Holiday Krazy Krafts Day at the International Printing Museum celebrates the beautiful and creative arts of printing, paper arts, book making, lettering and more. This hands-on event isn’t just for kids, but for the “kid” in all of us. With more than a dozen activity stations around the Museum, guests can print holiday cards on antique printing presses, make paper by hand, learn the art of Japanese paper marbling, and foil stamp decorative hanging ornaments. Everyone is encouraged to bring (or purchase) a blank t-shirt to screen print a festive, seasonal t-shirt. Throughout the day there will also be press demos and working tours of the Museum’s printing presses that date back to the days of Johannes Gutenberg and Ben Franklin. 

The Society for Calligraphy will be hand-lettering beautiful bookmarks for each guest. The Typewriter Connection will bring vintage typewriters so our guests can personally type their own letters to Santa.

With all of this activity and a few more surprises, the Holiday Krazy Krafts Day at the Printing Museum is a magical day not to be missed. Activities appropriate for all ages, from the very young to the young at heart.

The event is on Saturday, December 13, 10 am to 4 pm. Tickets are $15 per person and can be purchased online or at the door. The Museum is located at 315 W Torrance Blvd, Carson, CA 90745.

For more information visit www.printmuseum.org/kraft

Click HERE for Tickets

Credit: International Printing Museum.

Los Angeles Ballet (LAB) is pleased to announce the addition of a sensory-friendly performance of The Nutcracker, on December 26 at 2:00 pm at Dolby Theatre in Hollywood. This performance is specially adapted to create a more comfortable and accessible environment for individuals with autism, sensory sensitivities, or other cognitive or social challenges, and their families. The relaxed performance of The Nutcracker marks the first of its kind at Dolby Theatre.

To prepare for the relaxed performance, LAB has partnered with Autism Society Los Angeles on making adjustments to the performance, providing a positive guest experience, and training LAB Company members and guest-facing staff at Dolby Theatre.

“This relaxed performance is an example of LAB’s mission to make attending the ballet a welcoming and enjoyable experience for all and it allows us to open the doors to guests who may find a traditional theater setting overwhelming,” said Julia Rivera, Los Angeles Ballet Executive Director. “We are grateful for the guidance and mentorship of Autism Society Los Angeles and for the professional team at Dolby Theatre who have helped us to create a performance experience that all families can include in their own holiday traditions.”

Kim Sinclair, Executive Director of Autism Society Los Angeles said, “We are very excited to partner with Los Angeles Ballet on a sensory-friendly experience.” She added, “This helps remove barriers and allows autistic individuals and their families to participate in everyday community activities, fostering meaningful connection.”

LAB’s relaxed performance is generously supported by The Johnny Carson Foundation and Dolby Theatre.

Guests of the relaxed performance will be free to vocalize in response to the performance and to come and go as necessary during the performance. The relaxed performance will include a variety of modifications to the live theatrical experience:

• Adjusted sensory elements: Sound levels are lowered, and strobe and flashing lights are reduced or eliminated.
• Relaxed house rules: Guests are free to talk, move, or leave their seats as needed during the performance. Guests are encouraged to bring sensory soothing items such as tablets, fidget objects and noise-reducing headphones.
• Adjusted house lights: The house lights remain on at a low level throughout the performance.
• Pre-performance preparation: The Nutcracker Social Story is a detailed guide to help guests plan their experience from arrival to departure and is available for download from losangelesballet.org.
• Dedicated support: Quiet areas are available for those who need a break, and staff experienced in assisting individuals with sensory needs will be on hand.
• Seating: Every other row of Dolby Theatre will be left open to allow for guests to move more freely without disturbing other guests.
• Quiet space: The lobbies and other designated areas will be available throughout the performance to serve as safe, quiet spaces.

