SoCal kids & families, Nov. 30-Dec. 7: CicLAvia, ‘Nutcracker for Kids!’ 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 in the coming days and weeks.
‘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
‘Mary Poppins’ P.L. Travers’ practically perfect nanny returns in this musical based on the 1964 Disney film; for ages 5 and up. Rose Center Theater, 14140 All American Way, Westminster. 7:30 p.m. Fridays, Dec. 1-2 and 15-16; 2 p.m. Sundays, Dec. 3 and 17; also 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 14. $20-$45. (714) 793-1150. rosecentertheater.com
‘L.A. at Play Day’ This family friendly celebration of toys, dolls, action figures, etc. and the people who create and/or collect them includes vendor pop-ups, puppetry, panel discussions, live DJ sets and more. Natural History Museum, 900 Exposition Blvd., Exposition Park, L.A. 9:30 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2. Free with museum admission ($8-$17; ages 2 and younger are free; advanced, online tickets recommended). nhm.org
‘Nutcracker for Kids’ A condensed version of the holiday favorite features Pacific Symphony and dancers from Festival Ballet Theatre, plus pre- and post-show activities. Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. 10 and 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 2. $40 and up. (714) 755-5799. pacificsymphony.org
‘Women and Route 66 Youth Workshop’ This event designed for students and Girl Scouts grades 7-10 explores how women living, working or traveling along that historic highway overcame gender discrimination and other challenges. Petersen Automotive Museum, 6060 Wilshire Blvd., L.A. 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2. Free; reservations required. petersen.org
‘Snowhite’ The classic fairytale gets a musical makeover in this show for ages 2 and up. Santa Monica Playhouse, 1211 4th St., Santa Monica. 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2; 12:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3. $12.50, $15. (310) 394-9779. santamonicaplayhouse.com
CicLAvia – South LA Put on your walking shoes, strap on your skates, hop on your bike, etc. as this free — and car-free — event returns to Leimert Park and Historic South Central with six miles of open streets to explore plus five different hubs offering live entertainment, family-friendly activities, bike repair, first aid and more. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3. Free. Maps and info at ciclavia.org
‘Blippi: The Wonderful World Tour’ The TV personality/entertainer/educator popular with the 5 and under set stars in this stage show. Kavli Theatre, 2100 Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks, 6 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 5. $36-$66. (805) 449-2787. bapacthousandoaks.com
‘Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland’ Acrobats, aerialists, et al. perform in this family-friendly show. Downey Theatre, 8435 Firestone Blvd., Downey. 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 7. $69-$100. (562) 861-8211. downeytheatre.org
‘A Cinderella Christmas’ Family-friendly Panto-style musical comedy based on the classic fairytale. Laguna Playhouse, 606 Laguna Canyon Rd., Laguna Beach. Various times, Dec. 7 thru 29. $26 and up; ages 2 and older must have ticket; children under 2, lap-seated, $10, at box office only. (949) 497-2787. lagunaplayhouse.com
‘Santa’s Circus’ Family-friendly cirque-style stage spectacular. The Montalbán, 1615 Vine St., Hollywood. Various times, Dec. 8 thru 23. $37 and up. santascircusexperience.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
‘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
‘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