unique music event, a group performance of original composition by Phil Kline. Bring your boombox, iPod, or old-school cassette player!

Hanukkah Family Festival - Pacific Palisades
Enjoy bouncy houses, rides and “lotsa latkes” at this family-friendly fest.

Christmas at Kidseum - Santa Ana
Kids can meet Santa Claus and catch a screening of How the Grinch Stole Christmas at this holiday celebration.

PLEASE NOTE:  The  Mommy Monday scheduled for last Monday has been rescheduled to this Monday, December 19.

Now here's the scoop on our giveaways. First up, we're giving away a family 4-pack of tickets to Disney on Ice: Toy Story 3. To enter the contest you must email us  with the subject line "Disney on Ice: Toy Story 3 give-away" by midnight on Friday, December 16, 2011. Please include your full name and email address in the email.

Then, because nothing makes us happier than to see you smile, how about another family four pack of tickets? This set is for the matinee screening of UP with star Ed Asner in person. To  enter, email us  with the subject line "Up! give-away" by noon on Friday, December 16, 2011. Please include your full name and email address in the email.

By entering, you sign up for our weekly newsletter! Both giveaways end on Friday so hurry on up and get your entries in!

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