We’re all lucky to live in such a beautiful setting, with the ocean on one side and the mountains on the other. Not to mention the mild climate and world-famous attractions. And, of course, that’s why your relatives all want to descend upon you for the holidays, right? But surprise! This can be stressful, even if you actually like them. We’re here to help.
Here are tried-and-true things you can do with your relatives — or places you can send them — to keep the holiday mayhem to a minimum for 2025.
Dec. 17, 24 — Huntington Beach: “Christmas With Elvis” a free concert at the Old World Biergarten Restaurant, will be presented 5-9 p.mm. on Wednesdays in December. While you’re there, check out the restaurant’s European-style Christmas market. Old War also offers a “Christmas Jazz Night” on Dec. 12 and 19 and a “Holiday Brass Quintet” on Dec. 14 and 21. 7561 Center Ave. #49, Huntington Beach. events.oldworldhb.com/series/christmas-with-elvis/
Dec. 11-14, 18-21, 26-28 — Beverly Hills: Out-of-towners love to gape at the luxury and excesses of Beverly Hills, and here’s a way to do it for free. Just hop onto the free “Jolly Trolley” at the corner of Rodeo Drive and Dayton Way, and head out to view holiday decorations and the “Lights on the Lily Pond” show at Beverly Gardens Park. The trolley runs Thursdays through Sunday evenings, from 6 to 9 p.m. until Jan. 4. It does not run on Christmas Day or New Year’s Day. lovebeverlyhills.com/itineraries/view/celebrate-together-in-beverly-hills
Dec. 12, 13, 14 — Dana Point: It’s the 50th annual Boat Parade of Lights in Dana Point Harbor on Friday, Dec. 12, Saturday, Dec. 13 and Sunday, Dec. 14 from 6:30-8 p.m. This year’s theme is “Carol of the Boats.” View the parade for free from the boardwalk or park areas, or hop aboard a boat charter or dine in a restaurant. Dana Point Harbor, 34571 Golden Lantern, Dana Point. danapointharbor.com/holidays-at-the-harbor/
Dec. 14 — Los Angeles: Head to the original Farmers Market to enjoy Hanukkah with live music, a sing-along, menorah ice-sculpting, arts and crafts and more. The ice sculpting demonstration takes place 2:30-4:30 p.m. Youth music begins at 4:30 and then the ice sculpture is lit at 5 p.m. 6333 W. Third St. Los Angeles. farmersmarketla.com/events/chanukah-celebration
Dec. 14 — Riverside: You can expect an old-fashioned Victorian Christmas Open House at the Riverside Heritage House. There will be festive music, yummy treats, decorations, laughter and holiday cheer. Noon to 4 p.m. Sponsored by the Museum of Riverside & Heritage House. 8193 Magnolia Ave., Riverside. eventbrite.com/e/victorian-christmas-open-house-tickets-1830082157999
Dec. 16-24 — Los Angeles: Historic Olvera Street, where the pueblo of Los Angeles began, is always interesting, but particularly this time of year, when it celebrates the Mexican tradition of Las Posadas. This 9-night event, particularly interesting to visitors who enjoy cultural experiences, reenacts the journey of Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem with songs, costumes and music. There’s a children’s piñata at 6:30 p.m. for ages 3-12 in the plaza, (canceled if it’s raining) then the procession begins at 7:15 p.m. in front of the Avila Adobe. Angels lead the procession by candelight, with musicians and traditional Christmas songs. 125 Paseo de la Plaza, Los Angeles. olveraevents.com/olvera-street-las-posadas
Dec. 17-21 — Newport Beach: It’s time for the Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade, considered one of the top Christmas events in the country with more than 100 decorated yachts, boats and kayaks. This tradition has been going for 117 years. View for free from the shore, or go for paid seating and boat tours. The best free viewing is at Marina Park, 1600 W. Balboa Blvd, Newport Beach, and there will be a holiday market there Dec. 17 from 4-8 p.m. A fireworks show will add to the festivities on Dec. 17 at 6:15 p.m. christmasboatparade.com
Dec. 18 — Tujunga: Head over to the Tujunga Elks Lodge for the 10th anniversary of “Hanukkah in the Foothills” in Sunland-Tujunga. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. There will be a candle-lighting, games, an explanation of what the festival of lights means, latkes and more. All are welcome. 10137 Commerce Ave. Tujunga. facebook.com/hanukkahinthefoothills
