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Holiday Crafts Inspired by Gabby’s Dollhouse!

December 4, 2025 By Leave a Comment

Holiday Crafts Inspired by Gabby’s Dollhouse! :ribbon:
Step into the sparkle of the season as Gabby and her kitty-tastic friends share their favorite winter-wonderful crafts from Seasons 1–12! :snowflake::feet: Whether you’re snipping, gluing, baking, or shaking up some magic, these crafts are the purr-fect way to bring a little Dollhouse joy to your holiday celebrations. And don’t forget to check out Season 12, now available on Netflix!:sparkles: 

Try These Gabby’s Dollhouse–Inspired Holiday Crafts:
:gift: Baby Box’s Snow Globe Mindfulness Jar – Shake up calm and sparkle as you create a soothing snow globe jar.
:cupcake: Bake a Carrot Cake with Cakey – Sweeten your season with a cozy, kitty-approved holiday treat!
:christmas_tree: Build a Kitty Christmas Tree Topper with Baby Box – Add a sprinkle of magic to your tree with this adorable DIY topper.
:cat: Baby Box Kitty Holiday Ornament Craft – Create keepsake ornaments that shimmer and shine with kitten charm.
:date: Christmas Advent Calendar Craft – Count down the days to Christmas with a delightfully crafty advent surprise.
:fairy: Get the Kitty Café ready for the holidays with a DIY table & chairs—the purr-fect place to set a festive feast! :christmas_tree::cat::tada: Grab your craft supplies, get cozy, and join Gabby for a holiday season filled with creativity, kindness, and kitty-inspired cheer!

Credit: Gabby’s Dollhouse/Netflix.

Filed Under: Media Reviews

Zoey, Dec. 5 Pet of the Week

December 4, 2025 By Leave a Comment
AWWWWW

Zoey, 4 years old, is more than just a houn’ dog—she’s also a Belgian Malinois! Zoey’s affectionate and seeks attention from humans, and although she’s not much of a frolicker, she does like to hang out with dogs in the play yard and casually mingle, discussing what they’ve smelled in the grass and bushes. She’s apparently had some training—she knows several commands and is housebroken. Zoey once had a home, but it doesn’t seem like she had attention from them. She’s been at the shelter a couple of times as a stray in the last few years, and her owner always came for her. This last time, though, they never responded to shelter requests to come for her, and now, Zoey needs a forever home where her family will give her the attention she so craves. Like many dogs with Belgian Malinois in their DNA, Zoey cannot handle confinement in a kennel—can you give her the home she deserves? The shelter’s over capacity with dogs, so speed the process to adopt or foster Zoey or any of our other pets by emailing PetAdopt@longbeach.gov or petfoster@longbeach.gov. You can also call (562) 570-4925. Our shelter hours are Wednesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 7700 E. Spring St. at the entrance to El Dorado Park (no parking fee for shelter visitors. Ask for ID#A687132

Filed Under: Pet Corner

 Los Angeles Children’s Chorus Rings in the Holidays with Annual Winter Concert, Dec 6-7, and Appearances with LA Opera, Pasadena Symphony

December 3, 2025 By Leave a Comment
Los Angeles Children’s Chorus PHOTO CREDIT: Ricardo Mendoza

Illustrating that children and Christmas go together like, well, Santa and Rudolph, the holidays will be a particularly busy time for the in-demand Grammy Award-winning Los Angeles Children’s Chorus (LACC), considered one of the world’s leading children’s choirs, with three significant engagements for the chorus, one self-produced and the others with LA Opera and Pasadena Symphony.

LA Children’s Chorus’ holiday offerings are anchored by its annual Winter Concert, featuring back-to-back performances at two different locations, Saturday, December 6, 3 pm, at First United Methodist Church in Pasadena, and Sunday, December 7, 2025, 7 pm, at Pasadena Presbyterian Church.Some 400 choristers from six of LACC’s ensembles will be spotlighted on two different programs featuring an array of carols, seasonal songs, and winter-themed works. The December 6 program includes LACC’s Concert Choir and Chamber Singers, both led by Artistic Director Fernando Malvar-Ruiz; the Intermediate Choir, under the direction of Associate Artistic Director Fred Meads; and the Young Men’s Ensemble, conducted by Eric Lifland. The Concert Choir also appears at the December 7 concert, along with the Apprentice Choir, led by Meads, and the Chorale, LACC’s SATB ensemble, directed by Malvar-Ruiz.
 

