Field Trips in San Bernardino Archives

Insider Tips and Discounts To Santa’s Village in Lake Arrowhead

Posted on December 10, 2018 | Filed Under: Field Trips in San Bernardino | 6 Comments

Last year, I took Field Trip Girl and Field Trip Boy on a merrymaking adventure to visit the all new Santa’s Village near Lake Arrowhead, California. We were among nearly 300 adults and children who braved the cold temperatures, with wind chills as low as 20 degrees, to attend the reopening of the park, now officially called SkyPark at Santa’s Village.

This year, SoCal Field Trips sent our blog contributor, Fran Sawyer, and her family back up the mountain to check out the latest enhancements they had made to the Christmas theme park. We have been following the theme park’s restoration process for sometime now on social media, and wanted see the outcome for ourselves. So when Fran arrived early in the morning, the village was slowly awakening from years of slumber.

Santa’s Village History

Santa’s Village originally opened on Memorial Day weekend in 1955. Glen Holland, a local Crestline resident, built the original park on 15 acres of the total 230 acres, which were leased to Santa’s Village by the Henck Family. The holiday theme park operated for approximately 23 years and became the first franchised theme park in the country.

Due to lack of finances, the “Old Fire” of 2003 and a bark beetle infestation that weakened the already drought stricken trees, Santa’s Village was left desolate for many years. But then in 2015, new owners purchased the land and made restoring the historic qualities of the park paramount in their efforts to bring the old theme park back to it’s full glory.

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Best Places To Enjoy The Snow In Southern California

Posted on December 7, 2018 | Filed Under: Field Trips in Riverside, Field Trips in San Bernardino, Field Trips in San Diego | 21 Comments

A few winters ago, I took Field Trip Boy and Field Trip Girl to play in the snow at Mt. Baldy. Boy, did that not go over so well! I forgot the most essential clothing item…winter gloves! My kids lasted, oh, maybe 20 minutes and then we got back in the car and headed down the mountain. So much for that adventure!

I am bound and determined to never repeat that same mistake twice! This winter I plan to rent a cabin in the mountains and reintroduce my children to the concept of “having fun” in the snow. But this time I will be sure to bring gloves!

Best Places To Enjoy The Snow In Southern California

Here are some of the best places in Southern California to play in the snow:

Idyllwild

As I mentioned in an earlier post, Idyllwild is a cozy little mountain top community located above the San Jacinto Mountains in Riverside County. The village itself is quaint and beautiful, especially during the winter time. It does snow in Idyllwild, but there is no snow skiing allowed. Therefore, it is typically not as crowded as other mountain communities such as Wrightwood or Big Bear.

Best Places To Enjoy The Snow in Southern California

photo credit: Mark Buckawicki

Mt. Baldy

My family has been to Mt. Baldy twice. Once, in 2016 to go snow tubing at Mt. Baldy’s Tubing Park, and in 2017 to play in the snow. You can easily get to Mt. Baldy in about 1 and 15 minutes from anywhere in Orange County. At the top of the mountain, they offer skiing, snowboarding, and tubing. My favorite part about Mt. Baldy is that you don’t have to go very far up the mountain to find the snow. My children and I like to go half way up and then stop on the side of the road to play. We also bring our own snow sleds.

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

Back in 2010, my family and I rented a time share and spent the weekend in Palm Springs. While in town, we took the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway to enjoy the view of the valley and play in the snow at the top of the mountain. The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway starts at Valley Station and travels more than 5,800 feet up to Mountain Station in the Mt. San Jacinto State Park. There’s plenty to do once you reach the top including snow shoeing and cross country skiing.

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

Big Bear Lake

Big Bear Lake is a unique mountain resort surrounded by the beautiful San Bernardino National Forest. Activities include skiing, snowboarding, sledding, and cross-country skiing. The drive to get to Big Bear is fairly quick too. About a 1-3 hour drive from any major city in Southern California. Other fun activities in the area include visiting the Big Bear Alpine Zoo, the Big Bear Discovery Center and inner tubing at Big Bear Snow Play.

photo credit: John Murphy

Lake Arrowhead

Lake Arrowhead is another mountain top community located in the San Bernardino National Forest. It is a great place to spend a weekend playing in the snow. Families can stay at a cottage near the lake and head over to the Lake Arrowhead Village for some shopping and eating. There are also numerous day hikes around the area.

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Drive Thru Nativity Scenes in Southern California

Posted on November 29, 2018 | 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 | 39 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. In Southern California, we also have several drive-thru 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!

Live Nativity Scenes in Orange County

Drive Thru Nativity, First Christian Church, Huntington Beach

December 5–7 @ 6:00-9:30 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.

Walk Thru A Night in Bethlehem, Liberty Baptist Church, Newport Beach

December 7 – 9 @ 6:00-8:00 pm

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.

A Walk Thru Bethlehem, EV Free Fullerton, Fullerton

December 6, 7, 8 & 9 @ 4:00-9:00 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.

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

December 14 @ 7:00 pm & 8:00 pm and December 15 & 16 @ 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.

