Books of the Week: November 10th, 2025

The True Gifts of Christmas as an advent calendar

This holiday season, instead of another chocolate advent calendar that’s gone by December 25th, Emmy-nominated TV host and Hallmark Channel star Megan Alexander is offering families a keepsake tradition to enjoy year after year.

Her new book, The True Gifts of Christmas (Loyola Press; August 11, 2025), is designed like an advent calendar in book form, with 25 “gifts” that count down to Christmas. Each day reveals the story and meaning behind a beloved holiday tradition like candy canes, mistletoe, and stockings alongside festive recipes, hands-on crafts, and family activities.

With its beautiful photography and heartfelt storytelling, The True Gifts of Christmas transforms the countdown to December 25th into a meaningful journey of reflection, connection, and celebration. It’s a substitute for the traditional advent calendar that won’t disappear when the season ends, it’s a keepsake families can return to year after year.

I love this book and even learned a few things such as what the meaning of candles at Christmas and what cardinals are associated with Christmas. I also love that there are recipes, and I can’t wait to try the Gingerbread cookie recipe.

Christmas Advent books seem to be the hot thing this holiday season! Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers has acquired THE CHRISTMAS CONTEST, an illustrated chapter book featuring Santa’s elves that uses a patented book design allowing readers to unlock one chapter per day in the lead-up to Christmas with an innovative perforated chapter design.

Santa Claus has a problem. There are too many kids on the nice list this year, and he’s worried he won’t be able to deliver all the presents by himself! The only solution is to recruit an apprentice for the first time in his long career—to be chosen through a carefully crafted competition.

Soon, the North Pole is buzzing with excitement as contestants come forward to show they’ve got the Christmas spirit and know-how to help jolly old St. Nicholas himself. As Christmas Eve draws closer and Santa Claus tasks the hopefuls with more and more creative tests, who will come out on top?

Young children will love this book! It’s a must-buy this holiday season!

The Story Orchestra: Hansel and Gretel 

Discover the enchanting magic of Hansel and Gretel in this musical reimagining of Humperdinck’s most famous suites – press the buttons on each of the 10 pages to hear the vivid sound of an orchestra playing from Humperdinck’s score. At the back of the book, find a short biography of the composer, Engelbert Humperdinck, with details about his composition of Hansel and Gretel. You can replay the musical excerpts and, for each of them, read a discussion of the instruments, rhythms, and musical techniques that make them so powerful. A glossary defines musical terms. Ages 5 to 8. 

Self Disclosure: I received free books to facilitate this featured book post. Images were also provided.

Get Ready for the One and Only Monster Jam®Returning to Anaheim for Three Action-Packed Weekends!

Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports

Tickets on sale now to see the world’s most popular Monster Jam trucks and best drivers roar into Angel Stadium from January 17–February 22 for Stadium Championship Series West.

**Events Highlighted by TWO SoCal New Truck Debuts

featuring Tech Deck® Wreck Deck™ and Bailey Circuit™**

Nothing compares to the one and only Monster Jam® to become a fan for life with an ultimate day of family fun, roaring through Angel Stadium on January 17 & 18, January 31 & February 1 and February 21 & 22, 2026.  Get ready to cheer, scream, and be amazed as massive Monster Jam trucks and world champion drivers take over SoCal for three weekends packed with stunts, smiles, and jaw-dropping skills.  With awesome trucks, amazing stunts, big air, and action-packed excitement, it’s the definition of fun for everyone!

This isn’t just any event – it’s unexpected, unscripted, and unforgettable, where 12,000-pound trucks stand on two wheels and fly through the air in competitions of speed and skill.  It’s all happening at Monster Jam, where your outside voice is allowed, and every big moment comes with an even bigger smile!

Get Your Tickets Before They’re Gone!

Tickets are on sale now at Ticketmaster.comMonster Jam Preferred Customers get the first chance to snag the best seats; fans can still sign up for free to grab an exclusive pre-sale code.

TWO New SoCal Truck Debuts – First Ever Anaheim Appearances!

