Orange County

Evening skies blaze with color and light at the Fairplex in Pomona during the Magical Chinese Lantern Festival. This all-ages experience features over 1,000 hand-crafted lanterns, live entertainment a... [more+]

Evening skies blaze with color and light at the Fairplex in Pomona during the Magical Chinese Lantern Festival. This all-ages experience features over 1,000 hand-crafted lanterns, live entertainment and delicious food for purchase. Chinese folk artists demonstrate their ancient crafts, including a live kung fu showcase and on-stage coaching, all with the ambiance to reconnect with nature and to create lifelong memories with friends and family. If you need a unique place to snap a few stunning Instagram-worthy photos, this is the place to do it. Witness illuminated cheetahs, jumping koi fish, majestic cranes and even dinosaurs of beautiful paper and silk. [less-]

Descanso Gardens is famed for its daytime beauty all year round, but when the holiday season approaches, it brings a special treat. It's a whole new experience to see this SoCal treasure illuminated i... [more+]

Descanso Gardens is famed for its daytime beauty all year round, but when the holiday season approaches, it brings a special treat. It's a whole new experience to see this SoCal treasure illuminated in glorious light. As the sun sets, the gardens transform into an enchanted forest and your ticket is an invitation to venture in and discover the magical world that waits under the glowing foliage. During this colorful and interactive experience, you can stroll through a mile of Descanso Gardens' most popular areas while marveling at the gorgeous lighted displays. Located in La Cañada Flintridge, Descanso is a 160-acre outdoor wonderland featuring a Camellia Forest, a fragrant Rose Garden, and the carefully-tended Japanese Garden and Oak Woodland. At "Enchanted: Forest of Light", the beauty of these beloved sights is enhanced by the bewitching brilliance of the lighted displays. [less-]

Hollywood's newest, coolest pop-up museum comes Instagram ready to put you and the fam right in the middle of some amazing images. The Museum of Illusions is filled with paintings, 3-D set pieces and ... [more+]

Hollywood's newest, coolest pop-up museum comes Instagram ready to put you and the fam right in the middle of some amazing images. The Museum of Illusions is filled with paintings, 3-D set pieces and giant props that produce eye-popping pics, inspired by cartoons, art, current events, movies and more. You can picture yourself on a raft watching the Titanic go down, climb a sheer cliff, become a burger topping or dangle over an MC Escher-like edge. Then show off your shots and really wow your crowd back home. [less-]

This fall, the Los Angeles Arboretum and Botanic Garden invite you to "Moonlight Forest", an unforgettable evening experience of art, culture, and discovery. Masterfully crafted lanterns beckon you in... [more+]

This fall, the Los Angeles Arboretum and Botanic Garden invite you to "Moonlight Forest", an unforgettable evening experience of art, culture, and discovery. Masterfully crafted lanterns beckon you into the gardens. Some depict beautiful animals, shimmering exotic flowers and intriguing figures from Chinese legends. An evening of dazzling color and magic begins! "Moonlight Forest" will delight children, families, and the young-at-heart with an opportunity to experience the garden in a new light. The magnificent lanterns reflect three themes: Nature, Children’s Garden, and Chinese Culture -- all of which embrace the mission and communities of the Arboretum. Created by skilled artisans from China’s Sichuan province, the Arboretum has partnered with Tianyu Arts & Culture Inc. to celebrate the time-honored tradition of lantern art. [less-]

Holiday spirit shines even brighter at Knott’s Merry Farm this year, taking place November 16 through January 6. Experience Knott’s largest Christmas display ever, with a full park transformation ... [more+]

