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2021 Best Family Friendly New Year’s Eve Celebrations in Southern California

Posted on December 14, 2020 | 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 | 1 Comment

Updated for 2020

Are you looking for a family-friendly New Year’s Eve Celebration to take your kiddos to this year?  If so, then SoCal Field Trips got you covered with the Best Family Friendly New Year’s Eve Celebrations in Southern California and beyond!  

In fact, if you attend one of these events virtually or in person you might just be able to tuck your children in before the ball drops at midnight in Times Square.  Please visit each individual celebration’s website for dates, times, pricing and locations.

Are you looking for a New Year's Eve celebration that your entire family can attend together? Then check out this list of the Best Family Friendly New Year's Eve Celebrations in Southern California! In fact, if you attend one of these events, you might just be able to tuck your children in before the ball drops at midnight in Times Square!
2021 Virtual New Year’s Eve Celebrations

Grand Park N.Y.E.L.A, Downtown Los Angeles, 12/31 @ 11:00 pm (Virtual)

Count down to 2021 safely from the comfort of your home with Grand Park’s NYELA 2020!  Celebrate the new year with a lineup curated by Steve Aoki, featuring performances by Dim Mak En Fuego artists – 2DEEP, AQUIHAYAQUIHAY, Andrekza, special guest BIA, and Steve Aoki.  Hosted by Jessica Flores and DJ Eddie One. Viewers can tune in or log on starting Thursday, December 31, 2020, from 11:00 pm –12:30 am to watch on Fuse, or stream on the Fuse YouTube channel, Grand Park’s digital channels and on The Music Center Offstage. 
 
New Year's Celebrations in Southern California

Noon Year’s Eve, Aquarium of the Pacific, Long Beach, 12/31 @ 11:00 am – 12:00 pm (Virtual)

Join an Aquarium educator as you and your family celebrate the New Year.  Create a fish party hat, meet a live Ambassador Animal, and dance your way to the Noon Year’s countdown with the Pacific Pals puppets!  Make sure to have your craft supplies ready to create the party hat for our festivities.  The event will be hosted on zoom.  Advance registration is required.  Cost: $5.

Live Stream Times Square Ball Drop, New York, 12/31 @ 6:00 pm EST (Virtual)

The first New Year’s Eve Ball lowering celebration atop One Times Square was in 1907.  This proud tradition is now a universal symbol of the New Year and is watched by millions around the world.  You and your family can enjoy a commercial-free, webcast coverage of the festivities leading up to the Ball Drop starting at 6 p.m. (EST).

Virtual New Year's Eve Celebrations

New Year’s Eve with The San Diego Symphony, San Diego, 12/31 @ 7:30 pm (Virtual)

To celebrate the launch of a healthy and hopeful 2021, the San Diego Symphony is proud to present an “at home” New Year’s Eve concert program of joyous music by Johannes Brahms, “Duke” Ellington, J. Strauss Jr. and Sr., plus a special performance of George Gershwin’s immortal Rhapsody in Blue featuring young piano sensation Ray Ushikubo.  The concert will be led by music director Rafael Payare, and for a minimum donation of just $25 you can enjoy exclusive access to this lovely hour of music as part of your own New Year’s celebrations from the comfort of your own home!

New Year's Eve Celebrations in LA

Pacific Park New Year’s Eve Celebration, Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, 12/21 @ 11:30 pm (Virtual)

Pacific Park at the Santa Monica Pier will have a cool New Year’s Eve countdown online for free.  The ferris wheel will display fun, colorful designs with a 60-second countdown at 11:59 pm.

Noon Year’s Eve Virtual Party, Gilbert House Children’s Museum, Oregon, 12/31 @ 12:00 pm (Virtual)

Purchase your party package complete with balloons, noisemakers and confetti and watch the balloon drop in the comfort of your own home through their special video presentation.

New Year's Celebration in LA

Annual New Year’s Eve Musical Revue, Santa Monica Playhouse, Santa Monica, 12/31 @ 7:30 pm & 10:30 pm (Virtual)

New Year’s Eve will be a little different at Santa Monica Playhouse this year, but just as much fun, as internationally acclaimed Actors’ Repertory Theatre livestreams a highly entertaining, family-friendly Rudie-DeCarlo musical revue, with Playhouse alumni from around the globe joining in the singing, dancing, humor and other delights culled from 6 decades of audience favorite Santa Monica Playhouse productions.

