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2020 Winter and Holiday Fun Guide

Everything from A -Z to do this Winter and Holiday Season!!!

By Bronwyn Velazquez - Monterey Park , Glendale and Glendora Publisher. December 17, 2020

                                   2020 Winter and Holiday Fun Guide 

  We are so please to bring you our 2020 Winter and Holiday Fun Guide!!! We have listed holiday drive thru events, holiday events, virtual events, where to see Santa, holiday crafts and recipes, Mac kid Reviews/promo codes and giveaways, holiday shopping, and soon we will be adding maps of where to view holidays lights. We also have our 2020 Holiday Home Light Up Scavenger Hunt coming SOON!!! Be sure to check in daily for new events, activities, DIY, things to do at home and more!! We hope you will have a FUN and SAFE holiday season! 

  Many Thanks to our Sponsors!! Our 2020 Winter and Holiday Fun Guide Sponsors are Cheryl Reynolds - Independent Origami Owl Consultant. Cheryl has been a BIG supporter to Monterey Park Macaroni Kid since we started. And we are so thankful for her!! You can visit her Facebook Group and get to know how you can create charming memories with you own customized jewelry. They have the cutest ELF charms and now carry a Disney line!! I LOVE Origami Owl! And have ordered from Cheryl for years. You will love her amazing service she provides, but also she mentors a team of O2 Designers. If you want to start your own small home based business or even your teenager, she can show you how. 

  Many warm thank you to our newest Mac Kid Sponsor and Partner. Anna Quach and LA Design Boutique!! Anna is a talented artist and graphic artist. She is a local Mom from Monterey Park. She has created an amazing business of digital services for branding and small business help. She also has the most amazing website and etsy shop with customizable digital downloads and prints that you can order. She offers paper mace craft kits for kids/families!! We are super excited to partner with her on future events. You can visit her Facebook page here and her Etsy Shop Here. You will find someone for everyone on your list. Your teenage athlete, fun activities for your kids, motivational items and planning help for your home or home office and more!! You can take a peek at her Holiday Gift Guide below. 

 A huge Thank You to one of our favorite clients! Family Carpet Cleaning! Holidays are here, even though we may not be entertaining, we all want a clean home. Family Carpet Cleaning is a wonderful family run business. They have the highest standards of sanitation and will make sure your carpet, upholstery or hardwood floors shine! They have some amazing December Specials! They were also voted for the 9th year in a row, Best Carpet Cleaning Company by Beacon Media. I highly recommend them. Keep an eye out for their January specials soon!! 

ONGOING DRIVE THRU HOLIDAY and WINTER EVENTS 

Mac Kid MPK - SG - ALH - RSMD Holiday Home Light Up and Scavenger Hunt - Dec 18 - Dec 22 in San Gabriel and Alhambra 

Visit the link to access your map of festive holiday homes and your scavenger hunt questions. Visit 10 or more homes on the main list of 1-18 to be entered to win some FUN prizes!! A safe and family friendly activity to do together. Homes are in San Gabriel and Alhambra. The whole drive takes about 1 Hour and 15 minutes. There are 5 bonus homes not on the main list but please feel free to visit them for an extra entry. 

WonderLAnd - Nov 30 - Dec 30

Snow-Kissed Family Holiday Adventure with 

Elaborate Musical Light Show, North Pole Mountains, Twinkling Snowflake Tunnel, Holidays Around the Globe, & More 

November 30 – December 23 & December 26 – December 30 

 Daily - 5:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. – Woodland Hills, CA 

The Elf on the Shelf's Magical Journey - Now - Jan 3

A one-of-a-kind immersive drive-thru experience, incorporating social distancing rules and health safety precautions, launches November 12, 2020 through January 3, 2021 at the Fairplex in Pomona, California.