Social Story guide

LAB has developed a Social Story guide for guests of the sensory friendly production. The Social Story will help individuals understand social expectations and navigate the theater experience by breaking it down into simple, clear steps. For The Nutcracker, LAB breaks down the experience from entering the parking garage, getting tickets, going through security, finding seats, identifying safe areas, and includes special hints on how to best enjoy both the live music and the dancing. The guide is available for download at losangelesballet.org/2025-2026-season/the-nutcracker/sensory-friendly

Power of Performance

LAB provides 10% of performance tickets free of charge to Los Angeles County community partner organizations that provide services and support to underserved communities all across the County. POP tickets for the relaxed performance will be increased to encourage organizations that support residents with sensory sensitivities to become POP Partners as part of LAB’s effort to make the relaxed performance as accessible as possible. To learn how to become a POP partner, visit losangelesballet.org/power-of-performance.

Tickets for the relaxed performance can be purchased online or by calling the LAB box office at (310) 998-7782, Mon-Fri, 12pm-5pm.

Standard Tickets: $45.00 – $138.00

Discounts are available on standard ticket prices for students, children 12 and under, seniors 65+, educators, first responders, veterans and active duty servicemembers. Special Group Rates are also available.

For more information on what to expect at the sensory-friendly performance and to download the Social Story guide, visit losangelesballet.org/2025-2026-season/the-nutcracker/sensory-friendly

A theatrical reenactment of the apparition of Our Lady of Guadalupe, which includes the creation of a symbolic altar amidst a festive atmosphere.

This event commemorates the miraculous appearance of Our Lady of Guadalupe to the indigenous man Juan Diego on Tepeyac Hill, where her image was imprinted on his tilma (cloak).

Join us in this celebration of faith, tradition, and community.
WHEN: Thursday, December 11
(5pm – 12am)
5:00pm -10:00pm  Live music
11:00pm  Mass with Mariachi
12am Banda music performance

Friday, December 12
(8am – 12pm)
8:00am  Procession
10:00am Mass with Mariachi
11:30am Distribution of pan dulce and coffee

WHERE: Plaza Mexico
3100 E Imperial Hwy, Lynwood, CA 90262
Entrance + Parking: Free
Family-Friendly | All Are Welcome
https://www.plazamexico.com/

ABOUT PLAZA MEXICO
Located in the emergent city of Lynwood, California, and only 14 miles south of downtown Los Angeles, Plaza Mexico encompasses the area bounded by Imperial Highway, Long Beach Boulevard, State Street and the 105 freeway.  It is a unique 420,000 square feet of retail, food, dining, and office space blended together with culture to create a wonderland of shopping, dining, and entertainment.

Plaza Mexico draws inspiration from prominent urban centers such as Guadalajara, Mexico City, Dolores Hidalgo, Oaxaca, Guanajuato, Taxco, and San Miguel de Allende and follows the basic principles of the ancient city of Monte Alban, located approximately 300 miles south of Mexico City.  Now an archeological site, Monte Alban was designed with a north-south access and platform structures. The spatial composition of Monte Alban’s two platforms includes a series of ceremonial spaces, plazas, and courtyards defined by massive facades.

This organization is also evident within many small towns (known as “pueblos”) in Mexico. Typically, a pueblo’s main plaza is a quadrant surrounded by a church, government buildings, markets, and museums. Within the landscaped plaza there are fountains and a “kiosco”, which is a raised platform used as a stage. The purpose of the plaza design is to accommodate social gatherings and public entertainment. The design also facilitates the cultural appreciation of the brilliantly colored building facades and spatial composition.

Plaza Mexico combines all these aspects in the heart of Los Angeles to transport visitors to a rich cultural landscape.

Paramount Swap Meet Celebrates Community with a two-day ‘Posada Navideña’.

Join us as we bring the spirit of the season, spreading joy, love, and holiday cheer throughout our community!

The Paramount Swap Meet proudly invites the Southeast Los Angeles community to join a two-day Posada Navideña celebration. The event will feature beloved holiday traditions, including photos with Santa, train rides, piñatas for children, prize giveaways, and daily raffles.

