California Holiday Events - Holidays Event Planning California Style

California Holiday Events - Holidays Event Planning California Style

Hop on the train, the boat or the ice rink to enjoy some of the festive California Holiday Events. Holidays are time to celebrate California's rich heritage, diverse cultures and beautiful Main Streets, historic ranchos and museums, scenic highways and amazing resources. Some events are held to benefit others while other holiday events are held simply to celebrate community and sharing. It's amazing how many holiday events there are in California. We've only scratched the surface. Below is a list of holiday tree lighting ceremonies, Christmas boat parades, open house displays, plays, 4th of July and Independence Day Celebrations, New Year's events, First Day events and more. You are welcome to submit your holiday events by email: Happy Holiday to You! / Cities &

California Holiday Events

CAMBRIA - Scenic Highway 1 Destination Decks Out for Festivities in December -“Hospitality Night” on December 1; Decorated Tree Auction; Santa’s Workshop and Gift Shoppe; S Wonderful!: A Holiday Bash for George and Ira Gershwin; Lighting Contest; Sing-A-Long and Old-Fashioned Christmas; Cambria Chorale at the Farmers Market; Garlands, Wreaths and Swags Workshop; “Lions Club Children’s Christmas Party; Cambria Village Christmas Show.
DEL MAR - Holiday of Lights at Del Mar. The racetrack infield will be transformed with over 350 lighted holiday displays for viewing as the public drives their cars onto the oval dirt racetrack. Displays will be available Sunday through Thursday 5:30-10pm and Friday & Saturday 5:30-11pm. Tickets and information 858-793-5555
ESCONDIDO - Welk Resort Theatre -. Welk Resort Theatre presents popular and exciting musical comedies and revues at their theater in Escondido. Matinee and dinner shows available as well as evening performances. Schedule includes many favorites including the current production, THE ANNUAL WELK MUSICAL CHRISTMAS. Tickets and information: 760-749-3000 or 800-932-9355

FERNDALE - Community Thanksgiving Service. Members of Ferndale's six churches join together to give thanks in an ecumenical service at Assumption Church, 10 a.m. 707-786-9551.

VENTURA - Annual Dudley House Victorian Holiday Boutique . See the best Christmas crafts display in the area with the Dudley House decorated for the holidays. Time: 11am-6pm. Location: Corner of Ashwood and Loma Vista, Admission: Free. Donations are appreciated. Phone: 805-654-8381
YERMO - Heritage Fest (Thanksgiving Weekend) Old West Cowboy Encampment and Old Fashion Chuck Wagon. . Living History Displays and Demonstrations. Daily admission: Adults $8, Youth $5; Children Free. Call: (800) TO-CALICO. www.calicotown.com

FILLMORE - Tree train. Visitors & locals can hop onboard Fillmore & Western's Christmas Tree Train and chug through Ventura County's picturesque Heritage Valley on the way to select and cut down their own Christmas tree. Trains depart at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., and the rides cost $20 for adults, $18 for seniors 60+, $10 for kids 4-12 and $6 for children 3 and under. Similarly, the North Pole Express journeys to the "North Pole" to "pick up Santa." Children will delight in storytellers dressed as elves enjoy chocolate milk and cookies, and are encouraged to wear their pajamas and bring their teddy bears to cuddle up with in a festive setting. Santa will be onboard both trains to pay visits to the little ones. The North Pole Express runs from November 26 to December 23, and costs $22 for adults, $12 fo r kids 4-12 and $6 for children 3 and under. Call (800) 773-TRAIN or visit www.fwry.com for reservations or more information.

