Yes, it’s December and we have lots of things to spend money on. But here’s a list of things that won’t cost anything at all! Enjoy.
Dec. 3. — Long Beach: Free ship admission to the Queen Mary for “Meet Me at the Mary” Tuesday happy hours 4-8 p.m. in the Observation Bar (ages 21+). Live music and drink specials. Parking discounted to $10. Must reserve online in advance.1126 Queens Highway, Long Beach. queenmary.com
Dec. 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18 — Los Angeles: The Autry Museum of the American West is free every Tuesday and Wednesday from 1 to 4 p.m. but reservations are required by the night before. Parking is free, too. Learn about Native American and cowboy ways of life, using historical artifacts such as stagecoaches, serapes, beaded clothing, firearms, photos and more. . 4700 Western Heritage Way, Los Angeles. theautry.org/free
Dec. 4, 11, 18 — Pomona: Like to hit things and make noise? Check out these free community drum circles and drumming classes sponsored by the Pomona Wellness Community. Learn to play the West African djembe drums and other percussion instruments. Classes are every Wednesday at 5:30 through Dec. 18. Rhythm is good for you. Free admission and parking. Pomona Wellness Community, 750 S. Park Ave, Pomona.
Dec. 4, 11, 18 — Costa Mesa: “Bring Your Own Baby Tour and Tea” at the Orange County Museum of Art, on most Wednesdays at 11 a.m. is designed for new mothers to get out of the house and meet other new moms. After the tour, moms are offered a complimentary tea at Verdant, the museum’s cafe. 3333 Avenue of the Arts, Costa Mesa. ocma.art/calendar/bring-your-own-baby-tour-tea
Dec. 4. — Long Beach: Take a Hula Workshop at the 2ND & PCH mall. This 6 p.m. class, for all ages, is instructed by Island Inspirations. No experience necessary. Bring a yoga mat if you want to hula barefoot. Instructors will guide you through the basic steps and movements of this beautiful Hawaiian dance form. Whether you’re a beginner or have some experience, this workshop is for you. Aloha. 6400 Pacific Coast Highway, Long Beach. 2ndandpch.com/holiday/
Dec. 6. — Torrance: The annual Handel’s Messiah Sing-Along is at El Camino College. The concert, at 7:30 p.m. at Haag Recital Hall is first come, first serve, with 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
Dec. 6-8. — Lake Forest: The 38th annual Candlelight Walk at Heritage Hill Historical Park takes places from 5 to 9 p.m. Stroll the decorated grounds and enjoy live performances from carolers and brass band musicians. Activities will also include kids crafts, a Thumbelina puppet show and the chance to meet Santa Claus. Free to visit and parking. Refreshments available for purchase. 25151 Serrano Road, Lake Forest. 949-923-2230. ocparks.com/heritagehill
Dec. 7 — Yorba Linda: Holiday on Main Street takes place from 4 to 9 p.m. Festivties include a visit from Santa, a petting zoo, face painting, a balloon artist, a (paid) beer garden and other vendors. Main Street, Yorba Linda. holidayonmainstreet.com
Dec. 7 — Westwood: Take a free tour at the UCLA Mathias Botanical Garden. Arrive before 10 a.m. for this drop-in garden tour that lasts about one hour. Explore this 7.5-acre living museum, including plants from all over the world. Meet at the UCLA La Kretz Garden Pavilion on the north end, 707 Tiverton Drive, Los Angeles. Park on the street or in UCLA Parking Structure 2, $4 hour or $16 all day. botgard.ucla.edu
Dec. 8 — Riverside. Go old school at the Victorian holiday open house at the Museum of Riverside’s Heritage House. 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 good to the Spark of Love Toy Drive, you get a fast pass to the front of the line. Dates: 6:30-9 p.m. Dec. 6 at the Holiday Fest kickoff; 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Dec. 8; 6-8 p.m. Dec. 13-14; 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Dec. 15; 6-10 a.m. Dec. 20 (KFrog broadcasting live); 6-8 p.m. Dec. 21 photos with the Grinch. (No Santa); 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Dec. 22 10:30 a.m-1:30 p.m.Dec. 23. 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 presents two 45-minute close-up magic shows at 7 and 8:15 p.m. It’s a small venue so tickets must be reserved online. 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: The Heritage Hill Historical Park Holiday Lights celebration runs from 5 to 9 p.m. Light displays, photo opportunities, leashed pets welcome. Free visit and parking. Rain cancels. 25151 Serrano Road, Lake Forest. 949-923-2230 ocparks.com/heritagehill
Dec. 14 — Los Angeles: The California African American Museum Kwanzaa Kuumba Celebration 2024 takes place from 11 a.m. to 3:30 pm. An early Kwanzaa celebration in honor of the sixth principal of Kwanzaa, Kuumba — or creativity. Starting with yoga, then an interactive family story time, and later create a zine with AbleARTS. Admission is free but parking costs $20. Ouch, I know but you can take the Metro. Exposition Park, 600 State Drive, Los Angeles. caamuseum.org
Dec. 14 — Pomona: The Pomona Holiday Parade will start at 6 p.m. near Centennial Park at Gibbs and Second streets and continue down Second to Park Avenue and eventually to Pomona City Hall. downtownpomona.org/holidayparade
Dec. 14-15 — Torrance: The grand opening of the Tokyo Central Torrance #2 includes $10 Gift Cards for the first 100 customers on both days, a Spin the Wheel game, special sales and promotions and a LOGO goodie bag for the first 100 customers (with $30 minimum purchase). A Taiko drum performance will be presented at 10 a.m. on Dec. 14. Special hours 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. RSVP at facebook.com/events/902519131509213 Tokyo Central, 3665 Pacific Coast Highway, Torrance
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