Hikari - A Festival of Lights at Tanaka Farms Nov 27 - Jan 10

Join us for a celebration filled with joy and light! Literally translated, Hikari means shine in Japanese, and this holiday season we have really made Tanaka Farms shine with over a mile of twinkling lights! As you drive through our 30-acre farm, you will be dazzled by farm-themed lighting from trees, to scarecrows, tractors...even our sugarcane got the holiday light treatment! Plus, every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday we have a very special visit from Santa, himself!   Use this code for an additional 10% off if you book your tickets before December 5: Macaroni5

Irwindale Santa Speed - Nov 25 - Jan 10

This 30-45 minute safe yet, riveting experience is designed to transport families of all ages into the magical world of Christmas as they witness first-hand a series of jaw dropping Christmas scenes and holiday themed vignettes from Mobile Illuminations. Families in search of something additionally sweet will be able to enjoy themed concessions including Christmas cocoa and pre-packaged holiday treats, an interactive scavenger hunt, as well as the opportunity to mail a letter to Santa and get an actual email back.

Night of Lights OC - December 10th - Jan 3

Night of Lights OC is a must-see holiday experience with a Christmas tree lighting spectacular, including a mile-long drive-thru complete with dazzling and animated lights, plus themed experiences with characters and special effects such as snow fall and bubbles.

Hot Wheels Ultimate Drive-Thru Dec 4 - Jan 2

Weekly GIVEAWAYS! Check in on our newsletters, FB pages and IG. As guests travel through in the comfort of their own vehicle, they will drive into the world of Hot Wheels with vehicles displayed in epic ways while listening to an exciting and educational audio companion, plus a special in-car photo experience. Free Hot Wheels pack to each family. One per car. 

Jurassic Quest Drive Thru - Starting Jan 10 

Attention ALL DINOSAUR loving Mac Kid families!! It's TRUE!! Dinosaurs are coming to the Rose Bowl THIS January. We will have a Giveaway SOON!!! They will also be headed to the OC Fairplex as well as the Pomona Fairplex. Read on for more info on this HUGE event!!! Get tickets NOW. They are selling out quickly. Some dates are are already sold out. 

Christmas in Color - A Drive Thru Event - Dec 4 - Jan 3

Enjoy 15% off Christmas In Color in Los Angeles! At Raging Waters in San Dimas! 

Use Promo Code KID2020 for your discount. GIVEAWAY ALERT 

Experience an upbeat, visual and audio drive-through holiday adventure at Christmas in Color, in Los Angeles! This immersive, uplifting experience takes the tradition of gazing at Christmas lights through the car window to a whole new level.

Happy Place Drive Thru - (Westfield Century City Mall) Now - Jan 3

Happy Place returns to LA this winter with an all-new reimagined Drive Thru experience; HAPPY PLACE - THE DRIVE THRU. This one of a kind event has been designed to deliver HAPPY and pure entertainment from the safety of your car, guaranteed to brighten your 2020.  It will feature over 18 unique and vibrant exhibits, designed to embrace and accentuate experiencing the event being enjoyed from your own vehicle. PROMO CODE: CRUISE

Six Flags Magic Mountain - Holidays in the park - Nov 20 - Jan 3

Dodger Holiday Festival - Nov 27 - Dec 24

The Bite LA - Winter Holiday and Stocking Stuffer Sweets Crawl - EL Monte - Dec 3 - Dec 27

Holiday Road Calabasas Now - Jan 10

Electric Mile - Santa Anita Race Track - Jan 1 - Jan 10

ONGOING HOLIDAY and WINTER EVENTS 

Taste of Knotts Merry Farm - Now Jan 3 Closed Dec 7 - Open on weekends to shop the artisan vendors and Knotts Shops inside and outside. Food can be purchased to take home only. 

Mac Kid Review COMING this week! 

Knott's Berry Farm is excited to announce a new seasonal food and retail event, this time celebrating the merriest season of all, with Knott's Taste of Merry Farm. While the theme park remains closed, Christmas spirit still shines bright this year with holiday charm brimming out of every corner of the park, as Knott's wondrously transforms with enchanted décor, thousands of twinkling lights, miles of festive garland, and a variety of picturesque holiday settings, all serving as a backdrop to the tastiest holiday foods around.