Additionally, 16 LACC choristers perform in LA Opera’s timeless production of Puccini’s beloved opera La Bohème, directed by Brenna Corner and led by Resident Conductor Lina González-Granados, with six performances, November 22 and 30, and December 4, 6, 10, and 14, at Dorothy Chandler Pavilion. The production stars Janai Brugger (Mimi), Oreste Cosimo (Rodolfo), Erica Petrocelli (Musetta), and Gihoon Kim (Marcello).

To cap the season, LACC joins Pasadena Symphony as a special guest for three performances of the orchestra’s popular Holiday Candlelight concert on December 12, 7 pm, and December 13, 4 pm and 7 pm, at All Saints Church in Pasadena. Larry Blank conducts the festive program, headlined by vocalist Sarah Uriarte Berry, which also features the Donald Brinegar Singers, JPL Chorus, and LA Bronze Handbell Ensemble. Favorites such as The Christmas Song, Sleigh Ride, Hallelujah! and more – all performed by candlelight – set a joyous holiday mood.

Tickets to LACC’s Winter Concert ($29) are on sale now. For tickets and information on LACC’s holiday engagements, visit www.lachildrenschorus.org or call (626) 793-4231. First United Methodist Church is located at 500 E Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91101. Pasadena Presbyterian Church is located at 585 East Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91101.

About the Artists
GRAMMY Award-winning Los Angeles Children’s Chorus (LACC), one of the world’s preeminent youth choruses, has been lauded as “hauntingly beautiful” (Los Angeles Times), “the best children’s chorus I have ever heard” (Esa-Pekka Salonen), and “one of the true artistic gems of Los Angeles” (Gustavo Dudamel). Led by Artistic Director Fernando Malvar-Ruiz, LACC annually appears in more than 50 public performances, including in its own self-produced concerts and in collaborations with leading organizations such as Los Angeles Opera, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Los Angeles Master Chorale, and Pasadena Symphony and POPS. The Chorus annually serves over 500 young people ages 6-18 from 40+ communities across Southern California through its seven choirs, and First Experiences in Singing and Next Experiences in Singing classes. LACC is featured in alumna Billie Eilish’s 2021 cinematic concert experience Happier Than Ever: A Love Letter To Los Angeles on Disney+, and has appeared on John Williams’ 2017 recording, John Williams & Steven Spielberg: The Ultimate Collection, and the Los Angeles Master Chorale’s critically-acclaimed Decca recording, A Good Understanding. The subject of four documentaries by Academy Award®-winning filmmaker Freida Mock, LACC is featured in the Academy Award®-nominated Sing!, about a year in the life of the choir. LACC has performed with John Mayer on NBC’s “The Tonight Show” and been featured on PBS’s “Great Performances,” BBC Radio, and PRI’s nationally-syndicated show “From the Top.” Winner of the 2022 GRAMMY Award for Best Choral Performance for its performance on the LA Philharmonic’s 2021 album, Mahler Symphony No. 8, and recipient of Chorus America’s Margaret Hillis Award for Choral Excellence, LACC frequently serves as a cultural ambassador on tours that have taken the Chorus to 22+ countries on 6 continents. LACC was founded in 1986 by Rebecca Thompson and led from 1995-2018 by Artistic Director Emerita Anne Tomlinson. For more information, please visit www.lachildrenschorus.org.

WHAT:
Los Angeles Children’s Chorus’ Winter Concert

WHO:
Los Angeles Children’s Chorus
Fernando Malvar-Ruiz, Conductor/Concert Choir/Chamber Singers/Chorale
Fred Meads, Conductor/Intermediate Choir
Eric Lifland, Conductor/Young Men’s Ensemble/Apprentice Choir

WHEN/WHERE:
Saturday, December 6, 2025, 3:00 pm
First United Methodist Church, 500 E Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91101
(Features: Intermediate Choir, Concert Choir, Chamber Singers, and Young Men’s Ensemble)


Sunday, December 7, 2025, 7:00 pm
Pasadena Presbyterian Church, 585 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91101
(Features: Apprentice Choir, Concert Choir, and Chorale) 
 

TICKETS/INFORMATION:
$29
(626) 793-4231          
www.lachildrenschorus.org

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Casa Romantica is Set to Have Everyone Rockin’ Around the Casa This Holiday Season

December 2, 2025 By Leave a Comment

December Programming Includes NEW Teddy Bear Christmas Tea, Christmas Nights at the Casa, Family Sunday: Christmas Open House, and More.

