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!

☕ Macaroni Mom Tips: 

- 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 

Santa's Arrival At Montclair Place - Friday, November 8th - Get your jingle on with Santa and his merry crew for a night full of festive fun! RSVP to this family event. There will be Elves show, Petting zoo, Face painting, Arts and crafts, Cookies, Giveaways.

20th Annual Tree Lighting & Light Show At Victoria Gardens - Friday, November 8th - Join Victoria Gardens for their 20th Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony and Light Show! Gather your friends and family to enjoy free live entertainment, giveaways, and, of course, a dazzling tree-lighting ceremony and light show!

Tree Lighting Ceremony at Plaza West Covina - Friday, November 15—Bring your Holiday Magic and help Santa Light the Tree to kick off the Holiday Season in West Covina! Enjoy character photo ops, giveaways, the UNIDOS Holiday Market, an exclusive penguin experience, a snow party, and live performances!

Upland Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration-Monday, December 2 - Join Upland For Some Holiday Cheer! There will be Music, Cookies, Hot Cocoa and, of course, a beautiful tree lighting!

City of La Verne's Tree Lighting Ceremony - Monday, December 2 - The City of La Verne's Tree Lighting Ceremony features a Christmas tree lighting, carols sung by Bonita High School's Chamber Singers and a chance to take a picture with Santa Claus himself!

Montclair's Holly Jolly Holiday - Friday, December 5 - 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 6 - The City of Claremont and the Claremont Village Marketing Group proudly announce the City of Claremont’s Holiday Promenade and Tree Lighting Ceremony. Get pictures with Santa, watch holiday performances by Moultrie Academy, listen to a live performance for Carolers and watch the tree lighting. 

A Night in Bethlehem @ Water of Life Community Church - Fontana - Friday, December 6 - This Christmas, you and your family are invited to travel back in history to a bustling Bethlehem marketplace and experience life as it was at the time of Jesus' birth! After checking in at the city gates, families can freely wander through the market together and immerse themselves with crafts, activities, and fun as they stop by tents of pottery, spices, music, and so much more!

Harvest Festival Art & Craft Show (Pomona) - December 6-8 Celebrating 52 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! 

Ontario's Holiday Light Parade & Tree Lighting - Saturday, December 7 - Kick off the start of the holiday season in Downtown Ontario with the annual Holiday Light Parade and Tree Lighting. Parade entries include Vehicles, large vehicles, Floats, Walking Groups, and Marching Bands. Following the parade, head to Ontario Town Square for a Holiday Drone Show that will count down to the Tree Lighting Ceremony. There will be an opportunity to send letters to Santa and participate in fun holiday cookie decorating. There will also be a free meet-and-greet photo opportunity with Santa.

San Dimas Holiday Extravaganza - Saturday, December 7—Join the City of San Dimas for a magical evening at the San Dimas Holiday Extravaganza. The event includes the "Let It Snow"Parade and continues with Crafts with Mrs. Claus, Games, Jumpers, Snow Slides, a Food and Beer Garden, Winter Vendors, Tree Lighting, Santa and more! 

Upland's Breakfast With Santa  - Saturday, December 7 - Upland Recreation and Community Services, Upland-Foothill Kiwanis, and Upland Boy Scouts have teamed up once again to bring Santa Claus down from the North Pole for our annual Breakfast with Santa!  Your visit with Santa will include a super delicious breakfast of pancakes, sausage, juice, and coffee.  Children will have an opportunity to share their "wish list' with Santa. Pictures may be taken with a personal camera.

City of Rancho Cucamonga - Breakfast with Santa - Saturday, December 7 - 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!

La Verne's Brunch with Santa and Friends - Saturday, December 7 - Participants will have the opportunity to take pictures with Santa, build 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.

La Verne's Holiday Stroll - Saturday, December 7 - Celebrate the season with the City of La Verne, local Old Town businesses and restaurants for its Holiday Stroll through Old Town. This event is free for all ages and will feature the annual storytelling of a holiday classic, Christmas tree lighting at Mainiero Square, caroling, and a photo opportunity with Santa.

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! Time slots go on sale on November 4.

Ontario's Kris Kringle Craft Fair - Wednesday, December 11 - 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!

Granite Creek Community Church Living Nativity (Claremont) -Thursday, December 12 - Sunday, December 15 - Join Granite Creek for an evening the whole family will remember with live actors, unique sets, sheep, a petting zoo, Abu the Camel, and more in amazing scenes that take you back 2,000 years. The Granite Creek Marketplace includes food vendors, unique gifts, pottery, interactive fun for kids, jewelry, plants, art, and more. Entrance is FREE, but you must have a ticket - space is limited. 

City of Upland Hometown Holiday Parade & Faire - Saturday, December 14  The annual tradition continues with added features to enjoy with family and friends this holiday season. This festive event includes a Traditional Hometown Parade, Concert Featuring Pop Vision, Kids Play Zone, Photos with Santa, Expanded Food Vendors and a Holiday Craft Boutique. 

St. Joseph Christmas Market (Upland) - Sat/Sun, December 14 & 15 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 14 - Yuletide is an inspiring evening of holiday music performed by over 200 voices of Bonita's award-winning choral music department. Enjoy the sounds of Chorale, Women's Choir, Men's Choir, Concert, and Chamber Singers conducted by the Director of Choral Music, Mr. Ryan Yoder. The concert will also include featured soloists and countless holiday favorites. There are two shows - one at 2 pm and another at 7pm 

City of La Verne Winter Wonderland - Saturday, December 14 - Join The City of La Verne for its 25th Annual Winter Wonderland! Children can enjoy two snow runs, two snow playlands (with real snow!), arts and crafts, a cup of hot cocoa and a special treat at "Mrs. Claus' Cozy Kitchen," and of course, visit Santa at the gazebo! Parents, be sure to bring your cameras for this wonderful photo opportunity.  Kids should dress for snow: mittens, gloves, boots, and jackets.  Sliding saucers will be provided.  There will also be food and refreshments for purchase and craft vendors for early Christmas shopping. Presale ends Monday, December 2, 2024 by 6:00 PM. Presale tickets cost $10 per child. Presale ends Thursday, December 2 at 6 p.m.

Winter Festival At Victoria Gardens - Saturday, December 14 - Come to Townsquare for a festive celebration filled with sweet treats, giveaways, and fun for all ages.

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 December 7.

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 23rd.

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 7 - December 23, 2024

Looking for something to do on a specific day or weekend?
 CLICK HERE to visit our event calendar to find events by date