The full-throttle, ramp-smashing powerhouses of Monster Jam® and Tech Deck® have come together to launch the newest Monster Jam truck, Tech Deck® Wreck Deck™.  Inspired by the fearless world of skateboarding, this truck treats the stadium like a massive skatepark, catching big air like it’s hitting a vert ramp, stomping landings, and going for the coolest tricks.  This limitless and resilient Monster Jam truck was first unveiled at the X Games in Salt Lake City this summer ahead of the marquee Monster Jam World Finals® XXIV event where the truck grinded down a 60-foot rail as the epic Kickoff Stunt (check out the stunt video here). 

Making the first-ever SoCal debut appearance, say hello to the Bailey Circuit™ Monster Jam® truck – the big-wheeled best friend with a nose for adventure! Inspired by Ringling’s® fan-favorite robotic pup, the latest addition to Monster Jam’s fleet comes thanks to a first-of-its-kind collaboration between The Greatest Show On Earth® and Monster Jam. Bailey Circuit is here to chase down big air jumps and fetch some fun for the whole crowd. Tail wags included!  

Feel the Thrill of Full-Throttle Fun

Get ready for big-time entertainment as Anaheim roars to life with gravity-defying stunts, heart-pounding races, and plenty of big air!  The world’s best drivers tear up the dirt as they battle for the Event Championship in three competitions: Racing, Skills, and everyone’s favorite, Freestyle, where Monster Jam trucks defy the laws of physics and do the impossible.  Fans will be right in the middle of the action, helping to crown the Event Champion as they get to score the drivers in real time based on their skills, stunts, and saves.

Start the Fun Early at the Monster Jam Pit Party®

The day of fun starts at the Monster Jam Pit Party® on both Saturday and Sunday each weekend – your first stop for selfies with the trucks, high-fives and autographs from drivers, and family-friendly activities. It’s the perfect way to start a day of adrenaline-charged fun, plus get an insider’s look at how these 12,000-pound trucks are built to stand up to the competition.  The Monster Jam Pit Party – where the fun begins.

Don’t Miss the Monster Jam Trackside Experience There’s no better way to get ready for the action than Monster Jam Trackside, happening about an hour before the event. It’s packed with driver interviews, pit crew sneak peeks, and epic giveaways that’ll get everyone pumped up before the action begins. Then, watch as the opening ceremonies set the stage for one-of-a-kind fun for the whole family!

Meet the Superstars of Monster Jam!

These aren’t just any drivers – they’re world-class male and female athletes who have mastered controlling these 12,000-pound beasts. Whether pulling off insane backflips, nailing vertical 2-wheel tricks, or tearing up the track in all-out racing, these drivers are ready to wow fans with the most mind-blowing live motorsports action around.

The competition is fierce as 12 top drivers battle it out for the Stadium Championship Series West title and a coveted spot in the Monster Jam World Finals® in Salt Lake City, Utah, on July 4th weekend. You’ll be on the edge of your seat watching the world’s most popular trucks and drivers like Tyler Menninga in the legendary Grave Digger®; Ryan Anderson, celebrating 15 years of Son-uva Digger® in 2026; the 6-ton unicorn with a bold attitude, Sparkle Smash® driven by Kayla Blood; Bryce Kenny behind the wheel of the new Tech Deck® Wreck Deckä; plus the debut of Bailey Circuit™, the all-new Monster Jam truck inspired by Ringling’s fan-favorite robotic pup.  You can’t get this kind of wow just anywhere! 

