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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.

[Read more…]

Where To See Christmas Lights in Riverside (Updated 2020)

Posted on November 14, 2020 | Filed Under: Field Trips in Riverside | 9 Comments

Updated for 2020

There’s something about strings of tiny, twinkling bulbs that puts you in the holiday spirit!  While some Southern California Christmas events have been called off this year, many outdoor displays of Christmas lights in Riverside are still shining bright.  

Just to name a few, you’ll find plenty of lights strung up at the Mission Inn, along Candy Cane Lane in Corona, outside at Operation Christmas Lights in Chino Hills and others.

Where to see Christmas Lights near Riverside

Where to see Christmas Lights in Riverside

There are also several drive-thru displays in the suburbs, offering shimmering sights you can see from inside your car.  Most of these events only stick around until New Year’s Eve, so plan your festive excursion to some of the best Christmas lights in Riverside with our guide to the brightest spots in and around the city.

Also, please check websites ahead of time to make sure communities and cities are still hosting their annual Christmas light displays!

 

Cathedral City Christmas Lights

Candy Cane Lane Cathedral City

cc: coachellavalley.com

Candy Cane Lane has 50 homes in a residential neighborhood decorated on Minerva Rd. in Cathedral City.  Runs the last week of November through January 1.  Take your family and friends, park your car nearby and walk this area for all kinds of fun and surprises.

Corona Christmas Lights

Candy Cane Lane is a great neighborhood tradition that has been going on for years.  The starting point is 103 Pueblo Ave. in Riverside.  Every house has lights and they’re usually up by the first weekend in December.  It is best to walk to see all the lights.  At the end of the walk there is a bin to collect toys for the Corona Children’s Center.  Bring an unwrapped new present for a child in need.

Chino Christmas Lights

WowLights on Spur Court treats you to 20 beautifully decorated houses that you can enjoy in the comfort of your car – while listening to holiday music on the radio, FM 90.5.  Located at 3400 block of Spur Court in Chino, off Branding Iron Place, south of Chino Avenue.

San Antonio Lights has cul-de-sacs and whole streets lit up Christmas lights and cheer, so you can take your time and enjoy many of the decorations these homes have to offer.  Located at Cypress & San Antonio Street & Walnut and the 60 Freeway.

[Read more…]

20 Easy Reindeer Crafts For Preschoolers

Posted on November 11, 2020 | Filed Under: Christmas | Leave a Comment

This post contains affiliate links.

When you think of Christmas what do you imagine?  Maybe candy canes, Christmas trees, snowman, gingerbread men and of course, Santa Clause.  And you probably know the names or at least some of the names of Santa’s reindeer from the 1949 hit ‘Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer’.  Santa originally had 8 reindeer and it wasn’t until 1939 that Rudolph came into the scene to make 9.  

A great way to share the story of Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer is to read a book and make one these 20 Reindeer Crafts For Preschoolers and Toddlers. From a printable reindeer hat to a cute candy cane craft to a homemade reindeer ornament, there's something for everyone on your list!

Santa’s favorite, Rudolph joined after the original 8 reindeers.  He is known to be a shy reindeer and at first was very self-conscious about himself and his red nose which many used to tease him about.

It wasn’t until Santa recognized his shiny bulb of a nose as a gift in order to light the way on Christmas Eve, that he was then elevated to the status of Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer. 

20 Easy Reindeer Crafts For Preschoolers and Toddlers

A great way to share the story of Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer is to read a book and make one these 20 Reindeer Crafts For Preschoolers and Toddlers.  

From a printable reindeer hat to a cute candy cane craft to a homemade reindeer ornament, there’s something for everyone on this list 20 Reindeer Crafts For Preschool and Toddlers to make!

Ideally, you will need some glue, popsicle sticks, paint, pompoms and other craft supplies to make these reindeer crafts.  Add a little Christmas music and you’ve now set the mood for a wonderful day of Christmas crafting!  Have fun!

reindeer toilet paper roll craft

Silly Toilet Paper Roll Reindeer Craft – Kitchen Counter Chronicles

A fun w ay to upcycle those toilet paper rolls, this reindeer craft would make a great project to do at home with the kids.

Easy reindeer popsicle stick craft for preschool

Easy Reindeer Popsicle Stick Craft For Kids – Simple Everyday Mom

An adorable popsicle stick craft, this Easy Reindeer Popsicle Stick Craft For Kids is a fun winter project.

Printable Reindeer Candy Cane Craft

Reindeer Candy Cane Craft for Kids – Playdates to Parties

This adorable reindeer craft holds two candy canes, and is a perfect craft to make for holiday classroom treats!

Reindeer painted rocks

Reindeer Painted Rocks – Projects with Kids

Turn craft time into rock painting time with this adorable reindeer rock painting craft!

[Read more…]

Help A Child Out of Poverty with Unbound

Posted on November 9, 2020 | Filed Under: Uncategorized | Leave a Comment

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This is a sponsored post.

When you think of education what do you imagine? Homeschooling, charter schools, public schools, private schools, junior college or more? Here in the United States we have many opportunities to educate our children. Sometimes actually more than we need. Our education is vast and wide and there are opportunities for many.

But what if you live in poverty? Imagine waking up not being able to go to school, because you need to help your mother take care of your younger siblings or realize that your parents don’t have enough money to buy the uniform required to send you school.

It’s even more complicated when you realize that not two families have the same situation. Each family’s path out of poverty calls for a different action plan.

Global poverty may be a tremendous problem, but the good news is there are ways to tackle it. One of the best ways is to learn how we can help students living in poverty overcome and achieve their dreams.

