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Family Activities and Holiday Fun

Low Cost and/or Free Events for the Family

December 4, 2022

Thinking back to when you were a child, what do you remember most about the holidays? For me, it was simply the excitement of the whole season, the surprises that awaited, warm drinks with lots of whipped cream, and the holiday decorations. Whether it's a holiday extravaganza or simply an evening sipping hot chocolate by a fireside, the holidays are all about making memories and spending time with your family. 

Below you will find a list of holiday events and activities in and around our area that can help you celebrate the season. From family activities, places to visit and even some free holiday fun, we packed it all right here for you. No matter what you decide to do this season, turn up the holiday music, make sure there are some warm treats to go around and take a lot of pictures. YOU are creating memories! 

☕ Macaroni Mom Tips: 
- For more information on the events below, click on the link that is attached to the name of the event listed.
- If you are looking for something to do for a specific date or weekend check our event calendar HERE 



Montclair's Holly Jolly Holiday (Montclair) - Join Montclair as they kick off the season. Free photos will be available with Santa.  Enjoy free refreshments provided by Santa’s helpers while supplies last. December 1

City of Claremont's Holiday Promenade & Tree Lighting(Claremont)- The City of Claremont and event sponsors are proud to announce the City of Claremont’s Holiday Promenade and Tree Lighting Ceremony! This event will take place in the Claremont Village on Friday, December 2 from 5 – 8 p.m., with the Tree Lighting Ceremony at 6:00 p.m. at the Depot. During the event, Village business participating as Cheer Stops will be providing free holiday treats and deals. Maps listing all participating locations will be available at the Claremont Depot and City Hall. December 2

Upland's 7th Annual Tree Lighting Celebration (Upland) -Join the City of Upland as they celebrate the holiday season at the 7th Annual Tree Lighting Celebration! Enjoy a free evening of family & friends, a 15-foot tree, crafts & games, vendors & craft faire, entertainment, contests, hot cider, and trackless train ride as the City tree comes alive with the glow of the season. December 2

Holiday Light Parade  (Ontario) - Join the City of Ontario on Euclid Avenue for an amazing Holiday Parade full of lights! Following the Holiday Parade, gather together at Ontario Town Square for the Tree Lighting Ceremony with live entertainment, crafts, and a photo with Santa! December 3

The Annual Menorah Procession (Ontario) -The Annual Menorah Procession will start at Ontario Town Square. Upon the lighting of the menorah, the car procession will begin. The event is intended to promote the concept of carrying light in the darkness as part of the celebration of Hanukkah. December 3

Harvest Festival Art & Craft Show (Pomona) -Celebrating 50 Years of Successful Festivals in the West! Shop hundreds of artisans of American handmade and embellished art & crafts featuring photography, fine jewelry, specialty food, blown glass, wood art, metalwork and more! December 2-4

La Verne's Holiday Stroll (La Verne)- Celebrate the season with the City of La Verne, local Old Town businesses and restaurants for its Holiday Stroll through Old Town. This event is free for all ages and will feature the annual storytelling of a holiday classic, Christmas tree lighting at Mainiero Square, caroling, and a photo opportunity with Santa.  December 3

2022 Upland Christmas Parade & Holiday Faire (Upland) - The Cooper Museum, along with the City of Upland and the merchants of Upland, will bring you the 45th Annual Christmas Parade. This event includes a Holiday Faire, which will be held in the streets and open to all. The Faire will start at 9:00 am, before the parade, and end at 2:30 pm. The parade will begin at 11:00am . The Holiday Faire will feature food, gift vendors and more!  December 3

Breakfast With Santa (Upland)  - **Pre-registration is required** - Upland Recreation and Community Services and Upland-Foothill Kiwanis have teamed up again to bring Santa Claus down from the North Pole for our annual Breakfast With Santa! Breakfast is just $6 and includes pancakes, sausage, juice, and coffee.  Children will have an opportunity to share their "wish list' with Santa.  Pictures may be taken with personal cameras. NEW THIS YEAR, there will be two different breakfast times. December 3

Dashing Through Montclair (Montclair) - Wave Hello to Mr. and Mrs. Claus as they drive throughout some Montclair neighborhoods from 2:00 pm - 6:00 pm. Vist the website linked above to see the map of this years sleigh ride. December 3

City of San Dimas Holiday Extravaganza (San Dimas) - The 12th Annual Holiday Extravaganza will be held in Downtown San Dimas on December 3rd. Events Include Crafts with Mrs. Claus (Register Now!), “Let It Snow” Parade, Snow Play, Tree Lighting, Santa and Community Performances. Wristbands are $10. December 3

