Holiday events for the whole family
With the holiday season upon us, there are tons of exciting winter activities to participate in. One of the perks of living in such a beautiful part of the world is enjoying outdoor activities year round.
We’ve curated a list of holiday activities and events for the whole family in Hermosa Beach, Huntington Beach, Long Beach, Marina Del Rey and more!
Annual Sand Snowman Contest in Hermosa Beach
December 8th from 9am-12 pm
The City of Hermosa Beach will be hosting the Annual Sand Snowman Contest down on 15th & the Shoreline. This is a free, all ages, event open to the entire community. Registration begins at 9:00am and Judging starts around 11:15am. Families are encouraged to bring their own tools and decorations to create their “Sand Snowman”! Free Goody Bags for kids until they\’re gone & 5 prizes will be rewarded for the winners of the varying categories.
Hermosa Beach, 15th & Shoreline
The 6th Annual Reindeer Romp at the Dog Beach
December 8th from 10:30am-12pm
Please join SoCal Frenchies and So Cal’s French Beachdogs on Saturday, December 8 for the 6th Annual Reindeer Romp at Rosie’s Dog Beach in Long Beach, CA.
Benefitting the French Bulldog Rescue Network, the Reindeer Romp will feature festive treat bags, a holiday costume contest, raffles with lots of prizes and, most importantly, a special visit from the big man himself… SANTA!
Santa will arrive from the North Pole at 10:30 AM and will be taking individual photos with our Frenchies for 90 minutes. Please make sure that you arrive on time – you don\’t want to miss the big man before he heads back to his workshop! Photos with Santa will be $10.
Rosie’s Dog Beach, 5000 E Ocean Blvd. Long Beach, CA 90803
Snow Wonder in Marina Del Rey
December 8th from 12-8 pm
Save the date for this fun family event taking place December 8, 2018, from noon to 6 p.m. Stick around for the evening’s annual Holiday Boat Parade, which kicks off with a brief fireworks show at 5:55 p.m.
Burton Chace Park is transformed into a winter wonderland with tons of real snow and a sledding hill (sleds provided for your use). Also enjoy crafts, music, face painting, and food booths. Admission is FREE, with food for purchase.
TICKETS ARE NOT REQUIRED, but a signed liability waiver is required for all ages. Save time by completing your waiver at home and bringing with you to the registration tent at the Snow Wonder event and exchange it for a wristband. Get a waiver on the Eventbrite page: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/snow-wonder-holiday-boat-parade-marina-del-rey-free-tickets-51352202821
Snow Wonder and the Holiday Boat Parade are heavily attended events, and traffic is especially dense between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. Parking lots are typically full by 2 or 3 p.m. Plan to arrive early in the day.
Burton Chance Park- 13650 Mindanao Way Marina Del Rey, CA 90292
Santa Paws in Huntington Beach
December 8th from 12-3pm
Join 5th & PCH in partnership with Waggin’ Trails for Santa Paws! Bring your kids and pets for photos with Santa & Mrs. Claus, food samplings, dog adoptions and more!
155 5th Street Huntington Beach, CA 92648
Santa’s Holiday Island – Candy Cane Lane
December 8th from 12-3:30 pm
Families are invited to enjoy some holiday cheer by visiting Santa Claus at the Heritage Park Play Island! Enjoy crafts, music, games and more. Don’t forget to bring a camera! Refreshments will be available for purchase for a nominal fee. Children ages 2 to 11 who visit all the program areas on the Island will receive a special commemorative gift, while supplies last. This free event will be held on Saturday, December 8 from noon to 3:30 p.m. at Heritage Park.
Heritage Park- 18600 Bloomfield Ave. Cerritos CA 90703
Victorian Christmas at the Bembridge House
December 8th from 1-3 pm
You are invited to Victorian Christmas at the Bembridge House, a historic home owned and operated by Long Beach Heritage. Neighborhood groups from across the community will create a magical display of decorations throughout the house and docents will provide guided tours to share holiday traditions from around the world.
