Holidays light up
The holiday spirit shines through with parades of decorated boats as well as old-fashioned Californian and Latin American holiday festivities.
Goleta
The Goleta Christmas Parade will march through Old Town, creating the ambiance of a small town’s old-fashioned holiday, ending with the lighting of a holiday tree. When: Dec. 9 Cost, info: Free. Familyfriendly. No dogs permitted. (805) 694-8275, gole tachristmas.com
Huntington Beach
More than 75 lighted and decorated watercraft glide through the harbor in the 55th annual Huntington Harbour Boat Parade. You'll find good viewing spots along Seabridge Park and on bridges over the harbor. When: Dec. 9 and 10 Cost, info: Free. Familyfriendly. Dogs on leash OK. (714) 840-7542, hhboatparade.org
Long Beach
The Community Holiday Festival at the Museum of Latin American Art celebrates the season with live Latin American, mariachi, funk, folk, pop and Caribbean steeldrum holiday tunes in the sculpture garden. Enjoy traditional holiday foods and check out the crafts and art workshops. When: Dec. 10 Cost, info: Free. Family friendly. Only service dogs permitted. (562) 437-1689, lat.ms/molaa events
Irvine
The 11th Home for the Holidays Pet Adoption Fair is a chance to find your true best friend. More than 30 pet-rescue organizations showcase about 600 homeless cats, kittens, dogs, puppies, rabbits and other small animals at the fair. You can take advantage of on-site low-cost microchipping of your furry buddy. When: Dec. 10 Cost, info: Free but suggested donation of $2 per person or $5 per family. Dogs with current vaccinations permitted on fixed, non-retractable leashes. (949) 724-7740, lat.ms/irvinepetfair
Long Beach
The Old Time Christmas Festival at Rancho Los Cerritos shows the ways in which a Southern California family would celebrate the holidays in the 19th century. Listen to carolers, a brass band, traditional stories and “The Night Before Christmas.” When: Dec. 10 Cost, info: $5. Familyfriendly. Only service animals permitted. (562) 206-2040, lat.ms/oldtime longbeach
Santa Barbara
Events for the 32nd Harbor Parade of Lights start at Santa’s Village on the city’s pier, where kids can see St. Nick and 10 tons of snow. More than 30 holiday-decorated watercraft will show off their stuff, and festivities will conclude with fireworks. Best places to see the boat parade are along Stearns Wharf and by the harbor’s breakwater. When: Dec. 10 Cost, info: Free. Familyfriendly. Dogs on leash OK if they’re good with crowds. (805) 564-5531, lat.ms/sblightparade