Los Angeles edition
Races, beach days and outdoor plans.
Family and Kids, Outdoors and Beaches
Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens5333 Zoo Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90027Los Angeles County
The zoo opens after dark for a lighted walk with snacks, photo spots and a skating rink that needs its own ticket. The season skips several posted nights, including Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas and New Year's Eve.
Outdoors and Beaches, Home and Garden, Family and Kids
Descanso Gardens1418 Descanso Dr., La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011Los Angeles County
Descanso Gardens stays open after dark for a timed walk through lighted plants and art. Tickets are sold in advance and the posted price changes by day.
Outdoors and Beaches, Family and Kids, Food and Drink
Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort, Pavilion C1131 Back Bay Drive, Newport Beach, CA 92660Orange County
Newport Dunes puts floating holiday lights on the bay and hosts evening activities at Pavilion C. Festival entry is free, with charges for parking and some attractions.
Family and Kids, Outdoors and Beaches, Home and Garden
Tanaka Farms5380 3/4 University Drive, Irvine, CA 92612Orange County
Tanaka Farms lights the fields for an evening visit with a wagon ride, a corn maze and photos with Santa. Tickets are sold by date and entry time.
Family and Kids, Outdoors and Beaches
OC Fair & Event Center88 Fair Dr., Costa Mesa, CA 92626Orange County
The fairgrounds host a winter festival with snow play, a tubing hill, skating and a light trail. The organizer says the grounds are open only on select dates in that span.
Family and Kids, Outdoors and Beaches
Dana Wharf, Dana Point HarborDana Point Harbor, Dana Point, CAOrange County
Dana Wharf runs boat rides with Santa on the Dana Pride, with photo time on board. The harbor page says reservations are required and proceeds benefit Soroptimist of Capistrano Bay.
Outdoors and Beaches, Family and Kids
Dana Point Harbor34571 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, CA 92629Orange County
Boats decorated for a Harboritaville theme circle Dana Point Harbor for three evenings. People can watch from the boardwalk and park areas.
Family and Kids, Outdoors and Beaches
Dana Point Harbor Islandnear the Richard Henry Dana Jr. Statue, Dana Point, CAOrange County
Pet Project Foundation offers pet photos with Santa near the Richard Henry Dana Jr. statue. The harbor lists a $15 donation, with proceeds going to the foundation.
Outdoors and Beaches, Arts and Music
Newport HarborTip of Lido Isle, Newport Harbor, Newport Beach, CAOrange County
Decorated boats loop Newport Harbor for five nights, starting and ending at the tip of Lido Isle. Marina Park is the first public viewing spot on the route.
Outdoors and Beaches, Arts and Music
Huntington Harbour16889 Algonquin St., Huntington Beach, CA 92649Orange County
A narrated boat tour passes lighted homes and docks in Huntington Harbour. Shuttles leave from the mall lot on Algonquin Street, and guests are asked to arrive at least 15 minutes early.
Food and Drink, Outdoors and Beaches
Dana Pride at Dana Point HarborDana Point Harbor, Dana Point, CAOrange County
A 90-minute holiday wine cruise on the Dana Pride includes four tastings, snacks and live music. The harbor lists two evening dates in late December.
Family and Kids, Outdoors and Beaches
Los Angeles Equestrian Center480 W. Riverside Dr., Burbank, CALos Angeles County
Rose Parade horse units perform for the public at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center. Visitors can watch warm-ups before the show and visit a food and vendor court.