Unbound is an organization that helps to build relationships of mutual respect and support to bring people together and challenge poverty in new and innovative ways.

Since 1981, Unbound has been helping individuals who are in need of an education.  In fact, in 2019, Unbound awarded $3.9 million in scholarships to more than 9,000 students across Latin America, Asia and Africa. In addition to their scholarship program, last year Unbound provided $112 million in direct support of their sponsorship programs, helping more than 300,000 sponsored friends work towards their goals.

Back in 2004, I had the opportunity to visit El Salvador and see first-hand how educational scholarships make a difference in the life of a child.  It radically changes a child’s life!  

Over the years, I’ve also had the privilege of sponsoring three children through different organizations.  Through these experiences, I was able to follow along their life journey and successes. I sponsored a student named Mohammed from Palestine through a different organization, but through that experience I learned more about what sponsorship programs like Unbound can do to help children around the world.

[Read more…]

30+ Best Christmas Lights in Los Angeles (Updated 2020)

Posted on November 8, 2020 | Filed Under: Uncategorized | 6 Comments

Updated For 2020

Simplify your search for Christmas lights in Los Angeles with these must-see neighborhoods and landmarks.  While the glammy glitz of Rodeo Drive is fun, there’s particular magic to those over-the-top holiday light displays created by your favorite neighbor who wants to attract the entire population of Los Angeles to their front doorstep.  Even better is when a whole street made up of holiday lights glistens in the night sky.

Check out this list of The Best Christmas Lights in Los Angeles! LA has plenty of community treasures hidden in plain view; from the return of Enchanted Forest of Lights at Descansco Gardens to Ziemkowski’s Lights on Display, which easily rivals any professional light and music show you’ll ever see. There are hundreds of holiday lights on display for all types of holiday fans to enjoy.

Los Angeles has plenty of community treasures hidden in plain view; from the return of The Grove, where snow magically falls twice nightly to Ziemkowski’s Lights on Display, which easily rivals any professional light and music show you’ll ever see.  There are hundreds of holiday lights on display for all types of holiday fans to enjoy.

In between a deluge of Christmas events and frantic shopping trips take the time to check out these twinkling neighborhoods.  Just make sure to bring along an extra sweatshirt and a cup of hot chocolate for the kids!  

Also, please check websites ahead of time to make sure communities and cities are still hosting their annual Christmas light displays!

 

 What are the best Christmas lights near me in LA?

Enchanted Forest of Lights, Descansco Gardens, La Cañada Flintridge (canceled)

Descanso Gardens, one of my all-time favorite public gardens in Southern California, hosts Enchanted Forest of Light during the holiday season.  As the sun sets, Descanso Gardens is transformed into a holiday wonderland with thousands of lights.  It is simply mesmerizing!  Some other words that come to mind to describe the light display are captivating, riveting and and amazingly beautiful.  Our favorite part is The Symphony of Oaks walk-through exhibit, which lets you manipulate lights and sounds in the garden’s historical Oak Grove.

Best Christmas Lights in LA

LA Zoo Lights, Los Angeles (canceled)

LA Zoo Lights is a great way to spend an evening at the zoo while walking around with hot cocoa in your hands!  The zoo is transformed into a magical winter jungle complete with a disco ball forest, whimsical 3-D animations, a glowing “Northern Lights” featuring animal constellations that come to life, a picturesque kaleidoscopic savanna where glowing, large-scale animals roam and the very popular Twinkle Tunnel.  Guests can see the world’s largest illuminated pop-up storybook!

Bes Christmas Lights in Los Angeles

credit: LA Zoo

Grand Park’s Winter Glow, Downtown LA

The Downtown park is taking advantage of winter’s ever-shortening daylight with a light-up activation that brings a bit of warmth to the area.  Winter Glow complements the park’s traditional holiday decor with hands-on displays of all sizes.  For the second year, the art, projection and light display will feature works from local artists and organizations.  Grand Park’s Winter Glow runs , from sunset to 10pm each night and admission is free.

Best Holiday Lights in Los Angeles

credit: Michael Juliano

Lights on Miracle Hill – A Christmas Promise, Walnut

It takes volunteers 10,000 man hours to install the 500,000 lights on display, drawing over 10,000 people each year to this light show.  Free admission to this light show which runs weekend evenings December 1-23.

Downtown LA Holiday Walking Tour, Los Angeles (virtual)

Lights, decorations, festivities and holiday cheer abound as we stroll through the central city during the most joyous time of the year!  This Holiday Lights Special tour witnesses the beauty of Downtown LA at night to celebrate the seasons of Christmas, Hanukkah and many more!

Downtown LA Christmas Lights

Westlake Village Inn, Westlake Village

Thousands of twinkle lights bring holiday cheer to this charming European-style inn, set on seventeen acres in Westlake Village. Christmas trees and poinsettias are scattered throughout the property, creating a winter wonderland.

Lights on Display, Sherman Oaks

Ziemkowski’s Lights on Display, which he builds annually at his home in Sherman Oaks, easily rivals any professional light and music show you’ll ever see.  Over the years Lights on Display has become more and more elaborate, with additions including computer controlled lighting, DMX controlled intelligent light, and a bevy of animatronic characters synched to a pre-programmed playlist of holiday tunes.  And the best part?  

It’s free and open to the public, with showings taking place nightly at 5 p.m.  The address is 3901 Longview Valley Rd, Sherman Oaks.

Best Christmas Lights in San Fernando Valley [Read more…]

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