PlayMap Picks
Six November anchors: a free Día de los Muertos festival, a preschool show, a free bird walk, a free tree lighting, the holiday-lights opener, and a marionette Nutcracker. Check each date before buying or reserving.
When: Sun, Nov 1, 11 AM–8 PM
Where: Downey Theatre / Civic Center, Downey
Ages: All Ages
Price: Free
Best for: Families who want a Día de los Muertos outing with art and kids activities.
Why we picked it: It lands on Día de los Muertos itself, with community altars, art and sculptures, live performances, and kids activities. Admission is free, so you can stay for one performance or the whole afternoon.
Parent tip: Confirm the performance schedule on the official festival site before you go.
When: Sat, Nov 21, 2 PM (also 6 PM)
Where: Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts
Ages: Ages 2–6
Price: Paid tickets (Ticketmaster)
Best for: Preschoolers ready for a first theater show.
Why we picked it: Sesame Street Live: Elmo’s Got the Moves! is an interactive dance-and-move show built for ages 2–6, so wiggling in your seat is part of the plan.
Parent tip: Pick the 2 PM or 6 PM show around naps and bedtime.
When: Sun, Nov 22, 10 AM (about one hour)
Where: Malibu Lagoon State Beach
Ages: All Ages
Price: Free
Best for: Curious kids and parents who want a short, quiet outdoor morning.
Why we picked it: Santa Monica Bay Audubon runs this walk for parents with younger children. It is about an hour long, so it fits before lunch.
Parent tip: Meet at the shaded viewing area between the parking lot and the channel. Trips can change, so check smbasblog.com before you leave.
When: Sun, Nov 22, 4–7 PM
Where: Center Court, The Shops at Montebello
Ages: All Ages
Price: Free
Best for: Families who want an easy, free holiday kickoff.
Why we picked it: One of the first free tree lightings on the calendar, with live music, festive treats, and family activities in an indoor-outdoor mall setting.
Parent tip: The lighting is the main moment; arrive before it gets dark if your kids want a good view.
When: Opens Sun, Nov 22; nightly 5:30–10 PM through Jan 9, 2027
Where: Descanso Gardens, La Cañada Flintridge
Ages: All Ages
Price: $12–$52
Best for: A holiday-lights walk worth planning a night around.
Why we picked it: Enchanted Forest of Light marks its 10th year with returning installations, a new laser light show with a “snowfall” finale, and Giant Koi for the Japanese Garden’s 60th anniversary.
Parent tip: Prices vary by date. Check ticket options on Descanso’s site, and bring layers because the garden gets cold after dark.
When: Sat–Sun, Nov 28–29, 2 PM (more December dates)
Where: Sierra Madre Playhouse
Ages: All Ages
Price: Tickets from $12
Best for: A gentle first Nutcracker over Thanksgiving weekend.
Why we picked it: Bob Baker’s marionette Nutcracker is a shorter, kid-scale way into the holiday classic, and the Thanksgiving weekend dates give visiting relatives something to book.
Parent tip: Tickets are sold on sierramadreplayhouse.org.
