Things to Do in Southern California for Christmas

This is a San Diego Christmas time tradition. For over 35 years, this parade of boats has made Christmas by the sea a memorable experience. Over 100 boats light up their sails, masts, bows, sterns, and just about everywhere else before being led by a U.S. Coast Guard cutter on a stroll across the sea. Visitors show up in boats or line the shores for miles to get a good look. Boats range from double masted simplicity to massive luxury yachts and put on a regal display. Best shoreline vantage points include Shelter and Harbor Island, The Embarcadero, Seaport Village, and Ferry Landing at Coronado. Show up early to ensure a good spot. Starting time is usually around 5:30 and the parade route begins at Shelter Island. Additionally, a firework display is part of the event.

South of Los Angeles, in the city of Anaheim, Disneyland brings Christmas cheer year after year to visitors. Main Street, in particular, is decked out in holiday splendor with a 60-foot Christmas tree spruced up with thousands of multi-colored lights. And just beyond is Sleeping Beauty's Winter Castle with its snow peaked turrets. Faux snow will bring a smile to even the most hardened of holiday souls, especially when it's trampled by the likes of Mickey Mouse, Pluto, Goofy, Donald Duck, and of course the red-suited man himself, Mister Claus.

Santa Claus is coming, to Hollywood. That's right. Of all the possible places Santa could be during this, the busiest time of his year, Mr. Claus decides to hang out below the Hollywood sign on Hollywood Boulevard with the good folks of Los Angeles. Besides Ole Saint Nick, civic leaders, actors, musicians, radio personalities, dancers, bands, horses and floats all saunter gaily down the road. The parade route starts at Highland and Hollywood Boulevard, turns right on Vine, then right again on Sunset Boulevard. The event is free but if sitting down is a preference, grand stand seats are available for $35.

For something atypical during the holidays, drive out to Simi Valley in Ventura County. There, the Becker family has been decorating their house above and beyond the normal call of duty for the holiday season. Located on Sycamore Drive, the house is regularly decorated with machine-operated teddy bears on Ferris Wheels, a Santa Express sleigh, a five-foot-tall railroad engine, a lot of lights, and lots of tinsel. Music is also played out over speakers. The main action takes place on the lawn but the entire front of the house is decorated as well. This house has been featured on L.A. news stations for years and draws a good crowd on weekend evenings. The Becker family has been painstakingly adorning their yard with Christmas cheer since the 1960s. The house can be seen any time of day but is by far at its best when the sun goes down.