California theme parks deck the halls for Christmas 2010

As the calendar closes in on Thanksgiving, California theme parks are already setting the table for the Christmas season.

Holiday fun in the form of Halloween, Christmas and New Year’s helps fill the parks during the off-season once the spring break and summer vacation crowds dissipate.

What follows is a list of theme-park holiday attractions for Christmas 2010:

Disneyland (Anaheim) – Main Street USA tree lighting, Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle, It’s a Small World Holiday boat ride, Haunted Mansion Holiday dark ride, Believe in Holiday Magic fireworks, A Christmas Fantasy parade and Santa’s Reindeer Round-Up crafts. Daily through Jan. 2.

Knott’s Berry Farm (Buena Park) – Snoopy’s Calico Christmas tree lighting, A Peanuts Holiday parade, “It’s Christmas, Snoopy” ice show, Elf Mountain Christmas log ride, “A Christmas Carol” and “A Gift of the Magi” stage performances, “Winter Wonderland” musical, “Snoopy’s Christmas Light Spectacular” light show, meet Santa in his toy barn and Christmas Crafts Village. Select days from Nov. 25 through Dec. 30. Free admission with the donation of a $15 toy during the Toys for Tots Drive from Dec. 4-19.

Six Flags Discovery Kingdom (Vallejo) – Main Street Festival of Lights tree-lighting ceremony, Christmas parade, “Dolphin Holiday” show, “Super Spirited Sea Lions Save Christmas” show, “Dream” killer whale holiday show, Blitzen’s Wonderland Mountain snow hill, Looney Tunes Xmas karaoke, Mr. Six Holi-Daze dance party, meet Santa in his workshop, meet Frosty the Snowman in Winter Wonderland and visit Reindeer Village and Christmas Tree Forest. Select days from Nov. 26 through Jan. 2.

Universal Studios Hollywood – Grinchmas tree-lighting ceremony, Whoville Whobilation ceremony, caroling by the Whoville choir, a snow play area and celebrity readings of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” Celebrity readers include “True Blood” star Stephen Moyer, actors Fred Willard, Joey Lawrence and Jeffrey Tambor and pop singer Brandy. Daily Dec. 11 and 12 and Dec. 18 through Jan. 2.

SeaWorld San Diego – Nightly tree lighting ceremony, “Shamu’s Christmas” killer whale show, “Clyde and Seamore’s Night Before Christmas” sea lion show, “Christmas Tails” household pets show, “Polar Express 4-D Experience” movie, ice skating rink, visit Santa in his cottage. Select days Nov. 26 through Dec. 31.

Legoland California (Carlsbad) – Lego Christmas tree-lighting ceremony, life-size Lego versions of Santa and his reindeer, miniature Santas and reindeer added to Miniland scenes, “Let It Snow” musical, fireworks show and strolling musicians and carolers. Select days from Nov. 29 through Dec. 31.

San Diego Zoo – Nightly tree lighting ceremony, Jungle Bells bell ringers, lighted holiday figures throughout the park, Animal Magic for the Holidays meet and greets, “Nightmare Before Christmas” read by Dr. Zoolittle, visit Santa in his workshop. Select days from Dec. 11 through Jan. 2.

Six Flags Magic Mountain (Valencia) – Free admission with the donation of a $15 toy during Toys for the Holidays. Dec. 4, 5, 11 and 12.

Disney California Adventure (Anaheim) – Meet Santa in Paradise Pier, Christmas decorations in A Bug’s Land