The Nai-Ni Chen Dance company celebrates Lunar New Year in a Jersey City performance this weekend. Photo courtesy of the dance company
Santa Sightings and More Things To Do with Kids in New Jersey this Weekend
Donations to Fanwood's Famous Christmas House support charity. Photo courtesy of the family
Best Neighborhood Christmas Light Displays and Holiday Lights in New Jersey
Step into Santa's Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops in Atlantic City for Christmas pictures. Photo courtesy of the venue
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It costs nothing to take in the display at Fanwood's Famous Christmas House. Photo courtesy of Fanwood's Famous Christmas House
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The spectacular Winter WonderLights drive-thru boasts more than 1.5 million lights animated to favorite holiday tunes,
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Step into a world of wonder at LuminoCity's 2024 holiday lights festival in Freehold. Photo courtesy of the festival
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Turtle Back Zoo is all decked out for the holiday season, which means there are lots of great photo ops.
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Join a magical trip on the Polar Express powered by the Morristown & Erie Railway. Photo courtesy of the railway
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'Tis the sea-son for Christmas Underwater at Adventure Aquarium. Photo courtesy of the aquarium
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Holiday and Thanksgiving volunteer opportunities abound in New Jersey.
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The Funplex has two New Jersey locations for families to explore and enjoy.
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Get drawn into the art at the Morris Museum next time you're looking for indoor activities for kids in New Jersey. Photo by Kaylynn Chiarello Ebner
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Beyond the casinos, Atlantic City is an all-ages playground, with Island Waterpark, boardwalk amusements, beach access, and more fun.
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Hang out with the giant hippos at Camden's Adventure Aquarium. Photo by Kaylynn Chiarello Ebner
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The Rainforest Cafe has two family-friendly restaurants in New Jersey. A meal out here is part adventure, part restaurant.
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Palmer Square is a great place to relax in the heart of Princeton. Photo courtesy of Palmer Square
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The accessible playground at Watsessing Park works for children of all abilities. Photo by Margaret Hargrove
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Pet baby goats on a visit to Brookhollow's Barnyard in Boonton. Photo by Kaylynn Ebner
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Bounce, climb, and jump at BounceU in Paramus, one of our top indoor play spaces in northern New Jersey.
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At a Bach to Rock birthday party, kids can sing karaoke or record their own CD.
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At Genius Gems in Millburn, kids under 2 get in free with an older sibling.
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Admission to the Cape May County Park & Zoo is completely free. Photo courtesy of the zoo
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Nickelodeon Universe is one of the can't-miss destinations at American Dream Mall in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Photo courtesy of the venue
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Bounce, climb, and jump at BounceU in Paramus, one of our top indoor play spaces in northern New Jersey.
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New Jersey kids can find free fun climbing the pirate ship at the free Garden State Plaza Westfield mall. Photo by Mommy Poppins
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Hike the Appalachian Trail—72 miles are n New Jersey! Photo courtesy of Visit NJ
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The Camden Children's Garden offers free admission for children under 2.
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Cruise in the Playmobil Fire Truck during your trip to Toys
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Hop aboard a stagecoach for a ride back in time at Wild West City, one of New Jersey's top attractions.
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Things To Do in LA this Weekend: Snow White Panto, Beach Wonderland, Disney on Ice

Snow Wonder! Photo courtesy of Marina del Rey Visitors Bureau
Snow Wonder! Photo courtesy of Marina del Rey Visitors Bureau
12/12/19 - By Toby B

We here at Mommy Poppins love all our holiday events equally. The Christmas lights, the boat parades, the holiday-themed train rides. What's not to love? It's just that we love some a little more equally than others.

Like Disney on Ice. The touring ice show is the perfect match of world class athleticism and stunning artistry, paired with the most beloved characters known to childhood. Call us un poco loco, but we simply love Disney on Ice.