CORONADO - Holiday Parade, Open House & Snow Mountain Call Chamber for more info: (619)435-9260 4:20 p.m. Santa arrives at Ferry Landing Marketplace; 4:30 - 8 p.m. Snow Mountain; 5:30 - 9 p.m. Merchants Open House; 6 p.m. Holiday Parade; 7 p.m. Santa lights the Rotary Park Tree; 7:15 p.m. Community Concert at Rotary Park Christmas Open House & Parade. Time: 5 to 9 p.m. at different locations in Coronado. Santa arrives at the Ferry Landing at 5pm. The parade starts at 6pm at Orange & 8th Sts, & ends at Dana Place. Fireworks display 8:30pm at the Ferry Landing Marketplace.
DANA POINT - Holiday in the Harbor. Dana Point Harbor merchants celebrate the holiday season by opening their doors to thank the community for their years of support. The stores will serve refreshments while Santa hears your Christmas wishes and is available for photos (bring your camera). The three areas of the Harbor, Dana Wharf, Mariners Village and Mariner’s Alley will all host holiday activities geared to families and children. There will be holiday kid crafts, face and body painting, and the fun and frivolous characters Children can come aboard the “Sum Fun” for a fifteen minute Harbor cruise with Santa and his dolphin helpers. The rides are $1 per person and photos are $3 per person donation with proceeds going to the Dana Hills High School Pep Squad. No reservations needed, last boat departs 7:45 p.m. Boat rides are located at Dana Wharf Sportfishing on the east end of Dana Point Harbor between the Jolly Roger and the Wind & Sea. So, bring friends and family down to enjoy the Harbor’s Holiday spirit. Activities start on the grass in front of Harpoon Henry’s at Golden Lantern and Dana Point Harbor Drive. The parking and events are FREE. Time: 6 to 8 p.m.
DEL MAR - Holiday of Lights at Del Mar. The racetrack infield will be transformed with over 350 lighted holiday displays for viewing as the public drives their cars onto the oval dirt racetrack. Displays will be available Sunday through Thursday 5:30 -10 p.m. and Friday & Saturday 5:20-11pm. Tickets and information 858-793-5555
MONTEREY - Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony in front of Colton Hall. Carolers, music, refreshments and a visit from Santa. First Friday in December, Time: 6:30 - 8:00 PM Location: Monterey City Hall, Pacific Street
PISMO BEACH - Holiday Harmony and Tree Lighting Ceremony with hot apple cider and Santa on hand out candy canes to the children. Kids will have fun with fresh snow, Santa's Village, a bounce house, cookie decorating and more. Adults will enjoy live music and holiday shopping in local downtown businesses. Time: 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Location: Downtown Pismo Beach. Cost: Free admission. Call: 805-773-4382.
REDDING - Downtown Redding Winterfest features an open house and Christmas tree lighting with a business decorating contest, fine foods, quality arts and crafts, and a variety of children's activities including Santa Claus, a ginger bread decorating contest, and an exciting schedule of live entertainment. Events take place downtown Redding. Free admission.
530-243-7773 www.vivadowntown.org
SANTA BARBARA - Santa Barbara Parade marching bands, holiday floats, local personalities and Santa Claus atop his festive sleigh. Plus, watch the Holiday Prince and Fairy light up the giant Christmas tree at State & Victoria Streets. Location: Downtown - State Street, from Sola to Cota Streets, Santa Barbara Time: 6:30PM - 8:30PM Cost: Free. Call: 805.962.2098 www.santabarbaradowntown.com
SEAL BEACH - Holiday Parade begins at Seal Beach Pier and goes up Main Street to Pacific Coast Highway. The parade includes marching bands and drill teams and bands. Time: 7 p.m. www.sealbeachchamber.org
SOLVANG - Lighting of the Solvang Community Christmas Tree. Solvang Christmas tree lighting ceremony will be held in Solvang Park. A Special Guest will officially light the community tree. Time: 6pm-7pm. Location: Solvang Park, Mission Street, Solvang. Information: 805.688.6144. Admission: Free
VISALIA - The Annual Christmas Tree Auction & Holiday Festival. This event raises money for local charities and non-profit organizations. Over two million dollars has been raised since the event began, with proceeds going to dozens of Visalia-area programs and organizations. The Christmas Tree Auction has become the premier event in Visalia, drawing ever--increasing support and donations from the business community and the public. Location: Visalia Convention Center. Time: 07:00 PM. The Visalia Chamber of Commerce. Call: (559) 734-5876 Extension: 14