The 10:30 PST livestream performance features a midnight countdown with the cast.The early-bird 7:30 PST livestream celebration is a great way to enjoy New Year’s Eve with the entire family, letting the kids have a real New Year’s Eve treat, or kick off an evening of post-show dining and celebrating, and it’s perfect for those on the East Coast to celebrate their midnight countdown, too.

New Philharmonic New Year’s Eve Concert, DuPage’s McAninch Art Center, Illinois 12/31 @ 2:00 pm CST (Virtual)

College of DuPage’s McAninch Arts Center is ready to help you ring in 2021 with New Philharmonic and Maestro Kirk Muspratt. Introduce the kids to Strauss waltzes and polkas, arias, light classical, pop tunes and movie music all done virtually.  Cost: $50

Rockin’ Rockfish Noon Year’s Eve, Seattle Aquarium, Washington, 12/31 @ 11:30 am (Virtual)

Celebrate the beginning of a new year with the Seattle Aquarium’s Rockin’ Rockfish Noon Year’s Eve!  Gather the family to enjoy the full New Year’s Eve experience without staying up past bedtime. Join this free virtual event featuring music from Mikey the Rad Scientist, a dance party, fun facts about how the animals in the Aquarium’s care are spending the holiday, a count down at noon and more.

New Year’s Eve Celebrations In Person

New Year’s Eve Brunch Cruise, San Diego , 12/31 @ 10:30 am – 1:00 pm

Hornblower Cruise lines is offering a lavish champagne brunch on the San Diego Bay.  Kids ages three and under are free. Find out all the details and how to book your tickets here.

Wyatt’s New Year’s Eve Party, Big Bear Convention Center, Big Bear, 12/31 @ 5:00 pm – 1/1 at 11:30 pm 

The family-friendly celebration at the Big Bear Convention Center includes activities for the kids, games, live music with the Doo-Wah Riders, party favors, shuttle service and champagne at midnight.  Reservations required.

New Year’s Eve Celebrations Returning in 2021

New Year’s Eve Celebrations in the Inland Empire

New Year’s Eve Torchlight Parade at Snow Summit, Big Bear, 12/31 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm (Returning in 2021!)

Ring in 2019 at the 55th annual Snow Summit Torchlight Parade. Watch 200+ skiers and snowboarders light up the night as they make their way down the face of the mountain in the dark with torches to create a spellbinding spectacle of light before the (snow)ball drops.   Other activities include DJ entertainment, activation booths, face painting, champagne toast, stilt walkers, fire dancers, a photobooth and bounce house for kids.  Come early and enjoy the snow!

New Year’s Eve Grape Drop, Temecula, 12/31 @ 6:00 pm – 12:30 am (Returning in 2021!)

Ring in 2020 Temecula-style at the annual Grape Drop with two countdowns – east coast style (9 pm) and west coast style (midnight).  The celebration offers live bands and a free fun zone for kids (open 6 pm – 10 pm) with hat making, calligraphy art, face painting and a giant slide.  Patio heaters and some chairs provided.  Bring jackets to keep warm and extra chairs for extra seating.

Festival of Lights Family Celebration, Main Library Plaza, Mission Inn, Riverside, 12/31 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm (Returning in 2021!)

If you want to have an early night, there will be a family-friendly New Year’s Eve event with music, activities and a confetti celebration in addition to the usual Festival of Lights happenings.

Pennypickle’s Workshop New Year’s Event, Temecula, 12/31 @ 11:00 am – 12:30 pm (Returning in 2021!)

Celebrate the New Year Pennypickle-style…at noon instead of midnight!  You won’t want to miss the Professor’s very special party for those too young to stay up late.  Call 951-308-6376 to reserve tickets.  Space is limited.

John’s Incredible Pizza, Riverside and Montclair, 12/31 @ 7:00 pm – 1:00 am  (Returning in 2021!)

John‘s Incredible Pizza will celebrate New Year’s Eve with special hours and celebration packages.  Each John‘s location will be open from 7:00 p.m. – 1:00 a.m. on New Year’s Eve.

New Year’s Eve Celebrations in Los Angeles

LA Zoo’s Family New Year’s Eve Party, Los Angeles, 12/31 @ 6:00 – 9:00 pm (Returning in 2021!)