And the Lythgoe Family Panto productions: Broadway caliber showmanship paired with absolute inability to take anything, least of all itself, seriously. Laughs and awestruck gasps and goosebumps from all the talent on stage.  Mirror, mirror on the wall, what's our most wanted ticket of all? That would be Snow White, headlined this year by Disney Channel star Olivia Sanabia.

Do we love the latest Disney Animation feature, venturing into the unknoooooown and ruling the box office? Or do we love the many ways our SoCal kids can venture into the snow without getting frozen? Do we love the unique spins local venues put on holiday celebrations? Or do we love the fact that we can start celebrating Hanukkah 8 crazy days early (give or take—you do the math)? Which is our favorite? How do we choose? Why should we? If there's one thing we've learned as mothers, it's that there is more than enough love to go around.

Keep reading for our choices for this weekend, all equally loved, including the ones that are loved more.

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Disney on Ice: Mickey's Search Party. Photo courtesy of Feld Entertainment
Disney on Ice: Mickey's Search Party. Photo courtesy of Feld Entertainment

Things To Do All Weekend

Disney on Ice: Dream Big

Downtown
Disney is back on the ice, bringing figure skating versions of Moana and Maui, Miguel from Coco, and those famous princesses who were never bothered by the cold anyway. All that plus Rapunzel, Jasmine, Ariel, Aurora, Belle, and Cinderella make for a must-see family show. READ MORE

Lythgoe Family Panto’s A Snow White Christmas

Pasadena
Magic Mirror on the wall (played  by Neil Patrick Harris), when is the last weekend I can see the Lythgoe Family Panto production of Snow White? (This weekend. The answer is this weekend.) READ MORE

The Nutcracker (Long Beach Ballet)

Long Beach
Long Beach Ballet presents The Nutcracker, performed with a full symphony orchestra, pyrotechnics, a flying sleigh, a real live horse, and a cast of over 200. This performance was voted the "best loved Nutcracker in the nation" by a Goldstar audience survey. It is crammed full of special effects and dazzling dancers. READ MORE

Huntington Harbour Holiday Boat Parade

Huntington Beach
The 62nd annual Huntington Harbor Holiday Boat Parade cruises through the harbor for two nights, sharing brightly-colored displays. Judging occurs on the first night, and the honorees strut their stuff on the second night. This year, the parade is themed Yacht Rockin' the Holidays and will be led by Grand Marshall Paul Haase.  READ MORE

Shogun Santa Comes to Little Tokyo

Little Tokyo
Shogun Santa is coming to town, and the town is Little Tokyo. (Get your cameras ready!) READ MORE

Kiddee Matinees

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

Christmas Is...

Glendora
Christmas Is… is an annual holiday tradition. The entire Citrus Music Department welcomes the holidays with the choral concert and show, including an appearance by Santa Claus. Each performance begins with a traditional holiday showcase of choral music, bells, and holiday songs. READ MORE

Old Town Music Hall Annual Christmas Festival

El Segundo
The Christmas celebration at Old Town Music Hall features a selection of comedy shorts. The audience is invited to sit back and enjoy the Mighty Wurlitzer, watch classic comedy shorts, and sing along with favorite Christmas carols.  READ MORE

Pasadena Model Railroad Club Open House

El Sereno
 The Pasadena Model Railroad is now open to the public on the third Sunday of every month, giving model railroad fans the chance to view this club's fantastically lively and detailed display of trains. READ MORE

Cartoon Club

Hollywood
Cartoon Club celebrates the art and history of animation with Saturday morning screenings of rare cartoon gems. December's event is holiday themed! READ MORE

A Very Merry MagicMania

Santa Monica
The creators of Magic Mondays bring the same bewildering sleights of hand and visual trickery of their family-friendly variety show, only with a holiday bent.  READ MORE

Frozen 2 (PG)

Hollywood
The past has a way of returning, and when it does, we must ... go see the sequel.  Box office champ Frozen 2 continues its reign at the El Capitan. READ MORE

