The Marina del Rey Holiday Boat Parade sets sail this weekend. Photo by © Venice Paparazzi for the event.
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Things To Do in LA this Weekend with Kids: Boat Parades, Christmas Parades, Snow Days, CicLAvia

Snow Wonder it's so fun! Photo courtesy of Marina del Rey Visitors Bureau
Snow Wonder it's so fun! Photo courtesy of Marina del Rey Visitors Bureau
12/5/19 - By Toby B

There's a cold front coming. We're talking bitter, icy chills, and giant piles of snow. And just as the jolly guy is coming for a visit. What to do, what to do...

Why, fatten him up like a Christmas goose! A few extra pounds, and he'll be able to face the cold like a pro. Since he's mostly a morning guy, that means a whole lotta breakfasts. 

It would take more than snow to deter our fellow Angelenos, who will be out in force this weekend, walking and parading on land and by sea, in celebration of children, the holidays, and El Segundo (all fine reasons to hup to).

So get on your toes, join the parade, and get in on this weekend's fun...

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Debbie Allen's Hot Chocolate Nutcracker is back. Photo by Lee Tonks
Debbie Allen's Hot Chocolate Nutcracker is back. Photo by Lee Tonks

Things To Do All Weekend

Aquarium Holidays

Long Beach
The animals at the Aquarium of the Pacific get their holiday treats early from Mr. Claus! Santa Diver delivers an ocean of gifts to the Aquarium of the Pacific for its penguins, sea otters, lorikeets, fish, and more. The aquarium also celebrates the holiday season with festive decor, a snowfall on the great hall, a Kwanzaa celebration, Hanukkah storytime, and more.  READ MORE

Peter Pan and Tinker Bell A Pirate Christmas (Laguna)

Laguna Beach
Lythgoe Family Productions presents an updated version of the classic Peter Pan tale, in the style of a traditional British family Panto. In Peter Pan and Tinker Bell A Pirate Christmas, Tinker Bell, Wendy, and Peter Pan embark on a wild quest to foil the pirates' plan to kidnap Peter. READ MORE

Debbie Allen's Hot Chocolate Nutcracker

Redondo Beach
Debbie Allen brings her Dance Academy's popular adaptation of the classic dance tale to the Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center. The show has become a local holiday classic directed, choreographed by, and starring the unstoppable Ms. Allen. READ MORE

Aspen Santa Fe Ballet’s The Nutcracker

Northridge
Aspen Santa Fe Ballet brings its production of The Nutcracker to Los Angeles. This storybook production is set in the Victorian era, beginning with the resplendent party and concluding with the fantastical scenes in the second act centered around a bright and colorful carousel. READ MORE

A Christmas Carol

Pasadena
A Noise Within brings back its popular annual production of the Dickens classic. Production quality is high, with beautiful costumes, fun ghost effects, and a large, talented cast presenting a highly traditional rendition of the Victorian Christmas tale of goodwill to all men. READ MORE

Miracle on 34th Street (1947)

El Segundo
Maureen O’Hara, John Payne, Natalie Wood, and Edmund Gwenn (make that Santa Claus) star in this holiday classic about a department store Santa Claus who claims to be the real thing.  READ MORE

Kiddee Matinees

Hollywood
On Saturdays and Sundays, families can catch a matinee screening of a kid-friendly movie at the New Beverly Cinema.   READ MORE

The Southern California Polar Express Train Ride

Perris
Step inside a holiday classic! The Polar Express Train Ride is a magical re-creation of the classic children’s story on board a real train. Have your golden tickets ready for the Conductor. Guests are served hot chocolate and shortbread by dancing chefs, enjoy a reading of the classic book, and get a gift from Santa. READ MORE

Bob Baker’s Nutcracker

Pasadena
Bob Baker's Nutcracker is spinning a tale of Christmas lore at the Sierra Madre Playhouse this year! This beloved version of the story has been running since 1969, and every performance ends with ice cream. Don't miss this LA holiday tradition!  READ MORE

Santa Boat Rides

Dana Point
Kids can bring their Christmas wishes directly to Santa Claus during a 20-minute harbor cruise on board the Dana Pride. Bring cameras, of course, for some amazing holiday photos. READ MORE