Attend the annal LA Zoo Family New Year’s Eve Party!  Celebrate the new year in style with express entry to the LA Zoo Lights, a dinner buffet that includes soft drinks and dessert, a carousel ride, games, dance party, and live broadcast of the Times Square ball drop.  Raise a toast to the new year with complimentary champagne for adults (21+) and sparkling apple cider for kids. Festive photos courtesy of PRIMs Photo Booth.  After the party, families are welcome to enjoy L.A. Zoo Lights until closing. Fun for all ages!

Old Town Music Hall New Year’s Eve, Los Angeles, 12/31 @ 8:30 pm – Midnight (Returning in 2021!)

The New Year’s celebration at Old Town Music Hall features music, great performers, a grab bag of classic shorts and a surprise feature film.  Guests can enjoy complimentary light refreshments and sparkling apple cider.  For ages 10 and up.  Reservations required.

New Year’s Eve Family Fireworks Cruise, Rainbow Harbor, Long Beach, 12/31 @ 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm (Returning in 2021!)

Harbor Breeze Cruises is hosting a special evening lights and fireworks cruise on the waters of Long Beach Harbor.  Boarding at 7:30 pm you will have a narrated cruise to view Long Beach harbor lit up at night.  Observe the awe-inspiring firework displays performed at 9 pm.

New Year’s Eve at the Waterfront, Shoreline Village, Long Beach, 12/31 @ 5:00 pm – 10:30 pm (Returning in 2021!

This free family-friendly celebration takes place from 5:00 to 10:00 pm at Rainbow Harbor.  There will be live music, a photo booth, face painting, interactive games, arts & crafts, food, jugglers and stilt-walkers.  Then at 9 p.m., the sky will light up for an East Coast countdown with a fireworks spectacular from Rainbow Harbor’s lighthouse peninsula!

New Year’s Eve Glow Party, Burton Chace Park, Marina del Rey, 12/31 @ 7:oo pm – Midnight (Returning in 2021!)

Join us for a Glow Party at 7 pm with fun activities for the whole family!  Featuring Live DJs, dance music, dancers, circuit breaker robot, face painting, bubbles, photo booth, food trucks and more.  At 8:59 p.m, there will be 30-second countdown and view of the Times Square ball drop followed by an amazing 10-minute fireworks display.  Then at 11:59 pm, there will be another 30-second countdown to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Marina del Rey followed by another amazing ten-minute fireworks display.  Watch the spectacular fireworks from Burton Chace Park, Fisherman’s Village, or the many waterfront restaurants in Marina del Rey!  Parking is $8.00.

Boomer’s Noon Year’s Eve Celebration, Upland, 12/31 @ 11:30 am (Returning in 2021!)

Who says you have to wait until midnight to celebrate?  Join Boomer’s in Irvine as we ring in the New Year with a fun, new twist! The party starts at 11:30AM— that’s right, AM!  There will be a fun photo op, party hats and noisemakers, a traditional countdown to 12 o’clock, a balloon drop when the clock strikes noon and a new year’s toast with kid-friendly bubbly.  All the fun and excitement of New Year’s without missing bedtime!

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Drive Thru Nativity Scenes in Southern California

Posted on November 16, 2020 | 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 | 48 Comments

Updated for 2020

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 Scenes in Southern California

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, virtual, 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 9, 10, & 11 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 Drive Thru Experience, EV Free Fullerton, Fullerton

December 11 & 12 @ 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm

Christmas BLVD is a popular family-oriented Christmas experience that is returning to North Orange County this year!  You’re invited to a drive thru celebration of Christmas. So, pack up the car and head over to Fullerton Free to make some new Christmas memories with your family. You will stay in your car for this drive through our main campus all the while experiencing fun Christmas movie characters, Santa’s workshop, a light show, and the amazing story of the incredible birth of Jesus.

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 (returning in 2021!)

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 12 & 13 @ 4:00 – 9:00 pm

Join us on a tour through Bethlehem as we celebrate the birth of Jesus.  Your self-guided tour will walk through the streets of Bethlehem ending up at the nativity.  There will be live interactions along the way that tell the Christmas story and give an idea of the setting of Christ’s birth.  This is a great way to remind ourselves of the message of Christmas.  Admission is free and tours will last about 20 minutes each.

Live Nativity Orange County

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

December 19 & 20 @ 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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Insider Tips and Discounts To Santa’s Village in Lake Arrowhead

Posted on November 5, 2020 | Filed Under: Field Trips in San Bernardino | 9 Comments

A few years ago, 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.