38th Annual Candlelight Walk

Lake Forest
Hundreds of luminarias light Heritage Hill’s pathways of the historical buildings adorned in period décor, a tradition now in its 38th year. Guests can stroll festive grounds to enjoy an evening filled with live musical performances from carolers and brass band musicians, holiday crafts for children, puppet show productions of “Thumbelina”, and a chance to meet with Santa Claus.  READ MORE

Yuletide Cinemaland at Heritage Square

Montecito Heights
Ho, ho, Heritage Square! Heritage Square teams up with Street Food Cinema for Yuletide Cinemaland, outdoor screenings of holiday classic movies. Folks can get in the Christmas spirit with films such as Elf and Muppet Christmas Carol. The evenings include guided Victorian home tours, festive decor, piano sing-alongs, themed photo ops, and more READ MORE
Los Angeles Master Chorale's Festival of Carols. Photo by Jamie Pham
Los Angeles Master Chorale's Festival of Carols. Photo by Jamie Pham

Things To Do Saturday, December 14

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

Beach Winter Wonderland

Playa del Rey
Celebrate winter with snow. At the beach. (How LA can you get?) READ MORE

Winter Wonderland at Baldwin Hills Crenshaw

Baldwin Hills
Winter brings a frosty good time to Baldwin Hills Crenshaw, complete with snow hill sledding, DJ entertainment, and free kids activities for the entire family. Families are advised to plan to arrive early to take part in a toy giveaway while supplies last*. READ MORE

Malibu Breakfast with Santa

Malibu
Malibu serves up a tasty pancake breakfast with hot chocolate for families to enjoy.. The morning includes art activities, storytime with the Malibu Library, and photos with Surfing Santa and Mrs. Claus. READ MORE

Snow Wonder

Marina Del Rey
Please note: No Snow Wonder event is planned for 2021.   Marina del Rey's Snow Wonder invites children to enjoy real snow, sledding, arts & crafts, face painting, a live DJ, and food trucks. The event makes a perfect warm-up act (pun intended) for the evening's boat parade in the main channel. READ MORE

Marina del Rey Holiday Boat Parade and Drone Show

Marina del Rey
The Marina del Rey Boat Parade returns for its 62nd year! Prepare to be awed as spectacularly decorated boats light up Marina del Rey's main harbor. This year's theme is a Margaritaville Holiday. READ MORE

Holidays at Malibu Country Mart

Malibu
The Malibu Country Mart plays host to special visitors from the North Pole: Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus! Plus, on December 3 and 16, two additional visitors drop by:  real reindeer! READ MORE

Bergamot Winter Open House

Santa Monica
The galleries and creative businesses at Bergamot Station host a Winter Open House.  This holiday celebration of arts and culture offers a variety of fine art gallery exhibitions, festive food, live music and more. READ MORE

Dickens Day Holiday Celebration @The International Printing Museum

Carson
The Dickens Day Holiday Celebration features opportunities to print your own Victorian cards on working vintage printing presses, tours of the museum's collection of presses and printing equipment, caroling, and performances. READ MORE

Inclusion Matters Holiday My PlayClub

Westwood
Inclusion Matters by Shane's Inspiration hosts a Holiday My PlayClub at Aidan's Place inclusive playground at Westwood Recreation Center.  Families with children of ALL abilities are invited to come join the fun.  READ MORE

Camarillo Christmas Parade

Camarillo
The theme of the 2023 Camarillo Christmas Parade is "Lights! Camera! Christmas!" The parade features of bands, floats, autos, and horses—and Santa Claus riding in his sleigh.  The parade travels along Las Posas Rd., starting at Temple Ave., turning onto Carmen Dr. and ending at the Community Center. READ MORE

70th Annual Uptown Christmas Parade

Whittier
This annual parade attracts more than 15,000 visitors. Entries include marching bands, vintage autos, floats, dance troupes, drill teams, and more. Santa Claus can be counted on to make an appearance. This year's theme is "A Whittier Rock 'N' Christmas"  and the Grand Marshall is actress Belissa Escobedo (Happy Place, Blue Beetle, Hocus Pocus 2). READ MORE

