Finding joy this season
HOLIDAY ENTERTAINMENT
Anyone interested in the events listed below should visit the websites or call the phone numbers provided for more information, such as ticket pricing. Additional events will be listed weekly throughout the holiday season.
Seal Beach Christmas Parade: The 43rd annual parade pays tribute to local legend Rich Harbour with the theme “Surf’s Up for Christmas.” Grand Marshals Kori and Darren DeLeon will lead the way on Dec. 3 at 7 p.m.; bringing up the rear will be Santa in a 1929 American LaFrance fire engine. Spectators are encouraged to bring chairs and blankets. Parade begins and ends at 10th Street and Ocean Avenue, Seal Beach; www.sealbeachlions. org/christmas-parade.html.
Holiday Open House at Rancho Los Alamitos: This Long Beach City Landmark was where the Bixby family would host Christmas parties for the ranch’s workers, families and friends in the early 1900s. On Dec. 3-5, the public is invited to tour the historic grounds, get creative with festive crafts, enjoy holiday-themed music and partake in light refreshments. The open house is free, but reservations are required. Rancho Los Alamitos Historic Ranch and Gardens, 6400 E Bixby Hill Rd, Long Beach, (562) 431-3541; www.rancholosalamitos.org.
La Habra Tamale Festival:
Get lessons in making your own delicious tamales or just indulge in the efforts of others on Dec. 4. In addition to the contest, you can expect dance and mariachi performances from local groups, activities for kids, and opportunities to support local vendors at this 12-hour festival. Euclid Street between La Habra Boulevard and Bridenbecker Avenue, La Habra; www.lahabratamalefestival.com.
Candy Caneland & Craft Faire: On Dec. 4, celebrate holidays around the world at this annual event that also features artisan goods, snow slides, free raffles, games and more. Ehlers Event Center, 8150 Knott Ave., Buena Park; www.buenapark. com/city-departments/community- services/special-events/ candy-caneland-craft-faire.
Winter in the Grove: Village Green Park turns into a winter wonderland on Dec. 4, with Snowtopia, featuring nine snow slides created from 50 tons of snow; a holiday boutique filled with goods made by local crafters; Frosty’s Photo Shop, offering photo ops for that Instagramworthy selfie or family portrait; crafts such as ornament decorating; and holiday-themed foods, including “chilly” dogs and hot cocoa. Village Green Park, 12732 Main St., Garden Grove; ggcity. org/community-services/winterin- the- grove.
Winter Wonderland at the Plaza: The magic of the season comes to St. Isidore Historical Plaza, with snow play and sledding, Santa’s Village, a tree lighting ceremony, musical entertainment, and a toy drive for local charities (bring a new, unwrapped toy). The fun starts at 4 p.m. on Dec. 4. St. Isidore Historical Plaza, 10961 Reagan
St, Los Alamitos; stisidorehistoricalplaza. org/2015/12/05/winterwonderland- at-the- plaza/.
Santa’s Village By the Sea:
Holly Jolly Hoopla and the Glitz on Del Mar combine on Dec. 4 for an evening of cookie decorating, train rides, snow play, photos with Santa and one big tree lighting. Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente; www.san-clemente.org/ Home/Components/Calendar/ Event/7437/ 71.
LB International Tamales Festival: The city’s first such festival features tamales from different regions of Latin America, art workshopsforkids,performances from local groups, tequila tastings and more on Dec. 5. Scottish Rite Events Centre, 855 Elm Ave., Long Beach; lbtamalesfest. com.
Holiday Sing & Tree lightning: This festive holiday evening on Dec. 7 includes the annual community tree lighting, performances from local schools, letters to Santa and cards to veterans, holiday crafts and games, and a toy drive. Cypress Civic Center, 5275 Orange Ave., Cypress, (714) 229-6780.