Reflections at Descanso Gardens - Now - Jan 10

The daytime festivities will replace Enchanted Forest of Light(cancelled this year due to COVID) and will include art pieces, special plantings, self-guided activities and a beautiful Wishing Tree created by Artist Kaz Yokou Kitajima.

Aquarium Holidays - Dec 5 - Dec 26 - Closed Dec 7 

Families can enjoy holiday décor and music as they visit the Aquarium’s outdoor areas with advance reservations. Take selfies with life-size cardboard cut outs of Aquarium mascots in their holiday finery. Look for our hidden “Santa in the Sea” figurine who will be placed in various spots throughout the open areas of the Aquarium. The first 25 guests each day to correctly report the location of “Santa in the Sea” figurine will receive a small prize. Enjoy holiday shopping at the Aquarium’s gift stores, which feature marine-related gifts. Special gifts like experiences with animals, memberships, and Adopt-an-Animal certificates are also available by calling the Aquarium.

Snowy Nights and Holiday Lights at the Citadel Outlets -FREE - Now - Dec 31

Join us nightly for the magic of snow flurries and a spectacular holiday light show featuring the voices of previous Citadel Outlets Tree Lighting performers including Justin Bieber, Ariana Grande & Victoria Justice. Showtimes at 5pm, 6pm, 7pm and 8 pm nightly.

Sparkle DTLA - FREE - Now - Jan 3

Experience the season of joy with a magical holiday light show as 18 million hues of lights illuminate the night and synchronize to festive tunes. Sparkle DTLA at The Bloc will take you through an unforgettable nighttime journey that includes one of LA’s largest multi-colored interactive holiday displays. Safely capture your perfect photo-op moments at this ultimate holiday experience. Facial coverings and social distance are a must, our first priority is to keep our shoppers safe and happy. This event is FREE to attend and is open to all ages and furry friends are also welcome! Showtimes at 5 pm, 6 pm, 7 pm, 8 pm, & 9 pm.

Winter Lit Holiday Art and Festivities at the Santa Monica Promenade - FREE - NOW - Jan 3

Tens of thousands of lights will illuminate the Promenade's festive outdoor retail and dining, storefronts will shine as reimagined art installations, and a new interactive holiday-themed augmented reality mobile app will allow guests to experience the open-air entertainment district in a whole new light. Nightly menorah lightings will celebrate the Festival of Lights this Hanukkah season from Thursday, December 10 to Friday, December 18. Santa's helpers have also placed a special mailbox on the Promenade for children to drop off their letters and have them delivered to the North Pole. If the letters include a return address and deposited by December 13, Santa will write back. Guests can visit Santa at his winter home in Dec, 4 to Dec. 24 and enjoy a contactless visit with Santa, share a wish list, and take home a keepsake photo.

Say Hello to Santa at the Grove (Los Angelos) - FREE - Now - Dec 24

Join us for nightly appearances by Santa Claus himself! Bring the littles ones for a bit of holiday magic with evening snowfalls and a chance to wave to St. Nick as he rides The Trolley through The Grove.

Nightly Appearances: 7PM & 8PM

Guests are not permitted to ride The Trolley. Please maintain proper physical distancing, keep face coverings on at all times, and keep clear of the tracks.

Say Hello to Santa at the Americana (Glendale) - FREE - Now - Dec 24 

Join us for nightly appearances by Santa Claus himself! Bring the littles ones for a bit of holiday magic with evening snowfalls and a chance to wave to St. Nick as he rides The Trolley through The Grove.

Nightly Appearances: 7PM & 8PM

Guests are not permitted to ride The Trolley. Please maintain proper physical distancing, keep face coverings on at all times, and keep clear of the tracks.

