Mission Bay, the iconic destination within San Diego situated on 27 miles of sandy shoreline, is kicking off their holiday season with the return of its beloved holiday boat parade, the “Mission Bay Parade of Lights,” on Saturday, December 10, 2022. Free for all spectators to enjoy—including locals, visitors, and hotel guests—designated spectating areas will be set up at and near Mission Bay’s six hotels and resorts: Bahia Resort Hotel, Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa, The Dana on Mission Bay, Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Spa and Marina, Paradise Point Resort, and San Diego Mission Bay Resort. With festive programming planned at each property during the parade and throughout the month of December, Mission Bay is the perfect holiday getaway for families this season.

“The holiday boat parade has been a Mission Bay tradition since 1970, and we are excited to offer spectators a full slate of festive programming at each resort,” shares George Allen, representative of Discover Mission Bay. “We look forward to welcoming guests to Mission Bay this holiday season and helping families create lasting memories filled with holiday cheer.”

Beginning at 5:30 p.m., the parade will start at SeaWorld with a firework kickoff, travel west, then north, and then east, ending at The Mission Bay Beach Club, with the full route taking about approximately two hours (full map can be viewed below). Spectators of this year’s parade can expect elaborate, decorated boats from local organizations like Rady Children’s Hospital, San Diego Loyal, and SeaWorld. Awards will be presented to the best decorated boats across three categories: Best Sailboat, Best Powerboat, and People’s Choice, with local celebrity judges and all parade spectators participating in the voting and selection of winners. Prizes for first place and runners-up include accommodation and gift cards at select Mission Bay resorts and restaurants.

Each viewing area will offer special festive food & beverage menus and family-friendly activities to get into the holiday spirit, such as bonfires and s’mores, live music, holiday games, an appearance from Santa Claus himself, and more. Offerings at each hotel property for the Parade of Lights on Saturday, December 10 include:

Bahia Resort Hotel

Viewing Location: Bahia Resort Hotel

Join Bahia Resort Hotel for a holiday Airstream party – sounds of holiday music playing as guests indulge in burgers, fries, assorted holiday candy and cookies in addition to a full bar with festive flavored coffee, available for purchase. Beverages will also be available at belly bars by the Airstream.

Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa

Viewing Location:  North Beach

Beach chairs will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. A festive selection of cookies, brownies and popcorn will be available for purchase in addition to a cash bar with spike hot cocoa, hot toddies, mulled wine, and apple cider. After the parade, guests can stay and watch a holiday movie on the beach.

In addition to the viewing locations at the Bahia Resort Hotel and Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa, guests can get into the holiday spirit with the festive Christmas Boat Parade of Lights spectator cruise on Mission Bay! This special cruise, departing from the Bahia and Catamaran at 4:45 p.m. and 5:15 p.m. respectively, on December 10, offers the perfect vantage point to view the illuminating boat parade displaying dozens of cheery vessels decorated for the holidays. This family-friendly event also features hot cocoa, cookies, a cash bar, and holiday music on board. Tickets for the cruise are available for purchase here. 

The Dana on Mission Bay and Hyatt Regency Mission Bay

Viewing Location: Sunset Park

Guests can experience a winter wonderland with special appearances by Buddy the Elf, Princess Elsa and a Winter Fairy at the Sunset Park viewing area, emceed by Darren Smith, radio host for Sports760 and co-host of San Diego Loyal’s ‘Always Loyal Podcast.’ Festive food and drink will be available for purchase at Firefly Eatery in addition to a snow cone truck, s’mores, and floating bars. Children can take part in holiday activities including a snowball fight, winter crafts and a dance party with DJ. Grass seating is available at no extra cost and spectators are encouraged to bring blankets or low chairs. Heated VIP seating including signature parade picnic blankets, hot cocoa, apple cider and excellent views for groups up to four people will be available for purchase ($100 for hotel guests and $150 for non-hotel guests) on a first-come basis.

Paradise Point Resort and Spa

Viewing Location: Paradise Terrace

Paradise Point Resort and Spa will be spreading holiday cheer with festive music, a hot cocoa bar, holiday crafts and a visit from Santa. The viewing location will be emceed by iHeartMedia’s Emanuel Valencia and feature a food truck in addition to s’mores and beverages available for purchase at Paradise Terrace. Spectator seating will be available on a first come, first served basis.

