Field Trips in Orange County Archives - Page 4 of 46

2020 Knott’s Berry Farm Season Pass Now Available

Posted on December 17, 2019 | Filed Under: Field Trips in Orange County | 251 Comments

Now is the time to either renew or purchase a new Knott’s Berry Farm 2020 Season Pass! The 2020 Season Pass offers unlimited admission during the season with no blackout dates. Yes, you heard that right…no blackout dates! A Knott’s Season Pass also comes with an entire year of “Knott‘s Seasons of Fun!” Here’s just a few examples of what you will enjoy.

Discover Your Next Adventure with SoCal Field Trips

Knott’s Peanuts Celebration

In January, Southern California’s favorite theme park kicks off the new year with Knott’s PEANUTS Celebration. During the weekends-only celebration, guests can enjoy comic style selfies, deliciously themed-treats, new whimsical shows and meet and greet sessions with members of the PEANUTS Gang, including Snoopy!

Knott’s Boysenberry Festival

In the spring, is the world-famous Knott’s Boysenberry Festival that takes place. During the festival, the entire Farm is decked out in 100% boysenberry fashion! From endless boysenberry food pairings to boysenberry photo ops to a highly contentious boysenberry pie-eating contest, there is something for every boysenberry fan.

Knott’s Soak City

During the summer, you can upgrade your season pass to include unlimited visits to Knott’s Soak City. With the park’s newly expanded 15 acre property, including 2 new water slide towers with 7 new water slides, you are bound to have fun all summer long.

Knott’s Summer Nights

Knott’s Summer Nights is a family favorite for all ages! Beginning at 6:00 pm, around the Knott’s midway area – between the Calico Square Stage and the Board – the excitement kicks into full swing! You can enjoy a variety of traditional summer experiences including live music, food and games during the year’s biggest backyard barbeque of the season. They even have a planning committee that you’re welcome to join!

Knott’s Ghost Town Alive

Every summer Ghost Town Alive! returns to Knott’s Berry Farm complete with bandits, cowboys, robberies, judges, a good ol’ western hoedown, and much more! Guests can visit the beloved town of Calico and experience an authentic western adventure by becoming a star in this summer’s story of the Wild West and where the power to unlock adventures is in your own hands.

[Read more…]

The Best Holiday Light Displays in Southern California

Posted on December 2, 2019 | 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

[Read more…]

Discount Tickets to Knott’s Merry Farm

Posted on December 1, 2019 | Filed Under: Field Trips in Orange County | 3 Comments

This post may contain an affiliate link.

Knott’s Berry Farm is all decked out for the holidays! The wreaths are hung on the doors, the lights are shining bright all around the park and the tree is sitting proudly in the middle of Calico Park. Starting November 22 through January 5, guests can enjoy Knott’s Merry Farm at their favorite Southern California park with all-new seasonal decorations.

Here are 5 ways to celebrate the holidays at Knott’s Merry Farm with your family!

Quick Link: Discount Tickets to Knott’s Merry Farm

Knott’s Spectacular Holiday Shows

Knott’s Merry Farm offers several family-friendly Christmas-themed shows. A brand-new show for 2019, is Home for the Holidays, where joyous merriment takes over the Calico Mine Stage with dancing and fun set to popular holiday tunes including, “There’s No Place Like Home For The Holidays,” “Sleigh Ride,” “Jingle Bells,” “Here We Come A-Caroling,” and many more. Guests will be swept into a magical scene of an old-fashioned Winter Wonderland and celebrate timeless holiday traditions.

Another popular key attraction is Snoopy’s ice-skating show, Merry Christmas, Snoopy! Snoopy and a cast of ice-skaters glide through the ice-covered stage of the Charles M. Schulz Theater in dazzling costumes to the rhythm of holidays tunes. I was especially touched by the homage to the 1940s with Wartime lovers separated and reunited. I was also mesmerized by the grand finale with snow falling and a flock of white doves dashing above the public to the stage.

Be transported back in time to a Victorian Christmas by the Calico Carolers as they perform the songs of the season throughout Ghost Town. Warm up your vocal chords and join in on the fun by singing along to both classic and contemporary Christmas music presented in a timeless way.

[Read more…]

Where To Cut Your Own Christmas Tree in Southern California

Posted on November 12, 2019 | 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 | 11 Comments

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.

[Read more…]

200+ Holiday Events in Orange County (Updated 2019)

Posted on November 9, 2019 | Filed Under: Field Trips in Orange County | 26 Comments

This post may contain affiliate links.

Christmas is coming and holiday events abound in Orange County! From seeing Gingerbread Houses at the Ritz Carlton Hotel, to attending a Nutcracker performance at the Irvine Barclay Theatre, to strolling through luminaria-lit paths at Heritage Hill Historical Park’s Candlelight Walk in Lake Forest, there is a special holiday event for everyone. So, here is a list of over 200+ Christmas Events in Orange County just for you! Merry Christmas!

Christmas Boat Parades in Orange County

Dana Point Harbor Boat Parade of Lights, Dana Point (Dec. 6, 7, 13 & 14)

Boat parade by water’s edge at 7:30 pm. 100 boaters compete in the categories of style, intricacy and outlandishness. Past years’ entries have featured towering light displays and inflatable snowmen riding motorcycles and planes. In 2008, one boater even outfitted his craft with rotating wooden attachments that gave the appearance of dolphins swimming alongside. Free to attend.

Quick Link: Discount Tickets for Dana Point Christmas Boat Parade of Lights with Davey’s Locker Ships

Huntington Harbor Boat Parade, Huntington Beach (Dec. 14 & 15)

A “Rock and Roll Fantasty” is this year’s theme which means decorators will have a wide list of songs and start to choose from. Besides the fun and excitement, they have 16 trophies to award in categories ranging from ‘Most Religious’ to ‘Best Commercial Entry’. Free to attend.

Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade, Newport Beach (Dec. 18, 19, 20, 21, 22 & 23)

The Christmas Boat Parade is one of the oldest and most popular holiday traditions in southern California and even the nation. In 1908, a gondola and eight canoes decked out in Japanese lanterns started the tradition, which has grown into a spectacle expected to draw more than a million viewers over its five nights. The parade starts at 6:30 p.m. with boats leaving from Bay Island, making their way around the harbor, and returning at 9 p.m. In all there are just under registered 100 boats taking part in the contests. Free to attend.

Quick Links: Discount Tickets for Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade with Newport Landing Cruises or Discount Tickets for Newport Beach Light Displays with Newport Landing Cruises

Christmas Shows in Orange County

The Nutcracker presented by The Ballet Etudes, Belle Terra, Huntington Beach (Nov. 3)

Come see Clara, the Nutcracker, Rat King, Sugar Plum Fairy and Snow Queen perform as Ballet Etudes presents excerpts from The Nutcracker. Children from Huntington Academy of Dance will also perform their holiday dances. Free.

A Christmas Carol, Camino Real Playhouse, San Juan Capistrano (Nov. 30 – Dec. 15)

Another in the opening, Charles Dickens himself is introduced to the audience, ready to present one of his famed readings of a new script, A Christmas Carol, to his guests. The story unfolds behind him, and soon Dickens is weaving in and out of the action, observing, performing small roles, interpolating short passages of rich narrative never heard in other versions. This holiday treat is a version that will transport you! Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol is adapted by John Jakes. Get discount tickets here.

A Christmas Carol, South Coast Repertory, Costa Mesa (Nov. 30 – Dec. 24)

Nineteenth-century London comes to life when your family joins the SCR family for the holidays. Recapture the spirit of an old-fashioned Christmas with this timeless Dickens classic and all your favorite characters—Tiny Tim and the Cratchit family, the Fezziwigs, the Ghosts of Christmas past, present and yet-to-come—and, as always, Hal Landon Jr. as everyone’s favorite curmudgeon, Ebenezer Scrooge. Ticketed.

Mannheim Steamroller Christmas, Segerstrom Center for the Arts, Costa Mesa (Dec. 1)

Mannheim Steamroller Christmas has been America’s favorite holiday tradition for over 30 years! Grammy® Award-winner Chip Davis has created a show that features Mannheim Steamroller Christmas classics along with a selection of compositions from his groundbreaking Fresh Aire series which introduced the distinctive Mannheim sound to all of America. The spirit of the season comes alive in this joyous holiday show, which includes dazzling multimedia effects performed in an intimate setting. Don’t miss this ultimate holiday tradition from the Number One Christmas music artist in history! Ticketed.

Peter Pan and Tinkerbell: A Pirates Christmas, Laguna Playhouse, Laguna Beach (Dec. 4 – 29)

Peter Pan, Tink and the gang are coming at you this Christmas in traditionally wacky British Panto-style at the Laguna Playhouse. Based on classic kids’ stories and performed during the holiday season in England, pantos are over-the-top melodramatic mash-ups of fairy tale, slapstick comedy, pop music and audience participation (booing and cheering are heartily encouraged), and are designed to be fun for your whole crew. Get discount tickets here.

The MistleTones: Song, Bells & Comedy for Christmas, Maverick Theater, Fullerton (Dec. 4 – 19)

The talented quartet known as The MistleTones will be at Fullerton’s Maverick Theater with bells on, as they hit the stage for a holiday music and comedy revue designed to leave you feeling merry and bright. This seasonal extravaganza includes a toy sack of clever parody songs, including “We Will Flock You” to the sounds of Queen, “Can’t Wrap This” ala MC Hammer and even an ABBA inspired “Ugly Sweater” among many more. The MistleTones are longtime SoCal favorites, who’ve performed at Disney’s California Adventure and Knott’s Berry Farm. Get discount tickets here.

A Charlie Brown Christmas, Chance Theater, Anaheim (Dec. 6 – 29)

Everyone’s favorite holiday classic comes to life in the all-new stage adaptation! Join Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Lucy, Linus, and the whole Peanuts gang as they produce their own Christmas play and ultimately learn the true meaning of the season. A Charlie Brown Christmas is a present the whole family can enjoy. Adapted from Charles M. Schulz’s timeless story, this holiday treat features the unforgettable music of Vince Guaraldi, as well as beloved holiday carols performed by the Peanuts characters. There’s no better way to discover the magic of the season. Get discount tickets here.

The Magic of Christmas With The Young Americans, La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts, La Mirada (Dec. 6 – 15)

A cast of hundreds with 30 scene changes makes for an epic Christmas spectacular for the whole family. From their early days of performing with such legends as Ed Sullivan and Bing Crosby to their current tours across 17 countries with 325 shows each year, The Young Americans remain the best in music and dance. The Magic of Christmas features hip-hopping penguins, dancing Santas and many more memorable moments to fill the family with holiday spirit. Get discount tickets here.

The Nutcracker for Kids, Newport Beach Central Library, Newport Beach (Dec. 7)

The whole family will enjoy this program for children. “The Nutcracker for Kids” is an abridged narrated version of the holiday classic presented by Festival Ballet Theatre. The shortened performance features a cast of professional dancers in complete costumes and tells the story of Clara, a young girl who receives the gift of a nutcracker soldier from her mysterious godfather. Overnight, the nutcracker is magically transformed into a handsome prince who takes Clara on an enchanting journey. Two performances: 2:00 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. Admission is free. Seating is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Ticket distribution, for both shows, will begin at 1 p.m. Ticket holders should return 15 minutes prior to the show to be seated.

[Read more…]