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Where To Cut Your Own Christmas Tree in Southern California

Posted on November 15, 2018 | 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 | 8 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.

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Discount Tickets to Nutcracker Performances in Southern California

Posted on November 10, 2018 | 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, Holiday Events | 21 Comments

This post may contain an affiliate link.

Do you remember when you were a child and your parents took you to see the world famous Nutcracker for the first time? I do. I was approximately 8 or 9 years old when my mother took me. I remember getting dressed up in my Christmas best and wearing my little pretty black suede shoes. Everyone in the theater was dressed to the hilt and so prim and proper.

A few years ago, I took Field Trip Boy and Field Trip Girl to see their first performance of the Nutcracker at the Huntington Beach Central Library. It was specifically tailored for children. Field Trip Girl especially enjoyed the ballet and was enamored with the enchanting music, beautiful costumes and meeting the cast afterwards.

In 2017, the essential holiday tradition continues! Join Clara and her beloved Nutcracker as she travels to the Land of Snow, and to the Palace of the Dolls where all of her favorite doll companions come to life. There are over 50+ Nutcracker Performances in Southern California this holiday season. Dates and tickets prices vary. Please see the complete list below for details.

Nutcracker Performances in Los Angeles Area

Los Angeles Ballet @ Cerritos Center, Cerritos (Nov, 24-25)

The Nutcracker For Kids @ The Pico, Los Angeles (Nov. 24 – Dec. 23)

Join Clara on a holiday adventure as the clock strikes midnight and the toys under the tree come to life. Learn the story of the Nutcracker as you help the Nutcracker Prince defeat the evil Mouse King, dance with the sugar-plum fairies and celebrate with sweets from around the world! This one-hour mini-musical is sure to delight everyone, from ages 3 to 103. Sing along, clap your hands and dance with the sugar-plum fairies in this all-new adaptation of a beloved holiday classic that is perfect for ages 3 and up! We are excited to present the only immersive-interactive original Holiday experience in town! Guaranteed to entertain all ages from 3 to 103!

Inland Pacific Ballet @ Bridges Auditorium, Claremont (Dec. 22-23)

Discover the joy of the holiday season with this spectacular production of The Nutcracker; the story of a young girl named Clara who receives a magical nutcracker doll on Christmas Eve, and sets out on a wondrous journey to the Land of the Snow and the Kingdom of Sweets in a fantastic dream with battling mice, dancing snowflakes, waltzing flowers, and the delightful Sugar Plum Fairy. Meet the cast after the performance for photos and autographs.

Los Angeles Ballet @ Alex Theatre, Glendale (Dec. 1-2)

Los Angeles Ballet’s The Nutcracker is the city’s own holiday tradition, perfect for celebrating the season. Set to Tchaikovsky’s iconic score, you will be captivated as Clara and her beloved Nutcracker battle a most memorable Mouse King, encounter dancing Snowflakes and travel to the Palace of the Dolls. Los Angeles Ballet stays true to the traditions of the holiday story with some surprises! This production is set in 1912 Los Angeles. Throughout the five scenes in two acts you will find hints and tastes of Southern California – a Spanish style home, calla lilies, bougainvillea, the snowy forests of the Sierras, Venice archways, a moonlit Pacific Ocean and more!

The Red Chair Children’s Production Company @ Alex Theatre, Glendale (Dec. 8-9)

Now in its 13th year, The Red Chair’s energetic rendition of this holiday classic features young artists, ages 5 to 18, in principal and supporting roles along with adults. A cast of over 100 will bring to life the enchanting storybook tale of a young girl’s magical Christmas Eve that takes her, and the audience, on a delightful and exciting journey. Designed to captivate the youngest audience member with its lavish sets and glittering costumes to the oldest with its quality ballet production, Red Chair’s Nutcracker is truly the magical way for all ages to start the holidays!

Los Angeles Ballet @ The Dolby Theatre, Hollywood (Dec. 8-9)

Antelope Valley Ballet @ Lancaster Performing Arts Center, Lancaster (Dec. 8-9)

AV Ballet’s 20th Anniversary season at the Lancaster Performing Arts Center begins with a celebration of their 20th production of The Nutcracker. The best known and most beloved of all AV Ballet productions, this Christmas tradition has been seen by tens of thousands. Clara’s holiday journey with her Nutcracker through a battle filled with rats, a magical snowstorm and her visit to an enchanted confection created castle has become a mainstay in our community.

Long Beach Ballet @ The Long Beach Convention Center, Long Beach (Dec. 15-16 & 21-23)

This stunning version of Tchaikovsky’s classic ballet by artistic director David Wilcox has been a Southern Californian holiday favorite for over 30 years years. Accompanied by full symphony orchestra, the Long Beach Nutcracker also boasts sparkling sets and costumes, a cast of over 200, dazzling pyrotechnics and magic effects — along with a special appearance by Rebel, Long Beach Ballet’s gorgeous white Arabian horse. The Los Angeles Times calls Long Beach Ballet’s The Nutcracker “opulent, family-oriented holiday entertainment,” and The Huffington Post raves that it “enchants children and their parents with spectacle and awe.”

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