San Diego Mission Bay Resort

Viewing Location: De Anza Cove

In partnership with the Mission Bay Beach Club, guests will be transported to a Candy Cane Forest with kettle corn, paninis, s’mores kits, pastries, cookies and more available for purchase in addition to a full coffee/espresso bar and hot cocoa/cider station. Families can browse the Holiday Artisan Market which will feature over twenty vendors and before the parade, children can enjoy a visit from Santa. Snag a coffee shop table or bring blankets or low beach chairs for grass seating.

To stay up to date on Mission Bay Parade of Lights details, and to be alerted when spectator voting opens, visit www.discovermissionbay.org/boat-parade-2022.

Credit: Mission Bay.

The Los Angeles Zoo, a KultureCity Sensory Inclusive™ Certified institution, will host a sensory-friendly L.A. Zoo Lights: Animals Aglow on Wednesday, Nov. 30. Designed for guests who thrive in a sensory-supportive environment, this evening will feature smaller crowds due to limited tickets available; quieter music volume throughout the experience; sensory bags available for checkout with noise-cancelling headphone (provided by Puro Sounds Labs), fidget tools, verbal cue cards, and weighted lap pads; opportunity to exit and reenter the event; and an online Social Story that provides a preview of what to expect while enjoying Zoo Lights. During this special evening, you can expect the same great L.A. Zoo Lights with some modifications to make it more inclusive. This is part of the L.A. Zoo’s ongoing commitment to creating a space where every member of its communities is welcome. 

L.A. Zoo Lights: Animals Aglow is the Los Angeles Zoo’s all-new nighttime winter attraction that will transform its grounds into an immersive landscape filled with spectacular lantern sculptures of animals among blooming flowers, towering trees, and more. This reimagined, wildlife-centric LED-lights display will feature over 30 of the Zoo’s most beloved animals including giraffes, elephants, orangutans, lemurs, koalas, and condors, along with other charismatic inhabitants. The 90-minute stroll will take you on a journey through the animal kingdom filled with desert, garden, and jungle landscapes complete with larger-than-life glowing sculptures, magical lights, and immersive exhibits in a dazzling display of light and color. Guests can enjoy several animated and interactive displays and numerous photo opportunities. These include a beautiful kaleidoscope of lights; glowing ring swings; a wisteria tunnel that leads to a light fountain; a cherry blossom-lined path; and a giant alligator, peacock, and bird wings for a unique photo opportunity; and so much more. Enjoy delicious treats available for purchase to warm up your experience like hot cocoa and churros as you take in the winter lights.

KultureCity is the nation’s leading nonprofit on sensory accessibility and acceptance for those with invisible disabilities. Sensory Inclusive™ ensures daily accessibility and caters to everyone with sensory needs not just autism. This includes military vets with PTSD, adults with dementia, Parkinson’s disease, stroke patients just to name a few.

To learn more about this event and to purchase tickets, visit www.lazoo.org/zoolights. 

Credit: L.A. Zoo.

Tickets for Los Angeles’ Largest Outdoor Ice-Skating Rink
now on sale at www.holidayicerinkdowntownla.com/
Wednesdays DJ Spotlight Night returns beginning November 23rd.

The Holiday Ice Rink Pershing Square returns to downtown Los Angeles, opening Wednesday, November 23, 2022, through Sunday, January 1, 2023.   Wednesdays DJ Spotlight Nights are announced to return beginning November 23. 
 
In addition, The Holiday Ice Rink will participate in the City of Los Angeles Department of Parks and Recreation December 10 Winter Festival, which is also returning this year.
 
Open seasonally, The Holiday Ice Rink Pershing Square has brought winter fun to sunny Los Angeles for over 20 years. At 7,200 square feet, it is the city’s largest outdoor rink, offering visitors professional-quality ice for skating and entertainment, welcoming more than 54,000 skaters and 450,000 spectators annually. The rink fosters community while embracing winter fitness and fun.
 
The beloved recreational landmark will kick-off its return since 2019 with the annual Opening Celebration on Wednesday, November 23 at 11:00 am.  This year’s opening event features a live performance, special guests and more. After the ceremony, The Holiday Ice Rink Pershing Square’s first skaters will be area youth.
 
“Whether you are a Los Angeles resident or simply visiting for the holiday season, The Holiday Ice Rink Pershing Square is an absolute must when it comes to embracing winter in Los Angeles,” says Willy Bietak, president of Los Angeles-based Willy Bietak Productions.
 
