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Christmas at Southern California's Amusement Parks

Sleeping Beauty Castle Disney Resorts
(credit: Disney Resorts)

This holiday season, take your family to eon of Southern California's amusement parks to experience the best of the season. Each of the parks celebrates the holiday season in different special ways. From holiday treats to fireworks, we've got you covered for the best places in Southern California to celebrate the holidays.

WDW Christmas Parade Disneyland
(credit: Disneyland Resorts)

Disneyland
700 W. Ball Rd.
Anaheim, CA 92802
(714) 520-6076
disneyland.disney.go.com

Disneyland proves once again that it knows how to get in the holiday spirit. Nearly every inch of the park is decked in holiday cheer from the Jingle Jangle Jamboree offering holiday treats, music, and pictures with Santa to the iconic "it's a small world" holiday edition, the "Christmas Fantasy" parade, "Believe...in Holiday Magic" fireworks show, and snow over Main Street and Sleeping Beauty's Winter Castle each night. In addition, you can enjoy holiday themed cheesy jokes on the "Jingle Cruise" or visit with Ana and Elsa from the new animated film "Frozen."

Knotts1
(credit: Knotts Berry Farm)

Knott's Berry Farm
8039 Beach Blvd.
Buena Park, CA 90620
(714) 220-5200
www.knotts.com

Head to Knott's Merry Farm to enjoy some old-fashioned holiday fun. Join Snoopy and the Peanuts gang throughout the park as they light the Christmas Tree and celebrate the season with a holiday themed ice show. The craft fair, holiday decorations, and live entertainment add a festive touch to every nook and cranny of Knotts. Don't miss the chance to meet with Santa (and enjoy homemade cookies, hot chocolate, and even craft beer!) in the Wilderness Dance Hall.

universal-studios
(credit: Universal)

Universal Studios
100 Universal City Plaza
Universal City, CA 91608
(800) 864-8377
www.universalstudioshollywood.com

Universal Studios is again decking their halls with touches of Whoville and the Grinch himself as they celebrate the holiday season of "Grinchmas." While in the park, you can snap photos with the Grinch himself, tour Whoville on the world-famous studio tour, and even enjoy a live performance by Whos. And if you are looking for a fun gift, you can currently buy a day and get all of 2014 for free.

legoland
(credit: Legoland)

LEGOLAND
1 Legoland Dr.
Carlsbad, CA 92008
(760) 918-5346
california.legoland.com

Explore Snow Days and Winter Nights at LEGOLAND in Carlsbad. In addition to snapping pics in front of LEGO tree and LEGO santa, you can actually play in real snow (one of the few non-LEGO based holiday attractions!) Holiday entertainment and special holiday themed LEGO building sessions are offered on weekends. In addition, go tubing or build a snowman with LEGO accessories. The LEGO Holiday Village building offers activities and there is a nightly lighting of the world's largest LEGO Christmas tree.

Disney-California-Adventure World-of-Color-Winter-Holidays
(credit: Katie Bodell)

Disney California Adventure
700 W. Ball Rd.
Anaheim, CA 92802
(714) 520-6076
disneyland.disney.go.com

Disney California Adventure boasts an all new magical show, "World of Color-Winter Dreams," which includes brand new music and special effects that utilize nearly 1200 fountains, laser lights, and animation. Hosted by the lovable snowman Olaf, from Disney's newest feature "Frozen," this is a show you won't want to miss. Also new for 2013, don't miss "Disney ¡Viva Navidad!" for a fun and interactive way to enjoy the festive holidays from a Latin American perspective. Stop by CarsLand or spend the afternoon in Buena Vista Street for more great holiday themed fun.

Katie Bodell is the Blog Editor for Trekaroo, the largest family travel website in the U.S. She is also a freelance writer, a happy wife to her best friend, and a mom to three sweet California girls. See more on: Trekaroo | CheapOair | Google+ | Twitter.

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