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Best Tips For Attending Grinchmas at Universal Studios Hollywood

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Grinchmas is back at Universal Studios Hollywood for 2019!  The celebration kicks off when Universal Studios Hollywood puts up the giant crooked Christmas tree in Universal Plaza and the magical Whos of Who-ville and the ever-popular Grinch appear for the annual holiday celebration.

Grinchmas Universal Studios Hollywood 2019

Grinchmas brings the story of How the Grinch Stole Christmas, a classic children’s story by “Dr. Seuss”, to life for those who are young and young at heart.  The story follows the Grinch, a grumpy, solitary creature who attempts to put an end to Christmas by stealing presents and Christmas decorations from the homes of the nearby town Whoville on Christmas Eve.  Miraclously, after befriending a sweet little girl name Cindy-Lou Who, the Grinch realizes that Christmas is not all about presents and feasting.  Suddenly, the The Grinch’s shrunken heart grows three sizes and he has a change in spirit.  Now he loves Christmas!

Christmas at Universal Studios Hollywood

Grinchmas Meet and Greet Opportunities

The highlight of Grinchmas for any visitor is to meet the Grinch and other fellow citizens of Who-ville.  In particular, there are three meet-‘n’greet opportunities available at Universal Studios Hollywood.  First off, is the Grinch himself.  The line to meet the Grinch is the longest, peaking at a 90-minute wait during the busiest time of the day.  Therefore, I recommend doing it first thing in the morning when you arrive, and bring a camera along to capture that moment when your child meets the Grinch.  Field Trip Girl’s expression is priceless!

Grinchmas Universal Studios Hollywood

Grinchmas Universal Studios Hollywood

Next up is Max, the Grinch’s dog and only loyal companion.  They live together on Mount Crumpit, a steep high mountain just north of the town of Whoville.  Guests are encouraged to pose for pictures with Max and pet him afterwards.  When not on set in Who-ville, Max is a rescue animal who normally stars in the Animal Actors show.

When is Grinchmas at Universal Studios Hollywood

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Visit HGTV Santa HQ at Los Cerritos Center

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This is post is sponsored by HGTV Santa HQ.

Christmas is a delightful time of year.  There are so many joyous things to do, it’s hard to choose just one.  One of my family’s favorite traditions is to visit Santa Claus.  This year was especially memorable, as we got to visit HGTV Santa HQ at the Los Cerritos Center for the third year in a row.  It’s not only fun for kids, but adults too.  Of course, we took our traditional photo-op with Santa Claus, but before we did, we explored the entire North Pole from top to bottom.

Naughty or Nice O’Meter

First, my kids jumped onto the Naughty or Nice Meter.  They stood in front of the interactive board and challenged each other to see who could make it onto Santa’s nice list this season.  Take a look at how much my son has grown from Christmas 2017 to Christmas 2019.  Crazy, huh!

Take your family to visit HGTV Santa HQ this holiday season! An amazingly unforgettable holiday experience that excites and engages the young and the young at heart alike. HGTV’s Santa HQ is taking place at 15 malls across the United States and adds a whole new dimension to the traditional family Santa Claus visit by guiding visitors through an immersive, interactive holiday extravaganza that uses of state-of- the-art digital technology.

Be different this holiday season! HGTV and Macerich Shopping Centers have teamed-up to bring you “Santa HQ” an amazingly unforgettable holiday experience that excites and engages the young and the young at heart alike. HGTV’s Santa HQ adds a whole new dimension to the traditional family Santa Claus visit by guiding visitors through an immersive, interactive holiday extravaganza that uses of state-of- the-art digital technology.

Surprisingly, both Field Trip Girl and Field Trip Boy were labeled “nice” according to the meter.  But I wonder if their dad would agree!  Field Trip Girl secretly told me that she prayed to God the night before and asked Him to be on the nice list, because she really wanted a new slime kit for Christmas.  I think Santa might just grant her that wish this year!  What do you think?!!

