Holiday Events Archives - SoCal Field Trips

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

Posted on December 27, 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 | Leave a 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

Annual New Year’s Eve Torchlight Parade at Snow Summit, Big Bear, 12/31 @ 7:00 pm – Midnight (FREE)

Ring in 2019 at the 54th annual Snow Summit Torchlight Parade. Watch 100+ 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. After the Torchlight Parade, stick around for a live performance by Digital Underground, most known for the 1990 hit, “The Humpty Dance”. Other activities include DJ entertainment, activation booths, face painting, champagne toast, stilt walkers, fire dancers, a photobooth and bounce house for kids.

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

Ring in 2019 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 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.

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. The Workshop will only be open on Dec. 31 from 11 am to 12:30 pm for this amazing event. Call 951-308-6376 to reserve tickets. Space is limited.

J0hn’s Incredible Pizza, Riverside & Montclair, 12/31 @ 7:00 pm – 1:00 am (TICKETED)

John‘s Incredible Pizza will celebrate New Years Eve with special hours and celebration packages. Each John‘s location will be open from 7:00 p.m. – 1:00 a.m. on December 31, 2018.

Package details:

Celebration Package

$19.99 includes Buffet + Beverage
Unlimited Rides
75 Fun World Credits ($18.75 value!)
New Year’s Accessories including a Hat, Glow Necklace and Blowout

Premium Package

$29.99 includes Buffet + Beverage
Unlimited Rides
200 Fun World Credits ($50 value)
New Year’s Accessories: Hat, Glow Necklace and Blowout

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)

For the fourth year in a row, the LA Zoo is hosting a Family New Year’s Eve party. Celebrate the new year in style with express entry to L.A. Zoo Lights, a dinner buffet that includes soft drinks and dessert, a carousel ride, games, DJ 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!

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 2019 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.

Zimmer Children’s Museum New Year’s Eve Party, Los Angeles, 12/30 @ 1:18 pm – 3:18 pm (TICKETED)

1010… 9… 8… let the countdown begin! Join us for our annual New Year’s Eve (eve) balloon drops at 1:18pm, 2:18pm, and 3:18pm! Decorate your own accessories and noisemakers as we get ready to ring in 2019! This program is free to the general public with paid museum admission.

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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 | 41 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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14 Fun Holiday Boat Parades in Southern California

Posted on November 18, 2018 | 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 | 3 Comments

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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 (Dec. 7, 8, 14 & 15) ~ FREE

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.

Huntington Harbor Boat Parade, Huntington Beach (Dec. 8-9) ~ FREE

A Space Odyssey this year’s theme which means decorators will have a wide list of planets to choose from. Besides the fun and excitement, they have 16 trophies to award in categories ranging from ‘Most Religious’ to ‘Best Commercial Entry’.

Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade, Newport Beach (Dec. 19-23) ~ FREE

Quick Links:

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.

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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

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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 2018, 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 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. 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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Discount Tickets to Winter Fest at The OC Fair & Event Center

Posted on November 8, 2018 | Filed Under: Field Trips in Orange County, Giveaways, Holiday Events | 65 Comments

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Winter Fest 2018 is blowing into the OC Fair & Event Center on December 20 – January 6! Winter Fest embodies the spirit of the winter season, bringing fun and merriment to sunny Southern California.

Winter Fest is a giant wonderland of immersive wintry fun featuring a full outdoor ice rink, 130-foot, six lane Snowflake Summit ice slide, a snow play park featuring real snow blown in daily for snow angels and snowman building, photos on the world’s largest rocking horse, a Festival of Lights two-million-light-stroll-through display and a nightly tree lighting ceremony with parade, snow flurries, fireworks and flying Santa, and so much more!

Quick Link: Winter Fest OC Discount Tickets

Discount Tickets to Winter Fest in Orange County

Winter Fest is an affordable holiday experience that ensures a fantastic adventure rain or shine, for eighteen days and nights, during the traditional holiday school break. The best part is that the majority of the main attractions and entertainment are indoors.

Right now you can get COMPLIMENTARY TICKETS to Winter Fest Orange County on Goldstar.com (on specific days and a small service fee applies). These special prices includes general admission + 1 sledding fast pass per person. All tickets are a fantastic value, allowing unlimited access to tube down the 130-foot, six-lane Snowflake Summit ice slide (available for guests 42” and taller).

General admi ssion starts at $10.00 per person to Winter Fest. Season passes are also available for all 18 days of Winter Fest to capture plenty of Instagram-worthy pictures.

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