WHEN:                Saturday, January 17, 2026

  • Event Time – 4:30 PM
  • Pit Party open from 12:30 PM – 3:30 PM (Event Ticket & Pit Party Pass required for entry)

Sunday, January 18, 2026

  • Event Time – 2:30 PM
  • Pit Party open from 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM(Event Ticket & Pit Party Pass required for entry)

                                Saturday, January 31, 2026

  • Event Time – 4:30 PM
  • Pit Party open from 12:30 PM – 3:30PM (Event Ticket & Pit Party Pass required for entry)

Sunday, February 1, 2026

  • Event Time – 2:30 PM
  • Pit Party open from 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM(Event Ticket & Pit Party Pass required for entry)

Saturday, February 21, 2026

  • Event Time – 4:30 PM
  • Pit Party open from 12:30 PM – 3:30 PM (Event Ticket & Pit Party Pass required for entry)

Sunday, February 22, 2026

  • Event Time – 2:30 PM
  • Pit Party open from 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM(Event Ticket & Pit Party Pass required for entry)

WHERE:            Angel Stadium – 2000 E Gene Autry Way, Anaheim, CA 92806

TICKETS:            Gravity-defying action, down-to-earth prices!

Tickets and Pit Party Passes are now available for purchase online at Ticketmaster.com

*Ticket prices subject to change – additional venue/ticketing fees may apply

TRUCK & DRIVER LINEUPS:  Grave Digger® driven by Tyler Menninga; Son-uva Digger® driven by Ryan Anderson; Sparkle Smash® driven by Kayla Blood; Zombie® driven by Bari Musawwir; Tech Deck® Wreck Deckä driven by Bryce Kenny; Bailey Circuitä driven by TBD; El Toro Loco® driven by Jamey Garner; Megalodon® driven by Deidra Garner; Black Pearl driven by Cole Venard; Wild Side driven by Zack Garner; Vendetta driven by Mike Christensen; and Shell Shocked driven by Dalton Widner

**Truck and driver line-up subject to change

For more detailed local info, visit the Anaheim event pages on MonsterJam.com:

https://www.monsterjam.com/en-us/events/anaheim-ca/jan-17-2026-jan-18-2026

https://www.monsterjam.com/en-us/events/anaheim-ca/jan-31-2026-feb-01-2026

https://www.monsterjam.com/en-us/events/anaheim-ca/feb-21-2026-feb-22-2026

Follow Monster Jam on our social media channels: FacebookXInstagram and TikTok. Subscribe to the Monster Jam YouTube Channel at http://www.youtube.com/MonsterJam

About Monster Jam

Unexpected, unscripted, and unforgettable, Monster Jam® features world-class athletes competing for championships on perfectly engineered dirt tracks that push these ever-evolving, state-of-the-art trucks to the limit. Beyond the 350 global live events each year, the Monster Jam brand extends off the track into the home through products, content, and merchandise that keeps the fun alive year-round.  For more information, visit MonsterJam.com.

About Feld Motor Sports

Feld Motor Sports, Inc. is the worldwide leader in producing and presenting specialized arena and stadium-based motorsports entertainment. Properties include Monster Jam®, Monster Energy AMA Supercross, and the SuperMotocross World Championship. Feld Motor Sports, Inc. is a subsidiary of Feld Entertainment, Inc. Visit monsterjam.comSupercrossLIVE.com, and feldentertainment.com for more information.

11/15 and 11/16: Autumn Festival at the Aquarium of the Pacific

Kim Eung Korean Dance Group during 23rd annual Autumn Festival at Aquarium of the Pacific on November 16, 2024 in Long Beach, California. Photo Credit: Aquarium of the Pacific.

The Aquarium of the Pacific’s twenty-fourth annual Autumn Festival highlights the traditions and cultures of China, Japan, Korea, and the Philippines through a weekend of learning opportunities and family entertainment celebrating the diversity of Asian and Asian American cultures. The festival will feature traditional craft demonstrations, music, dance, cultural arts exhibits, and storytelling.

During the Sunday of the festival, the Aquarium will honor Eung Hwa Kim, founder and executive and artistic director of the Kim Eung Hwa & Korean Dance Academy. Through her nonprofit Academy, Kim works to provide education and training and to foster cultural awareness and community outreach through performances and workshops. Kim has dedicated her life to the preservation and sharing of traditional Korean dance and music.