Located at 532 South Olive Street, the landmark destination is easily accessible by car, bus, Metro (Pershing Square stop) or Metrolink. General admission to the rink, including skate rental, is $20, locker rental is $5, and skate helpers are $6.  Tickets can be purchased in advance online at www.holidayicerinkdowntownla.com.
 
Private parties are available on select Mondays and Tuesdays during the 5:30pm & 7:00pm sessions on or before December 13, 2022. (The rate for a private party is $5,000. Sessions are not open to the public if sold to a private party.) 
 
2022 Sponsors and Promotional Partners include the Downtown Center BID, who are sponsoring DJ Spotlight, LA Weekly, Metro and Metrolink. 
 
This year’s beneficiary is the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation & Parks.
 
Reach us on Social Media
Official Hashtag: #HolidayIceRinkDTLA
Facebook: HolidayIceRinkDTLA
Twitter: @HolidayRinkDTLA
Instagram: @HolidayIceRinkDTLA

Credit: The Holiday Ice Rink Pershing Square.

Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort is pleased to present the 32^nd annual Lighting of the Bay beginning at dusk on Friday, November 25, and continuing nightly through New Year’s Day. In honor of the upcoming holiday season, the serene, waveless bay will transform each evening into a vibrant winter wonderland featuring more than fifty lighted holiday decorations and Christmas trees.

“Our Lighting of the Bay attraction is a can’t-miss event for families looking to celebrate the holiday season in Southern California,” says Phil Ravenna, General Manager of Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort. “We’re thrilled to welcome resort guests and the community to experience this breathtaking holiday display and to join us in celebration throughout the season.” 

Get cozy while roasting marshmallows for s’mores around a beach bonfire. Newport Dunes’ public fire pits are available on a first-come basis and s’mores kits can be purchased from Newport Dunes’ onsite market. Sip on seasonal beverages and watch the glowing lights in the Newport Dunes lagoon. On Saturday and Sunday evenings, cocktails and food will be available from Moe B’s Munchies beachfront grill for family picnics. Stop by the Newport Dunes Tree Lot, open daily November 21 through December 21, to pick fresh pines while taking in the festive holiday scene. 

RV campers return year after year to soak up the enchanting floating lights on the bay just steps from their RV campsite. Bring an RV or stay in Newport Dunes’ charming, single-family Beach Cottages for a cozy, home-away-from-home experience. For those who do not own an RV, Newport Dunes works with RV rental companies that will deliver a luxury RV to your campsite, all set up and ready to enjoy. For holiday parties and private events, the Back Bay Bistro at Newport Dunes offers the perfect waterfront backdrop for a festive event, just steps from the Lighting of the Bay display. For more information on the Back Bay Bistro and to book a private event visit NewportDunes.com or call 949-729-3800.

Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort is located at 1131 Back Bay Drive, Newport Beach, California 92660. The Lighting of the Bay is free for the public to enjoy, and on-site parking is available at the following rates: 0 to 30 minutes: FREE, 30 minutes to 2 hours: $10, 2 to 5 hours: $15, 5 to 8 hours: $20, 8 to 24 hours: $25.

For more information on Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort and to book a stay visit NewportDunes.com or call 949-729-3863.

Credit: Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort.

Now that the Halloween pumpkins have retired for the year, Skyline Production Group, a Southern California-based producer of immersive consumer-facing events, experiences, and engaging activations for corporate partners, is readying the November 25 premiere of ILLUMINATE SILVERLAKES, presented by PLUTO TV. A festive Christmas party of nighttime enchantment and nearly 50 awe-inspiring holiday light installations, Illuminate Silverlakes will run for select evenings, November 25 – December 30, from 6 pm to 10 pm PST at the Silverlakes Equestrian and Sports Park in Norco, California. 

Online advance tickets are $48 for adults and $34 for children ages 4 – 11. To order advance tickets today, please visit https://www.illuminate.holiday/. An allotment of 20% off discounted tickets has been set aside each evening for active and retired police officers, fire and rescue personnel, teachers, and U.S. military members (Coast Guard, Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, and Space Force). This 20% discount off general admission is good for up to six people per party while supplies last each evening (appropriate ID required). 

