Let’s just say–for the sake of argument–that you know someone who spent too much money on gifts this year, (but of course this would not be you.) So, what does a person do when there’s no money to get into the holiday spirit?Not to worry, here are festive things that you can do for free. Can’t beat free. Enjoy!
Friday, Dec. 6 — Torrance: El Camino College presents its annual Handel’s Messiah Sing-Along at 7:30 p.m. at Haag Recital Hall with orchestra, organ and soloists. First come, first serve, no reservations. Bring your own score or collect one at the door. Free admission but you must buy a campus parking pass when you arrive for $3. Learn more: artstickets@elcamino.edu
Friday-Sunday, Dec. 6-8 — Lake Forest: The 38th annual Candlelight Walk takes place at Heritage Hill Historical Park each evening from 5 to 9 p.m. Guests can stroll the decorated grounds and enjoy live musical performances from carolers and brass band musicians. Other activites include kids crafts, a Thumbelina puppet show and the chance to meet Santa Claus. Free admission and parking; refreshments available for purchase. Free visit and parking. Rain cancels. 25151 Serrano Road, Lake Forest. 949-923-2230 or ocparks.com/heritagehill
Saturday, Dec. 7 — Carson: The SouthBay Pavilion Santa Fest will feature a magic show, face painting, balloon art, character appearances, photo booth, train rides & more. The event takes place in the food court parking lot from 1 to 3 p.m. 20700 S Avalon Blvd., Carson. Important note: Registration is required and you must show your confirmation. eventbrite.com/e/sbp-santa-fest-2024-tickets-1084500703799
Saturday, Dec. 7 — Menifee: The City of Menifee Christmas Tree Lighting & Holiday Bazaar kicks off at 4 p.m. and continues until 8. Snow, craft and food vendors, live entertainment, activities, Santa, and a 5:30 p.m. parade are among the festivities. Bring a new, unwrapped toy or nonperishable food item to donate for admission to the Snow Zone. Mount San Jacinto College, 28237 La Piedra Road, Menifee. cityofmenifee.us/758/Winter-Events
Saturday, Dec. 7 — Wilmington: Enjoy a Victorian Christmas with tours of the Banning House Museum from noon to 4 p.m. Santa and Mrs. Claus will visit and there will be a horse-drawn trolley ride, family crafts, blacksmith demo, Victorian dancers and carolers. 401 East M St., Wilmington. thebanningmuseum.org
Saturday, Dec. 7 — Yorba Linda: Holiday on Main Street returns with a visit from Santa, a petting zoo, face painting and other activites from 4 to 9 p.m. There were also be a (paid) beer garden and vendors. Main Street, Yorba Linda. holidayonmainstreet.com
Sunday, Dec. 8 —Riverside: Visit a Victorian Christmas open house at the Museum of Riverside’s Heritage House from noon to 4 p.m. Enjoy festive vintage holiday decor, live music, warm cider, cookies and a visit from Father Christmas at this grand Queen Anne style home. All ages. 8193 Magnolia Ave., Riverside. riversidemuseumassociates.org/event/christmas-open-house
Dec. 8-23 — Redlands:. Meet Santa and the Grinch at Citrus Plaza and Mountain Grove food courts and take a free selfie. And if you bring a new unwrapped toy or sporting equipment to the Spark of Love Toy Drive, you get a fast pass to the front of the line.Dates: 12/6 6:30-9 p.m. at the Holiday Fest kickoff 6:30-9 p.m. 12/8 11-1 at the Citrus Plaza Food Court. Dec. 13 and 14 from 6-8 p.m. Dec. 15 11 am-1pm. Dec. 20 6-10 a.m. KFrog broadcasting live. Dec. 21 6-8 p.m. Photos with the Grinch. (No Santa). Dec. 22 11 am-1 pm. Dec. 23 10:30 am-1:30 pm. Register in advance at CitrusPlaza.com/events or MTGrove.com/events.
Dec. 12 — Simi Valley: Raven & Migz Give Back Denny’s Simi Holiday Magic Show will play twice, at 7 p.m. and 8:15 pm. It’s a small venue so tickets are required from EventBrite.com. The show is free, but the magicians request that you buy something at Denny’s. 5197 E Los Angeles Ave., Simi Valley. eventbrite.com/cc/simi-magic-3063659
Dec. 13-15 — Lake Forest: Heritage Hill Historical Park Holiday Lights celebration is from 5 to 9 p.m. with light displays and photo opportunities. Leashed pets welcome. Free visit and parking. 25151 Serrano Road, Lake Forest. 949-923-2230; ocparks.com/heritagehill
Dec. 13-20 — Costa Mesa: Generations of families have visited the Snoopy House in Costa Mesa at Christmastime. From 5:30 to 8:30 nightly. Santa’s often there, too. Activities include letters to Santa, stage shows and more, with carolers and train rides on the weekends. costamesaca.gov/community/annual-events/snoopy-house-holiday-display
Dec. 14. — Newport Beach: Holiday ornament painting at the Muth Interpretive Center in Upper Newport Bay will be from 10 a.m. to noon. Spend a festive morning painting holiday ornaments and learning about our local estuary. All materials will be provided. You may show up at any time during the two-hour window. Designed for ages 6 and up, but all are welcome. Minors under 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times. Program and parking free. Walk-ins are welcome, but registration is strongly recommended. For questions, contact Emma Arago at emma.arago@ocparks.com or call 657-692-5401
Dec. 18 — Torrance: Ballet California’s community engagement performance of the Nutcracker Ballet is free, but make sure you get tickets now on EventBrite.com, because they will sell out. Then enjoy this enchanting Christmas tradition. 6:30-8:30 p.m. Doors open at 6 p.m. Parking $3 (get a ticket from the machine). Marsee Auditorium at El Camino College, 16007 Crenshaw Blvd., Torrance.
Dec. 18-22 — Newport Beach: The annual much-loved Christmas Boat Parade and Ring of Lights at Newport Harbor returns for five nights. The parade starts around 6:30 p.m. nightly. Free admission and viewing at Marina Park, or most anywhere around the harbor. The boats go around Lido Isle and Balboa Island. The parade lasts until around 9 p.m. Get there doggone early for easiest parking and viewing. Don’t say I didn’t warn you. ChristmasBoatParade.com
Dec. 21 — Long Beach: This year’s Naples Island Boat Parade’s theme is “A Yacht Rock Christmas.” You can see this parade from anywhere on the Naples canals, but the best viewing is on the bridges. Get there plenty early before the 6 pm start time and dress warmly. Afterward, walk around and look at the beautiful lights. naplesislands.org/boatparade
