SoCal kids & families, Nov. 23-30: ‘The Very Hungry Caterpillar,’ the Hollywood Christmas Parade and more
Encourage your children to continue 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 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 in the coming days and weeks.
‘Wish’ A young girl and her companions challenge the ruler of a magical kingdom in Disney’s animated 2023 fantasy musical directed by Oscar winner Chris Buck (“Frozen”) and featuring the voices of Ariana DeBose and Chris Pine. Opens Wednesday, Nov. 22. 92 mins. Rated PG. movies.disney.com
The Hollywood Christmas Parade There’ll be famous faces, fabulous floats, cartoon balloons, marching bands, live performances and an appearance by St. Nick himself at the 91st edition of the annual procession through Tinseltown. Hollywood Blvd. and Orange Drive, then east to Vine St., south to Sunset Blvd. and west to Orange Drive in Hollywood. 6 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 26. Free. (833) 727-2331. thehollywoodchristmasparade.org
L.A. County Tree Lighting Ceremony The annual free and family friendly celebration will feature elected officials speechifying, of course, plus live performances by local musical artists, hands-on arts & crafts, an artisans marketplace and … complementary hot cocoa! The Music Center’s Jerry Moss Plaza, 135 N. Grand Ave., downtown L.A. 5 to 8 p.m. Monday, Nov. 27. Free. (213) 972-7211. musiccenter.org
2023 Annual Downtown Culver City Holiday Tree Lighting Sled-tacular It’s all downhill from here in this free and family friendly outing featuring musical performances, carnival games, face time with Santa and … yes, Virginia, whooshing around on 25 tons of freshly-made snow. Town Plaza, 9500 Culver Blvd, Culver City. 5 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 30. Free. Details and snow-sledding waivers available at downtownculvercity.com
‘Science of Gingerbread’ Gingerbread houses crafted by everyday folks will be on display in this annual event that also includes cookie decorating, weekend visits with Santa, holiday photo stations and more. Discovery Cube Los Angeles, 11800 Foothill Blvd., Sylmar. Nov. 18 thru Dec. 31. Open daily. $16-$18; ages 2 and under, free. discoverycube.org
Also at Discovery Cube Orange County, 2500 N. Main St., Santa Ana. Nov. 18 thru Jan. 7. Open daily. Regular museum admission: $17-$22; ages 2 and under, free. discoverycube.org
‘The Very Hungry Caterpillar Holiday Show’ Family-friendly show based on Eric Carle’s children’s books. El Portal Theatre, 5269 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood. Various times, Nov. 25 thru Jan. 21. $30-$65. (818) 508-4200. hungrycaterpillarshow.com
‘Dog Man: The Musical’ He’s half canine, half cop and he’s back to take a bite out of crime in this tune-filled tale based on the bestselling children’s book series by Dav Pilkey. Kirk Douglas Theatre, 9820 Washington Blvd., Culver City. Various dates & times, Nov. 21 thru Jan. 7. (213) 628-2772. centertheatregroup.org
‘Bob Baker’s Nutcracker’ It’s the old holiday favorite ... with a few strings attached. Bob Baker Marionette Theater, 4949 York Blvd., Highland Park. Various dates & times, Nov. 25 thru Jan. 7. $28; ages 2 and under, free if lap-sitting. (213) 250-9995. bobbakermarionettetheater.com
Spider Pavilion Arachnophobes need not apply! This close-up encounter with those creepy, crawly critters closes up shop for the season on Nov. 26. Natural History Museum, 900 Exposition Blvd., Exposition Park, L.A. Closed the first Tuesday each month. $8, plus general admission ($8-$17; ages 2 and younger, free; advanced online tickets highly recommended). nhm.org
Ice at Santa Monica Get your glide on at this holiday-themed outdoor attraction that features skating demos, hour-long sessions, live DJs, costumed helpers to assist the kiddos and more. 1324 5th St. at Arizona Ave., Santa Monica. Open daily, Nov. 9 through Jan. 15. Skate rental, $20; lockers, socks, mittens, $5. iceatsantamonica.com
‘Trolls Band Together’ Anna Kendrick and Justin Timberlake reprise their voice roles in this 2023 entry in the tune-filled, kid-friendly animated franchise based on the popular line of toys. Opens Friday, Nov. 17. 91 mins. Rated PG. Various theaters
‘The Addams Family’ They’re creepy and they’re kooky in this young-persons theater production of the hit musical based on the work of cartoonist Charles Addams. Morgan-Wixson Theatre, 2627 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica. Various dates and times thru Nov. 26. $16-$25. (310) 828-7519. morgan-wixson.org
‘Paw Patrol: The Mighty Movie’ Your young’uns’ favorite canine heroes suit up for this animated 2023 adventure based on the kids TV series. Various theaters, showtimes and prices. 95 mins. Rated PG. pawpatrol.movie
‘Aladdin, the Princess and the Magic Lamp’ Storybook Theatre presents a kid-friendly take on the classic adventure from the Middle Eastern folktale collection “One Thousand and One Nights.” Theatre West, 3333 Cahuenga Blvd. W., L.A. 1 p.m. Saturdays thru Jan. 13; no shows Dec. 23 and 30. $15. (323) 851-7977. theatrewest.org