The holiday season is almost here, and Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens is ready to have everyone rockin’ around the Casa this December with a festive lineup of seasonal events and community favorites. From the debut of a brand-new Teddy Bear Christmas Tea to the return of The Nutcracker and Christmas Nights at the Casa, the seaside cultural center is the perfect place to make merry memories this holiday season.

“The holidays are such a special time at Casa Romantica,” said Kylie Travis, Co-Executive Director. “We love seeing families, friends, and the community come together to celebrate through art, music, and tradition. Whether it’s your first visit or a long-standing holiday tradition, there’s truly something magical for everyone to enjoy.”

Among this year’s highlights is the Teddy Bear Christmas Tea on Saturday, December 13 at 2 p.m., a heartwarming new event designed for children and their favorite grown-ups. Guests will enjoy dainty tea sandwiches, sweet seasonal treats, and festive beverages served on elegant tiered trays surrounded by whimsical teddy bear centerpieces. The afternoon features live holiday music by Lark Knowles and a visit from Mrs. Claus herself, who will delight guests with a reading of The Night Before Christmas. 

Families can experience the magic of The Nutcracker by Ballet Academy & Movement on December 4 and 5 at 7 p.m., tailored specifically to the intimate setting of Casa Romantica’s newly reopened Main Salon. On Sunday, December 7 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Family Sunday: Christmas Open House offers free admission for families to explore Casa Romantica’s decorated spaces, write letters to Santa, and enjoy a morning of holiday fun along the coast.

The festivities continue with Casa Romantica’s signature celebration, Christmas Nights at the Casa, taking place December 12, 13, 19, and 20 from 5 to 7 p.m. Families can stroll through the illuminated gardens, sip hot cocoa or coffee from High Tide Coffee, and make s’mores under the stars. Each evening will feature live performances, including the South County Community Handbell Choir (Dec. 12), young artists from Community Outreach Alliance (Dec. 13 & 19), and the OC Sound Chorus (Dec. 20). The Casa Romantica Gift Shop will also showcase one-of-a-kind gifts and Casa-exclusive candles, adding a perfect touch of local artistry to the holiday season.

The month concludes with the Coffee Concert with High Tide Coffee on Friday, December 19 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., featuring live music by Corey Angeli. It’s a cozy morning of ocean views, warm beverages, and seasonal melodies offering a peaceful way to close out the year on a high note.

From tea parties and ballet to s’mores and song, Casa Romantica’s December lineup offers something for everyone. From concerts and cultural celebrations to garden workshops and fall festivities, Casa Romantica’s holiday programming offers a rich blend of creativity, community, and coastal charm. For a complete list of events or to purchase tickets, visit CasaRomantica.org and follow @CasaRomanticaSC on social media.

Credit:  Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens.

Filed Under: SoCal City Kids News

Where the Holidays Sparkle: Ojai Valley Inn’s Serenity Season Returns

December 2, 2025 By Leave a Comment
Photo Credit: Ojai Valley Inn

Celebrate the holiday season with experiences for every generation. From December 1–12, families can enjoy in-room Hanukkah Celebration kits, while nightly menorah lightings take place in the lobby from December 14–22. Mornings of hot cocoa and ornament painting are available daily at the Artist Cottage through December 25, while gingerbread house kits can be purchased for in-room enjoyment at Discover Ojai. Santa makes special appearances with Breakfast With Santa from December 19–21, and cookie decorating with storytelling runs December 19–20. On Christmas Eve, guests can join the Jingle Bell Jaunt morning walk or enjoy storytelling with Santa’s elves at the Artist Cottage. Travelers can also delight in letters to Santa, personalized in-room holiday trees and stockings, and surprise in-room elf cookie deliveries throughout the season.

The magic continues at the table with festive culinary experiences, including Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Eve dinners at The Oak or Olivella, reservations for The Oak and Olivella can be made here, as well as The Farmhouse’s Christmas Grand Buffet. The celebration continues with the New Year’s Eve Gala at The Farmhouse with flowing champagne, lively music, and dancing into the night, while little ones toast with sparkling cider and enjoy an array of festive treats at the Mini-Gala.

For travelers seeking a private holiday escape, Casa Elar offers Tuscan-inspired luxury across 10,000+ square feet, ideal for intimate gatherings or full-property buyouts.

Credit: Ojai Valley Inn.

Filed Under: SoCal City Kids News
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