Fun things to do in Southern California

A curated list of the best upcoming events in Southern California.

WinterFest OC

Through January 5 (select dates) The holiday spirit shines with more than two million lights at this annual event. Guests can glide across the Ice Skating Rink, tube down the icy Snowflake Summit, watch a new holiday light show, nosh on seasonal food and drinks, and wander through the immersive North Pole Journey to snap a photo with Santa. Online adult admission, $29.99; children ages 3–12, $24.99. OC Fair and Event Center, Costa Mesa.

Mission Inn’s Festival of Lights

FREE! Through January 6 Each year, the historic Mission Inn in Riverside is set aglow with more than 10 million lights. For six weeks, the pedestrian mall near the Inn is closed to traffic and is filled with local vendors selling holiday gifts, food, drinks, and more. Santa makes appearances on Thursdays through Saturdays from 5 to 8 p.m., and you can catch live music on Fridays and Saturdays from 6 to 10 p.m. Carolers will also be adding to the holiday cheer from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 5 to 9 p.m. Thursdays through Sundays. Don’t miss the ice-skating rink, a new candy shop, and a new toy store. Mission Inn, Riverside. 

“Eyes on the Road: Art of the Automotive Landscape”

Ongoing While most drivers often don’t consider the design of street signs and roadside amenities, many modern and contemporary artists have been inspired by the art found on and around our roadways. This new exhibit examines everything from the mundane (Ed Ruscha’s paintings of gas stations and road signs) to the flashy (the 1956 Astra-Gnome, a futuristic vision of what a car would look like in 2000), with an emphasis on the decisions that come to define a city’s aesthetic and how those choices infiltrate artistic creations for future generations. Adults, $21. Petersen Automotive Museum, Los Angeles. 

“Yolanda López: Portrait of the Artist”

Through January 26 The late Chicana artist and activist Yolanda López impacted the world by addressing her feminist perspective as a Mexican American woman in 20th-century California. Her self-portraits, notably 1978’s Portrait of the Artist as the Virgin of Guadalupe, capture her role in challenging the patriarchal notions of using the Virgin as a role model for women. That work and dozens of others will adorn the walls of the museum’s second floor as the first solo museum show of López’s work. Adults, $15.95; kids 12 and under are free. The Cheech, Riverside. 

“Unmasking Anna May Wong”

Through January 26 Anna May Wong is widely considered to be one of the first Chinese American movie stars. She grew up in Los Angeles, landing her first movie job as an extra at age 14. She worked in film and television until her death at the age of 56, defying Hollywood stereotypes and carving out a memorable career for herself—memorable enough that she was featured on the quarter in 2022 as part of the United States Mint’s American Women Quarters Program. This exhibit showcases personal items and movie memorabilia that help illuminate her unique American story. Adults, $3. Chinese American Museum, Los Angeles. 

Nights of 1,000 Lights

December 8, 12–15, and 19–22 This holiday event allows guests to see the Sherman Library & Gardens transformed into a winter wonderland, complete with a carnival. Visit Santa in his workshop, roast s’mores over a fire, and shop for holiday gifts. $30 for members, $50 for non-members. Sherman Library & Gardens, Corona del Mar. 

Dana Point Annual Boat Parade of Lights

FREE! December 13–15 While December can be chilly in Orange County, it’s nothing a couple of layers of fleece can’t fix. The theme for this year’s 49th annual boat parade is “Seaside Carnival,” which is rife with possibilities. Boats go all out with themed decor and compete to win $10,000 in cash prizes. This event is a crowd-pleasing way to usher in the Christmas season with some hot chocolate and a good vantage point for the sea-faring procession, which begins nightly at 6:30. Dana Point Harbor, Dana Point. 

Ventura Harbor Parade of Lights

FREE! December 13–14 This boat parade is so nice, they do it twice. The two-day evening festivities include carnival rides and games for kids, live music performances, and a snow machine churning out the perfect holiday backdrop. After dark, decked-out boats make a few laps before a festive fireworks show. Harbor Village, Ventura. 

Candy Caneland and Craft Fair

FREE! December 14 This annual family-friendly event, which has been running for more than half a century, promises food, games, raffles, a snow slide, a craft fair, and an appearance by Santa. Ehlers Event Center, Buena Park.

Star Party

FREE! December 14, January 11 A clear, cloudless night can reveal countless galactic wonders. On the second Saturday of each month, the Palmer Observatory opens its doors to the public to use its state-of-the-art telescope. Join the Santa Barbara Astronomical Unit and fellow star enthusiasts to learn about the night sky. Palmer Observatory at the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History, Santa Barbara. 

International Celebration of Christmas

FREE! December 15 This event turns Christmas into a celebration of diversity. Expect singing performances in Vietnamese, Korean, and Spanish, along with dancing and a live Nativity play, each with holiday flair and a unique perspective on the Christmas season. Old World Village, Huntington Beach. 

Snowtopia

December 20–22 Play in 60 tons of real snow on the tarmac behind the Palm Springs Air Museum. Firepits, craft making, a bouncy house, games, holiday shopping, and photo ops with Mr. and Mrs. Claus round out this winter wonderland in the desert. Train rides, s’mores, and eats from food trucks will be available for purchase. Tickets, $12 ($55 for a family of six); kids 3 and under are free. Palm Springs Air Museum, Palm Springs.

Animé Los Angeles 20

January 9–12 Last year’s arcade-themed blowout drew more than 17,000 costumed folks to the Long Beach Convention Center. With an international array of artists, musicians, and even souped-up cars taking over the sprawling convention space, this annual event is a big draw for fans of nearly every aspect of Japanese anime culture. This year’s theme is “Historical”: Expect a cosplay masquerade, industry panels, a fashion show, an exhibit and art hall, and extremely bright colors. Single-day presale tickets start at $35; $40 at the door. Long Beach Convention Center, Long Beach.

SLO CAL Open at Pismo Beach

FREE! January 20–26 This World Surf League qualifying event is an opportunity for up-and-coming surfers to shred modest but challenging waves and earn recognition for their skills. Surfing for Hope sponsors the event between fundraising for cancer research and providing surf classes for children who have a family member affected by cancer. South side of Pismo Beach Pier, Pismo Beach. 

FREE! indicates free admission to the event, but additional fees may be required. Be sure to designate a driver if you plan to drink alcohol.