Holiday spirit shines even brighter at Knott’s Merry Farm this year, taking place November 16 through January 6. Experience Knott’s largest Christmas display ever, with a full park transformation that includes all-new seasonal décor. There's tons to keep you and your entire family amused by land, water and air at Knott's Berry Farm's 160 acres of roller coasters, games, shopping, live entertainment, dining and children's rides in Buena Park. Dare to take a ride on HangTime, the first dive coaster on the West Coast where riders head up a vertical lift hill into a 15-story 96-degree drop - the steepest drop in California. Ride the Sierra Sidewinder and the hair-raising Montezooma's Revenge. Bang into your buddies on the Wheeler Dealer Bumper Cars. Rocket from zero to 82 miles per hour in under three seconds, blasting hundreds of feet into the air then 90 degrees straight down on the scream machine Xcelerator. Hop on the new GhostRider, the longest, tallest and fastest wooden roller coaster on the entire West Coast. Camp Snoopy, home of the PEANUTS Gang, will round out your day with pint-sized adventures in a high sierra setting. [less-]

Board a historic battleship and see history come to life before your eyes. Named one of the best exhibits to see with your kids by CBS Local, the Battleship Iowa Museum is the West Coast's only battle... [more+]

Board a historic battleship and see history come to life before your eyes. Named one of the best exhibits to see with your kids by CBS Local, the Battleship Iowa Museum is the West Coast's only battleship open to the public. Walk the wooden decks and check out the guns, missile decks, bridge, mess areas and the world famous Captain's Cabin -- with the only bathtub installed on a battleship for a president. Known as "The Battleship of Presidents," Iowa has hosted three: Franklin D. Roosevelt, Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush. You'll also get an up-close look at a Korean War-era Piasecki HUP-2 Retriever helicopter, fully restored and sitting on Iowa's flight deck. The Battleship Iowa is located at the L.A. Waterfront, former home to the US Navy Battleship fleet prior to World War II and an area rich in maritime history. [less-]

Another season of some of the country's best college basketball hits the court at Pauley Pavilion when the UCLA men's basketball team returns to action. The perennial tournament team is looking to mak... [more+]

Another season of some of the country's best college basketball hits the court at Pauley Pavilion when the UCLA men's basketball team returns to action. The perennial tournament team is looking to make another strong run in the big dance under coach Steve Alford. Led by returning guard Jaylen Hands, the Bruins have another star-studded lineup, including junior Prince Ail and freshman center Moses Brown. Check out the action and cheer on the team as they battle through the Pac-12 this season at the historic Pauley Pavilion. [less-]

This stunning version of Tchaikovsky's classic ballet by artistic director David Wilcox has been a Southern Californian holiday favorite for over 30 years years. Accompanied by full symphony orchestra... [more+]

This stunning version of Tchaikovsky's classic ballet by artistic director David Wilcox has been a Southern Californian holiday favorite for over 30 years years. Accompanied by full symphony orchestra, the Long Beach "Nutcracker" also boasts sparkling sets and costumes, a cast of over 200, dazzling pyrotechnics and magic effects -- along with a special appearance by Rebel, Long Beach Ballet's gorgeous white Arabian horse. The "Los Angeles Times" calls Long Beach Ballet's "The Nutcracker" "opulent, family-oriented holiday entertainment," and "The Huffington Post" raves that it "enchants children and their parents with spectacle and awe." [less-]

The hilarious Little Sisters of Hoboken return with this seasonal musical spectacular that follows the action as the Reverend Mother and her flock get ready to tape a cable-access Christmas special ou... [more+]

The hilarious Little Sisters of Hoboken return with this seasonal musical spectacular that follows the action as the Reverend Mother and her flock get ready to tape a cable-access Christmas special out of their convent basement. With its typical "Nunsense" of humor, favorite holiday carols, "Secret Santa" audience participation and parody songs like "Twelve Days Prior to Christmas," "We Three Kings of Orient Are Us" and "Santa Ain't Comin' to Our House," "Nuncrackers" is high-spirited holiday fun for all. [less-]

There's plenty of room for funny business at the Laugh Factory in Long Beach, which just happens to be the world's largest comedy club, at 12,500 square feet. And just like its fellow outlets in Chica... [more+]