WHEN:          Saturday and Sunday, November 15 and 16, 2025, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

WHERE:        Aquarium of the Pacific, 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802

COST:           Included with general admission: $44.95 per adult (ages 12+), $34.95 per child (ages 3-11), $41.95 per senior (ages 62+), and free for Aquarium members and children under age three / Reservations required 

INFO:     (562) 590-3100 or aquariumofpacific.org/events/info/autumn_festival  Reservations required.

Credit: Aquarium of the Pacific.

The Paramount Swap Meet’s Inaugural Día de los Muertos Celebration featuring a Catrina Contest Sund,ay November 16, 2025

The Paramount Swap Meet’s Inaugural Día de los Muertos Celebration featuring a Catrina Contest

A Celebration of Beauty, Creativity, and Tradition – Calling All Catrinas!

Sunday November 16, 2025

Event Details: The Paramount Swap Meet invites the community to join us for the inaugural Día de los Muertos Celebration.

This event continues our legacy of celebrating heritage, art, and togetherness while honoring the memories that connect us all.

**Catrina Contest: A Celebration of Beauty, Creativity, and Tradition**

We invite participants to showcase their most original and creative Catrina looks for a chance to win 1st and 2nd place prizes in the Most Original Catrina category.

Adding to the excitement, the contest will feature special guest judge La Muerta Maria, known for her stunning artistry and dedication to cultural representation.

Entry to the contest is free—so bring your best look, your brightest spirit, and your love for tradition!

This free, family-friendly event honors the vibrant Mexican tradition of remembering and celebrating loved ones who have passed while embracing the beauty of life, culture, and community.

For 70 years, Paramount Swap Meet has been a cultural and community hub for families across the region.

Join us in celebrating this rich tradition!
Attractions Guests can enjoy a variety of interactive and cultural activities throughout the day, including:
 Face Painting
 Sugar Skull Creations
 Papel Picado Crafts
 Community Altar (bring a photo or offering)
 Catrinas Contest (with prizes!)
 Raffles & Family Fun
 Delicious Food Vendors
 Live Music & Performances
 Photo Exhibition & Live Canvas Painters
 Traditional Aztec Dancers
WHEN: Sunday November 16, 2025
Time: 11 AM – 4 PM

WHERE: The Paramount Swap Meet
Admission: $3
Parking: Free
Family-Friendly | All Are Welcome
The Paramount Swap Meet is located at 7900 All America City Way, Paramount, CA 90723.
https://www.paramountswap.com/about/

ReflectSpace Presents: Viajero Del Tiempo/Time Traveler

Carolyn Castaño, Composite image: Father standing over Hollywood Fwy, inkjet print reproduction, 1961/Mantel, mixed-media on canvas, variable dimensions, 2020-2022 

ReflectSpace is pleased to present a solo exhibition of first-generation Colombian-American artist Carolyn Castaño. Born, raised, and educated in California, Castaño’s work reflects her experience as the daughter of immigrants—iterative, interdisciplinary—moving drawings and paintings from the two-dimensional flatness of paper or canvas to digitally printed fabric, to videos that incorporate animated drawings, to furniture pieces, to nail decals featured within the larger context of a video.

In Viajero del Tiempo/Time Traveler, Castaño draws on her late father’s photographic archive—comprising 4,000 photographs, films, and videos—to consider the fragility and ephemerality of memory and identity. The pictures in the exhibition are juxtaposed next to drawings of the landscape (inspired by Alexander von Humboldt’s landscapes and botanical studies) to consider how the land figures in the trajectory and memory of the migrant/immigrant.

The exhibition will include archives, mixed media work as well as work from Castaño’s “Future Ruana” series that is named after the humble woolen poncho worn in the Andes and used as a multipurpose, utilitarian object. Castaño reimagines the ruana as a metaphorical object with speculative implications like a magic carpet.

Complementing Castaño’s work, the PassageWay will feature photographs by young women from the Las Fotos Project—an organization that elevates the voices of teenage girls and gender-expansive youth from communities of color through photography and mentoring. Viajero del Tiempo/Time Traveler is curated by Ara and Anahid Oshagan.