Event Highlights
• Free photos with Santa & Friends
• Free holiday train rides for kids
• Raffles, Daily Piñatas with treats, Gift Basket, Daily 65’ TV  
• Sweet holiday surprises

As the Paramount Swap Meet continues celebrating 70 years of the historic Paramount Drive-In, the organization expresses deep gratitude to the residents, families, vendors, and loyal customers who have supported the venue across generations.

In appreciation of ongoing community support, the Paramount Swap Meet is gearing up to continue programming more cultural events in 2026.

WHEN: Saturday & Sunday, December 13–14, 2025
Time: 11:00 am – 4:00 pm

WHERE: The Paramount Swap Meet
Admission is just $3, and parking is free.
The event is designed to be accessible and enjoyable for all ages — from families and students to seniors and community partners.
The Paramount Swap Meet is located at 7900 All America City Way, Paramount, CA 90723.
https://www.paramountswap.com/about/

The acclaimed comedy troupe 30 Minute Musicals (30MM) presents, with tongue-in-cheek charm, a hilarious musical mash-up of Home Alone, condensed into a rapid-fire, music-packed distillation of the cult-classic holiday film at Sierra Madre Playhouse for three performances, December 6, 7, and 14, 2025, at 7:30 pm. The fun fast‑paced show, which adheres to the film’s story, includes humorous song parodies, spot‑on character moments, and unexpected touches of improv. The Home Alone holiday spectacular is a clever comedic treat that appeals to both movie lovers and musical theatre fans alike.

Mirroring the movie theater experience, the show even kicks off with live film “trailers” before the Home Alone musical parody begins.

Formed in 2011, 30MM takes beloved cult‑classic films, distills them into 30‑minute musicals, adapts them with original songs and witty dialogue, and performs them live with energy, audience interaction, and theatrical flair. The ensemble’s productions — ranging from Top Gun to Ghostbusters — are praised for their sharp comedic timing, clever musical mash‑ups, and up‑close immersion.

For tickets ($25) and information, please call 626.355.4318 or visit www.sierramadreplayhouse.org. Sierra Madre Playhouse is located at 87 West Sierra Madre Boulevard, Sierra Madre, CA 91024.

Credit: SIERRA MADRE PLAYHOUSE

Get in the holiday spirit at OC Parks’ Heritage Hill Historical Park this December with two weekends of family-friendly fun at Candlelight Walk and Holiday Lights. 

Celebrate the joy of the season at the 39^th annual Candlelight Walk Dec. 5-7, from 5 to 9 p.m. and stroll through the decorated historical grounds during special park hours. Enjoy live musical performances from carolers and brass band musicians, holiday-themed crafts for kids, enchanting puppet show productions of “The Wizard of Oz,” and a visit with Santa Claus! Light refreshments will be available for cash purchase.

The celebration continues with Holiday Lights Dec. 12-14, from 5 to 9 p.m. Explore the historical buildings decked out with dazzling light displays and seasonal décor. Snap festive pictures at holiday-themed photo opportunities throughout the park. Pets are welcome to join the festivities outdoors on leashes no longer than 6 feet. Please note that additional entertainment and refreshments will not be available during Holiday Lights.

“We’re excited to celebrate the holiday season once again with the return of Candlelight Walk and Holiday Lights at Heritage Hill Historical Park,” said Supervisor Donald P. Wagner, Orange County Board of Supervisors. “These events offer families a wonderful opportunity to enjoy festive traditions while exploring one of Orange County’s treasured historic landmarks.”

Candlelight Walk and Holiday Lights at Heritage Hill Historical Park are free to attend with free parking. Inclement weather may cancel the events.

Heritage Hill Historical Park

25151 Serrano Road, Lake Forest, CA 92630

ocparks.com/heritagehill

(949) 923-2230 

39th Annual Candlelight Walk

Date: December 5, 6 and 7

Time: 5 – 9 p.m.

Cost & Parking: Free

Holiday Lights

Date: December 12, 13 and 14

Time: 5 – 9 p.m.

Cost & Parking: Free

Credit: OC Parks.

 

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