Reflecting on childhood, what stands out most about the holidays? For me, it was the thrill of the season—the surprises that awaited, warm drinks topped with whipped cream, and the festive decorations everywhere. Whether it's a grand holiday celebration or a cozy evening with hot chocolate by the fire, the holidays are all about creating memories and cherishing time with family.
Below, you’ll find a list of holiday events and activities in and around our area to help you celebrate the season. From family-friendly outings and must-visit spots to free holiday fun, we’ve gathered it all for you. Whatever you choose to do this season, turn up the holiday tunes, savor some sweet treats, and capture every moment. You're making memories that will last a lifetime!
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- For more information on the events below, click on the link that is attached to the name of the event listed.
- If you are looking for something to do for a specific date or weekend, check our event calendar HERE
City of La Verne's Tree Lighting Ceremony - Monday, December 1 - Families are invited to gather in front of La Verne City Hall for the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony. The evening includes festive entertainment and a special appearance from Santa Claus before the City Council meeting begins. This community tradition offers a warm and simple way to kick off the holiday season.
Upland Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration - Thursday, December 4 - Join Historic Downtown UplandUpland For Some Holiday Cheer! There will be Music, Cookies, Hot Cocoa, a beautiful tree lighting and, of course, Santa! Families can also take part in the community spirit with the Upland Police Department’s “Stuff the Bearcat” toy collection.
Montclair's Holly Jolly Holiday - Thursday, December 4 - Join Montclair as they kick off the season with a tree lighting ceremony. Free photos will be available with Santa. Enjoy free refreshments, hot cocoa and cookies provided by Santa’s helpers while supplies last. Letters to Santa! Children are welcome to bring a letter addressed to Santa Claus or write one at the event and drop it in the specially marked mailbox.
Claremont's Holiday Promenade & Tree Lighting Ceremony- Friday, December 5 - Claremont Village comes alive with festive cheer during this annual Holiday Promenade and Tree Lighting Ceremony. Families can stroll through the Village to enjoy free treats and special deals from Cheer Stop businesses, marked by inflatable candy canes and event posters. The evening includes live entertainment, holiday carolers, performances by Upstream and the Music Men, live reindeer, and a visit from Santa. The Tree Lighting Ceremony takes place at the Depot at 6:00 pm. Santa photos will be available outside City Hall throughout the event.
Harvest Festival Art & Craft Show (Pomona) - December 5-7 Celebrating 53 Years of Successful Festivals in the West! Shop hundreds of artisans of American handmade and embellished art & crafts featuring photography, fine jewelry, specialty food, blown glass, wood art, metalwork and more!
City of Upland Hometown Holiday Parade & Faire - Saturday, December 6 Historic Downtown Upland turns into a festive winter scene for the City of Upland’s Hometown Holiday Parade and Faire. Families can enjoy a classic parade, holiday activities, crafts, treats, an expanded food area, shopping, and photos with Santa. The afternoon is filled with entertainment, reindeer, a holiday train ride, pony rides, face painting, and a special kids stage featuring local performers. Some activities may have a small fee.
La Verne's Brunch with Santa and Friends - Saturday, December 6 - Participants will have the opportunity to take pictures with Santa, make ornaments, and enjoy a hand-crafted hot chocolate. A pancake breakfast-themed brunch will be served. Registration is required for this event for all children and parents.
City of Rancho Cucamonga - Breakfast with Santa - Saturday, December 6 - Santa Claus is coming back to town! Join the City of Rancho Cucamonga for Breakfast with Santa at Central Park to celebrate the holiday season. Pre-register for your choice of seating at 8:30 a.m. or 10:30 a.m. All families will enjoy a festive holiday breakfast, décor, and activities within Santa's Workshop. Santa will be there waiting to meet and take pictures with his special guests!
Ontario's Holiday Light Parade & Tree Lighting - Saturday, December 6 -
Ontario’s Holiday Light Parade brings festive cheer to Euclid Avenue with glowing floats, bright colors, and a lively procession that sets the tone for the holiday season. The parade travels from Fourth Street down to B Street, lighting up the night for families along the way. Once the parade ends, the celebration continues at Ontario Town Square with a spectacular Holiday Drone Show followed by the community Tree Lighting Ceremony. Families can also enjoy writing letters to Santa, decorating holiday cookies, and taking photos during a Santa meet and greet.
San Dimas Holiday Extravaganza - Saturday, December 6—Celebrate the season at San Dimas’ biggest holiday event of the year. Enjoy the "Let It Snow" Parade at 4:00 PM, followed by an evening filled with crafts, games, music, festive lands, snow slides, and visits with Santa and the Grinch. Families can explore Elf Village, Winter Wonderland, Grinch Ville, and the North Pole, each offering themed activities and holiday fun.
Snowy Hula Day - Saturday, December 7 - Break out of the winter chill with a Snowy Hula Day! Come to wish Santa "Bon Voyage" as he heads to his Hawaiian vacation before the holiday craze. Join the City of Rancho Cucamonga for sledding, snow play, crafts, and photos with Santa. Purchase your lanyard(s) and register for your time slot to enjoy the snow play and sledding! Tickets on sale now
Ontario's Kris Kringle Craft Fair - Wednesday, December 10 - Looking for a special holiday gift? Ontario's Annual Kris Kringle Craft Fair will have homemade items available for your loved ones to enjoy! This year's event is at a new time and location!