Breakfast with Santa

La Habra
Santa Claus visits La Habra Children's Museum for his favorite meal of the day: breakfast! The event includes breakfast treats, an ornament craft, and photo with Santa. After breakfast, guests can play in the museum galleries. READ MORE

Snow Days at the Moorpark Teaching Zoo

Moorpark
The Moorpark Teaching Zoo gets in the spirit of the season with fun activities, games, holiday-themed animal presentations, and 14 tons of real snow! To top it all off guests can warm up at the complimentary hot cocoa stand. READ MORE
Winter Holiday Festival. Photo courtesy of Pershing Square
Winter Holiday Festival. Photo courtesy of Pershing Square

Things To Do Saturday, December 7

31st Annual Santa's Candy Cane Drive

Santa Monica
Santa Claus joins forces with Santa Monica's police officers & firefighters to meet children throughout Santa Monica. READ MORE

The Nutcracker for Kids

Costa Mesa
Festival Ballet Theatre and Pacific Symphony offer a condensed version of Tchaikovsky's Christmas ballet that also includes a holiday sing-along and a visit from Santa. It's the perfect first introduction to this timeless holiday classic.  READ MORE

Breakfast with Santa Claus

Manhattan Beach,
Kids can join Santa Claus for a continental breakfast at Manhattan Village, served at Islands Restaurant.  READ MORE

Holiday Hoedown & Breakfast with Santa

Long Beach
Santa Claus ponies on up to Rancho Los Alamitos for a Holiday Hoedown breakfast. READ MORE

Montana Ave. Holiday Walk

Santa Monica
It seems that all of Santa Monica comes out for this annual holiday event. The merchants of Montana Avenue open their doors offering refreshments, special sales, and live music. Note that once again, the event is being held on a Saturday. READ MORE

Boat Parade of Lights at Dana Point

Dana Point
The annual Boat Parade of Lights returns with the theme: Santa’s Seaside Carnival. READ MORE

Santa Claus at the Brentwood Country Mart

Brentwood
Kids are invited to meet Santa Claus at the Brentwood Country Mart and take free photos with him. READ MORE

Anaheim Tree Lighting Festival & Holiday Village

Anaheim
The annual tradition continues! The holidays kick off in Downtown Anaheim with the 30th Annual Tree Lighting Festival & Holiday Village. Families can take photos with Santa, enter the Candy Canine dog costume contest, shop local vendors, and watch as the tree is lit up to mark the start of the Christmas season. READ MORE

SFY: Symphonies for Youth

Downtown
The LA Philharmonic is back with another season of its Symphonies for Youth series, designed for kids ages five to 11. The first concert of the season offers a kid-friendly take on one of Shakespeare’s most popular stories and one of Mendelssohn’s most famous musical works: A Midsummer Night’s Dream: . READ MORE

South Lake Holiday Celebration

Pasadena
South Lake Avenue kicks off its holiday celebration along the South Lake Avenue District with holiday fun, including live music, holiday activities, raffles, free photos with Santa and holiday characters, cookie decorating, ornament decorating, and more! READ MORE

LA Master Chorale's "Festival of Carols"

Downtown
The Los Angeles Master Chorale fills Walt Disney Concert Hall with yuletide cheer offering an afternoon performances of its popular Festival of Carols, featuring new arrangements of cherished Christmas carols and traditional favorites performed by 62 members of the Chorale. READ MORE

Home Depot Kids Workshops

Multiple Locations
Home Depot offers a free monthly workshop for kids ages 5 - 12. The workshops teach basic DIY skills and tool safety. Kids go home with their craft and a free Kids Workshop apron, commemorative pin, and certificate of achievement.    Kits are available first come first serve.  READ MORE

Sand Snowman Contest

Hermosa Beach
Who needs snow?  In Hermosa Beach, families can make their snowmen out of sand.  READ MORE

Breakfast with Santa Claus

Santa Monica
Santa Monica Place is excited to bring back this family-fun event filled with kid-friendly activities including crafts, face-painting, special musical performances, and snacks along with an appearance by Santa Claus. READ MORE

Hot Wheels Garage

El Segundo
Small car, big fun. The Automobile Driving Museum hosts another Hot Wheels Garage event. READ MORE

Winter Wonderland

Pasadena
Vroman’s Winter Wonderland features kid’s treats,  Letters to Santa & Holiday crafts,and a free photo opportunity with Santa. READ MORE

