8 Family-Friendly Holiday Events in Huntington Beach

‘Tis the season and the holidays are here in Huntington Beach! Despite our endless summer weather, one need only check out this awesome calendar of events that celebrates the spirit of the season. From tree trimming to The Nutcracker, boat parades and Santa visits, Surf City Family gives you a list of these family friendly, free and almost-free Christmas activities.

Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony at Bella Terra
November 28, 2014 6:00 – 7:30 pm
FREE

Live music, song and dance performances by Orange County Song and Dance Company kick off the center’s holiday events. Did we mention there’d be “snow?”

Also, NBC 4 and Fritz Coleman will start their Holiday Lights and Toys for Tots Drive. From November 28 – December 19 Bella Terra will be collecting toys for Fritz’s Holiday Lights Toys for Tots Drive! Remember that on Friday, December 19, 5pm and 6pm, in The Amphitheater, the US Marine Corps will collect the toys and Fritz and NBC4 celebrate the last night of their drive with a live broadcast from Bella Terra! Bring a new and unwrapped toy to donate at one of ten locations throughout the center.

Tree Trimming Crafts and Holiday Marionette Show at the Central Library
December 6, 2014, Saturday 10:00 am
$4.00 per person

Make ornaments to decorate the tree at the Huntington Beach Central Library and make some to take home. There will be a marionette show at the Tabby Theater too. The show starts at 10:00 am and ornament making is at 11:00 am. The man of the hour himself, Santa will also be dropping by for a visit and photo opportunities.
For more information, call (714) 842-4481 or visit hbpl.org

Light a Light of Love 2014
December 7, 2014, Sunday

The annual Light a Light of Love holiday celebration benefitting the Community Service Program (CSP) Huntington Beach Youth Shelter, will take place on Sunday, December 7, 2014. The parade features a children’s parade including youth groups, a band, several classic cars and Santa and Mrs. Santa Claus on a Huntington Beach Fire Engine.
The parade will start at Orange and Main Street, continue down Main Street, and will end at Pier Plaza, next to the Huntington Beach Pier.

• Here is the schedule of activities:
  Pier Plaza Entertainment
  4:00 p.m.
• Children’s Holiday Parade
  4:30 p.m. down Main Street from Orange to Pier Plaza
• Surf City Santa Visits the Beach
  Have your pictures taken with Mr. & Mrs. Claus at Pier Plaza gollowing the Parade
• Light a Light of Love
  Formal Pier and Main Street Snowflake Lighting
  6:00 p.m.

For more information, visit cspinc.org

3rd Annual Breakfast with Santa
December 13, 2014
8:30-10:30 am and 9:30 -11:30 am
Murdy Community Center
$6 per person

Huntington Beach Parks and Recreation put on this annual pancake breakfast with holiday music, arts and crafts, and a picture with Santa! Pre-registration only is taken for this event, space is limited. Call 714.960.8895 for information.

52nd Annual Huntington Harbour Boat Parade
December 13 and 14, 2014
The boat parade is annual tradition, where in home and boat owners decorate for the holidays, in anticipation of the Cruise of Lights. This year’s theme is “Music in Paradise.”
For more information, visit hhboatparade.org

Cruise of Lights
December 17- 23, 2014

The Huntington Harbour Philharmonic Cruise of Lights® offers narrated boat tours through the waterways of Huntington Harbour in Huntington Beach, California. In December both locals and visitors share the beauty of thousands of lights and animated displays on brightly decorated homes, docks, decks and boats. It’s a light show on water!

Cruises depart the dock at 5:30 pm, 6:30 pm, 7:30 pm, and 8:30 pm Ticket prices are $17 (Adults) $10 (Children 2-12 years old) and Free for children under 2 years old.
For more information, call 714.840.7542 or visit cruiseoflights.org

Ballet Etudes’ The Nutcracker at the Huntington Beach Central Library
December 16, 2014, Tuesday 4 pm and 7 pm
December 17, 2014, Wednesday 4pm and 7pm
$5 per person
Watch a shortened performance of the famous ballet for children of all ages at the Central Library. Ballet Etudes’ will perform the holiday classic at the Library Theater. The show will last between 60 to 75 minutes.
For more information, call (714) 842-4481. Please try to purchase tickets in advance as they usually sell out.

NOTE: Ballet Etudes will be performing the full ballet at shows at the Huntington Beach High School Auditorium. See information in the poster below:

Visit with Santa in Downtown Huntington Beach
On Surf City Nights (Tuesdays in December from 5pm – 8pm) as well as on the following dates, between 1:00 – 5:00 pm, on November 29, 30, December 6, 13, 14, 20 and 21, you can visit with Santa and have your picture taken for free! Bring your own camera.
For more information, visit hbdowntown.com