SAN DIEGO - Balboa Park December Nights. The largest free community festival in San Diego, Balboa Park December Nights is expected to attract more than 100,000 visitors into the Park to celebrate the holiday season. More than 80 museums and cultural organizations will open their doors free of charge during this popular community festival. Event hours: Friday, 5:00-10:00pm; Saturday, noon-10:00pm. Free entrance into participating Park museums 5:00-9:00pm. 619-239-0512 or 619-235-1100 or www.balboapark.org

DANA POINT - Boat Rides with Santa. at Dana Wharf Sportfishing DocksCome aboard the “Sum Fun” for a twenty-minute Harbor cruise with Santa and his helpers. Santa will be hearing those Christmas wishes as you cruise the Harbor. The El Camino Real Junior Woman’s Club will be on hand to take your photo for a $1 donation. What a unique and fun way for kids of all ages to visit with Santa, dress warm. Location: East end of Dana Point Harbor at Dana Wharf Sportfishing docks, 34675 Golden Lantern, between the Jolly Roger and the Wind & Sea. Time: 10 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
SHASTA LAKE - Victorian Christmas to Remember. This annual Victorian Christmas celebration at Old Shasta State Historic Park includes the tree lighting at dusk on Friday, with Santa arriving on the fire engine! Homemade crafts and desserts along with musical entertainment highlight the entire weekend. Free Admission. 530-243-7258

BELMONT SHORE - Christmas Parade along 2nd Street. Begins after 6 p.m.
LA HABRA - Children' Museum: Breakfast with Santa 301 S. Euclid St. La Habra, CA (562) 905-9734
LONE PINE - Lone Pine Community Christmas Tree Lighting - Sponsored by Lone Pine Chamber of Commerce 760-876-4444
LOS OLIVOS - Olde Fashioned Christmas in Los Olivos. All the galleries and businesses host open houses as the town twinkles with hundreds of luminarias. For a magical holiday experience, you are invited to attend Los Olivos' "Olde Fashioned Christmas." this event sponsored by the Los Olivos Business Organization, recreates some of the atmosphere of a Victorian Christmas. Santa will arrive in a horse-draw carriage to take children's Christmas wishes (4-6 p.m.). Location: Downtown Los Olivos. Admission: Free. Time: 4pm-7pm, Call: 805.688.6144 www.losolivosca.com
MORRO BAY - Annual Lighted Boat Parade. Local Boats decorated with lights for the holiday season and cruise the harbor for your enjoyment after dark. Live Music and Shopping all day! Time: 6:30 - 8:30PM. Location: Marinas in Morro Bay. Cost: Free. Phone: 800-231-0592
SANTA MARIA - Christmas Parade of Lights with bands, floats, children, and Santa Claus. Where: Broadway and Stowell, Santa Maria. Time: 5:30PM. Call: 805.937.8521 www.santamaria.com.
TEMPLETON - Cowboy Christmas. Enjoy a special event in a small town. Visit from Santa, 10 tons of snow, hayrides, pony rides. Art, craft, and vendor booths. Refreshments, country & Christmas music. Time: 1 -4 PM. Cost: Free. Location: Templeton Community Park. Phone: 805-434-1789
PASO ROBLES - Holiday Light Parade "Joyful Traditions" with bands, floats, marching groups, Santa Claus, free candy canes, story telling & refreshments. Time: 6:30PM. Location: Downtown Paso Robles. Cost: Free. Phone: 805-238-4103
SANTA MARIA - Christmas in the Wine Caves - Cottonwood Canyon will fete guests with delicious fare, classical entertainment and, of course, plenty of great wine. Guests are encouraged to dress for a party, but don’t forget wraps and jackets as temperatures are cool and crisp in this dramatic setting located at 3940 Dominion Road in Santa Maria. cottonwoodcanyon.com
SANTA MARIA - Santa Maria Showpieces open their doors on the Holiday Home Tours. The gates, gardens and doors of some of Santa Maria’s most breathtaking homes will open wide for the public at the “Holiday Tour of Homes” on Saturday, December 3. A benefit for the Marian Medical Center Auxiliary, which supports hospital programs and services throughout the year, this self-led tour invites participants to visit six different homes at their leisure anytime between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Stops along the tour route include the century-old ranch home of the Wickenden-Dore families; the historic 1875 San Ramon Chapel that sits on a picturesque hill; the 1995 Ashpole home decorated as a winter wonderland; the 2002 Koval home with its many collections and hand-painted mural; and the sprawling artistry of the Zepeda family home. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 on the day of the tour. Tickets may be purchased at The Veranda; Company’s Company; Casa Bella; A la Carte; Mid-State Banks in Santa Maria at 1110 East Clark Avenue, 2139 Santa Maria Way and at 1514 South Broadway; and at both Marian Medical Center Auxiliary Gift Shops at Marian Medical Center and at Marian West. On the day of the tour, tickets may only be purchased at the Marian Medical Center Auxiliary Gift Shop. Attendees will receive a “home tour book” with directions and details prior to the event.
SOLVANG - Solvang Christmas Parade. Solvang's-one-of-a-kind, hometown parade. This community parade is open to all local groups and sign-up forms are available at the Visitors Bureau. SANTA CLAUS will be in Solvang Park following the parade .Admission: Free. Time: 11am-12pm. Call: 805.688.6144

