It's the most wonderful time of the year!
Time to hang lights, drink hot cocoa, and listen to a never-ending loop of Christmas music. But for those of you looking to add some pizzazz to your list of favorite things to do during the holiday season, here is a list of some awesome ways to spend the holidays!
1. Chill at Queen Mary
Ever wondered what it would be like to hang out in Elsa's ice castle? Well, ponder no more as you board this historical ship turned winter wonderland. Between the ice sculptures, the lights and the snow sled rides, this place will have you dreaming of a white Christmas and singing "Frozen" in no time.
2. Newport Beach Boat Parade
If you love boats 'n ho-ho-ho's, you should check out the light show spectacular that is the Newport Beach Boat Parade. This annual event is a must-see and has even been praised to be one of the best holiday parades in the area, obviously not counting Disneyland of course!
3. Disneyland
Speaking of Disneyland, it wouldn't be a holiday activity list if I didn't mention the Mouse House. Every year, the most magical place on Earth somehow manages to become even more magical as it fills its parks and downtown area with lights and music that will fill you with holiday cheer and make you fall in love all over again.
4. Holiday Lights Display
Take a stroll down neighborhoods like Candy Cane Lane that are known to put so many lights on their houses that you can practically see them from space -- because let's be honest, sometimes it's nice to walk around and look at other people's amazing holiday lights. Especially since it doesn't come up on your electricity bill.
5. Ice at Santa Monica
Check out the unique outdoor ice skating rink in downtown Santa Monica, because nothing gets you in the holiday spirit quite as much as holding hands with a loved one while ice skating and, if you're as bad as me, falling several times.
6. Aquarium Holidays
Santa diver, penguins and snow -- oh my! If you love Christmas and animals as much as I do, I suggest you follow the yellow brick road to the Aquarium of the Pacific's holiday events to watch the entire aquarium get into the holiday spirit together. If you're not sold yet, I have three words for you: holiday...sea...otters!
7. "The Nutcracker"
Why dream of dancing with sugarplum fairies when you can watch them? The Long Beach Ballet's rendition of "The Nutcracker" is a great way to experience some of the traditional magic and beauty of the holidays through this timeless performance.
8. Sgt. Pepper's Ugly Christmas Sweater Party
Everywhere you turn there are people throwing "ugly Christmas sweater" parties, but none of them will have dueling pianos and a room full of karaoke singing like Sgt. Pepper's. Whether you want to hear your favorite Christmas song or your latest Adele obsession, Sgt. Pepper's amazing pianists will always have you covered as you blissfully sing the night away and record videos of you and your friends to embarrass them with the next morning.
9. A Very "Die Hard" Christmas
Obsessed with "Die Hard" and all things Christmas? Don't worry, you are not alone. Here's your chance to join your fellow "yippee ki yay" fanatics in watching a Christmas parody of your favorite Bruce Willis film. The only way this could get any better is if Willis was there himself!
Whatever your plans are this holiday season, I wish you the happiest of holidays and hope that you spend them surrounded by loved ones!