Victorian Christmas

Wilmington
The Banning Museum and grounds are transformed for a Victorian-era Christmas celebration. Visitors of all ages can enjoy a walk-through tours of the beautifully decorated mansion, a visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus, refreshments, and family crafts.  Period carolers and dancers entertain. One of the highlights of the festivities is a horse-drawn trolley ride. READ MORE

Snow in the Park 2019

Montebello
There's snow in Montebello City Park! READ MORE

Disney Junior Holiday Fun (Del Amo)

Torrance
Del Amo Mall invites families to celebrate the season with festive activities inspired by favorite Disney Junior pals.  READ MORE

OCMA Free Family Day

Santa Ana
The Orange County Museum of Art hosts a fun-filled day of art, creativity, and play for the whole family. READ MORE

Wilmington Winter Wonderland

Wilmington
The forecast calls for real snow in Wilmington. Families can bring the kids and teach them how to make a snowman - even if it's warm and sunny outside. READ MORE

La Plaza Park Tree Lighting

Dana Point
Santa and his elves arrive at Dana Point's La Plaza Park on his Jolly Trolley to hand out pre-packaged treats for kids. The event features carolers, hot chocolate, cookies, and the tree lighting at 5:15pm. READ MORE

Holiday Carnival & Santa's Helicopter Arrival at Norwalk Town Square

Norwalk
Santa Claus arrives at Norwalk Town Square by helicopter, transforming the place into a winter wonderland filled with festive fun for the whole family. READ MORE

2019 Snowfest and Tree Lighting Ceremony

Norwalk
Norwalk City Hall becomes a magical winter wonderland for the annual Snowfest and Tree Lighting Ceremony. READ MORE

Boyle Heights Winter Wonderland

Boyle Heights
The forecast is snow in Boyle Heights. READ MORE

Marina Lights Movie Nights

Marina del Rey
The (remaining) Avengers assemble to try to undo Thanos' deadly snap: Avengers Endgame screens in Burton Chace Park. READ MORE

Parade of 1,000 Lights

Long Beach
Long Beach hosts the 39th annual Parade of 1,000 Lights—one of the Southland's enchanting Christmas boat parades. Shoreline Village, Rainbow Harbor, and the Queen Mary are the best places to watch from, as the decorated boats drift through the harbor area. READ MORE

Burbank Tree Lighting Ceremony

Burbank
The Burbank Mayor's Tree Lighting Ceremony is held in front of City Hall. The evening includes special performances; Santa & Mrs. Claus stop by, too! READ MORE

Montrose Christmas Parade

Montrose
Montrose celebrates the holidays with its 45th annual Christmas Parade. READ MORE

Los Angeles Harbor Holiday Boat Parade

Wilmington
Los Angeles Harbor Holiday Afloat Parade on the LA Waterfront celebrates the nation’s busiest international trade gateway.  READ MORE

25th Annual Parade of Lights

Rolling Hills Estates
The City of Rolling Hills Estates presents the 25th Annual Palos Verdes Peninsula Holiday Parade of Lights. The 2022 Grand Marshall is musician David Benoit. READ MORE

Author Event: Jimmy Kimmel

Fairfax
Late-night host Jimmy Kimmel visits Barnes & Noble at The Grove to celebrate his funny first picture book,​The Serious Goose. Written, illustrated, and lettered by Jimmy Kimmel, this picture book challenges young readers to bring the silly out of a very Serious Goose.  READ MORE
Photo courtesy of 826LA@ the Hammer Museum
Photo courtesy of 826LA@ the Hammer Museum

Things To Do Sunday, December 8

CicLAvia - The Valley

Canoga Park , Winnetka and Reseda.
CicLAvia returns to the Valley for a 5-mile route along Sherman Way from Canoga Park through Winnetka and into Reseda. Participants can jog, ride, bike, skate, run, walk, skateboard, spectate, and play, and may show up anywhere along the route to enjoy the open streets and explore the Valley. READ MORE

Free 2nd Sunday at PAM: Silk Road

Pasadena
Pasadena's museum honoring all things Asian opens its doors for free on the second Sunday of every month. November's event marks its fourth annual celebration of the Silk Road. This year's event highlights the importance of food and spice trade along the ancient route. READ MORE