ARROYO GRANDE - The Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande, CA Phone: 805-489-9444 website: www.clarkcenter.org
HEALDSBURG - Downtown Santa Parade, Noon, Downtown Healdsburg. 707-433-6935/1-800-648-9922
VENTURA - Holiday Street Festival - This event which raises products and money for US Marines Toys for Tots includes over 300 artisans and fine artists, food vendors and free entertainment throughout the fair plus Santa Claus at the Midtown Community Council booth.
Admission is free. Time: 10-4pm. Location: Main Street, Downtown, Phone: 805-654-7830. Admission: Free. www.venturastreetfair.com

VENTURA - California-style Sleigh Rides - Hop onboard the Bay Queen II for a holiday sleigh ride - California style! Sail the waters of the Ventura Keys and Ventura harbor and enjoy the sparkling Christmas lights adorning shoreline homes and casting picturesque reflections in the nighttime waters. Cruise every night from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. or 8 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., and enjoy favorite seasonal cocktails such as "reindeer milk" or just a mug of hand-warming hot chocolate. Cruises cost $12 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under. Call (805) 642-7753 or visit www.venturaboatrentals.com for more information.

LOMPOC - La Purisima Mission Founding Day Celebration. Luminaries lead the way to an evening of music celebrating the anniversary of La Purisima Mission Founding. This event is at 7 p.m. Tickets available Nov. 1 by mail request only. La Purisima Mission, 2295 Purisima Road, Lompoc, CA. Phone: 805-733-3713 www.lapurisimamission.org

BISHOP - Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony & Street of Lights - Bishop City Park six p.m. Hot cocoa, coffee, cookies, candy, great holiday music and Santa ! Children can tell Santa their Christmas wishes at the Chamber of Commerce Visitors Bureau at the park from 3 to 6 pm. Sponsored by the Bishop Area Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau. 760-873-8405