Be different this holiday season! HGTV and Macerich Shopping Centers have teamed-up to bring you “Santa HQ” an amazingly unforgettable holiday experience that excites and engages the young and the young at heart alike. HGTV’s Santa HQ adds a whole new dimension to the traditional family Santa Claus visit by guiding visitors through an immersive, interactive holiday extravaganza that uses of state-of- the-art digital technology.

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The Best Holiday Light Displays in Southern California

Posted on | Filed Under: Field trips in Los Angeles, Field Trips in Orange County, Field Trips in Riverside | 1 Comment

Simplify your search for holiday lights in Southern California with these must-see light displays at historic landmarks, public gardens and community gathering spaces.  So, pile the family into the car and make your way to one of these bright spots to behold gorgeous Christmas lights in Los Angeles, Riverside, Orange County or San Diego.  We’ve found many displays that are aglow with festive twinkling lights that will make everyone’s eyes sparkle.  From seeing dazzling Chinese lanterns in the garden to walking through an enchanted forest to watching zoo animals sleep underneath sparking lights, read on for more information on where to see the best holiday light displays in Southern California.

Simplify your search for holiday lights in Southern California with these must-see light displays at historic landmarks, public gardens and community gathering spaces. We’ve found many displays that are aglow with festive twinkling lights that will make everyone’s eyes sparkle!

Enchanted Forest of Light

Enchanted Forest of Lights, Descansco Gardens, La Cañada Flintridge

Descanso Gardens, one of my all-time favorite public gardens in Southern California, is hosting Enchanted Forest of Light from November 17 – January 5.  As the sun sets, Descanso Gardens is transformed into a holiday wonderland with thousands of lights.  It is simply mesmerizing!  Some other words that come to mind to describe the light display are captivating, riveting and and amazingly beautiful.  Our favorite part is The Symphony of Oaks walk-through exhibit, which lets you manipulate lights and sounds in the garden’s historical Oak Grove.  Get Enchanted Forest of Light discount tickets starting at $20.00 per person on Goldstar.com.

How to buy enchanted forest of light discount tickets

LA Zoo Lights

LA Zoo Lights, Los Angeles

LA Zoo Lights is a great way to spend an evening at the zoo while walking around with hot cocoa in your hands!  The zoo is transformed into a magical winter jungle complete with a disco ball forest, whimsical 3-D animations, a glowing “Northern Lights” featuring animal constellations that come to life, a picturesque kaleidoscopic savanna where glowing, large-scale animals roam and the very popular Twinkle Tunnel.  New for the 2019/2020 season, guests can see the world’s largest illuminated pop-up storybook.  Get LA Zoo Lights discount tickets starting at $11.95 per person on Goldstar.com.

How to buy LA Zoo Discount Tickets

The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle

The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle, Universal Studios Hollywood, Los Angeles

This state-of-the-art projection-mapping nighttime show, called The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle, transforms Hogwarts Castle into a holiday wonderland, bringing Christmas moments inspired by the Harry Potter series to life.  The show wraps the ancient building in the sights and sounds of the season, including a majestically-large Christmas tree, the Hogwarts ghosts singing carols, a recreation of the Yule Ball, and students riding broomsticks and creating snowmen.

The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle

Capistrano Lights

Capistrano Lights, Mission San Juan Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano

Celebrate the holidays at Mission San Juan Capistrano, historic landmark and museum with 30 days of holiday fun.  Capistrano Lights brings together people of all faith traditions during the holiday season.  Join us for a nightly tree lighting in the Ruins of the Great Stone Church.  The Mission grounds will be decked out in lights and features a 10-foot wreath and community Christmas trees.  From time to time during this period, community musical groups, choirs and orchestras may join the Mission with pre-tree lighting performances.  Don’t miss out on the Mission at Night experience where history meets holiday!  The nightly celebration runs from December 8 – January 5.   Get Capistrano Lights discount tickets starting at $4.00 per person on Goldstar.com.

