Once you’ve purchased your holiday 8-year-old boy gifts, and girl gifts too, the next step is to experience memorable family activities.
Here is a list of some magical ways to celebrate the holidays in California with kids:
Santa Monica Pier
The Pier is always a fun place to visit, but it’s especially festive during the holidays. Give the kids a chance to ride on some of their favorite rides or watch street performers. There are rides, games, and food options. You can also watch a light show or take a walk on the pier to admire all of the decorations. You can also enjoy a day at the beach, steps away from the pier.
Ice Skating at Outdoor Rinks in California
There’s nothing quite like skating on an outdoor rink under the stars. California is home to many outdoor ice rinks, so you’re sure to find one close to you. Rinks can be found in many popular tourist destinations such as San Diego, Los Angeles, and Santa Barbara. Some of our favorites include the rink at The Ritz-Carlton in Half Moon Bay, the rink at The Langham Huntington in Pasadena, and the rink at The Grove in Los Angeles.
Watch a Holiday Movie like Elf or Home Alone
What would the holidays be without watching some holiday movies? Elf is always a classic, and Home Alone is perfect for families with young kids. There are plenty of family-friendly options to choose from, but we recommend the aforementioned.
Attend a Holiday Concert Featuring Your Favorite Artist
If you’re looking for something extra special to do this year, attend a holiday concert featuring your favorite artist. From classical music to holiday pop tunes, there is something for everyone. There are many options to choose from around the state, and your family will enjoy seeing their favorite artist perform live on stage.
Visit Disneyland for Some Magical Memories
Nothing beats a visit to Disneyland at Christmastime. The parades are extraordinary. Plus, there are tons of food options like the famous Holiday Mickey Waffles. And of course, there’s no better way to spend those chilly winter nights than in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle enjoying the Disney magic.
Watch The Nutcracker ballet at the San Francisco Opera House
Attending the Nutcracker ballet is perfect. The San Francisco Opera House puts on two amazing performances every December that your family won’t want to miss. The show is perfect for all ages so that everyone can enjoy the magic of ballet this holiday season. They also offer tours of the theatre and backstage areas if you’d like to see what goes into putting on such an impressive show each year.
Visit Union Square
Union Square is one of our favorite places in California because it’s simply magical with all its lights and decorations. You can take a walk around the square and admire all of the different trees. There’s also a lot to do in Union Square, like ice skating, shopping, and dining. So make sure to add it to your list of places to visit this holiday season. You can enjoy perusing shops or dining at restaurants while admiring the festive atmosphere around you before heading over to watch them light it up.