Carolyn Castaño is a Los Angeles–based artist whose eco-feminist practice spans painting, installation, video, and artist books. Her work explores landscape, migration, and female and family identities through a blend of drawing, photography, and performance with patterns drawn from textiles, design, and geometric abstraction. Castaño is the recipient of the 2025 Guggenheim Fellowship in Fine Arts, the 2013 Joan Mitchell Foundation Grant, and fellowships from the California Community Foundation and the City of Los Angeles.

Recent solo exhibitions include Craft Contemporary and the Orange County Museum of Art. Her work has been featured in group exhibitions LACMA and the 56th Venice Biennale. Castaño is a Professor of Drawing and Painting at Long Beach City College and holds degrees from the San Francisco Art Institute and UCLA.
 

Exhibition Dates:

November 15, 2025 – February 1, 2026 

Opening Reception:

Saturday, November 15, 2025, 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM

Artist Talk:

Exhibiting artists will participate in an artist talk on Thursday, January 22, 2026, 6:30 PM; more information can be found at ReflectSpace.org.

Location:

ReflectSpace / Glendale Central Library

222 East Harvard Street

Glendale, CA 91205

Phone: (818) 548-2021

Credit: REFLECTSPACE

 ‘LA BikeFest’ BikeLA’s Pedal Powered Fundraiser Celebration with a goal to transform LA into a better place to live and bicycle

2025 LA BikeFest
BikeLA hosts its 4th Annual LA BikeFest Fundraiser Happy Hour and Celebration of bike-minded people from daily commuters to weekend warriors, and everyone in between. A Pedal-Powered Party where attendees are encouraged to ride to and from LA BikeFest via the healthiest, happiest, most sustainable, and equitable transportation available – the BICYCLE. Taking place on Saturday, November 15 from 12 p.m.–3 p.m. at Highland Park Brewery, a hop, skip and roll from the Chinatown Metro station, the event is open to all ages, but you must be 21+ to be served beer. The $25pp ticket (purchased in advance; $35 at the door if capacity allows) includes free bike valet, one beer or non-alcoholic drink, a commemorative sky blue BikeLA bandana, and our biggest yet bike-themed silent auction.

Join fellow BikeLA supporters, local chapter members, and Angelenos with the shared desire to transform Los Angeles into a better place to live and bicycle. Come together for a relaxed afternoon of good vibes, great company, and tasty brews. In addition, BikeLA has announced this year’s three 2025 Spoke Award Honorees who will be honored at this year’s BikeFest:

Hugo Soto-MartinezLos Angeles City Council for the 13th District, was born and raised in Los Angeles. His parents immigrated here and worked as street vendors to give Hugo and his five siblings more opportunities than they had in Mexico. As a child, he took pride in building and riding his own bicycles. For 16 years, Hugo organized with UNITE HERE! Local 11, fighting alongside mostly immigrant women in the hotel industry to win better wages, healthcare, and respect on the job. Since his election to City Council in 2022, Hugo has worked to build community power and bring the voice of working people into City Hall. In 2024, Hugo opened his first ever protected bike lanes in Hollywood, as part of his landmark “Access to Hollywood” project.

BikeLA commends Metro staff for the Rail to Rail Path, a new 5.5-mile path for walking, biking and rolling in South LA that connects the K Line at Fairview Heights to the A Line at Slauson Station. Outfitted with five Metro Bike Share Stations at: Denker & Slauson, Vermont & Slauson, Figueroa & Slauson, Avalon & Slauson, and Compton & Slauson these stations installed in May 2025 connect the communities along the Slauson corridor with affordable bicycles.

ActiveSGV, founded in 2010 by San Gabriel Valley residents and public health advocates, addresses the lack of safe, green, complete streets in east Los Angeles County. The organization has led over a dozen active transportation plans, launched one of California’s first Traffic Diversion Programs with the El Monte District Court, and organized eight regional open streets events, including the 626 Golden Streets (2017) and ArroyoFest (2023). ActiveSGV also created the region’s first monthly e-bike share program, GoSGV.com (2022), built the Merced Avenue Greenway bikeway (2024), and expanded green space in El Monte – advancing a more sustainable, equitable, and livable San Gabriel Valley.

