GLOBAL WINTER WONDERLAND 2018
– LAS VEGAS, NV





Global Winter Wonderland made its debut in Las Vegas for the 2018 Holiday Season. Conveniently located at the Rio All Suite Hotel and Casino; this attractions eliminates the stress of parking anxiety and parking fees since the casino is located off-strip and offers free parking. Global Winter Wonderland took over the seldom used lot near the convention/conference centers. One might think: “it's on a parking lot, how big can it be?” We were pleasantly surprised by the size of this event; as we learned that Rio had a larger parking lot than we thought existed.

CLICK HERE FOR FULL REVIEW!




http://globalwonderland.com



glittering lights 2018 - las vegas, nv




Glittering Lights is a long-standing Holiday event that is great for the family. It is a drive-thru attraction where you get to enjoy Christmas lights and displays for as long as you'd like. For non-locals that can't handle the cold weather too well like us; it was the perfect event to enjoy Holiday lights and not freeze to death at the same time.

CLICK HERE FOR FULL REVIEW!




http://www.glitteringlightslasvegas.com/



chinese lantern festival 2018 - pomona, ca




The Chinese Lantern Festival: The Wild brings a cultural illuminated lantern display to the city of Pomona. Located at the Fairplex, the Chinese Lantern Festival offers another reason to visit the fairgrounds besides the L.A. County Fair season. For most, it is a brand new Chinese Lantern show that showcases animals and the art of China. However for some, this fills the void left by Luminasia from a couple of seasons ago.

CLICK HERE FOR FULL REVIEW!




https://www.chineselanternfestival.com/



ROBOLIGHTS 2018 - PALM SPRINGS, CA




Robolights is arguably the greatest Holiday light display from a private residence! At least in the way that we see it. ROBOLIGHTS is essentially a commercial production display laid out across every square inch in the exterior of a private residence in Palm Springs. This was a must-see attraction.

CLICK HERE FOR FULL REVIEW!




https://www.facebook.com/ROBOLIGHTS/



sawdust winter festival 2018
- laguna beach, ca




The Sawdust Winter Festival is a more whimsical and joyous version of the Sawdust Festival we've all grown to love. Once we entered the premises, our initial thought was: “This had to be by far the most decorated holiday arts/crafts festival we've ever seen!” By that account, that thought did not change as we explored the rest of the festival.

CLICK HERE FOR FULL REVIEW!




https://sawdustartfestival.org/festivals/winter-fantasy/



the wonderful winter of oz 2018
- pasadena, ca




When one says that they are going to a performing arts show in the winter time, often times “The Nutcracker” and “A Christmas Carol” comes to mind. However, not often, as a matter of fact probably never-at-all have we seen a famous story from a famous franchise that has nothing to do with the holidays get turned into a holiday show! In this adaptation of the Winter of Oz, Kermit the Frog plays the great almighty Wizard. The story, though not entirely a 100% replica of the original; incorporates modernized jokes and witty banter coupled with esoteric phrases and one-liners that only the local residents would appreciate and understand.

CLICK HERE FOR FULL REVIEW!




https://www.visitpasadena.com/events/wonderful-winter-oz/


queen mary christmas 2018 - long beach, ca



Holiday Event seekers will remember the “Chill” event once housed on the Queen Mary grounds in the parking lot and Dome. Though the previous event was action packed and nowhere close to “Chill”; the Queen Mary Christmas event is a much slower paced and more appropriate for families or for couples trying to enjoy a date. A notable difference was also that the inaugural Christmas celebration is held on the actual Queen Mary ship. For those that have never been on the actual Queen Mary, this event affords the opportunity to bask in all the seasonal spirit that is present throughout the ship WHILE touring and walking around the Queen Mary. Since this event is open much earlier than most Holiday ones; you can literally enjoy the Queen Mary in broad daylight and then watch it Light Up! For those that have been to the Queen Mary, here is an opportunity to enjoy merriment of sorts with your familiar corridors and sections decked out with holiday spirit.

CLICK HERE FOR FULL REVIEW!






https://www.queenmary.com/calendar-of-events/qmchristmas/home/


griffith holiday train 2018 - griffith park, ca





The Holiday Light Festival Train Ride offers a great family-fun-fare entertainment for the entire family. The train ride adds a different dynamic to the already ever-growing influx of Holiday entertainment in Los Angeles. We are used to Christmas Fairs and Holiday Festivals with vendors, live entertainment, and Santa. However, few to none have a holiday display train that comes along with it.

CLICK HERE FOR FULL REVIEW!




http://www.griffithparktrainrides.com/content/holiday-light-festival-train-ride


winterfest @ Santa Anita Park 2018 - arcadia, ca





When one thinks of Santa Anita Park, we often think of “Derby Day” and a “Day at the Races”. What about in the evening time? Well for the Holiday season, a section of Santa Anita Park is transformed into the 1st ever Winterfest. This family-friendly event offers something for everyone and has complimentary parking as well.

CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL REVIEW!




https://theoddmarket.com/winterfest/

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l.a. zoo lights 2018 - griffith park, ca




Ever wonder how the L.A. Zoo looks at nighttime? The L.A. Zoo offers a holiday light display walk-through during Christmastime and beyond. This family-friendly event is recommended for all ages as the entertainment and things-to-do appeals to everybody. There are dazzling lights that dance in the night, lights that pulsate along with music, hot cocoa and sweets, and adult beverages are available at the Golden Road pop-up shop.

CLICK HERE FOR FULL REVIEW!




https://www.lazoolights.org/

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magic of lights 2018 - fontana, ca




Returning this year is the Magic of Lights festival at the Auto Club Speedway in Fontana. Afraid of the cold winter weather often associated with outdoor holiday festivals? Well, have no fear because 80% of this attraction is inside your vehicle. You read it right. Magic Of Lights is the only drive-through attraction that we know of in Southern California. Therefore, the Auto Club Speedway is definitely an appropriate venue for an attraction such as this.

CLICK FOR FULL REVIEW!




http://magicoflights.com/

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Pirates Take Christmas 2018 – Buena Park, CA




Pirates Take Christmas is a revamped version of the swashbluckling/high-flying Vampirates show in October but with a more spirited storyline and a nice twist that we also did not foresee. For the Vampirates review, you can check out our Halloween Gauntlet page by clicking the link above. However, that is not to say that this dining experience isn't worth readying the sleigh for. Pirates Take Christmas offers something that has clearly been missing when it comes to theatre, performances and especially dinner theatre/dinner and a show. There are hardly any action-packed Christmas/Holiday adventure-centric shows out there. Sure there are staples: The Nutcracker, The Christmas Carol, and White Christmas; but none can offer as much action blended with comedy and acrobatic stunts as Pirates Take Christmas.

If you've seen Vampirates 2018, you will notice some similarities but it's not quite the same. Especially with added characters such as Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus; both which have a significant role in this show. As a plus, Holly, the Magical Elf who was known as “The Christmas Elf” in this show also had a sizable role. There were similar battles, games, and competitions within the show but story line made it all worth it to get another fix of Pirates Dinner Adventure.

Early arrival is suggested as light bites are passed in the lobby area while guests wait for the pre-show 30 minutes ahead of the feature presentation. The pre-show, just like the Vampirates one; contains pertinent information to the story line. We can't wait to see what they have planned for their next seasonal show!

For Discounted Tickets: Call (866) 439-2469 and mention code "C-HAUNTLET18" at the time of purchase. Tax and applicable fees are additional. Gratuity not included, will be charged for parties of 10 or more. May not be combined with any other discount, promotion, or group reservation. For general seating only, upgraded seating available at an additional cost. Not valid for prior purchases or special shows. Valid 12/4/18-12/25/18 Monday-Thursday Only. Subject to availability. Reservations required.





https://piratesdinneradventureca.com/pirates-take-christmas/

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festival of lights 2018 @ the mission inn - riverside, ca




The Mission Inn and the city of Riverside officially welcomed Christmas on November 23rd, 218. The Festival of Lights at the Mission Inn is a year-round traditional for most and a grand time for first-timers. Though we've visited several times in the past, this was the first time partaking in the Switch-On Ceremony.

Opening night, was much more livelier than any other night. On top of the vendors that takeover Main St; Mission Inn Avenue and University Avenue were also closed forming a giant block party. The evening started with opening statements, a few words from the Keepers of the Inn and then the lights “Switch On” accompanied with a grand display of fireworks. Special guest Robin Thicke also performed during this event. It was without a question that the Mission Inn was indeed the place to be on November 23rd. Felt like you've missed out?

Don't fret because the Festival of Lights remains turned on until January 6th, 2019. Visit the link below for information and schedule regarding vendors and other activities. Whether its date night, family night, or holiday light hunting; The Mission Inn Festival of Lights is a must-see!




https://www.riversideca.gov/fol/things-to-do.asp

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Light Up Main Street 2018 – Newhall, CA




Light Up Main Street is an annual Christmas/Holiday Walk and Open House where stores stay open late on Main Street. This three hour event was packed with locals and holiday fun seekers. Select stores gave out freebies and refreshments, vendor booths had freebies, participants can feed reindeer, and even take photos with Mr. and Mrs. Claus themselves! Also, as an added surprise; the local church on Main Street offered a photo-op with the one and only Grinch!