DANA POINT -Annual Boat Parade of Lights. We will celebrate the season with this year’s theme of “An Aloha Holiday”. Boaters from all around Orange County decorate their boats and vie for the awards of Best Theme, Best Dressed Crew, Best Animation, Most Colorful, Best Originality and the Perpetual Trophy for the Yacht Club with the Most Entries. You can view it free from anywhere in the Harbor, or make reservations at one of our restaurants to view it from a cozy and warm spot. Come on down and enjoy the sights and sounds of the season. All boat owners are welcome to pick up boat parade entries at Dana Wharf Sportfishing or call Judie at (949) 496-5794. Landlubbers can also participate in the parade! Dana Wharf Sportfishing offers boat rides so you too can experience the fun of actually riding on a boat and joining in the parade. Time: 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $25 for Adults and $12 for Children. Call and make your reservations at (949) 496-5794. www.danapointharbor.com.
LA MESA - Old Fashioned Christmas Village -Enjoy outdoor market, music, caroling, food and horse drawn wagon rides and a visit from Santa Claus all four nights. La Mesa Blvd. Open bonfires on the street. Free, 6-9pm. 619-462-3000
MARINA DEL REY - Boat Parade. Marina del Rey's 43rd Annual Holiday Boat Parade navigates the waterways of the Los Angeles County community known for its beautiful marina and channel to the Pacific Ocean. Saturday night includes a fireworks display. View locations include: Burton Chace Park, 13650 Mindanao Way, Marina del Rey. This is where the action is. There will be a judges viewing stand and music will be playing. Lisa Osborn, a newscaster on radio KFI-AM and Mickey Laszlo, a cartoon voiceover actor and former traffic reporter on KABC-TV will provide commentary! Fisherman's Village, 13755 Fiji Way, El Torito, 13715 Fiji Way (310) 823-8941; Sapori Italian Restaurant 13723 Fiji Way (310) 821-1740; Shanghai Red's 13813 Fiji Way (310) 823-4522; The Angler's Choice 13723 Fiji Way (310) 306-5662. Time: Friday, December 9 at 7- 9 PM - Preview Parade Come out and get a first look at all the parade boat entries and a head start on all the festivities! All boats will circle the Marina's main channel. Saturday, December 10th - 5:55 PM - Fireworks 6- 8 PM - Main Parade Boat Judging - During Parade.
MONTEREY - Christmas in the Adobes. Evening candlelit walking tours of historic Monterey and the adobes. Participating buildings are decorated with period ornamentation. Refreshments and entertainment. For info call 831.647.6226. Time: 5:00 –9:00 PM.
SAN DIEGO - Old Town Holiday in the Park and Merchants Open House. Selected state park museums and historic homes will be opened and decorated in period holiday adornment. Enjoy songs and entertainment of the season throughout the Old Town community. 6-9pm, both days. 619-220-5423 or 619-291-4903.
SAN DIEGO - Wild Animal Park Festival of Lights. Celebrate the holiday season with lights and free children's activities, including Christmas caroling, live animal presentations and Snow Hill. Gates open until 8pm. NO FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS ON DEC 24 AND 25. Please call for information: 760-796-5615 or 760-796-5621

AUBURN - Old Town Country Christmas includes Crafters, food, bonfire, hayrides, pony rides, bungee jump, carolers, raffle & entertainment, Santa & Mrs Claus, living Christmas tree. Shops open FREE admission and shuttle. Time: 5 to 9 pm. Info: Linda Robinson (530) 888-1585. www.auburnchamber.net
BISHOP - Annual Bishop Christmas Parade on Main Street starts at 10 am. Horses, bands, floats, and more! Fun for the entire family. Sponsored by the Bishop Area Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau 760-873-8405.
BISHOP - Santa in the Park - Bishop City Park Gazebo immediately following the parade. Here's your chance to meet Santa! Sponsored by Altrusa International. 760-872-4128
HUNTINGTON BEACH - The Huntington Harbour Philharmonic Committee's boat parade is a special event! It’s a thank you to Huntington Harbour residents for decorating their homes! If you would like to enter your boat in the parade, please call the HHPC office or Mike Novak at (714) 840-2284. Location to watch: Warner Avenue at Pacific Coast Highway municipal lot or walkways and bridges of Huntington Harbour. Note: Traffic is closed to all but island residents and their guests on this special night. Cruise of Lights Photos
LONE PINE - Christmas Parade - Sponsored by Lone Pine Chamber of Commerce 760-876-4444
PASO ROBLES - Vine Street Victorian Holiday Showcase includes 14 Blocks of Victorian Homes decorated for the holidays, with storytellers, Scrooge, Santa, Grinch, carolers, dancers, music, hot cider & cocoa, trolley rides (no cars, no dogs allowed). Time: 6:00PM - 9:00PM. Location: Vine Street, between Spring & Olive, 8th & 21st. Cost: Free. Phone: 805-238-4103.
ORCUTT - Orcutt Annual Christmas Parade is an afternoon parade featuring marching bands, Santa Claus, and some of the finest automobiles on the Central Coast. The parade begins at 1:00 p.m. at Park Street and the route follows Broadway to Clark St. to Twitchell, and ends at May Grisham School. A Santa Maria Style BBQ follows. Contact the Orcutt Fire Department for additional information.
Clark St. Orcutt, CA Phone: 805-937-7515
VENTURA - 29th Annual Ventura Harbor Parade of Lights Festival starts at 1pm, Parade starts at 7pm. Choirs, Strolling carolers, and of course Santa! 7pm Parade of Lights. Fireworks Grand Finale immediately after the parade. Location: Ventura Harbor Village, 1583 Spinnaker Dr., Ventura Harbor, Call: 1-877-89HARBOR or 805-642-8618, Admission: Free. www.venturaharborvillage.com
YERMO - Calico Ghost Town Christmas Tree Lighting December 10th, 5:00pm. Daily admission: Adults $6, Youth $3; Children Free. Call: 1-800-TO-CALICO. www.calicotown.com