LA Christmas Market - Santa Photos - Open Now - Jan 3 

The Los Angeles Christmas Market is a pop-up experience featuring immersive winter wonderland decor, a photo op with Santa Claus and a themed holiday market! 

LA Christmas Market is COVID safe and will be open the public from November 27, 2020 through January 3, 2021. 

Cabazon Dinosaurs Christmas - Cabazon - Now through Jan 3

The Cabazon Dinosaurs have long been regarded as one of the most iconic roadside attractions. For the first time ever, Mr. Rex has put on his Santa suit and is ready for your family Christmas photo! Santa Clause and his Velociraptor pulling sleigh will be at the Cabazon Dinosaurs. The Wafflesaurus truck will be at the Cabazon Dinosaurs serving delicious dinosaur-themed ice cream treats on select days. Our dinosaur trail is outdoors.  Please check weather and take all precautions.

GLOW South Coast Botanic Gardens - Now through Jan 10

Santa and Friends - Augmented Reality Experience and Nightly Tree Lighting - Irvine Spectrum Now though Jan 3

In addition to the holiday trees & OH WHAT FUN! photo opportunity to visit all three of The Market Place's holiday tree, bring your family and friends for complimentary photos on Fridays - Sundays from November 27 - December 13 as well as December 18 - 24. Click view details below for photo station locations and times. A digital copy of the photo will be emailed to you. Keep an eye out for our NEW! Santa & Friends photo experiences throughout The Market Place to take fun photos with our augmented reality holiday characters, activated by QR codes. Locations include Mathis Brothers Courtyard, Edwards Courtyard, and California Pizza Kitchen Courtyard.

Logan's Candy Making Demos - Ontario - Call for reservations. 

Magical Snow Show and Light Show - Victoria Gardens Rancho - Now through Dec 24

Photos with Santa - Glendale Galleria 

Photos with Santa - The Shops at Montebello 


Holiday and Winter Activities at Home

Hallmark Holiday Movies

Freeform's Kick Off to Christmas Movies 

AMC's "Best Christmas Ever" Lineup

Craft Kits for Families and Kids - Local Pick Up and Shipping 

Kid's Printable Activities, Paper Mache Craft Kits 

Where to hide holiday gifts tis season 

Family Count Down Books to Christmas 

Pinwheel Wrap Christmas Trees

32 Crazy and Fun Elf Ideas

DIY Craft Snowflakes

New Years Eve Craft Ideas 

Window Cling Snowflakes

Only in 2020 - Elf in Quarantine Printable 

Gingerbread Playdough

Slow Cooker Cranberry Meatballs

Kindness Elf 

EZ Holiday Cookies

How to play Dreidel 

Cookie Dough that is safe to eat

How to make Wassail

DIY Simmering Scents

Pet Holiday Safety Tips

Community One Day Events and Winter Events and Santa Tours

Santa rides on top of the SGFD Truck in San Gabriel - Dec 20 - Dec 23

Virtual After School Program for San Gabriel Residents - Register Now. Jan - March

Glendora Discovery Plaza Winter Events 

Glendora Winter Reading Challenge - Jan 1 - Jan 30

12 Days of San Dimas - Christmas Activities and Events

Santa Comes to San Dimas - Dec 18 -19 

Azusa Santa Tour: Saturday December 19, from 4:30 pm-7:30 pm.

Duarte Santa Tour - Dec 16 - Dec 18


VIRTUAL EVENTS and SHOPPING

Zoom Calls with Papa Santa - Now til Dec 23

Weekly Glendora Harry Potter Meet Ups on Zoom 

SGV Moms 6th Annual Holiday Boutique (Virtual on Facebook) Nov 30 - Dec 6 

Join the Facebook Event, List the Facebook Group or Instagram Page to join a some fun raffles, learn about local small business women entrepreneurs and support your community. Shop small this year. You can also visit the link for a list of all the SGV Mom Network Members who are participating in this treasured annual event. Show your support to these amazing local women.