826LA@Hammer: Your History

Westwood
Why does your story matter? Whose stories are told, and whose are ignored? Participants interview each other, explore digital archives and photographs, and discuss how to keep their stories alive.  READ MORE

Home for the Holidays at RLC

Long Beach
Step into the past, as Rancho Los Cerritos Historic Site shares the traditions of 19th century Christmas celebrations. READ MORE

Our Lady of Guadalupe Celebration at Forest Lawn—Glendale

Glendale
Guests can honor the feast day of Our Lady of Guadalupe (Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe) at this free event that honors the patron saint of the Americas. The ceremony transports attendees to small-town Mexico with bilingual religious services, mariachi music, and Aztec dance. READ MORE

Annual Holiday Sing-Along

Westlake Village
The annual holiday event at The Shoppes includes live music and caroling, arts & crafts, caroling, a photo booth, and more READ MORE

El Segundo Holiday Parade

El Segundo
How sweet! The 60th Annual El Segundo Holiday Parade is themed "Candy Cane Lane on Main". READ MORE

2024 South Gate Children's Christmas Lane Parade & Festival

South Gate
The Annual Children's Christmas Lane Parade & Festival has traditionally attracted more than 50,000 residents of South Gate and the surrounding communities. READ MORE

(Sold Out) 2023 Annual Gingerbread House Decorating Party

Pasadena
Update: This event is now SOLD OUT. This annual event is back in house at Vroman's! Vroman's provides everything you need to make your own gingerbread house, but feel free to bring your own decorations as well. This year crafters can choose between a traditional gingerbread house and a gingerbread dog house, (state preference when signing up).  READ MORE

Santa Cares (Del Amo)

Torrance
Caring Santa visits Del Amo Fashion Center to provide a subdued and welcoming environment for children with special needs and their families. Professional photos are available for purchase at this event. READ MORE

Manhattan Beach Annual Holiday Fireworks Festival

Manhattan Beach
Manhattan Beach's annual fireworks extravaganza returns in 2024!  Activities throughout the day include the SKECHERS Snow Park,  Santa Claus, live musical performances, and of course, fireworks.  READ MORE

Snow Leopard Festival

Santa Barbara
The Santa Barbara Zoo invites families for snow, sledding, and lots of fun at the annual Snow Leopard Festival. Beautiful and elusive, snow leopards are highly endangered and the subject of celebration at this event. READ MORE

Winter Workshops at the Marketplace

Irvine
Enjoy holiday fun with family experiences every Sunday afternoon that include crafts, entertainment, giveaways, and more.  READ MORE

American Girl at The Nutcracker Ballet

Fairfax/ Glendale
It's a day of favorite things. The fun starts with lunch at the American Girl Place Los Angeles. Then it's on to a matinee performance of Los Angeles Ballet’s production of The Nutcracker at the Alex Theatre in Glendale. READ MORE

Annual Holiday Stroll and Snow Day

Venice
Every year, on the first Sunday of December, the merchants of Abbot Kinney kick off the holiday season with a day of fun that includes sledding on real snow, Santa Claus, crafts for kids, and face painting.  READ MORE

A Tie-Dye Hanukkah (Lomita)

Lomita
Hanukkah is looking colorful at Chabad of South Bay: the theme of this year's event is tie-dye! READ MORE

Victorian Christmas House Tour

Westlake
Families can celebrate the holiday with a tour of the Victorian house at the Grier Musser Museum. READ MORE

Granada Hills Holiday Parade

Granada Hills
The Granada Hills Holiday Parade Route is 1.8 miles long and is the largest participant and spectator community parade in the San Fernando Valley.  This year's parade theme is  “Favorite Holiday Songs.” READ MORE

Jewish ID Hanukkah Party

Bel Air
This fun afternoon Hanukkah celebration offers candle making, dancing, crafts, camp activities, and yummy treats. READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

The Soraya - Valley Performing Arts Center
Southern California Railway Museum
Multiple Parks in Santa Monica, including Virginia Avenue Park
Wilmington Waterfront Park
Norwalk City Hall Lawn
Downtown Burbank - Burbank City Hall
Banning's Landing Community Center
American Girl Store at the Grove
Along Chatsworth Street, including: