Archives for December 2, 2025

 

A Full Season of Festive Cheer Featuring Santa’s Arrival Celebration on December 6 and the Vintage Holiday Market on December 20, 2025

Celebrate the holiday season at Lido Marina Village as Newport Beach’s iconic open-air shopping, dining and lifestyle destination transforms into an enchanting coastal wonderland. Enjoy a full calendar of family-friendly programming throughout the month, including the highly anticipated Santa’s Arrival Celebration at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, December 6, and the charming Vintage Holiday Market from 12-5 p.m. on Saturday, December 20. Guests are invited to explore the village and take in the festive atmosphere with live music, strolling performers, gourmet hot chocolate, artisan markets, Santa visits and more throughout December.

Santa’s Arrival Celebration (December 6) 

Kick off the season in true Southern California style as Santa arrives at Lido Marina Village by sea in an Electric Boat. Festivities throughout the day include face painting, balloon twisting, appearances by the Little Drummer Boy and Winter Ballerina, gourmet hot chocolate from the Jolly Sheep, a performance by the Holly Belles, cookie decorating with the Picnic Collective, a strolling holiday brass quartet and more surprises.

Families are invited to capture photos, meet Santa and enjoy additional holiday activations hosted by Lido’s shops and restaurants.

Vintage Holiday Market (December 20) 

Discover the Vintage Holiday Market on the Lido Deck from 12-5 p.m. on December 20, featuring a curated collection of unique, one-of-a-kind vintage items perfect for holiday gifting. Enjoy live music, gourmet hot chocolate and visits from Santa throughout the day.

Season-Long Holiday Highlights 

Lido Marina Village will be filled with holiday cheer all season. Santa will make appearances from November 29 through December 21, greeting guests on select Thursdays and Fridays from 4–8 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from 12–4 p.m. (Full schedule available online; timing may vary during Santa’s workshop breaks).

On Saturday, December 13, the Lido Deck hosts the Female Maker Market, featuring more than 30 female artists and artisans, live entertainment and visits from Santa.

Special musical performances further elevate the festive ambiance, including The Holly Belles on December 6, lively a cappella sets from Jingle 5 on December 14 and 20, and a strolling brass ensemble on select dates.

Guests can also enjoy live holiday music every Thursday, Saturday and Sunday from 12–3 p.m. throughout the month.

In-Store Holiday Events

Lido Marina Village’s shops and restaurants will host additional seasonal experiences, including trunk shows, workshops, tastings, holiday promotions and more. A full listing of holiday happenings at Lido can be found at lidomarinavillage.com/events. 

Credit:  Lido Marina Village

Website: lidomarinavillage.com

GETTY VILLA:

The Percy Jackson Quest

Dec 6, 7,13, and 14, 2025

Drop-in 10:30am–3pm

Getty Villa

Calling all fans of Percy Jackson! To celebrate Season 2 of Percy Jackson and the Olympians, all demigods (and ancient world enthusiasts) are invited to join a quest through the galleries and gardens of the Getty Villa Museum. Test your knowledge of Greek mythology and the world of Percy Jackson—complete the quest to receive a prize!

Making Scents of the Ancient World: Pylos Perfume Workshop

Dec 13, 2025 and Jan 10, 2026

Drop-in 11am-3pm

Getty Villa

In this free, drop-in, perfume-making workshop, you can create your own perfume inspired by an ancient recipe from Pylos, in southern Greece. Build custom perfumes by exploring the spices and oils favored by the Mycenaeans, some of which are still in use today, and discover how these materials were applied in antiquity.

GETTY CENTER: 

Getty Drawing Days

Dec 7, 2025 and Jan 25, 2026

Drop-in 11am–3pm

Getty Center

Do you like to draw? Join us for this fun, drop-in drawing event where participants of all ages and skill levels discover the joy of drawing from live, costumed models. Guest artists offer guidance and materials are provided—just bring your curiosity and creativity.

Artist-at-Work: Figure Drawing

Dec 7, 2025 and Jan 25, 2026

Drop-in 11:30am, 12:30pm, 1:30pm, 2:30pm

Getty Center

Join artist Peter Zokosky for live drawing demonstrations. Meet the artist, ask questions, and discover different materials and techniques for drawing people.

Credit: Getty.

WHAT: 

Cerritos Towne Center is transforming into a winter wonderland for its annual Holiday Spectacular. Families are invited to spend an afternoon with Santa, make decorative crafts, take photos by the Christmas tree and play winter-themed games. There will also be face painting and balloon twisting with a special holiday twist! 

WHEN:
Sunday, December 7 from 12 p.m. – 2 p.m.

WHERE:

Cerritos Towne Center

12731 Towne Center Dr, Cerritos, CA 90703

RSVP:

No RSVP required. The event is free and open to the public.

For more information, visit cerritostc.com.

Credit: Cerritos Towne Center.

On December 7, 2025, LACMA will host a free, fun-filled day for NexGenLA members and their families! Celebrate iconic artworks from LACMA’s permanent collection on view in the Modern Art Galleries. Enjoy a variety of inspired activities and experiences across the museum campus such as hands-on art workshops, dynamic dance sessions, storytime read-alouds, face painting, and family-friendly tours.

Step into a world of imagination, creativity, and color—there’s something for everyone, and all outdoor activities are free to attend.

A full schedule can be found here: https://www.lacma.org/event/nexgenla-celebration 

Sunday, Dec 7 10 am–2 pm
WHERE	Los Angeles County Museum of Art 5905 Wilshire Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90036
TICKETS	FREE with museum admission All outdoor activities are free to attend without museum admission https://www.lacma.org/event/nexgenla-celebration

Get ready to embark on a magical journey as Coastal Christmas returns to the enchanting Del Mar Fairgrounds from Thursday, December 12! This year, families, friends, and couples looking for a festive night out are invited to experience a reimagined seaside celebration that shimmers with Millions of lights, melodies, and holiday joy. 

Immerse yourself in the wonder of the expanded Holiday Light Trail, glide on our sparkling Glice® skating rink, and discover treasures at our thriving Holiday Market. Sip and savor your way through the Holiday Wine Walk, capture unforgettable moments with Santa and his merry friends, and let the little ones bask in the joy of Frosty’s Fun Zone, all just moments away from the beautiful Pacific Ocean! Delightful seasonal food and beverages will be available throughout the venue to keep your spirits bright. Tickets are on sale now at coastalchristmasdelmar.com, starting at $26.98 for adults and $20.61 for kids on select nights. 

Building on the magic of last year, CBF Productions is thrilled to unveil a spectacularly revamped layout that will take you on a whimsical journey from entry to exit, with even more dazzling lights illuminating your path. As dusk falls, the trail transforms into a breathtaking spectacle, ensuring every moment sparkles with enchantment and joy.

“Coastal Christmas has blossomed into a beloved tradition for the Del Mar and San Diego community, and we are incredibly excited to bring it back, bigger and brighter than ever,” said Vincenzo Giammanco, Founder and CEO of CBF Productions.

Returning by popular demand, the Holiday Wine Walk has been expanded to be a nightly delight for the 21+ crowd! Stroll through the twinkling lights with a souvenir tasting cup, sampling exquisite pours at various stops throughout the venue.

Families will find endless opportunities for fun and togetherness. Santa and his merry friends will arrive nightly at 5:00 p.m. (on December 26, Santa returns to the North Pole, but his cheerful helpers will still be on hand), offering complimentary smartphone photo opportunities for families and friends. The little ones will love bouncing and playing in Frosty’s Fun Zone, while teens and adults can glide on the Glice® rink and indulge in seasonal snacks and sips before exploring the wonder of the light trail and market. For those seeking a cozy and private experience, reserve your own Igloo or Fire Pit Table, complete with personal drink service.

Don’t miss out on the ultimate holiday tradition, join us at Coastal Christmas for a magical experience that will create cherished memories for years to come!

Sunday, December 14th: Stuff A Sleigh
1,000 toys, one night! Children get in free with an unwrapped toy. First 1,000 children only. Accompanying. Adults must buy tickets. One child per adult

Thursday, December 18th: Community Night

All General Admission tickets are Buy One, Get One Free. Add ons and other ticket types are full price.

Friday, December 19th: First Responders & Nurses Night

All First Responders and Nurses get free admission with a valid world ID or badge. All other party members must purchase tickets.

Sunday, December 21st: Military Night

All active duty Military members and Veterans get free admission with valid ID or badge. All other party members must purchase tickets.

Monday, December 22nd: Senior Night

Guests ages 65 and over get free admission with a valid ID. All other party members must purchase tickets.

Tuesday, December 23rd: Student Night

All students get free admission with a current, valid school ID. All other party members must purchase tickets.

About Coastal Christmas 

Coastal Christmas is a 10-day holiday light spectacular hosted at the Del Mar Fairgrounds, bringing the magic of the season to the beautiful shores of California. With its enchanting light displays, festive activities and joyful atmosphere, Coastal Christmas promises to be a beloved annual tradition for families and friends seeking a winter wonderland experience on the West Coast. Open on select dates, from December 12th to December 26th, Coastal Christmas features an immersive light display of shimmering lights, eco-friendly Glice® skating, a holiday market, holiday wine walk, free photos with Santa, private Igloo and Fire Pit Table reservations, and more.

Credit: Coastal Christmas.