HUNTINGTON BEACH - The Huntington Harbour Philharmonic Committee's boat parade is a special event! It’s a thank you to Huntington Harbour residents for decorating their homes! If you would like to enter your boat in the parade, please call the HHPC office or Mike Novak at (714) 840-2284. Location to watch: Warner Avenue at Pacific Coast Highway municipal lot or walkways and bridges of Huntington Harbour. Note: Traffic is closed to all but island residents and their guests on this special night.
SAN DIEGO - Annual San Diego Bay Parade of Lights. Welcome to the annual San Diego Bay Parade of Lights traditional Christmas in San Diego from the boating community. Time: 5:30 PM until 9:00 PM. Location. San Diego Bay
VENTURA - Christmas by Candlelight from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., tour the historic 1847 Olivas Adobe by candlelight and discover how Christmas was celebrated during the California Mexican Rancho era. Every 12 minutes, costumed interpreters will lead groups on 30-minute tours through the beautifully restored Adobe grounds, and will perform skits to illustrate holiday traditions. Amidst tours, enjoy refreshments and caroling. The event is free to the public. Call (805) 658-4728 for more information or visit www.cityofventura.net

HUNTINGTON BEACH - Boat Tour . The Huntington Harbour Philharmonic Committee presents the 43rd annual narrated boat tour through the waterways of Huntington Harbour. The Cruise of Lights invites visitors to see thousands of lights on boats, decks, docks and homes. The hour-long tour navigates the channels and waterways of Huntington Harbour and its manmade islands, providing a festive holiday event. Proceeds benefit the Philharmonic Society's music outreach programs for Orange County students from kindergarten through 12th grade. Boat tour times: 6pm, 7pm & 8pm. Location: 16821 Algonquin Street, Huntington Harbour Mall. Cost: $8 - $14. Call: 714-840-7542 www.cruiseoflights.org

HUNTINGTON BEACH - Jazz Concert under direction of Tom Kubis. Born in 1951 in Los Angeles, California, after studying music, Kubis began playing tenor and soprano saxophones with various bands. He also played piano for Bobby Vinton. Not only has he succeeded as a musician, however, Kubis's compositions and arrangements are in great demand with big band leaders. Tom Kubis formed his own big band, attracting the attention of Jack Sheldon who became an informal co-leader of the band. Apart from writing for the band, Kubis continues to provide charts for others, including Bill Watrous, the BBC Radio Big Band, and his work is also performed by youth and college bands in the USA and UK. While his writing is always lively, entertaining and often challenging, musicians and audiences alike love the complexity of his arrangements. Kubis's own recording career has held second fiddle to other projects but his artistic talent has shaped the jazz scene and puts him on the chart as one of the greatest jazz composers, performers and conductors today. Call: (714) 895-8150. Location: Stage West, Golden West College, 15744 Golden West Street, Huntington Beach, California 92647. Free admission.

NEWPORT BEACH - Boat Parade. California's largest and one of the nation's most well -established Holiday boat parade, Newport Harbor Christmas Boat parade. The boat parade sees over 100 illuminated vessels cruise through the harbor of Newport Beach, CA. Time: Nightly at 6:30pm. Where: Newport Harbor/Balboa Island. Price: Free! Join over a million viewers as you watch beautifully decorated yachts, boats, kayaks and canoes sail along the harbor. Hosted by the Commodores Club of the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce, the parade begins at Collins Island each evening at 6:30 p.m., and will last approximately two and a half hours. Providing the backdrop for the parade is the Ring of Lights waterfront home and business decorating competition. Dating back to 1919, the parade has been judged one of the top ten holiday events in the country by the New York Times. The boats promenade along a 14-mile route through the town's extensive harbor and range from modest small craft to imposing trophy yachts. Many are elaborately decorated, with outlandish Christmas decorations and squadrons of carolers. Over a million spectators turn out in the course of the event for the nightly parades. Newport Landing will offer cruises twice nightly at 5:45PM and 8PM. These cruises give spectators the opportunity to actually participate in the parade, instead of just watching it from the sidelines! Boarding passes available beginning November 1, 2005 Departure times: 6pm and 8pm ADULTS $20/ 12 & under $15. Call Newport Landing: (949) 675-0550.

FERNDALE - Annual Christmas Lighted Tractor Parade. Local farmers and ranchers parade fancifully decorated tractors and tractor-drawn wagons depicting holiday scenes down the Victorian Village's historic Main Street for a sparkling country Christmas celebration! 7 p.m. 707-786-4299 or 707-786-4477
SAN DIEGO - 34th Annual San Diego Bay Parade of Lights 2005. This year's theme Nautical Nights.Welcome to the annual San Diego Bay Parade of Lights website. We hope you enjoy participating in what has become a traditional Christmas present to San Diego from the boating community. Our website is full of information about this year's parade and fest. We hope you enjoy the site and will be on hand to enjoy the parade this December. Time: 5:30 PM until 9:00 PM. Location. San Diego Bay

GUADALUPE - Ode to the Winter Solstice at the Dunes - Celebrating how the change of seasons and heavenly bodies affect earth’s creatures large and small, the Dunes Center in Guadalupe will host the Annual Winter Solstice Celebration on December 21 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Rancho Guadalupe Dunes Preserve. Attendees will have the chance to view wildlife through night-vision glasses and to see the stars through telescopes. The atmosphere will also be warm and welcoming with a roaring bonfire, music, stories and hot chocolate refreshments. The cost is $15 per person and reservations are required. To reach the Preserve from Santa Maria, take Main Street (Highway 166) west all the way to the ocean in Guadalupe. Parking is extremely limited. For information, please call (805) 343-2455 ext. 105 or visit www.dunescenter.org.