Skypark at Santa's Village near Lake Arrowhead, California is a year round Christmas theme park for people of all ages! Savor the nostalgia of an “Old World Christmas in the Woods” with family and friends. They offer mining for gold, visits with Santa & Mrs. Clause, zip lining, archery, indoor and outdoor rock climbing, crafts, daily story time, train rides and more. Discount tickets to Santa's Village are also available from time to time.

Then last 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.

Skypark at Santa's Village near Lake Arrowhead, California is a year round Christmas theme park for people of all ages! Savor the nostalgia of an “Old World Christmas in the Woods” with family and friends. They offer mining for gold, visits with Santa & Mrs. Clause, zip lining, archery, indoor and outdoor rock climbing, crafts, daily story time, train rides and more. Discount tickets to Santa's Village are also available from time to time.

Skypark at Santa's Village near Lake Arrowhead, California is a year round Christmas theme park for people of all ages! Savor the nostalgia of an “Old World Christmas in the Woods” with family and friends. They offer mining for gold, visits with Santa & Mrs. Clause, zip lining, archery, indoor and outdoor rock climbing, crafts, daily story time, train rides and more. Discount tickets to Santa's Village are also available from time to time.

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.

Skypark at Santa's Village near Lake Arrowhead, California is a year round Christmas theme park for people of all ages! Savor the nostalgia of an “Old World Christmas in the Woods” with family and friends. They offer mining for gold, visits with Santa & Mrs. Clause, zip lining, archery, indoor and outdoor rock climbing, crafts, daily story time, train rides and more. Discount tickets to Santa's Village are also available from time to time.

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.

Skypark at Santa's Village near Lake Arrowhead, California is a year round Christmas theme park for people of all ages! Savor the nostalgia of an “Old World Christmas in the Woods” with family and friends. They offer mining for gold, visits with Santa & Mrs. Clause, zip lining, archery, indoor and outdoor rock climbing, crafts, daily story time, train rides and more. Discount tickets to Santa's Village are also available from time to time.

Skypark at Santa's Village near Lake Arrowhead, California is a year round Christmas theme park for people of all ages! Savor the nostalgia of an “Old World Christmas in the Woods” with family and friends. They offer mining for gold, visits with Santa & Mrs. Clause, zip lining, archery, indoor and outdoor rock climbing, crafts, daily story time, train rides and more. Discount tickets to Santa's Village are also available from time to time.

[Read more…]

20+ Thanksgiving Volunteer Opportunities in Southern California

Posted on November 1, 2020 | 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 | 2 Comments

Updated for 2020

It’s that time of year when the holidays are upon us and we tend to focus more on what’s truly important in our lives – spending quality time with our family and friends.  Halloween is over and Christmas is right around the corner.  However, in the meantime, there’s this little unsung holiday known as “Thanksgiving” that also deserves a shout out and little more than a passer-by.

Volunteer Thanksgiving Events in Southern California

Since Thanksgiving is a few short weeks away, it means it’s time for our 8th Annual Southern California Thanksgiving Events Roundup.  Throughout the month of November, there are many holiday inspired events that emphasize the importance of gratitude and thankfulness.  Take a look through our list of upcoming events across the southland and enjoy the season with your family!

Thanksgiving Volunteer Opportunities in Los Angeles

72nd Annual Pilgrim Place Festival, Claremont  – VIRTUAL

Pilgrim Place is a non-profit retirement community in Claremont and home to more than 350 people who have dedicated their lives to improving the lives of others.  The Annual Pilgrim Place Festival normally offers two days of shopping, fun, children’s games and food.  You will find vintage clothing, precious and costume jewelry, baked goods, plants, crafting, household items and more.  Handcrafted items include quilts, stained glass, knitted, sewn, woven and paper-made goods.  Shoppers may meet artists and purchase paintings, sculpture and everyday items directly from the artists.  Attractions include riding the Festival boat and train.  Kids can learn how to reduce, reuse and recycle everyday items at their sustainability and “glue-in” booths.

This year the annual festival has gone virtual and you can purchase artist creations online all month long!

Big Sunday’s 10th Annual Thanksgiving Stuffing Event, Los Angeles (11/22) – IN PERSON & VIRTUAL

At Big Sunday, they operate under the belief that “everyone has some way that they can help somebody else.”  Each year they collect and pack big bags full of Thanksgiving dinner for thousands of people, including vets; homeless families; women in domestic violence shelters; group homes; low-income families with autistic children; food pantries; schools and more.  They need people to donate food, as well as to pack everything up. 