There's plenty of room for funny business at the Laugh Factory in Long Beach, which just happens to be the world's largest comedy club, at 12,500 square feet. And just like its fellow outlets in Chicago and L.A., this venue regularly hosts top-notch headliners, including up-and-coming comedians from the Southland and beyond, and big-name stars from TV and film. Plus, you never know who may drop by for a set. The Long Beach club is also home to the official Laugh Factory Stand-Up Comedy Hall of Fame and Museum, which boasts more than 500 pieces of comedy memorabilia from the likes of Groucho Marx and Rodney Dangerfield, plus wax figures of greats like Whoopi Goldberg, Eddie Murphy and Richard Pryor. [less-]

The 24th annual LA Art Show is back and bursting at the seams with exciting new works from more than 100 galleries in 18 countries, plus specially-curated design exhibitions and panel discussions, unf... [more+]

The 24th annual LA Art Show is back and bursting at the seams with exciting new works from more than 100 galleries in 18 countries, plus specially-curated design exhibitions and panel discussions, unfolding over the course of four full days. Experience (and even purchase) the latest in modern and contemporary painting, sculpture, works on paper, photography and more, and catch video and performance-art displays as well. The fair also includes contributions from major local museums and arts organizations like LACMA, MOLAA, The Broad and UCLA Chicano Studies in recognition of L.A.'s cultural diversity. Attendees also have the chance to see exhibits from international museums from Argentina Kirchner Cultural Centre and MAC. It all adds up to an amazing, immersive, insider art experience at the Los Angeles Convention Center. [less-]

Jump, jive and jingle bells! Iconic guitarist, songwriter, vocalist and three-time Grammy-Award winner Brian Setzer and his 19-piece orchestra whip up a huge dose of retro holiday cheer with their 15t... [more+]

Jump, jive and jingle bells! Iconic guitarist, songwriter, vocalist and three-time Grammy-Award winner Brian Setzer and his 19-piece orchestra whip up a huge dose of retro holiday cheer with their 15th Anniversary "Christmas Rocks!" concert tour, presented by SiriusXM. The acclaimed show also features music from their four best-selling holiday albums, as well as original Setzer hits. Consistently cited as one of the world's greatest living guitarists, Setzer's trademark guitar work and vocal stylings are matched with his orchestra's rockin' big-band horn arrangements. It's an unbeatable combination guaranteed to rock you into the holiday spirit when the tour swings into L.A.'s Microsoft Theater. [less-]

Originally broadcast in 1947 as part of the Archie Andrews radio show, join Archie and his pals Jughead, Veronica and Betty in another comic adventure from Riverdale, performed as a live radio broadca... [more+]

Originally broadcast in 1947 as part of the Archie Andrews radio show, join Archie and his pals Jughead, Veronica and Betty in another comic adventure from Riverdale, performed as a live radio broadcast as a preview before the main show. Then join Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Lucy, Linus and the rest of the Peanuts gang as they mount a play, save a tree and uncover the true meaning of Christmas in "A Charlie Brown Christmas". Charles M. Schulz's Emmy- and Peabody Award-winning story has warmed the hearts of millions of fans since it first aired on television more than 50 years ago. The classic television special comes to life at San Juan Capistrano's Camino Real Playhouse in a stage adaptation featuring Vince Guaraldi's timeless score. [less-]

Santa Barbara’s acclaimed State Street Ballet comes to La Mirada Theatre for the first time with this most beloved holiday classic! Join young Clara on a magical adventure with her Nutcracker Prince... [more+]

Santa Barbara’s acclaimed State Street Ballet comes to La Mirada Theatre for the first time with this most beloved holiday classic! Join young Clara on a magical adventure with her Nutcracker Prince, as she travels through the beautiful Land of the Snowflakes to meet the Sugar Plum Fairy in the Kingdom of Sweets. Humor, virtuosic dancing, and luscious choreography make State Street Ballet’s "The Nutcracker" a richly beautiful performance that delights audiences of all ages! [less-]

Could you be dining with a killer? Named "Best Dinner Show" in Los Angeles and Denver for four years running, "The Dinner Detective" makes its way to Orange County to serve up a tasty whodunit along w... [more+]