How to buy Capistrano Lights Discount Tickets

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Where To Cut Your Own Christmas Tree in Southern California

Posted on | Filed Under: Field trips in Los Angeles, Field Trips in Orange County, Field Trips in Riverside, Field Trips in San Bernardino, Field Trips in San Diego, Field Trips in Santa Barbara, Field Trips In Ventura | 10 Comments

Are you searching for that perfect Christmas tree? Check out this list of 15+ Places to Cut Your Own Christmas Tree in Southern California! From Santa Barbara to San Diego and everywhere in between, there is at least one Christmas tree farm within an hour's drive of your home.

The joy of cutting down your own Christmas tree has always fascinated me!  The smell of fresh cut greens, cool winter nights and the sweet aroma of drinking hot chocolate while walking through the treefarm, is as memorable as it gets.  And I loved every moment of it as a child!  Now I look forward to creating these precious memories again with my own children as we search for that “perfect” Christmas tree together this holiday season.

So your convenience, I have created this list of 20+ Places to Cut Your Own Christmas Tree in Southern California.  From Santa Barbara to San Diego and everywhere in between, there is at least one Christmas tree farm in Southern California that is within an hour’s drive of your home.

I hope this lists helps you find that perfect festive Christmas tree for your family too!

Where To Cut Your Own Christmas Tree in Los Angeles

Hagle Tree Farm

3442 Somis Road, Somis, CA 93066

Located about an hour’s drive from LA, Haggle Tree Farm has a very popular choose-and-cut selection of Monterey Pines and Leyland Cypress trees that quickly go out of stock every season.  So, the sooner you select a tree, the better.  The farm has everything that you need to cut down your tree including saws, wheelbarrows, tree netting, twine and man power.  Furthermore, on designated weekends, the farm offers an array of family attractions like a petting zoo and pony rides.

Christmas Ranch Tree Farms – Simi Valley

3800 Cochran St., Simi Valley, CA 93063

Christmas Ranch Tree Farms in Simi Valley is a full service tree farm opened weekends only that offers a large selection of Choose & Cut Monterey Pines, Aleppo Pines and Leyland Cypress in all sizes, plus a nice selection of pre-cut Douglas Fir, Noble Fir, Grand Fir, Fraser Fir and Nordman Firs — ten different species available, all offered at reasonable prices.  To help cut your tree down and take it home, the farm has bow saws, wheelbarrows, mechanical shakers to clean out dry needles, tree netting, twine, stands and more.  In addition to beautiful trees, they also offer firewood for sale plus free candy canes, coffee and hot chocolate!

School tours are offered any time of the year by appointment to preschool and early elementary grades.  They provide information about growing trees which compliments the curriculum for teachers available through the National Christmas Tree Association.

Christmas Ranch Tree Farms – Thousand Oaks

1586 Pederson Rd., Thousand Oaks

Christmas Ranch Tree Farms in Thousand Oaks is a full service tree farm opened 7 days a week that offers a large selection of Choose & Cut Monterey Pines, Aleppo Pines and Leyland Cypress in all sizes, plus a nice selection of pre-cut Douglas Fir, Noble Fir, Grand Fir, Fraser Fir and Nordman Firs — ten different species available, all offered at reasonable prices.  To help cut your tree down and take it home, the farm has bow saws, wheelbarrows, mechanical shakers to clean out dry needles, tree netting, twine, stands and more.  In addition to beautiful trees, they also offer firewood for sale plus free candy canes, coffee and hot chocolate!

For the adventuresome, the Thousand Oak’s location hosts a jeep ride that takes customers over a steep hill to the far end of the farm to get their tree.

School tours are also offered any time of the year by appointment to preschool and early elementary grades.  They provide information about growing trees which compliments the curriculum for teachers available through the National Christmas Tree Association.

Nancy’s Ranch

25039 Magic Mountain Pkwy, Santa Clarita, CA 91355

The Roatcap family has been in the Christmas tree business for over 45 years, growing local trees for families to choose and cut and importing beautiful firs of all types from the Pacific Northwest.  Choose your favorite from Noble, Fraser, Grand, Silver, Douglas and Nordmann firs, all guaranteed fresh through Christmas.  Click here for a coupon for $5 off any tree purchase over $20.00.

