‘Tis the season to get out of the house and experience the holidays through a variety of festive outings!
Here is a list of hand-picked, and carefully thought-out, events and activities that are all family-friendly and reasonably priced…if not free {in the Southern California area}!
Most of which we have been to ourselves, and have enjoyed in years past {smile}. We hope you’re able to use a few of these ideas for some quality holiday family time!
APPLE PICKING & FESTIVAL
{Photo via: To Do This Weekend: Apple Picking}
Apple Picking in Oak Glen from now until November 30, 2012
The Apple Butter Festival November 23-25, 2012
Visit orchards, pick mountain-fresh apples, and enjoy hot apple cider & pie at one of the many family friendly specialty shops!
Irvine Spectrum Ice Rink
{photo via: Irvine Spectrum’s Holiday on Ice}
November 7, 2012 – February 18, 2013
The Ice Rink is currently open for your whole family to enjoy! Skate sessions are 75 minutes long. Prices are $14 with an additional $3 skate rental. Skate sessions for toddlers cost $12. Helmets are optional and are provided free of charge. Season passes, private lessons, and private parties are available.
Veteran’s Day Weekend ~ National Park Entrance for Free
{photo via: irvine park, photos}
November 11 – 13th, 2012
Over this Veteran’s Day weekend, get into one of Caliornia’s National Parks for FREE!
2012 Dana Point Turkey Trot
{photo via: dana point harbor photos}
Thursday November 22, 2012
Fundraising proceeds benefit “The Dana Point 5th Marine Regiment Support Group.
This particular Turkey Trot typically has more than 10,000 participants. It is one of America’s most scenic coastal runs (5k & 10K).
Temecula Turkey Trot
{photo via: temecula wine country photos}
Saturday, November 24, 2012
The Temecula Turkey Trot (5K or 10K) with free wine tasting at the Cougar Vineyard & Winery.
Fundraising proceeds benefit energy projects in East Africa.
Discovery Science Center ~ The Science of Gingerbread Exhibit
{photo via: The Science of Gingerbread}
November 23, 2012 – January 6, 2013
Enjoy the Science of Gingerbread & a Gingerbread Competition!
Activities include visiting Santa, a “Matter of Taste” stage show, making your own gingerbread mix to take home, and decorating holiday cookies to eat!
Puttin on the Glitz
{photo via: Small Business Saturday}
Downtown San Clemente {on Avenida Del Mar}, November, 24, 2012; from 5 – 9 p.m. {with free shuttles from San Clemente High School}.
The event includes live music, carolers, train rides, roasted chestnuts & other food, face painting, balloons, and rides on a horse drawn carriage!
Irvine Park
{photo via: irvine park, photos}
Santa Arrives at the Irvine Park on November 30, 2012!
Train Rides start daily at 10 a.m.
Enjoy activities in Santa’s Village including carnival games, a Santa Moon Bounce, story time with Mrs. Claus and more!
Mission Inn Festival of Lights
{photos via: Luxury Hotel In California | Mission Inn Hotel & Spa}
Holiday Festivities, Activities, & Shopping…
Santa’s Reindeer beginning November 24, 2012
Santa’s House open November 24-December 24, 2012
Santa’s Breakfast & Afternoon Tea at the Mission Inn, December 22, 2012
Outdoor Ice Skating Rink; $10 for 1 hour session; $3 skate rental; November 23 – December 20, 2012
Hotel del Coronado
{photo via: hotel del coronado christmas photos}
Hotel del Coronado {San Diego} list of Holiday Events, which include: ice skating by the sea, a Holiday Festival, ornament decorating, holiday tea, and more!
Balboa Park December Nights, San Diego
{photo via:Balboa Park}
December 7th and 8th, 2012
It is a multicultural holiday experience with live music, dance performances, museum shopping, and food from all over the world… not to mention dazzling holiday lights.
34th Annual Corona del Mar Christmas Walk
{logo via: Corona del Mar Christmas Walk}
Sunday, December 2, 2012 from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
FREE to the public!
This event features live entertainment from over 12 bands, Fireman’s Grill BBQ {provided by the NB Fire Department – wink, wink}, restaurant tastings, snap shots with Santa, bounce houses, bungee jumping, holiday characters, a petting zoo, and more.
Pacific Symphony’s Nutcracker
{photo via: Nutcracker for Kids}
December 8, 2012
The Nutcracker for Kids is a concert that is only 45 minutes long, designed especially for children ages 5-11.
This seasonal favorite finishes with a grand holiday finale sing-along!
The Nutracker Ballet ~ Irvine Barclay Theatre
{photo via: Irvine Barclay Theatre & Cheng Hall}
December 14th – 24th, 2012
Family-friendly and affordable, this professional production of The Nutcracker features internationally acclaimed guest artists!
Dana Point Harbor Boat Parade of Lights
{photo via: dana point boat parade photos}
Friday, December 7 & Saturday, December 8
Friday, December 14 & Saturday, December 15
This one is a personal favorite of mine! I have been going to the Dana Point Boat Parade for as long as I can remember {heart smile}. More information on the link regarding a Holiday Open House, Boat Rides with Santa, Santa Photos, and Santa Paws!
104th Annual Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade
{photo via: Deck the Hulls – Coastal Living}
December 19-23, 2012
You will find beautifully decorated bayside homes surrounding the harbor that make up the backdrop for the hundreds of lighted boats {Ring of Lights contest hosted by the Commodores Club of the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce}
On the final night of the parade, Sunday, December 23rd there will be a firework display at approximately 9 p.m. The fireworks will be visible from around the Harbor and are being launched from the Balboa Pier.
******************************************
Please leave us your comments below and share some of your family outings that you have made into holiday traditions! We hope to hear from you!