Could you be dining with a killer? Named "Best Dinner Show" in Los Angeles and Denver for four years running, "The Dinner Detective" makes its way to Orange County to serve up a tasty whodunit along with a four-course dinner. And since this comedic murder mystery is set in the present day and actors are dressed just like everyone else, you'll have no way of knowing whether someone at your table is just another guest or one of the talented cast of improvisers. In fact, everyone's a suspect ... including you! The event starts out with a reception featuring plated hors d'oeuvres, followed by the meal, which includes fresh rolls and butter, salad, an entree and dessert. Between courses you can expect plenty of murder, mayhem and hidden clues coming to light as you puzzle through the crime. The top sleuth even wins a prize package at the end of the evening -- not to mention serious bragging rights. [less-]

You'll be treated like a king or queen at this two-hour magical meal hosted by a royal wizard. Saucy serving wenches bring you hearty food, tempting beverages and cheeky banter while Merlin the Magici... [more+]

You'll be treated like a king or queen at this two-hour magical meal hosted by a royal wizard. Saucy serving wenches bring you hearty food, tempting beverages and cheeky banter while Merlin the Magician provides an evening of entertainment you won't soon forget. His mesmerizing magic feats range from sleight of hand to grand illusion, and he's a bit of a comedian as well. The Rib Trader Restaurant in Orange offers dinner with sides included in the ticket price, plus wine, beer and cocktails are available for purchase. [less-]

Regal Cinemas royally rocks the film-going experience, with all the latest tech and amenities to provide your perfect night out at the movies. And seriously, no matter how huge your home screen may be... [more+]

Regal Cinemas royally rocks the film-going experience, with all the latest tech and amenities to provide your perfect night out at the movies. And seriously, no matter how huge your home screen may be, nothing beats seeing the latest and greatest new releases in an actual theater, surrounded by friends and/or family, not to mention the smell of real, honest-to-goodness non-microwaved popcorn. Catch everything from huge Hollywood blockbusters and animated family faves to the newest, coolest indie films with these ePremiere movie tickets to Regal Cinemas, United Artists Theatres or Edwards Theatres. [less-]

Relive the glory days of high school prom (or make up for a less than thrilling experience at your actual prom) when the popular '80s Prom Party returns to the Music Box @ Fonda in Hollywood. Dig way ... [more+]

Relive the glory days of high school prom (or make up for a less than thrilling experience at your actual prom) when the popular '80s Prom Party returns to the Music Box @ Fonda in Hollywood. Dig way back in your closet and pull out that taffeta dress or ruffled shirt for another night on the town. Dance the night away to the sounds of 80s cover bands blasting old favorites. Come stag and dance the night away with friends or grab a date for the slow dance of your dreams. [less-]

Experience the beautiful views, flavorful tastes and fascinating history of this picturesque South Orange County spot on a fun, casual walking tour of the area. Over the course of the three-hour excur... [more+]

Experience the beautiful views, flavorful tastes and fascinating history of this picturesque South Orange County spot on a fun, casual walking tour of the area. Over the course of the three-hour excursion, a friendly and knowledgeable guide will fill you in on the architectural, historical and cultural aspects of San Juan Capistrano -- but the main focus is on the food. You'll duck into five or six local restaurants, including a few hidden gems, and sample some of their signature items. Great for both in- and out-of-towners, this culinary adventure offers a variety of tasty eats for everyone. [less-]

Get up close and personal with an incredible array of marine life on this 2.5-hour whale and dolphin-watching cruise from Davey's Locker. You'll cast off from picturesque Newport Beach, home to one of... [more+]

Get up close and personal with an incredible array of marine life on this 2.5-hour whale and dolphin-watching cruise from Davey's Locker. You'll cast off from picturesque Newport Beach, home to one of the most beautiful coastlines in Southern California, and enjoy a whale-watching trip where each voyage is a unique experience with views of a variety of marine life. During grey whale migration season, cruises regularly run into 5 or more whales on a trip. You might also see dolphins (including megapods of 500 or more), a sea lion colony, finback whales, minke whales and humpback whales. The ship features a large upstairs sun deck, a snack bar with food and beverages available for purchase, wraparound outdoor seating and indoor seating with large windows. [less-]