Big Sunday’s Annual Thanksgiving Stuffing Event is happening online this year, on Sunday, November 22nd from 4:00 pm to 5:30 pm.  You can watch and cheer them along from home!

Then on Nov. 23 – 25, Big Sunday will need help putting the finishing touches on the bags as well as distributing them.  Financial donations are also greatly appreciated.

Los Angeles Mission, Los Angeles (11/26) – IN PERSON & DONATIONS ACCEPTED

Volunteers are the heartbeat of the Los Angeles Mission.  Sign up to volunteer and serve Thanksgiving meals to those who would otherwise go without.  An orientation is required to volunteer for any opportunity at the Los Angeles Mission, including their street events.   Volunteers must be at  least 13 years of age. If you are not able to attend in person, donations may be made online.

Thanksgiving Day Run & Food Drive, La Canada Flintridge (11/26) – VIRTUAL

The Thanksgiving Day 5K Run/Walk has been a local tradition and a community favorite with families, athletes, and community supporters of all types for two decades. The race is professionally timed and normally meets at Memorial Park in La Cañada.  The Kids’ Mile Run is a family fun event geared for children 12 and under. Parents are encouraged to run alongside registered children at no additional cost. Kids will receive a t-shirt before the race and an award as they cross the finish line. 

The Community Centers Thanksgiving Day Food Drive is the largest Food Drive in the Foothill communities.  Canned and non-perishable food is collected during the month of November at locations in La Cañada, La Crescenta and Montrose.  Non-perishable donations are distributed by the Crescenta Valley Sheriff’s Station to local families in need. In 2017, the food collected served over 160 families.

*Because this year is a virtual event and we will not be meeting in the park, you can do the race when it’s convenient for you on a course that you choose!

Gobble Gobble Give, Los Angeles (11/28) – IN PERSON

Gobble Gobble Give delivers food, clothing and toiletries to the homeless in eighteen cities across the country on Thanksgiving morning.  We’ve been doing it for 22 years, feeding more people in more cities every year.

On Nov. 28, help deliver over 30,000 meals to LA residents in need and across the country.  The LA event takes place at the iconic Regent Theatre in Downtown Los Angeles, beginning at 8:00 am.

Turkey Trot Los Angeles, Downtown LA (11/26) – VIRTUAL

Join thousands of runners and walkers for the annual Turkey Trot Los Angeles on Thanksgiving morning.  They have a Widdle Wobble, a half-mile kids and family run/walk.

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, this event supports The Midnight Mission – an amazing 4 Star Charity that offers a path to self sufficiency for those experiencing homelessness. Donate or create a fundraising team during registration and help us reach our goal of raising $50,000, which equals over 33,000 meals.

*This year, the Turkey Trot Los Angeles has stepped up its game and has gone virtual!  

Burbank YMCA Turkey Trot, Burbank (11/26) – VIRTUAL

Run, walk, or push a stroller through Downtown Burbank and participate in the Burbank YMCA Turkey Trot.  100% of the proceeds support the YMCA Financial Assistance Program benefitting community residents.  Enjoy pre-race expo as well as a Kids Fun Zone.

*Due to the County of Los Angeles Health Department guidelines and protocols, we will be hosting this year’s Turkey Trot as a Virtual Race to ensure the safety and well-being of all our participants, staff, and community.  

The Midnight Mission, Los Angeles (11/26) – IN-PERSON & DONATIONS ACCEPTED

Sign up to donate to give Thanksgiving meals to those who will come by for a Thanksgiving meal at The Midnight Mission.  The Midnight Mission offers a path to self-sufficiency to men, women and children who have lost everything.  Their emergency services, 12-step philosophy, job training, education and work programs offer a compassionate bridge to productive lives.  They help remove obstacles to self-sufficiency and provide the accountability and structure that people who are experiencing homelessness need to rejoin their communities.

*If you are not able to volunteer this year, please consider making a donation instead.

Westside Thanksgiving Community Dinner & Celebration, Los Angeles (11/26) – DONATIONS ACCEPTED

This non-profit organization has over three decades of tradition serving the community a wonderful free sit-down Thanksgiving dinner.  During the celebration, they also provide free haircuts, blankets, clothing, hygiene kits, medical, optical, and dental services, vaccination, a resource fair, and a children’s carnival.  The Celebration relies entirely on donations from the local community.  Families can get involved by volunteering, donating food and/or clothing or making a financial donation.