AVALON Annual New Year's Eve Celebration at the Casino Ballroom. Dance in the New Year in the world famous Casino Ballroom. Catalina Island Chamber of Commerce (310) 510-1520, or visit www.CatalinaChamber.com
CARLSBAD - Kids' New Year's Eve at Legoland, New Year's Eve fun for children at Legoland begins with a 3pm party with fun entertainment in Miniland. Features a concert with special guests at 4pm and a 5pm year-in-revue. Then, at kids' midnight (6pm to the rest of us) there will be a 22-foot-tall "brick drop" and a spectacular fireworks show with special fireworks viewing glasses. 760-918-LEGO; www.legoland.com
COSTA MESA - Big New Year's Celebration in the OC, an Orange County tradition in the making this New Year's Eve as the Orange County Fair & Exposition Center is transformed into the west coast version of Times Square! Eleven themed areas will feature a wide array of exhibits, food, off-beat attractions and live music from Joan Jett & The Blackhearts, The Violent Femmes, Berlin, The Psychedelic Furs, The English Beat, Reel Big Fish, Lit, and more! With all that, plus the spectacular midnight celebration and Orange Drop featuring a special performance from Sugar Ray, this event promises to be an experience of a lifetime! Location: Orange County Fair & Exposition Center - Costa Mesa. Time: 6:00pm - 2:00am More information
Cost: General admission ticket prices: $45 (Oct 1-31), $65 (Nov 1-Dec 31) available at www.ocnye.com and all Ticketmaster outlets.
FERNDALE - Annual New Year's Eve Rodeo Bash. West Coast Rodeo Company presents a full day of rodeo events, beginning at 8 a.m. sharp in the indoor arena. Team penning, branding, roping; breakaway roping; steer wrestling; men's and women's calf roping; barrel racing; loggers cow riding; and bull riding. Humboldt County Fairgrounds. 707-786-4864
ESCONDIDO - Annual Welk Resort Theatre Musical Christmas Welk Resort Theatre presents popular and exciting musical comedies and revues at their theater in Escondido. Matinee and dinners shows available as well as evening performances. The 2004 schedule includes many favorites including the 10th Annual Welk Musical Christmas from Nov 11 to Dec 31, 2004. Tickets and information: 760-749-3000 or 800-932-9355
ESCONDIDO - First Night Escondido: Community celebration of music, dancing and fun for the entire family. Alcohol & drug free event. 6pm-midnight with fireworks at midnight. California Center for Arts & Grand Avenue, downtown Escondido. (760) 639-0220
LONG BEACH - New Year's Eve Reggae Boat Party 2005 with Fireworks. Location: 140 Marina Drive, Long Beach, California. Call for information: (562) 799-7000.
LONG BEACH - Queen Mary Ship - New Year's Eve Celebration with Live Bands and Fireworks. Includes hot hors' d' oeuvres, parking, party favors and a spectacular midnight fireworks show. Tickets for the celebration will be on sale at Guests must be at least 21 years of age. Included in the ticket price are 8 separate live musical and entertainment venues. Guests can dance from party to party while enjoying a variety of music. Party favors including hats and noisemakers will be available, as well as midnight balloon drops and a spectacular fireworks display at 12:20 a.m. Cost: TBD Call: (562) 435-3511. Location: 1126 Queens Highway, Long Beach, California.
SAN DIEGO - First Night San Diego Celebration: Alcohol free event, from 6pm-1am, for the entire family. Features food, entertainment, dancing & fireworks at midnight. Embarcadero Marina Park North, downtown San Diego. (619) 296-8731
SACRAMENTO - New Year's Eve Fireworks Celebration - Sacramento: Along with 2 fireworks shows, enjoy live music, food & drink vendors, a children's stage hosted by top entertainers & live performances from local acts. On the waterfront in Old Sacramento. (916) 808-7777
SIMI VALLEY - Annual "Christmas Around the World" Tree exhibit. A local favorite in the area, trees are decorated to represent different countries around the world. at Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum, 40 Presidential Drive. Call: (800) 410-8354. www.reaganfoundation.org |
MARINA DEL REY - New Year's Eve Fireworks show in the marina starts 30 seconds before Midnight. This year’s fireworks will be presented by the famed Zambelli Pyrotechnics and will be launched off the Marina del Rey’s south jetty near Fisherman’s Village. Burton Chace Park, located at 13650 Mindanao Way, and Fisherman’s Village, at 13755 Fiji Way, and Marina (Mother’s Beach) at Admiralty Way and Via Marina are premiere locations for viewing the pyrotechnic extravaganza. http://beaches.co.la.ca.us

HUNTINGTON BEACH - Pier's Polar Plunge - This dip and dive into the Pacific Ocean to celebrate the New Year at the Huntington Beach Pier includes a festive group. Bring some donuts and share some fun on a local run (into the water.) Location Pacific Coast Highway at Main Street. Time: Approx. 10 a.m.
PASADENA - Tournament of Roses Parade. Magnificent floral floats, spirited marching bands, and talented equestrian units will anchor a traditional two-hour spectacle along Pasadena's famed Colorado Boulevard. Beginning at 8:00 a.m. (PST) featuring spirited marching bands from throughout the nation, majestic floral floats, and high-stepping equestrian units. Following the Rose Parade at 2:00 p.m. (PST), the Rose Bowl Game, presented by Citi, will feature an exciting match up between two championship teams, showcasing the best of collegiate football. For additional information, please call (626) 449-ROSE.
VENICE BEACH - Venice Penguin Swim Club New Year's Dive. Join this lively group for its annual dip. They go into the ocean at Noon. Call: (310) 390-5700.