La Verne's Tree Lighting Ceremony (La Verne)- Residents are invited to attend the annual ceremony in front of City Hall (3660 D Street). Stop by the event for some yuletide entertainment- carols sung by Bonita High School's Chamber Singers, and a visit from a jolly special guest. December 5 

Sunrise Church Kids Christmas Party - A Parents Night Out (Ontario) Christmas is just around the corner and we have a super fun way for your kids to celebrate this season (and give you parents a chance to do some Christmas shopping alone). Join us for KIDS CHRISTMAS PARTY, happening across each of our campuses for kids birth-5th grade. December 9

Breakfast with Santa (Rancho Cucamonga) Fall is here, the holidays are near, and Santa Claus is coming back to town! Join us for Breakfast with Santa on Saturday, December 10th from 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. at the Goldy S. Lewis Community Center at Central Park to celebrate the holiday season. All families will enjoy a festive holiday breakfast, décor, and activities within Santa's Workshop. Santa will be there waiting to meet and take pictures with all of his special guest! December 10

Snowy Hula Day (Rancho Cucamonga) Get your gloves and your boots ready, because  we are hosting a tropical holiday celebration! This new event will feature snow play areas, music, treats, crafts, games, and of course photos with Santa. We will send Santa off to his tropical vacation just before he gets extremely busy! December 10

Bonita High School Choral Music -Annual Holiday Concert, Yuletide (San Dimas) - Yuletide is an inspiring evening of holiday music performed by over 160 voices of Bonita's award-winning choral music department. Enjoy the sounds of Chorale, Women's Choir, Men's Choir, Concert, and Chamber Singers conducted by Director of Choral Music, Mr. Ryan Yoder. The concert will also include featured soloists and countless holiday favorites. There are two shows - one at 2 pm and another at 7pm December 10

Ontario's Craft Fair and Festival - Join the City of Ontario for the annual Christmas on Euclid Craft Fair and Festival. Families are invited to enjoy the holiday market, craft fair, ice skating, live performances and so much more. December 10

City of La Verne Winter Wonderland (La Verne) - Children can enjoy three snow runs, two snow play lands, arts and crafts, a cup of hot cocoa and special treat at "Mrs. Claus' Cozy Kitchen", and of course, visit Santa at the gazebo! Parents be sure to bring your cameras for this wonderful photo opportunity. Kids should dress for snow: mittens, gloves, boots and jackets. Sliding saucers will be provided. There will also be food and refreshments for purchase and craft vendors for early holiday shopping. Presale tickets cost $13 per child, which includes snow play, snack, crafts and a visit with Santa. Presale ends Thursday, December 8 at 6 p.m. Tickets will also be available at the event itself for $15 per child.  December 10

Mrs Claus + Christmas Themed Crafts (Montclair) - Join Mrs. Claus and take part in some Christmas themed crafts. This event is free but you need to preregister using the link above. December 15

The Christmas Thing (Rancho Cucamonga) - Get ready for The Christmas Thing, which will be full of food, fun and festivities for families. We’ll spend our time celebrating Christmas with food, games, bouncers, crafts and holiday fun. 

Santa Visits La Verne - Traditional Christmas Morning - After a night filled with milk, cookies and presents, Santa will make his annual tour through the neighborhoods of La Verne. December 25



Christmas on Euclid Historic Nativity Scenes(Upland)- The nativity scenes displayed on the historic Euclid Avenue median have been a long-standing Christmas tradition in Ontario, California. They made their debut in 1958. Community leaders and service organizations funded the twelve life-size scenes. Rudolph Vargas, a well-known Los Angeles artist and sculptor, was hired to create Biblical figures. Nativity will be up and ready on November 26

Ice Skating @ Ontario Ice Skating Center (Ontario) - Ontario Ice Skating Center has Public Ice Skating Sessions as well as Lessons for the whole family. 

Magical Light Show at Victoria Gardens (Rancho Cucamonga)- Visit Victoria Gardens for a magical light show daily in Town Square at 6:30 pm and 7:00 pm! 

Mission Inn Hotel & Spa Festival of Lights(Riverside) - The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa presents Christmas Lights at the Inn. As always the Festival of Lights will commence the day after Thanksgiving on Friday, November 25, 2022, and The Inn's six-week holiday merriment will be celebrated until Thursday, January 6, 2023

Christmas Nights at 123 Farm (Cherry Valley) - Enjoy festive food and drinks while walking through our Christmas village and taking in the holiday lights around our farm! Immerse yourself in the glow of holiday lights that will guide you through our historic property. Begin your stroll at the Gingerbread Village, hop into the Holiday Marketplace to drop off your letter to Santa, then walk through the glimmering Lover's Lane to get to Elfville. Open select days $10 per person (save by buying tickets online)

Looking for something to do on a specific day or weekend?
 CLICK HERE to visit our event calendar to find events by date