*While we can’t gather and cook and eat and celebrate this year, we can still be grateful and share our blessings with our neighbors.  We’ll be gathering gift cards and blankets to distribute to needy people in the community.  We need your help!  The easy safe way to help is by donating on line. Your donation will be used for gift cards this year.

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2020 Best Halloween Events in Southern California

Posted on October 1, 2020 | 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 | 11 Comments

This post contains affiliate links.

Here in Southern California, Halloween is not over and fall fun abounds!  So let’s get right to it and share with you The Best Family Friendly Halloween events and fall festivals taking place across the southland this season.  Prices and dates vary.  Please visit individual websites for full details.  Happy Fall!

Check out this list of 40+ family friendly Halloween events and fall festivals in Southern California.

Family Halloween Events in Los Angeles

Halloween at Descanso Gardens, La Canada Flintridge (all month long in October)

Throughout the month of October, join us for Halloween at Descanso!  Guests are invited to safely wind their way through socially-distanced, pumpkin-themed displays in the most popular sections of Descanso Gardens.  Halloween activities includes a Pumpkin house and children’s hay maze, wooden jack-o-lanterns, a pumpkin arch and and pumpkin mandalas.

Children 14 and under are invited to wear their costumes – and masks – as they explore and enjoy autumn in the Gardens. The Kitchen at Descanso will have a variety of warm, fall-inspired drinks and soups available, along with such seasonal favorites as caramel corn and churros.

Advance admission is required for non-members and can be purchased here.

Halloween at the Arboretum, The Arboretum, Arcadia (all month long in October)

Experience the spooky side of the LA Arboretum throughout the month of October by exploring our Ghoulish Gardens path!  While engaging in a safe, self-guided tour of our creepier collections, guests are invited to learn about trees that strangle other plants, the ingredients in common witches potions, flowers that are pollinated by bats, and other fun, eerie plants while winding their way through the garden.  

Fun for adults and children alike, guests exploring Ghoulish Gardens on October 31st are encouraged to wear costumes to the Arboretum.

Stranger Things: The Drive-Into Experience, Los Angeles (10/7 – 10/31)

This Stranger Things-themed experience will bring the Netflix series to life with an hourlong adventure that transports visitors to Hawkins and the Starcourt Mall circa 1985.  And as the name implies, you’ll be able to take it all in from the safety of your own car.  The experience will take groups of 24 cars at a time through a world of tunes, mullets and monster hunts including sets complete with actors in costume and special effects.  Not recommended for children under 13.

The Gentle Barn’s Halloween Experience, Santa Clarita (9/21 – 10/11)

This is a whole new exciting way to experience The Gentle Barn, and be able to dress up, get candy from our safe cast members and see all of the Halloween themed decorations around The Gentle Barn. 

This new drive-thru experience will take you behind the scene to areas of our California property that is normally not open to the public. Starting with a tour of our Sun Chlorella: Healing Center in Agua Dulce, just 10 miles up the road. Then down to the main Gentle Barn property, and ending with you casting a wish in our wishing well.

Nights of the Jack, King Gillette Ranch, Calabasas (10/1 – 11/1)

Their new extended driving trail will feature thousands of hand-carved and illuminated Jack O’ Lanterns as attendees make their way around King Gillette Ranch. Immerse yourself in an instagrammable Halloween wonderland and experience what everyone is talking about!  Ticketed event.

Freeform’s 31 Nights of Halloween, Heritage Square Museum, Los Angeles (10/2 – 10/5)

Freeform’s 31 Nights of Halloween returns!  And this year we’re taking our annual Halloween event on the road – literally! … Cause, even ghosts need to stay socially distant.  It’s an outdoor immersive experience all behind the wheel of your car! Drive-thru (if you dare) the worlds of “Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas”, “Hocus Pocus”, “Ghostbusters” and other spooktacular surprises filled with games, performances and prizes! And the best part is that it’s free!

THE BITE LA: Halloween Food Crawl and Creature Safari, Legg Lake, Los Angeles (all month October long)

This unique twist on the drive-thru/drive-into haunted attraction offers a delectable Halloween food crawl that snakes its way around eerie Legg Lake, includes 8 Bites, campfire dessert, fall-favorite warm beverage and immersive entertainment that guests can enjoy from the safety of their own vehicle.

The BITE is open select dates throughout October.  There is no age restriction for this event, but there will be a few frightening creatures lurking about.

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