What’s up for Dec. 1-3: Stay in SoCal but travel the world at area events
Travel the world for the holidays, including Ireland and Mexico, all while staying in SoCal next weekend.
Oxnard
Catch the downtown Christmas parade with a “Christmas Under the Sea” theme with floats, marching bands, horses and Santa. Then walk a couple of blocks to Plaza Park for the Tamale Festival, where you can try a variety of styles, from classic to epicurean, from Mexico’s Michoacán to Jalisco.
When: Dec. 2
Cost, info: Free. Family-friendly. Dogs on leash OK. (805) 247-0197.
Brea, Torrance
Tap your toes as Irish performers play lively tunes on fiddle, flute, accordion, concertina, the traditional Irish harp and uilleann pipes at an Irish Christmas Concert in America.
When: 3 and 8 p.m. Dec. 2 in Brea; 2 and 7 p.m. Dec. 3 in Torrance.
Cost, info: Tickets to Irish Christmas Concert in America from $16 in Brea; from $20 in Torrance.
Ventura
Wander the Holiday Street Fair along Main Street to watch jugglers, singers and LED hula-hoop dancers; listen to live music and DJs; and visit artists’ booths, craft vendors and food stands. Adults can continue with the ticketed Winter Wine Walk and sample wine, craft beer and cuisine at more than 65 downtown locations. Prepare for “snowfall” during the last hour of the Wine Walk.
When: Dec. 2
Cost, info: Free for all ages at street fair; from $55 for wine walk (must be 21 or older). Dogs OK on street; service animals in some additional areas; (805) 628-9588
Los Angeles
The Unique L.A. Holiday Market features gifts from more than 400 artists. Take a peek at one-of-a-kind jewelry, purses, clothing, ceramics, coffees, chocolates, gourmet foods and more while DJs spin tunes.
When: Dec. 2 and 3
Cost, info: Adults from $15, children (younger than 12) admitted free. No dogs. (213) 486-9821
Santa Barbara
The Santa Barbara Zoo’s two gorgeous and endangered snow leopards, Everett and Zoe, are honored at the Snow Leopard Festival and Sledding at the Zoo. The stunning big cats sniff, taste, nuzzle, test, roll in and romp on snow that’s brought in for them. Elsewhere, SoCal kids sled on 80 tons of snow under palm trees.
When: Dec. 3
Cost, info: $3 plus zoo admission: adults $17, seniors (65 and older) $13, children (2-12) $10, tots (younger than 2 years) free. No dogs. (805) 962-5339
Los Angeles
The Los Angeles Children’s Chorus is joined in song by Grammy-Award-winning opera singer Susan Graham and musicians from the Los Angeles Philharmonic for a holiday concert with carols and traditional pieces. The music will be mixed with readings about hope and change by Robert Louis Stevenson, St. Francis of Assisi and others.
When: Dec. 3
Cost, info: Tickets are going fast. From $15. No dogs. (323) 850-2000
Always check before you go because weather or other factors can affect events. To suggest an event that’s cool and close to home, email travel@latimes.com at least four weeks before the event.
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