Plus, special partner acknowledgements to Streets are for Everyone (known as SAFE) started by cyclist Damian Kevitt as a movement for safer streets after he was hit by a car and nearly killed while riding his bicycle in Griffith Park. SAFE is a non-profit organization celebrating their 10th Anniversary with an aim to improve the quality of life for pedestrians, bicyclists, and drivers alike by reducing traffic fatalities to zero; and Highland Park Brewery for graciously hosting BikeFest for the past three consecutive years.

Bike LA’s honorees are passionate, dedicated, and collaborative in making Los Angeles a more bikeable region for everyone.

“BikeFest is more than a bike celebration — it’s a statement about the kind of Los Angeles we’re building together,” explains Eli Akira Kaufman, BikeLA executive director.  “Every time someone chooses to ride, they’re choosing cleaner air, safer streets, and stronger connections among our communities. BikeLA exists to make that choice easier for everyone, in every neighborhood, every day.”

Highland Park Brewery will have a bar in a designated area where additional beer can be purchased as well as offering a special menu (including a vegan option) available for purchase. 

This year’s BikeFest Gold Helmet Sponsor is Waymo, making it safer, more accessible, and more sustainable to get around – without the need for anyone in the driver’s seat; the Silver Helmet Sponsors include Tranzito-Vector, working hard to expand bus shelter structures with better design and amenities to serve the lived experience of all Angelenos, Bicycle Transit Systems, with over a decade of supporting shared mobility in Los Angeles; and  Lyft, growing on-demand, scheduled ahead, late night, or morning commutes by bicycles; Bronze Helmet Sponsors are Laemmle Charitable Foundation, making the family’s vision of a sustainable community a reality; Lime, expanding the world’s largest shared electric fleet; and Serve Robotics, building the next generation of autonomous sidewalk delivery robots.

Silent auction donors for bike-themed accessories include SpurcyclePatagoniaYakimaTernRoad Runner bagsABUSKryptonite and more.

Visit https://www.la-bike.org or sign up for email announcements HERE.

Ticket proceeds and additional donations help raise crucial funds to support BikeLA advocacy and programming to make Los Angeles more bikeable for everyone.

GETTING TO LA BIKEFEST:

– Ride your bike! We highly encourage guests to ride to and from LA Bike Fest via the healthiest, happiest, most sustainable, and equitable transportation available – THE BICYCLE – BikeLA will offer complimentary Bike Valet.

– Sometimes people need to drive their car. Street parking is available, but please be mindful of street signs.

Where:  Highland Park Brewery,1220 N. Spring Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012 (free bike valet)

When:  Saturday, November 15, 2025; 12 p.m. – 3 p.m.

Tickets:  $25pp ticket purchased in advance, $35 at the door if capacity allows – for ages 5 and up; includes free bike valet, one beer or non-alcoholic drink, a commemorative sky blue BikeLA bandana, and a bike-themed silent auction.

More Information & Tickets: 
– 
https://www.la-bike.orghttps://events.humanitix.com/bikefest2025/tickets
– For additional information please contact:bikefest@bike-la.org
– Follow BikeLA at https://www.facebook.com/heybikelahttps://www.instagram.com/heybikela/https://twitter.com/heybikela
 https://www.youtube.com/@heybikela
 BikeLA Trailer/B-roll: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AORGteyQp3M&t=213s

BikeLA is a nonprofit organization that works to make all communities in Los Angeles County healthy, safe, and fun places to ride a bike through advocacy, education, and outreach. BikeLA envisions LA County that is a great place for every day, year-round bicycling. People live in healthier, more vibrant communities, where the air is cleaner, and streets are both quieter and safer for everyone. More women, families and children ride their bikes and appreciate opportunities to enjoy their neighborhoods and their city. All people, of varying cultures and backgrounds, can ride their bikes everywhere, safely, and conveniently.