Regal Holiday Classics

Multiple Locations
Participating Regal Theatres break out some holiday classics for special  weekend afternoon screenings.  READ MORE

Santa Claus for a Cause Walk/Run Fundraiser

Hermosa Beach
Whether your dashing through the "snow" to get first prize, or just want to join in the fun, the Santa Claus for a Cause 5k, 10k, or kids' dash is great exercises for a great cause.  Families (and their pets!) are invited to dress up as Santa Claus for mass photo ops. Runners are propelled by Christmas spirit as they encounter live carolers, faux snowfall, Christmas cookies, and more. The admission price includes a five-piece Santa suit, a Santa beanie, or a child's T-shirt, while supplies last. READ MORE

Christmas Tree Lane Winter Festival & Tree Lighting

Altadena
The neighborhood that brings us Christmas Tree Lane presents its 104th Annual Christmas Tree Lane Lighting Ceremony & Winter Festival. READ MORE

Daisy Avenue Christmas Tree Lane Parade

Long Beach
The Daisy Avenue Christmas Tree Lane Parade returns to its historic format this year. This neighborhood parade is unique in that it runs through a residential street, not a commercial district. The procession includes marching bands, musical groups, and great floats. READ MORE

Candy Cane Lane Opening Night

El Segundo
The eastern block of Acacia Avenue is announced by a Candy Cane Lane sign, marking a tradition of more than 60 years. Houses are alight with trains, reindeer, giant characters, and music, plus frequent appearances by Santa Claus in a covered sleigh at the end of the cul-de-sac. READ MORE

Luminaria Nights

Claremont
Luminaria Nights is a seasonal Claremont tradition featuring more than 1,000 hanging lights along the Garden trails to create a winter wonderland. READ MORE

Annual Holiday Concert on the Pier

Redondo Beach
Redondo Pier celebrates the holidays with the Annual Concert on the Pier. The festivities include live holiday music, activity books, a charity toy drive, a holiday photos, and sponsor giveaways. READ MORE

Ventura Harbor Parade of Lights 2024

Ventura
Get ready for a sweet time at the Ventura Harbor this Christmas. The theme for the annual Ventura Harbor Boat Parade is Candyland.  The annual boat parade kicks off the holidays in Ventura Harbor. READ MORE

King Harbor Holiday Boat Parade

Redondo Beach
Redondo Beach celebrates its own boat parade, with festive maritime displays. Anywhere with a view of the main channel is the place to be, whether it's a breakwater or a tough-to-reserve restaurant. This year's theme is "A Tropical Holiday."   READ MORE

Naples Island Annual Holiday Boat Parade

Long Beach
The trick with Naples Island's delightful boat parade is how to see it if you don't happen to live on Naples Island. The theme for 2023 is "Christmas Around the World." READ MORE

Oxnard Parade of Lights Celebration and Boat Parade

Oxnard
The Channel Islands Harbor kicks off the holidays with its 57th annual Parade of Lights. This year's theme is “Sleigh Bells & Spurs: A Rockin’ Rodeo Boat Parade.”  The parade starts at 7pm. 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
CAAM Family Maker Fest. Photo courtesy of California African American Museum
CAAM Family Maker Fest. Photo courtesy of California African American Museum

Things To Do Sunday, December 14

Hanukkah in Santa Monikkah

Santa Monica
The Cayton's Children's Museum hosts a Hanukkah Festival, exploring the power of identity and knowing one’s roots; standing up for your beliefs; the wonder of the unexpected; and seeking light in the darkness. READ MORE

Family Flicks at the Hammer

Westwood
UCLA's Hammer Museum presents a free family screening each month.  October's film Microcosmos takes a closeup look at the hidden world of insects and other tiny creatures.  READ MORE

Holiday Caroling

Culver City
One Incredible Family leads volunteers in singing holiday carols to the senior citizens of the Marina Care Center. READ MORE

American Girl Welcomes Santa

Fairfax
American Girl fans can start the holidays with a visit from Santa Claus. The event includes one 5 x 7 keepsake photo per child, plus a meal to enjoy during the visit. READ MORE

