Holiday Events Archives - SoCal Field Trips

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 | 46 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!

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.

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.

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2020 Best Family Friendly New Year’s Eve Celebrations in Southern California

Posted on December 20, 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 Ventura, Holiday Events | 1 Comment

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.

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 (FREE)

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 (FREE)

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 (TICKETED)

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.

Wyatt’s New Year’s Eve Party, Big Bear Convention Center, Big Bear, 12/31 @ 5:00 pm – 1/1 at 1:00 am (TICKETED)

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.

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

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 (TICKETED)

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 (TICKETED)

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!

Annual New Year’s Eve Musical Revue, Santa Monica Playhouse, Santa Monica, 12/31 @ 6 pm & 9 pm (TICKETED)

A scrumptious and sumptuous complimentary buffet supper starts off the night, followed by a highly entertaining, family-friendly Rudie-DeCarlo musical revue, with door prizes, sing-a-long songs, dancing in the aisles, humor and other delights culled from 5 decades of beloved Santa Monica Playhouse productions. There are two shows – a 6:00 pm show, followed by a 9:30 show with a midnight meet ’n’ greet with the cast.How about some good old-fashioned fighting? No, really, old-fashioned—as in knights in armor jousting and clashing broadswords. Medieval Times Dinner Theater has a family-friendly New Year’s Eve bash planned

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

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.

Grand Park N.Y.E.L.A, Downtown Los Angeles, 12/31 @ 8:00 pm – 1:00 am (FREE)

Dance your heart out and into 2020 with best friends, sweeties, friendly neighbors, and those cousins from out-of-town at the West Coast’s flagship New Year’s Eve celebration. Grand Park and The Music Center’s N.Y.E.L.A. is the place to dream together and welcome new beginnings with a countdown on City Hall, live music, food, and photo booths in one big, beautiful, colorful Angeleno experience to remember! This will be an alcohol-free, family-friendly event.

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

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 (FREE)

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 (FREE)

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 (FREE)

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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14 Fun Holiday Boat Parades in Southern California

Posted on November 2, 2019 | Filed Under: Field trips in Los Angeles, Field Trips in Orange County, Field Trips in San Diego, Field Trips in Santa Barbara, Field Trips In Ventura, Holiday Events | 6 Comments

Updated for 2020

This post contains an affiliate link.

There’s nothing better than watching a parade during the holiday season. Wait!…maybe there is. It’s a boat parade! You can’t help but get into the spirit of the season with lights gleaming off the cool ripples of the water and the holiday sounds coming from the lavishly decorated vessels.

That’s why at SoCal Field Trips, we have created an extensive list of Holiday Boat Parades in Southern California for your enjoyment!

From Santa Barbara to San Diego, we have listed over 14 spectacular events. You can either attend a large one like the L.A. Harbor Holiday Afloat Parade with over 100 boats or a smaller one such as the Naples Island Annual Boat Parade, which has a hometown feel. So spend the evening with your family and friends down at the water front enjoying the sights and sounds of the holiday season!

Holiday Boat Parades in Orange County

Dana Point Harbor Boat Parade of Lights, Dana Point

December 4, 5, 11 & 12 @ 7:30 pm

This year’s parade theme is “Fiesta Holiday.” 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. The parade starts by the water’s edge at 7:30 pm.

credit: alisolagunanews.com

Huntington Harbor Boat Parade, Huntington Beach (returning in 2021!)

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’. Unlike many other boat parades, the Huntington Harbour Boat Parade is an entirely volunteer effort.

credit: Huntington Harbor Boat Parade

Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade, Newport Beach

December 16, 17, 18, 19 & 20 @ 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm

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.

For the first time in its 112-year history, the parade will also be streamed to viewers, giving the world a front-row seat to the annual Southern California spectacular. The virtual viewing experience will take place on multiple platforms including web, social media and the city’s local broadcast channel NBTV and will run all five nights of the parade.

The show will include the parade’s entirety, the Ring of Lights home competition, entertaining interviews with participants and spotlights on the Grand Marshal frontline heroes and local charities.

QUICK LINKS: Discount Tickets for Newport Beach Light Displays with Newport Landing Cruises

credit: christmasboatparade.com

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Discount Tickets to Nutcracker Performances in Southern California (Updated 2019)

Posted on October 14, 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, Holiday Events | 24 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 2019, 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. 30 & Dec. 1)

Inland Pacific Ballet @ Bridges Auditorium, Claremont (Dec. 21-22)

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. 7-8)

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!

Dance Creations @ Aguora Performing Arts Education Center, Agoura Hills (Nov. 22-23)

Dance Creations present The Nutcracker, an 1892 two-act ballet, originally choreographed by Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov with score by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. The libretto is adapted from E. T. A. Hoffmann’s story “The Nutcracker and the Mouse King”.

Degas Dance Studio @ Agoura Performing Arts Education Center, Agoura Hills (Dec. 7-8)

Bring your whole family to share and enjoy this wonderful holiday tradition with a family friendly full ballet production. Featuring Music by Tchaikovsky, professional as well as pre-professional and student performers, beautiful costumes and magical digital backdrops.

The Red Chair Children’s Production Company @ Alex Theatre, Glendale (Dec. 14-15)

Now in its 14th 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 Youth Ballet @ Alex Theatre, Glendale (Dec. 21-23)

Internationally renowned ballet stars and prominent role models Ashley Murphy and Brooklyn Mack guest star in Los Angeles Youth Ballet’s critically-acclaimed production of The Nutcracker by award-winning choreographer Andrea Paris-Gutierrez, which caps the holiday season with four performances.

Los Angeles Ballet @ The Dolby Theatre, Hollywood (Dec. 20, 21, 22, & 24 )

Antelope Valley Ballet @ Lancaster Performing Arts Center, Lancaster (Dec. 14-15)

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. 14-15 & 20-22)

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.”

Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker @ The Wiltern, Los Angeles (Dec. 21-22)

DEAL ALERT: Get discount tickets starting at $39.00 on Goldstar.com or $39.00 on Groupon.com

Bringing holiday joy and goodwill with its 2018 Dove of Peace tour, Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker is inspired by the Bolshoi’s 1957 version of Tchaikovsky’s classic. In this always heartwarming spectacle, the young Masha and her Nutcracker Prince arrive in the Land of Peace and Harmony, where the Dove takes Masha on a magical trip across the globe, introducing her to the rich and colorful cultures of the world. Filled with premier Russian dancers, larger-than-life nesting dolls, handmade costumes, young local dancers — and even a falling snow effect — this perennial favorite is sure to cast its seasonal spell over the entire family, leaving kids “wide-eyed with delight” (The New York Times). And there’s no better place for you and your family to get swept up in the spirit of the holiday than at the beautiful, historic art-deco palace known as L.A.’s Wiltern.

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Experience Winter Wonderfest at Discovery Cube Orange County

Posted on December 15, 2017 | Filed Under: Field Trips in Orange County, Holiday Events | 8 Comments

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.

Winter Wonderfest Activities

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.

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