SoCal kids & families, Dec. 14-21: Holiday sing-alongs, the Muppets and more
SoCal kids & families, Dec. 14-21: Holiday sing-alongs, the Muppets and more
Encourage your children to learn and grow with our curated list of fun, artsy and engaging events and activities in LA and OC this week
Welcome to another edition of TV or Not TV’s curated guide to fun, artsy, kid-centric and family-friendly events, activities and happenings all around LA and OC this weekend and beyond. I’m Matt Cooper, former listings coordinator for the Los Angeles Times’ Calendar.
And be sure to check out SoCal Holidays Shows 2023, our supersized roundup of “Christmas Carols,” “Nutcrackers,” Messiahs and other seasonal fare on offer in LA and OC — updated weekly!
‘Pasadena Playhouse Holiday Spectacular’ Broadway veterans George Salazar, Lesli Margherita, et al., light up the stage in this show for ages 6 and up. Pasadena Playhouse, 39 S. El Molino Ave., Pasadena. Various showtimes, Dec. 14-17 and 19-23. $39 and up. (626) 356-7529. pasadenaplayhouse.org
‘Winter Lights Holiday Show & Festival’ The annual celebration of all things seasonal and/or scientific returns with an updated holiday musical plus interactive exhibits, fun and games, hands-on arts & crafts and more. Discovery Cube Orange County, 2500 N. Main St., Santa Ana. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 15 thru 17 and Dec. 22 through Jan. 7; showtimes, 11:30 a.m., 1:30 and 3 p.m. $29 and up (includes museum admission). discoverycube.org
‘Holiday Sing-Along’ Melissa Peterman is once again your hostess with the mostest as this boisterous celebration for ages 2 and up returns for another year; choral ensemble Voices/LA and a jazz combo are also featured. Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., downtown L.A. 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16. $39-$117. (323) 850-2000. laphil.com
‘Storytime Saturday’ This kid-friendly offering includes interactive storytelling, mindfulness exercises, hands-on arts & crafts, in-gallery activities and more. Laguna Art Museum, 307 Cliff Drive, Laguna Beach. 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 16. Free with museum admission ($9, $12; children 12 and younger are free). (949) 494-8971. Details at lagunaartmuseum.org
‘The Muppet Christmas Carol’ Michael Caine is Ebenezer Scrooge in director Brian Henson’s heart-felt 1992 take on Dickens’ timeless tale that features a raft of memorable tunes by legendary songwriter Paul Williams. New Beverly Cinema, 7165 Beverly Blvd., L.A. 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 17. $10; advance purchase recommended. thenewbev.com
‘Our Shared Future’ Family Day A trio of downtown L.A. museums team up to spotlight the multicultural history of our fair city with this joint celebration featuring art-making workshops, storytelling, live music and dance performances and more. Chinese American Museum, 425 N. Los Angeles St., downtown L.A.; Japanese American National Museum, 100 N. Central Ave., Little Tokyo; LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes, 501 N. Main St., downtown L.A. Noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 17. Free. camla.org, janm.org, lapca.org
‘Carols on the Plaza’ Singers from Los Angeles Master Chorale lead a family-friendly outdoor sing-along. The Music Center’s Jerry Moss Plaza, 135 N. Grand Ave., downtown L.A. 6 p.m. Monday, Dec. 18. Free. (213) 972-7282. lamasterchorale.org
‘Home Alone in Concert’ The Hollywood Bowl Orchestra and the Angeles Chorale perform John Williams’ score to accompany three screenings of the 1990 holiday comedy; for ages 2 and up. Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., downtown L.A. 8 p.m. Wednesday-Friday, Dec. 20-22. $51-$249. (323) 850-2000. laphil.com
‘Pirates vs. Leprechauns’ The Wayward Artist presents Craig Holland’s kid-friendly fantasy musical. Grand Central Arts Center, 125 N. Broadway, Santa Ana. 7 p.m. Fridays, 2 and 5 p.m. Saturdays-Sundays, Dec. 8 thru 17 (relaxed performance for children under 4 and anyone with special needs, 2 p.m. Dec. 9). $20, $30. (657) 205-6273. thewaywardartist.org
‘Babes in Toyland’ This fairy tale-inspired immersive experience includes performances by Pasadena Civic Ballet plus an interactive dance party, themed photo opportunities, games, food and more. Historic Howard Motor Company Building, 1285 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. Various dates and times, Dec. 8 thru 23. $39-$67. storyland-productions.com
‘Dinosaur Encounters’ Tremble in terror — or delight — with this series of educational and interactive performances featuring life-size dinosaur puppets. Natural History Museum, 900 Exposition Blvd., Exposition Park, L.A. 10:30 and 11:30 a.m. Thursdays-Fridays; 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Saturdays-Sundays; sensory friendly performances, 11:30 a.m. on the second Saturday of each month. $6 per person plus museum admission ($8-$17; ages 2 and younger are free; advanced online tickets recommended). nhm.org