Field Trips is our middle name!
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! 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!
Please visit each individual celebration’s website for dates, times, pricing and locations.
Last winter, Field Trip Boy and I got a sneak peek behind the scenes of Discovery Cube OC’s newest holiday tradition – Winter Wonderfest – where snow and science intertwine! Winter Wonderfest is for guests of all ages including toddlers, elementary school students and their families.
During Winter Wonderfest, Field Trip Boy and his friends learned how snowflakes were formed.
Then they put their knowledge into action with snow sledding, tubing and snow play.
The largest snow slide had a 75-foot long ramp! The suggested age for riding the larger ramps is 6+, however younger children are allowed to ride so long as they can hold onto the tube and sled handles comfortably. Younger guests can also take part in other activities such as smaller snow and sled ramps.
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!
Drive Thru Nativity, First Christian Church, Huntington Beach
December 6–8 @ 6:00-9:30 pm
The Drive-Thru Nativity at First Christian Church of Huntington Beach has been a staple in the community for almost 50 years. Actors and live animals tell the story of Jesus’ birth through 9 different stations. Whether you’re driving through or walking, you’ll remember the true magic of Christmas as you celebrate with friends and family.
Walk Thru A Night in Bethlehem, Liberty Baptist Church, Newport Beach
December 8 @ 6:00-8:00 pm & December 9 -10 @ 5:00-7:00 pm
Experience the sights, sounds and excitement of the very first Christmas! Bring friends and family to experience a first-centry 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.
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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.
The Ballet Studio @ Old Town Temecula Community Theater, Temecula (Dec. 15-17 & 21-24)
Lake Arrowhead Classical Ballet Company, Lake Arrowhead (Nov. 25-27)
Inland Pacific Ballet @ Lewis Family Playhouse, Rancho Cucamonga (Dec. 15-17)
Inland Pacific Ballet @ Fox Performing Arts Center, Riverside (Dec. 22-23)
Inland Valley Classical Ballet Theatre @ Old Town Temecula Community Theater, Temecula (Nov. 24-26)
Inland Dance Theatre @ California Theatre of the Performing Arts, San Bernardino (Dec. 8-9)
Celebrate the holidays at the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach during their month-long Aquarium Holidays celebration from December 2 through 24!
Aquarium Holidays features special holiday décor, a display of gingerbread houses, daily Penguin Walks at 10 a.m., shopping, snowfall in the Great Hall, daily screenings of the original cartoon Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas, a special holiday menu in Café Scuba, and daily appearances by Santa Diver and the Aquarium characters in their holiday outfits.
On weekends the Aquarium will have a snow play area, children’s crafts, and photo opportunities with Santa. Hanukkah storytelling with opportunities to play dreidel will be presented on December 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, and 17.
SPARK OF LOVE TOY DRIVE
A toy drive runs daily December 2 through 24 and supports the Long Beach Fire Department Spark of Love Toy Drive. Aquarium guests who donate a new, unwrapped toy – at a $15 value or more – will receive a coupon valid for $10 off adult/$3 off child, up to 4 total admissions.
SNOW PLAY AREA
Play in real snow! Just get a hand stamp at the exit in order to re-enter the Aquarium. Weekends 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Plaza in Front of the Aquarium (weather dependent)
