What You're Doing This Week: December 10
'Tis the Season to be jolly at one of these festive holiday events happening around the Southland. These fun events are packed with plenty of holiday cheer including Christmas trains, music, snow and more. Your family will find themselves singing "fa-la-la-la-la" while getting into the holiday spirit.
December 10, 2012
Chill at the Queen Mary
1126 Queens Highway
Long Beach, CA 90802
www.queenmary.com/chill
The Queen Mary is the ultimate destination for chilly holiday fun. The entire family will bask in the enjoyment of outdoor ice tubing, ice skating, the ice kingdom, Santa Claus and more. Tickets are available online for $19.95 adults and $14.95 children for the ice kingdom. The Queen Mary will be chilled until January 6, 2013.
December 11, 2012
Donny & Marie Christmas in Los Angeles
6233 Hollywood Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90028
(323)468-1770
www.broadwayla.org
Cherish a lifetime of holiday memories while watching the Donny and Marie Christmas in the Los Angeles premiere at the Pantages Theatre. The iconic brother-and-sister duo will sing your favorite holiday hits during the energizing holiday performance. Ticket prices start at $25 per person, and is recommended for children over the age of 8. On Tuesday, Dec. 11, guests can purchase a special VIP ticket to include complimentary cocktails and hors d'oeuvres provided by Beso, Geisha House, Leese-Fitch and Evian.
Menorah Lighting Ceremony
The District
2437 Park Avenue
Tustin, CA 92606
www.thedistricttl.com
Enjoy an unforgettable Chanukah celebration at The District in Tustin starting at 7 p.m. The Chabad of North Irvine presents live music, dreidels and yummy holiday treats at this special event.
December 12, 2012
Disney on Ice: Dare to Dream
Get tangled in the newest Disney on Ice spectacular this holiday season. Your princess will enjoy the ice show at the Staples Center from Dec. 12 through 16, at the Honda Center from Dec. 18 through 23, at the Citizens Area in Ontario from Dec. 26 through 30 and at the Long Beach Arena from Jan. 3 through 6. Tickets start at $22 and can be purchased online.
American Girl Gingerbread House Decorations
189 The Grove Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90036
877-247-5223
www.americangirl.com
Your children can decorate their own gingerbread house with their favorite American Girl doll at this unique holiday event. The event includes everything your daughter will need including gingerbread, frosting and decorations. The price is $45 per person for children ages 8 and up. Reservations are available by calling 877-247-5223.
December 13, 2012
Science of Gingerbread
2500 N. Main Street
Santa Ana, CA 92705
www.discoverycube.org
Families can enjoy seeing elaborate gingerbread creations while learning the science behind gingerbread at this fun family event. During the weekends children can have their photo taken with Santa, enjoy the "Matter of Taste" stage show, and build their own candy cane car. Tickets are $14.95 adults and $12.95 for children.
December 14, 2012
Irvine Park Railroad Christmas Train
1 Irvine Park Road
Orange, CA 92869
(714)997-3968
www.irvineparkrailroad.com
The movie "The Polar Express" will come to life as your children board the Irvine Park Railroad train to see Santa. Once arriving at the "North Pole," there will be hot cocoa, popcorn, cookies and photo opportunities with Santa. After returning to the train station, there are plenty of family activities to enjoy including story time with Mrs. Claus, carnival games, bounce houses, cookie decorating and more. The fun begins at 4 p.m., and tickets are available for purchase in advance online.
Dinner with Santa
351 Santa Clara Avenue
Fillmore, CA 93015
(805) 524-2546
www.fwry.com
Enjoy a delicious turkey or ham dinner at this holiday meet 'n greet with Santa Claus before departing on a train to the North Pole. Santa will take special time with every family before boarding his sleigh back to the toy workshop. Adult dinners are $47 per person; Children (ages 2 to 12) are $26. The train will depart at 5:30 p.m. for an evening of holiday fun. Reservations can be made online or by calling (805) 524-2546.
December 15, 2012
Naples Boat Parade
6201 Appian Way
Long Beach, CA 90803
www.naplesisland.org
Boats will parade through the canals of Naples Island with thousands of twinkling holiday lights. The theme of the year is "A Holiday Salute to Our Olympians." The streets close at 5 p.m., and the large boats will set sail starting at 6 p.m.
December 16, 2012
Chill at the W Los Angeles
930 Hilgard Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90024
www.wlosangeles.com
The W Los Angeles pool has been transformed into a 1,600-square-foot, custom-shaped ice rink. There are twinkling lights, an hourly romantic snowfall, private winter cabanas and a specialty ice bar. On the weekends, children are invited to skate from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and then decorate gingerbread cookies. Cost is $10 per adult for an hour of skating and includes rental skates. Chill is open Monday through Friday from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Saturday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Shelby is an Orange County Native, and is a freelance writer for multiple magazines and websites around LA and Orange County. She can be found writing daily about the hottest happenings at the OC Mom Blog or on Twitter @GlitterfulFelt.