Several tour options are available:
• Daytime tours are offered every Tuesday and Saturday throughout the month of December from 1pm to 3pm
• Experience the house at night (2 dates available) and enjoy wine and freshly baked pastries
• A family event for all ages will offer cookie decorating and other child-friendly activities
Tickets may only be purchased through Eventbrite prior to your visit. No cash or checks accepted. All proceeds benefit the Bembridge House.
The Bembridge House- 953 N. Park Circle Long Beach, CA 90813
Magical Snow Flurries and Music
December 8th from 7-8 pm
Musical snow shows every Friday, Saturday and Sunday night from November 23 – December 23. Gather in the Pavilion Event Plaza at 7 PM & 8 PM to enjoy a 10-15 minute show filled with wondrous delight.
Bella Terra- 7777 Edinger Ave. Huntington Beach, CA 92647
Holiday Treats for the Animals at the Aquarium
December 9th from 9am-5pm
In celebration of the holiday season, Santa Diver will be delivering an ocean of gifts to the Aquarium of the Pacific for its animals, including penguins, sea otters, seals, sea lions, lorikeets, and fish. Holiday Treats for the Animals festival is part of Aquarium Holidays (see listing), which runs December 1 through December 23, featuring festive décor, a display of gingerbread houses, holiday shopping, “snowfall” in the Great Hall, a special holiday menu in Café Scuba, and daily appearances by Aquarium characters in their holiday outfits.
Aquarium of the Pacific- 100 Aquarium Way Long Beach, CA 90802
Meet the Grinch and Story Time
December 9th from 1-9 pm
Meet The Grinch, Cindy Lou and other characters from Huntington Beach Whoville and enjoy storytime, magical fun and photo opportunities. Join us for a chance to win tickets to see the new Grinch movie at Century Theater
Bella Terra- 7777 Edinger Ave. Huntington Beach, CA 92647
Holiday Concert at El Dorado Library
December 11th from 4pm-5pm
Enjoy a holiday concert presented by the Recorder Class from The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute class at CSULB. For all ages. Light refreshments will be served.
Long Beach Public Library, El Dorado Branch- 2900 N. Studebaker Rd. Long Beach, CA 90815
Holiday Movie Nights
From 6pm- 8pm
Join us at the Surf Theater big screen on the Second Level each Wednesday this holiday season!
These movie nights are FREE and fun for the whole family!
December 5: Don’t miss the classic Home Alone!
December 12: Catch the always fun Elf!
December 19: Of course, Jim Carrey in Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas!
Movie begins at 6pm, so bring the family, friends, chairs, blankets and get cozy for a perfect December evening!
Pacific City 21010 Pacific Coast Hwy, Huntington Beach, CA 92648
A Visit from Santa Claus at the Library
December 14th from 4-5 pm
Everyone gathers around St. Nick as he tells seasonal holiday stories, allows the children to ask questions of him, and takes photos. When not too busy taking care of things at the North Pole, Mrs. Claus joins Santa as he entertains audiences. Come join the holiday fun!
George Nye Jr. Library- 6600 Del Amo Blvd Lakewood, CA 90713
Cookies with the Clauses
December 14th from 6-8 pm
Another holiday tradition returns- Cookies and Cocoa with the Clauses is back with cookie decorating, delicious hot cocoa, Santa’s favorite game-player elf, Mrs. Claus storytelling, Holiday crafting and a special visit from Santa. Across from H&M in the JCP Wing
Lakewood Center- 500 Lakewood Center Mall Lakewood, CA 90712
Craft and Chill – Parents Night Out at Little Steps
December 14th from 6-10 pm
Kids, come for a crafting night! Parents, enjoy a night out.
Cost is $20 per child (3rd child $5 off).
Little Steps Enrichment Center- 1235 E Harding St Long Beach, CA 90805
Reindeer Run 5k 10k 15k Half Marathon
December 22nd from 7:30-10:30 am
Includes:
-FREE downloadable photos (by two photographers)
-Medals for everyone
-Scenic flat beach route
-Group/family discounts (email for info)
-Affordable cost
-Walker friendly
-Official results posted
-Goodie bags
-1st, 2nd, 3rd overall in each category receive special 16 oz glasses
Beach Lot- 5400 E. Ocean Blvd. Long Beach, CA 90803
We hope some of these fun family events make your Holiday Season a little bit merrier!
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