The main draw on Main Street however was the main stage which had live performances throughout the event; and it was where they also did the countdown for the tree lighting where the tree was visible right at the start of Main Street. This was a family friendly event that we hope to repeat as an annual tradition. Early arrival is suggested as parking is scarce and logjams can occur. We hope that more towns can put on events like these where it brings the community together and also promotes the local merchants and vendors.




http://oldtownnewhall.com/special-events/light-up-main-street/

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HOLIDAY IN THE PARK AND BURBANK WINTER WINE WALK 2018 – BURBANK, CA




The city of Burbank had not one but two Holiday/Christmas Walk events back to back. The two events catered to two different sets of audiences and demographics.


Holiday In The Park 11/18:

This was a recurring annual family friendly event that took place in Magnolia Park. Guests that attended were able to enjoy a classic car show, fire trucks on display, Carolers, various singers/performers, snow, various carnival game activities, photobooth, complimentary hot cocoa/coffee and pastries from Porto's, complimentary refreshments from participating businesses, and of course a photo-op Santa Claus. Stores were also open late. It is the one time of the year where Magnolia Boulevard is closed to vehicle traffic so that vendors and patrons could come together and get into the holiday spirit.


Burbank Winter Wine Walk 11/19:

The 2nd holiday event in Burbank was obviously catered to adults of legal drinking age. What the Holiday In The Park event lacks this one makes up for. San Fernando Blvd. Was closed to vehicle traffic so that patrons could partake in the various wine tasting stations, beer-gardens, holiday shopping and live music from the main stage. There was also a large Christmas tree on Palm Ave. With many bar/restaurants and dining establishments that serve alcohol anyway; it was no wonder why the Burbank Winter Wine Walk took place in this area versus Magnolia Blvd.




https://www.visitburbank.com/events/holiday-in-the-park/ https://www.burbankwinterwinewalk.com/

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SWEDISH Christmas Fair 2018
– Huntington Beach, CA




We visited the SWEA of Orange County’s Annual Christmas Fair on Sunday as the 1st stop of our Triple Header. Guests were able to purchase items and gifts that you normally wouldn't find in stores since they were all produced by independent vendors. The St. Lucia Pageant also takes place during the event. The event provided a rare opportunity to purchase Swedish delicacies and beverages; which aside from Ikea is hard to find. Once you finish shopping, you can walk the rest of the Old World Village and enjoy their shops and the market there. The entire village is themed like a German town, which also provided plenty of photo ops and "touristy" images.




http://www.oldworld.ws/swea.html

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CHRISTMAS AT THE AMERICANA AT BRAND 2018
- GLENDALE, CA




The Americana at Brand officially rang in the Holiday season on Thursday night (11/15) with their official tree lighting hosted by DCapella and the cast of The Wallis/For The Record’s production of Love Actually Live and of course the man himself: Santa Claus. The event was standing room only and guests either found a spot facing the stage or watched from the projection screen alongside Barnes & Noble.

The celebration started with DAcapella opening the show, then the cast of Love Actually Live before Kris Kringle himself showed up to wish everyone a Merry Christmas. The ceremony ended up with a bang: Love Actually Live's cast joined by Santa helped countdown the tree lighting which was immediately followed by a nice fireworks show atop of Barnes & Noble. Of course, snowfall could be seen and felt during a performance of “White Christmas” and during the tree lighting/firework finale. This was a great once-a-year event that brought the family and community together. What was an added plus was most of the businesses were still open so guests can indulge on hot cocoa and treats during the the duration of the ceremony.

We always appreciate Holiday events that start early in the season. It allows for less double-booking and a chance to experience other festivities. With that said, we recommend Sunday's holiday tree lighting at The Grove in Los Angeles; owned by the same group as The Americana at Brand. Though it may likely be crowded; it is an experience that money cannot buy.




https://americanaatbrand.com/events/americana-brand-christmas/

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Roger's Gardens: hOLIDAY BOUTIQUE 2018
– Corona Del Mar, CA




Roger's Gardens is a luxurious home, landscape, garden and décor center that has an on-site restaurant and bar along with seasonal boutiques. Their Holiday Collection is now open for business and features just about anything you can think of that's re-latable to the Holidays. Much like their Halloween Boutique: Hocus Pocus; their Holiday Collection known as “The Wonder of Christmas” offers decorations and ornaments that you cannot find anywhere else. At least that's how we felt when we visited. We were amazed by the merchandise which filled up the entire gift boutique spanning multiple rooms. There were gifts and products for an all age audience and that's what embodies the Christmas spirit: having something magical for everybody. Guests can also enjoy the presence of Strolling Christmas Carolers through December 22nd. The Wonder of Christmas Christmas Boutique remains open daily until December 24th, from 9AM to 6PM.




https://www.rogersgardens.com

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