By Elise Tran & Isabella Purdy, Staff Writers
It’s officially December, which means that there are many winter and new year’s events coming up. Check out this list of various places and activities to visit and do on the weekends or during break!
1) Holiday Home Light Display
Where? 18323 Stanislaus St., Fountain Valley, CA 92708
When? Dec. 25 through Jan. 1 from dusk to 11 p.m.
Price? Free!
This local display has about 65,542 programmable LED lights synced to about 40 songs. Bringing holiday spirit and a wonderful sight makes the display perfect to stop by for a few minutes to gaze at the hard work put into it by the family. It is free for all to pass by for a quick look, however, touching the lights and trespassing is prohibited.
2) First Christian Church Living Nativity
Where? 1207 Main St., Huntington Beach, CA 92648
When? Dec. 6 through Dec. 8 from 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Price? Free!
Up until this Friday, you can see nine scenes with acting and live animals depicting Jesus’s birth along with crafts, carolers and photo opportunities.For more information, check out the website here.
3) Cruise of Lights
Where? 16889 Algonquin St., Huntington Beach, CA 92649
When? Dec. 15 through Dec. 18 and Dec. 21 through Dec. 23 (traditional tickets). Different times include 5:30 p.m. through 8:30 p.m. in one hour increments.
Price? Adult: $19; Child (2 to 12 years): $12; Child (2 and under): Free
The traditional tickets include a 45-minute narrated boat tour cruising along the Huntington Harbour featuring thousands of lights on homes, boats and more along with animation. It is recommended to bring a sweater as it can get chilly. For more information and tickets, check out the website here.
4) LA Zoo Lights
Where? 5333 Zoo Dr., Los Angeles, CA 90027
When? Nov. 17 through Jan. 7 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. (excluding Dec. 24 and 25)
Price? Varies based on date. Adult: $19.95 (Prime Nights) or $14.95 (Value Nights); Child (2 to 12 years): $14.95 (Prime Nights) or $11.95 (Value Nights); Child (2 and under): Free
The admission to the LA Zoo Lights does not include daytime general zoo admission. The self-guided tour takes approximately 60 to 90 minutes. The LA Zoo provides a night of winter spirit throughout featuring animal-themed displays with 3-D projections, lasers, thousands of LED lights, a water show and more. However, the only animals on display are the reindeer and a few insects. For more information and tickets, check out the website here.
5) A Nutcracker Holiday
Where? SOCO and The OC Mix: 3315 Hyland Ave., Costa Mesa, CA 92626
When? Dec. 10 through Dec. 17 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Price? Free!
A family-friendly event with complimentary gift-wrapping, a photo booth and a photo opportunity with Santa. This event includes decorating your own holiday cookies, Christmas Carol sing-a-longs, Nutcracker stories, face painting and more! There is a suggested donation for the Chuck Jones Center for Creativity. For more information, visit socoandtheocmix.com and to reserve a spot head to bit.ly/socoholidays
6) 2017 Christmas Balboa Boat Parade & Ring of Lights Waterfront House Decorating Competition
Where? Balboa Island on the Parade Route here.
When? Dec. 13 through Dec. 17
Price? Free!
Just sit down somewhere along the parade route, crack open the hot chocolate and bring a warm dinner to share and enjoy! Dress warm for cold weather and feel free to look at the competitors in the light-decorating competition. They’re the big houses along the waterfront facing Balboa Fun Land.
7) Local neighborhood filled with lights
Where? Turn onto Shamrock St. from Bushard St. across from Mile Square Park in Fountain Valley
When? As of last weekend, not everything was up and running, but as the season goes on, expect more from the neighborhood.
Price? Free! Just drive around and get out to look when you want to.
This entire neighborhood has one of the best displays out there, including a Hawaiian Christmas house, the fountain house and other elaborately decorated houses.
Check out some of these places mentioned and have a great winter!