Upland's Breakfast With Santa - Saturday, December 13 - Santa Claus is coming to town - and he’s bringing breakfast! Join Upland Recreation & Community Services, Upland-Foothill Kiwanis, and the Upland Boy Scouts for the annual Breakfast with Santa! Enjoy a delicious breakfast of pancakes, sausage, juice, and coffee while kids share their wish lists with Santa. Families are welcome to take personal photos, so don’t forget your camera! $7.00 per person
La Verne's Holiday Stroll - Saturday, December 13 - Old Town La Verne invites families for a cheerful afternoon of holiday fun. The celebration begins with a craft fair at noon, followed by free photos with Santa from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm. As the sun sets, guests can enjoy live music and a community tree lighting at 5:30 pm. Local shops and restaurants will stay open with extended hours, offering free refreshments, special deals, and festive activities for families to enjoy.
Granite Creek Community Church Living Nativity (Claremont) -Saturday, December 20 - Sunday, December 21 - Granite Creek Community Church presents its 24th Annual Living Nativity with a new festival style experience. Families can enjoy a 45 minute variety style program with Christmas carols, an original dance performance from Adage Dance Center, and a nativity themed skit. Kids can explore an immersive live action Christmas show, visit the Nativity Marketplace, pet a camel, roast s’mores, and enjoy food vendors. This community event is free and open to all.
St. Joseph Christmas Market (Upland) - Sat/Sun, December 13 & 14 Christmas Market featuring over 30 Craft, Artisan, and food vendors. This FREE community event includes family fun, festive lights, live music and Santa.
Bonita High School Choral Music -Annual Holiday Concert, Yuletide(San Dimas) -Saturday, December 13 - Celebrate the season with Bonita High School Choral Music’s fifth annual Yuletide concert. This festive performance features more than 200 student singers from Chorale, Women’s Choir, Men’s Choir, Concert Choir, and Chamber Singers, all accompanied by a live orchestra. Enjoy an inspiring lineup of holiday favorites under the direction of Mr. Ryan Yoder with accompaniment by Mr. Alexis Ohmar. A perfect way to welcome the holidays with family and friends.
City of La Verne Winter Wonderland - Saturday, December 13 - La Verne’s beloved Winter Wonderland returns with real snow, festive activities, and plenty of family fun at Heritage Park. Kids can enjoy two snow runs, two snow play lands, arts and crafts, hot cocoa, a special treat from Mrs. Claus’ Cozy Kitchen, and a visit with Santa at the gazebo. Families are encouraged to bring cameras for photos, and children should dress warmly with mittens, gloves, jackets, and boots. Sliding saucers will be provided. Food, refreshments, and holiday craft vendors will also be available. $15 per child
Winter Festival at Victoria Gardens (Rancho Cucamonga)- Saturday, December 13 - Mark your calendars for the last big event of the year — our family-friendly Winter Festival! Join in for an afternoon of family, fun and memory making.
A Very Merry Merced (Rancho Cucamonga)- Saturday, December 13 - Step back in time for a charming holiday celebration at the María Merced Williams and John Rains House. Enjoy guided tours through the beautifully decorated historic home, live music and caroling, festive crafts for kids, and warm seasonal treats on the porch. A wonderful way to experience old-fashioned holiday cheer with family and friends
5K Reindeer Run and Rudolph’s Dash Color Craze (Ontatio) - Saturday, December 13- Kick off a fun and colorful holiday morning at Ontario’s annual 5K Reindeer Run and Rudolph’s Dash. Participants of all ages can run, walk, or stroll along Euclid Avenue while passing through vibrant color zones. This festive run supports youth programs in the community and brings together families for an energetic start to the season. Costumes and holiday accessories are encouraged for extra cheer.
Christmas on Euclid Historic Nativity Scenes (Ontario)- The nativity scenes displayed on the historic Euclid Avenue median have been a long-standing Christmas tradition in Ontario, California. They made their debut in 1958. Community leaders and service organizations funded the twelve life-size scenes. Rudolph Vargas, a well-known Los Angeles artist and sculptor, was hired to create Biblical figures. You can download a self-guided tour here. Nativity will be up and ready on November 27.
Ice Skating @ Ontario Ice Skating Center (Ontario) - Ontario Ice Skating Center has Public Ice Skating Sessions as well as lessons for the whole family.
Mission Inn Hotel & Spa Festival of Lights (Riverside) - For 32 years, The Festival of Lights has brought us tremendous joy in presenting it to this wonderful Inland Southern California community. The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa's Annual Festival of Lights accents the holidays in a very special way. Opening Ceremony will take place on Saturday, November 22.
Christmas Nights at 123 Farm (Cherry Valley) - Enjoy festive food and drinks while walking through the Christmas village and taking in the holiday lights around the farm! Immerse yourself in the glow of 1 million dazzling holiday lights that will guide you through the historic property. Begin your stroll at the Gingerbread Village, hop into the Holiday Marketplace, and then walk through the glimmering area to get to Elfville. Open select days, and ticket prices vary by day. You must purchase your tickets in advance. Tickets are NOT sold at the door. The event runs from November 6, 2025 - January 4, 2026
Looking for something to do on a specific day or weekend?
CLICK HERE to visit our event calendar to find events by date
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