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Drive Thru Nativity Scenes in Southern California (Updated 2019)

Posted on | Filed Under: Field trips in Los Angeles, Field Trips in Orange County, Field Trips in Riverside, Field Trips in San Bernardino, Field Trips in San Diego, Field Trips In Ventura, Holiday Events | 44 Comments

The first living nativity was created by St. Francis of Assisi in 1223 to help explain the birth of Jesus to his followers.  Throughout Europe, Central America, and South America the manger scene is a primary decoration at Christmastime.  In the United States, the manger scene is often displayed in a church or as a part of a neighborhood Christmas display.

Live Nativity Near Me

In Southern California, we also have several live nativities that take place throughout the month of December.  And the good news is that they are FREE community events!  Here is a comprehensive list of live, drive and walk thru nativity scenes in Southern California for your enjoyment!

Are you looking to start a new tradition with your family this holiday season? Check out this wide ranging list of live, walk thru and drive thru nativity scenes in Southern California. From Santa Barbara to Los Angeles to Orange County to San Diego, there is at least one nativity scene within driving distance from your home.

Live Nativity Scenes in Orange County

Drive or Walk Thru Nativity, First Christian Church, Huntington Beach

December 4, 5 & 6 starting @ 6:00 pm

The Live Nativity at First Christian Church of Huntington Beach has been a staple in the community for more than 50 years. Actors and live animals tell the story of Jesus’ birth through 9 different scenes.  Whether you’re driving through or walking, the true magic of Christmas will be remembered as you celebrate with friends and family.  Come for the Live Nativity and stay for Christmas Carols in the Chapel, a photo opportunity for the family and crafts for the kids.  Free admission.

 

A Walk Thru Bethlehem, EV Free Fullerton, Fullerton

December 6, 7, & 8 @ 4:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Christmas BLVD is a popular family-oriented Christmas experience that is returning to North Orange County this year!  Join us for an evening filled with holiday festivities, food and fun.  As a part of the celebration, is an authentic Walk Thru Bethlehem experience.  Step back in time and walk the recreated streets of this tiny village to the night when one birth changed the whole world.   The live nativity includes real animals and costumed characters from the little town of Bethlehem on the night that Jesus was born.  Free admission.

Are you looking to start a new tradition with your family this holiday season? Check out this wide ranging list of live, walk thru and drive thru nativity scenes in Southern California. From Santa Barbara to Los Angeles to Orange County to San Diego, there is at least one nativity scene within driving distance from your home.

Walk Thru A Night in Bethlehem, Liberty Baptist Church, Newport Beach (2019 Dates TBD)

Experience the sights, sounds and excitement of the very first Christmas!  Bring friends and family to experience a first-century marketplace.  Meet Bethlehem’s citizens.  Create interesting crafts.  Enjoy delicious treats.  And receive a free family photo as a memento of your evening in Bethlehem!  See a wonderful promo video here.  Free admission.

Living Nativity, Village Bible Church, Garden Grove

December 14 & 15 @ 4:00 – 9:00 pm

Take a tour through Bethlehem as you celebrate the birth of Jesus.  Every 15 minutes, a tour will walk through the streets of Bethlehem and find their way to the nativity.  There will be live interactions along the way that tell the Christmas story about Christ’s birth.  This year there is also a petting zoo.  Tours last approx. 20 minutes.  Free admission.

The Living Nativity, The Church at Green Hills, La Habra

December 13 @ 7:00 pm & 8:00 pm and December 14 & 15 @ 6:00 pm, 7:00 pm & 8:00 pm

You will see the true Christmas Story come to life right before your eyes!  See Mary riding on a donkey, the Wise Men riding on magnificent camels, sheep by the manger, and then enter a toy shop where toys come to life.  Plus you will be treated with hot chocolate, cookies, candy sticks and more.  Admission is free.

Are you looking to start a new tradition with your family this holiday season? Check out this wide ranging list of live, walk thru and drive thru nativity scenes in Southern California. From Santa Barbara to Los Angeles to Orange County to San Diego, there is at least one nativity scene within driving distance from your home.

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