The Queen Mary Decks the Halls this Holiday Season with “Holly Days Aboard,” Featuring Festive Activations and Special Seasonal Programming

Dine with Santa at Sunday Brunch, Gingerbread House Making, a 

Christmas Bar called the ‘Peppermint Lounge’, a Hot Cocoa Bar, 

Silent Disco: Christmas Songs Edition, Letters to Santa, and Much More!

The Queen Mary in Long Beach is making everything merry and bright this holiday season, decking her halls (and decks) with twinkling lights, decorated trees, and a month of festive programming through December 24th. From Santa at Sunday Brunch and the can’t miss Christmas Bar called the “Peppermint Lounge” to live entertainment and family-friendly fun, the legendary ocean liner is offering holiday cheer for all ages.

Throughout December, visitors and guests can enjoy a variety of holiday happenings and themed events that make the Queen Mary one of Southern California’s most unique holiday destinations. The celebrations begin with Santa Sundays at the ship’s signature Royal Sunday Brunch every Sunday in December (Dec. 6, 13, 20, 27), where guests can savor a lavish holiday spread while meeting Santa himself. December 4 – 24, visitors can also sip and be merry at the all-new Peppermint Lounge, a Christmas bar located in the Embarkation Room, featuring live music on select nights and specialty cocktails that taste just like the season. On Friday, December 5th, experience a festive evening of dancing under the stars with sweeping harbor views and a playlist of holiday favorites during Silent Disco: Christmas Songs Edition.

The celebration reaches its peak December 19–21, when Santa’s Ship Stop in the Queens Salon becomes the ultimate destination for hands-on holiday fun. Families can build gingerbread houses with Santa’s elves ($25 per child or available as a package with Photos with Santa), sip something sweet at Cocoa with Claus, and send off Letters to Santa, with replies from the North Pole guaranteed! These activities will take place from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, December 19, and from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, December 20 and 21. During select hours, children can enjoy Cookies with the Captain, where every young guest receives a complimentary cookie while parents are welcomed to toast the season at the Peppermint Lounge.

The festivities continue throughout the week with a lineup of can’t-miss holiday events leading up to Christmas. On Wednesday, December 17, guests can cozy up for Movie on the Mary: Christmas Edition in the Queen Mary Theatre from 6–8 p.m., followed by Brushes & Bubbly: Winter Wonderland on Thursday, December 18, from 6–8 p.m. On Friday, December 19, the ship comes alive with Bingo Loco in the Grand Salon from 7–11 p.m., along with Holiday Follies performances running December 19–20. 

With its gleaming Art Deco halls, sweeping ocean views, and nostalgic holiday atmosphere, the Queen Mary offers a truly one-of-a-kind backdrop for celebrations big and small. Guests are invited to book their holiday parties, plan festive gatherings, and experience the spirit of the season aboard one of the world’s most iconic ships.

Deck the halls and sail into the season aboard The Queen Mary! For more information on the Queen Mary, to book a holiday party, seasonal offerings, and more visit queenmary.com/whatsondeck, or connect with us on social @TheQueenMary.

Credit: The Queen Mary.

Rabbit, Nov. 7 Pet of the Week

AWWWWWW!

Look at those eyes, as blue as the sky on a clear day! They belong to Rabbit, a year-old Siberian husky blend. Rabbit earned his name from the way he hops and skips playfully around the yard with the doggie friends he’s made at Long Beach Animal Care Services and helped adjust to shelter life. He loves the doggie pool! Rabbit has human friends, too—he loves his volunteer buddies, although he’s shy at first with new people. Like any rabbit, Rabbit loves tricks, especially agility and “sit pretty.” Shelter life, as good as it may be at Long Beach Animal Care Services, is no place for any pet, particularly one as timid as Rabbit. A forever home, or at least a foster, would be ideal, with a predictable setting and consistent, loving human attention. Could you do the trick of pulling the Rabbit out of the hatch? Long Beach Animal Care Services is over capacity with dogs, so speed the process to adopt or foster Rabbit 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#A738526.