The warmth and good cheer of an enchanted Christmas season comes to life at ILLUMINATE SILVERLAKES. Guests will enjoy delightful visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, live musical performances, fun-filled activities, beautiful holiday light displays, tasty seasonal treats and Christmas appetizers, holiday gift offerings, and unforgettable moments for everyone! The family-friendly outdoor experience will take visitors on a magical illuminated journey through six different captivating areas: 

CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY MARKET

Guests can stroll through our charming Christmas Holiday Marketplace filled with seasonal crafts, last-minute Christmas gifts, lively and entertaining musical performances, cookie decorating, and story time during a visit with Mrs. Claus.

ILLUMINATION TRAIL

Holiday adventurers can walk through a tunnel of dazzling lights, guarded on both sides by two gigantic nutcracker soldiers, that lead you around a beautiful lake to various destinations such as Toyland, Electric Forest, Reindeer Grove, and Santa Village.

TOYLAND

Here, oversized Christmas presents, snowflakes, and toys are sprinkled along the trail providing excellent opportunities for Christmas card photos and Instagram fun.

ELECTRIC FOREST

Emerging from Toyland, guests enter onto a magical Christmas tree lane, a pathway of electrified Christmas trees of various shapes, designs, and sizes, all brought to life through amazing illuminations where every 15 minutes, our beautiful 35ft tall pixel Christmas tree comes to life in a show of music, lights, and white Christmas snowfall.

REINDEER GROVE

In the peaceful realm of Reindeer Grove, guests will have a chance to take a picture in the world’s most famous sleigh before you venture through an oversized and whimsical ornament that leads you into Santa Village, where Santa himself is waiting to greet one and all.

SANTA’S VILLAGE

Here in this rustic village, guests of all ages can visit Santa Claus to share their Christmas wishes, snap a family photo, and savor tasty food and drinks while enjoying the fun, music, and whimsy of this festival setting. 

“In addition to all of the fun of the Illumination Trail, we also feature an impressive line-up of live entertainment,” says TC Knoch, managing partner of Skyline Production Group. “We have a variety of entertainment to delight everyone from toddlers to grandparents.” From the vocal melodies of Definitely Dickens Holiday Carolers to the popular musical fun of Kids Imagine Nation Holiday Dance Party (with elves) to the swing music of Walter Simonsen’s Holiday Hop and the festive tunes of Renee Rojanaro and the Holiday Spice Band, Illuminate Silverlakes will be jolly, swinging and swaying!

“Complementing our terrific entertainment is an equally impressive menu of food and beverage offerings,” says Scott Megna, executive director of operations at Silverlakes Equestrian Center and Sports Park. “From our VIP Lounge to our walk-around snacks, there will be something for every taste.” Menu items include high-end charcuterie boxes, freshly made holiday tamales and churros, handmade confections and desserts, s’mores kits, and many other offerings, including specialty holiday cocktails and warm drinks for chilly evenings.
For more information, please visit https://www.illuminate.holiday.

Credit: Skyline Production Group.

The festival, now in its twenty-first year, will take place on November 12 and 13, 2022.

In China, people celebrate the Moon Festival. In Japan, regional harvest festivals, or matsuri, are held. Chuseok is the traditional Korean fall festival. Celebrate the magic of fall through the arts and cultures of China, Japan, Korea, and the Philippines during the Aquarium of the Pacific’s twenty-first annual Autumn Festival on the weekend of November 12 and 13, 2022. The festival will feature live music and dance, cultural arts exhibits, craft demonstrations, and storytelling.

The Aquarium will present its Heritage Award to Nakamura Gankyō during this year’s Autumn Festival. As a professional Kabuki actor, Gankyō has performed in major Kabuki theaters throughout Japan and at events in the United States and abroad. Gankyō has also worked in both the television and film industry to further awareness of Kabuki dance. Currently he is an assistant professor of Japanese studies at George Mason University. In addition to his academic endeavors, under his group Bandō Ryū: Kyō no Kai, he teaches Japanese classical dance throughout California, New York, and Virginia. Gankyō is the youngest chosen official representative of the Bandō School of Japanese Classical Dance (headquartered in Tokyo, Japan) to the United States. The public is invited to the award ceremony, which will take place on Saturday, November 12 at 11:30 a.m. at the Aquarium of the Pacific.

WHEN:           Saturday and Sunday, November 12-13, 2022, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

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

COST:             Included with general admission: $36.95 per adult (ages 12+), $26.95 per child (ages 3-11), $33.95 per senior (ages 62+), and free for Aquarium members and children under age three. Advance reservations are required.

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

SPONSOR: 

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH:

Credit: The Aquarium of the Pacific.