8 minute read

SO CAL CULTURE

Holiday Happenings In SoCal

From Seasonal to Sea to Spooky — There’s Something For Everyone This Fall

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BY KARMA CHRISTINE SALVATO

Santa Barbara Harbor Parade of Lights

HOLIDAY TIME IS HERE AGAIN. WHETHER YOU ARE IN THE MOOD FOR A PARADE OR TRAIN RIDE THAT EVOKES THE SPIRIT OF THE SEASON, CRAVING A UNIQUE ADVENTURE AT SEA, OR SEARCHING FOR SOME SPOOKY HOLIDAY AND HALLOWEEN CROSSOVER ITEMS TO PURCHASE  THERE IS NO SHORTAGE OF EVENTS TO WARM YOUR HEART, ALLOW YOU TO PARTY IN STYLE, OR PROVIDE THE PERFECT RESOURCE TO COMPLETE YOUR SEASONAL SHOPPING LIST.

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SANTA BARBARA SANTA BARBARA HARBOR PARADE OF LIGHTS

WHEN: Sunday, December 11, 2022; 12:00 – 9:00 p.m. WHERE: Santa Barbara Harbor 125 Harbor Way, Santa Barbara, CA 93101

Wintertime in Santa Barbara overflows with holiday merriment. The Santa Barbara Harbor Parade of Lights is a long-standing tradition, and one of the city’s signature annual events. The 2022 Parade marks its 36th year. Each CHRISTOPHER BELL December, Santa Barbara’s Christmas celebrations converge on the water for a festive, family-friendly event filled with fun, free activities and fireworks. Hundreds of families gather to watch boats sail in the annual Parade of Lights at Steams Wharf and the Santa Barbara Harbor. Beginning at noon, families can explore a “Winter Wonderland.” Holiday elves, 10 tons of snow and holiday music add to the atmosphere. It is rumored that Santa may even make an appearance. When day becomes night, and the stars sparkle above, around 30 illuminated vessels will light up the mysterious dark water. The boat parade concludes with a brief fireworks show. This visual feast — and spirited community tradition — is a holiday event not to be missed!

santabarbaraca.gov/events/santa-barbara-harbor-parade-lights

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LOS ANGELES SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA THE POLAR EXPRESS TRAIN RIDE

WHEN: Sunday, November 20, 2022 — Wednesday, December 28, 2022; Times vary WHERE: Southern California Railway Museum 2201 South A St., Perris, CA 92570

Relive the magical cinematic experience of The Polar Express at the Southern California Railway Museum — returning this holiday season. Set to the sounds of the motion picture soundtrack, The Polar Express Train Ride is a one hour trip transporting passengers on an enchanting journey through the classic story. Once guests are settled on board, their “golden ticket” will be punched by car hosts before dancing chefs serve hot chocolate and a delicious cookie. It is best to come to the event with a full stomach, because the sweet treats are the only food served. After the snack, it's a read-along of the classic children’s book, The Polar Express, written and illustrated by Chris Van Allsburg. Santa and his helpers board the train to add more holiday cheer along the journey. Just like in the film, characters on each car create an immersive theatrical onboard entertainment experience during the trip. Railway riders are encouraged to wear warm pajamas, like in the book and film. The more you get into the experience, the more magical it is. Prices vary, depending upon dates and times of the rides, ranging from $50 to $74 for an adult, and $43 to $65 for a child ages two to 11. Check their website for specific price tiers. Groups of 20 or more can book via phone. Each guest takes home a keepsake sleigh bell, in addition to the wonderful memories made on this magical trip!

socalthepolarexpressride.com

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SAN DIEGO PIER PRESSURE SAN DIEGO HALLOWEEN CRUISE  10TH ANNUAL TITANIC MASQUERADE

WHEN: Saturday, October 29, 2022; 9:45 p.m. – 2:00 a.m. WHERE: The Inspiration Yacht, 1800 N Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA

Step through time into the 10th Annual Titanic Masquerade and Costume Party aboard the “Hornblower Inspiration Mega Yacht” in San Diego. VIP Nightlife and San Diego Nightlife present this lavish Pier Pressure event. Prepare for the ultimate Halloween cruise that is transformed into a haunting version of the Titanic as a three-hour cruise along the San Diego coast. It’s the biggest yacht party on the West Coast this Halloween with more than twelve hundred partygoers celebrating in style. Six DJs, three decks and two floors of music offer plenty of space to spread out and lose yourself in the masterful club mixes. Prices vary from $27 to $200, depending upon priority boarding and various perks. Individuals must be 21 or older to participate. Don’t “be afraid” to march aboard the most magnificent and luxurious yacht in the San Diego Harbor.

vipnightlife.com/events/titanic-masquerade-sd-halloween

JONATHAN GARCIA SOCALLIFEMAG.COM

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PALM SPRINGS PALM SPRINGS FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS PARADE

WHEN: Saturday, December 3, 2022; 5:45 p.m. WHERE: Palm Canyon Drive

Founded in 1992, the Palm Springs Festival of Lights Parade celebrates its 30th Anniversary. As a signature holiday event on the first Saturday in December each year, the Parade has become one of the most anticipated and beloved events in Palm Springs and Coachella Valley. Drawing in an estimated 100,000 people annually to the downtown area, residents and visitors celebrate the spirit and joy of the holiday season. In the past, the Parade has featured the Budweiser Clydesdales; various marching bands and performing groups; Santa and Mrs. Claus; Snoopy and the Gang; and even Mickey and Minnie Mouse have made an appearance. The signature Parade floats — adorned in thousands of colorful holiday lights — and the enormous Macy’s-style balloons, keep the crowds coming back each year to saturate themselves in an uplifting seasonal experience. The Festival of Lights Parade has been consistently voted one of the best local events in the Coachella Valley.

psfestivaloflights.com

PALM SPRINGS BUREAU OF TOURISM

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ORANGE COUNTY CREEP IT REAL FESTIVE

WHEN: Friday, November 25, 2022 — Saturday, November 26, 2022; 4:00-10:00 p.m. each day WHERE: Heritage Museum of Orange County, 3101 W. Harvard St., Santa Ana, CA

For the first time, Creep It Real OC will present a nighttime spooky holiday event as it invades the Heritage Museum of Orange County this November. Fans of Halloween, horror and the creepy holidays are invited to attend. The Cryptsmas Marketplace offers “ghoulishly fun entertainment” and “delectable treats.” Influenced by all things scary, artisans are showcasing their most creative seasonal-themed artwork, crafts, treats and licensed merchandise. Celebrate Black Friday and Small Business Saturday with some “jolly, creepy, festive fun.” Check the Creep It Real OC website — and social media channels — for ticket information, along with updates on exhibiting vendors and participating food trucks. Let fun overtake fear this fall — and have a hair-raising, memorable experience at this newly-introduced festive Halloween haunt.

creepitrealoc.com

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