Sunday Concerts at the Nixon Library

Yorba Linda
  At the Nixon Library, concerts are held all year round on Sundays, and are free and open to the public.  (Those wishing to tour the library must pay the entrance fee.) READ MORE

Skirball Hanukkah Family Festival

West LA
The Skirball Hanukkah Family Festival welcomes families of all backgrounds to revel in the spirit of the holiday with music, dance, and storytelling.  READ MORE

Venice Canals Boat Parade

Venice
The 43rd annual Venice Canals Holiday Boat Parade punts its way down the windy canals of Venice, between homes that challenge the boats for best lights. Pick a bridge, any bridge, to enjoy a close-up view of the festive floating display. READ MORE

Santa Ski Sunday at Mountain High (Santas Ski Free!)

Wrightwood
This annual event at Mountain High is a win-win: arrive at the slope dressed as Santa Claus with proof that you've made the requested charitable donation, and your lift ticket is free. Or just turn up in your usual winter gear and spend a day skiing with a mountain full of Santas! READ MORE

SIJCC Festival of Lights

Silverlake
Silverlake Independent JCC's Festival of Lights carnival is open to the entire Silver Lake community and annually draws hundreds of families to the SIJCC campus Highlights of this winter block party include the Critter Squad, a Game Zone, craft booths, a Toddler Zone, music and magic, and activities for all ages. The Hollow Trees perform at 11:30am. READ MORE

Free Family Festival at the Bowers

Santa Ana
Welcome Spring! The Bowers celebrates Japanese culture and the coming season with free mochi, art projects, origami, and taiko. 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

Chatsworth Holiday Parade & Festival

Chatsworth
The 2024 Annual Chatsworth Holiday event is filled with marching, equestrian, motorized, and float units. This community event also includes a festival area with food vendors, a holiday boutique, games, and more. READ MORE

Holidays Around the World on Argyros Plaza

Costa Mesa
 Argyros Plaza transforms into a spectacular winter wonderland complete with a magical sparkling snowfall.  Guests can enjoy a variety of live performances from local music acts and dance groups that celebrate holiday traditions from all around the world. Kids can create their own seasonal crafts   READ MORE

Become a LEGO Maniac with Master LEGO Builder, Adam Ward

Bel Air
Kids can design, build, and take home a 3-dimensional LEGO dreidel after learning building techniques from a professional LEGO artist.  READ MORE

CAAM Family Maker Fest

Exposition Park
The California African American Museum invites everyone to participate in this all-day, all-ages affair, featuring maker stations by local artists. Projects include embellishing clothing with retro cartoons and creating music shakers from recycled materials. READ MORE

Hanukkah Celebration at The Point

El Segundo
The Point in El Segundo celebrates Hanukkah for the 7th year with children’s activities, storytelling, crafts, balloon animals, latkes, magic & crafts, and festive eats.  READ MORE

Merry Merry Malibu

Malibu
Malibu Lumber Yard hosts a fun-filled day of holiday activities for the whole family. In the Kids Kraft Korner, little ones can decorate cookies and stockings and create an ornament. READ MORE

How I Saved Hanukkah

Culver City
Marla Feinstein, the only Jewish kid in her fourth grade class, knows what the holiday season is like for everyone else: decorating a tree and hanging stockings. For her, it's forgetting to light candles and staring at a big plastic dreidel.  READ MORE

16th Annual Malibu Christmas Woodie Parade at Malibu Village

Malibu
Classic Woodie cars line the streets of Malibu for the 16th Annual Malibu Christmas Woodie Parade. READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

Heritage Hill Historical Park
International Printing Museum
Uptown Whittier, ending near Whittier Community Center.
Participating Regal Locations, including :Regal L.A. LIVE
Daisy Avenue, starting at West Burnett Street
American Girl Store at the Grove
Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
Argyros Plaza at Segerstrom Center for the Arts
American Jewish University's Familian Campus Room: Burton Sperber Jewish Community Library
The California African American Museum