On Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, discover MLK events, celebrations, and local volunteering opportunities for you and your kids around LA

Each year, on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Americans unite to honor his legacy and tireless work as a champion of civil rights. So when is Martin Luther King Day? MLK Day takes place the third Monday in January each year. Fun fact: King’s actual birthday is January 15 (he was born in 1929). In addition to celebrating King’s legacy, this holiday has also become a National Day of Service—encouraging Americans to volunteer and do good in their communities. So whether you want to celebrate MLK at a parade or spend the day giving back to others, here are all the things to do on MLK Day in Los Angeles.

How to Celebrate MLK Day in Los Angeles

1. Long Beach Martin Luther King Jr. Parade and Celebration

Jan. 14: This beloved event returns for its 35th year to celebrate Rev. Dr. King and the diverse community of Central Long Beach. Festivities kick off at 10 a.m. at the intersection of Martin Luther King Jr. Ave. and Anaheim St., followed by the park celebration from noon-5 p.m. at Martin Luther King Jr. Park. The park celebration will include a main stage with live performances, a health and wellness area, youth area, and tons of food and vendors.
Martin Luther King Jr. Park
1950 Lemon Ave.
Los Angeles
Online: longbeach.gov

2. Santa Monica Symphony MLK Holiday Concert

Jan. 14: In partnership with the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Westside Coalition, the Santa Monica Symphony honors the legacy of Rev. Dr. King with its annual MLK concert conducted by Gary Pratt. The concert opens with Coleridge-Taylor’s Danse Negre and Price’s rousing Symphony No. 1 and concludes with Gershwin’s iconic Rhapsody in Blue with Jason Stoll on piano. The event is free, but pre-registration is required. Doors open at 2 p.m. with the performance running from 3 p.m.-5 p.m.

John Adams Middle School Performing Arts Center
1630 Pearl St.
Santa Monica
Online: smsymphony.org

3. Minecraft March on Washington (Virtual Event)

Jan. 14 & 16: As part of LA Works MLK Day of Service, this virtual event builds upon the anti-racism movement through an interactive march on Washington in Minecraft and an in-person event at LA Memorial Coliseum. Tour a virtual exhibit of the 1963 March on Washington and interact with civil rights leaders like Rev. Dr. King himself. The event takes place from noon- 9 p.m. on Jan. 14 and 10 a.m.-9 p.m. on Jan. 16. Advance registration is required and closes at 5 p.m. on Jan. 11. Once you register, LA Works will email a link to attend the event. Access to Minecraft (Java or Bedrock edition) is required. Event details.

4. LA Works Martin Luther King Day of Service at LA Memorial Coliseum

Jan. 16: In 1964, Rev. Dr. King passionately addressed 15,000 Angelenos at LA Memorial Coliseum on the issues of race relations and human dignity. This year, LA Works continues Rev. Dr. King’s legacy by empowering LA volunteers to fight for food and climate justice. The day of service schedule starts off at noon-1 p.m. where volunteers will sample vegan food at booths hosted by local restaurants and learn about local activity to combat climate change. From 1:15 p.m.-1:30 p.m., there will be a keynote speaker, and from 1:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m., volunteers will rotate through eco-action stations, including creating urban greening kits, assembling disaster preparedness materials, and making a climate action pledge. There will also be a family zone with volunteer activities designed with kids in mind. Register online to volunteer.

LA Memorial Coliseum
3911 S Figueroa St.
Los Angeles
Online: laworks.com/mlk

https://www.instagram.com/p/B7Wz4qalnkP/?hidecaption=true

5. King Day at California African American Museum

Jan. 16: From 10 a.m.-5 p.m., on Jan. 16, CAAM celebrates Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with a day of festivities. This year’s theme of “MLK: A Legacy of Service” will include a performance by the Inner-City Youth Orchestra of Los Angeles, the King Study Group, and family activities provided by the LA Public Library. Admission is free, but attendees are asked to RSVP to the event ahead of time.

CAAM
600 State St.
Los Angeles
Online: caamuseum.org

6. Kingdom Day Parade

Jan. 16: Known as America’s biggest and oldest birthday celebration of MLK, the 38th Annual Kingdom Day Parade features this year’s theme of “America, The Last Best Hope of the World.” If you are wondering what time does the MLK parade start in Los Angeles? The parade takes place at 11 a.m. and provides a festive, family-friendly opportunity for the LA community to gather and celebrate the life of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. With over 250,000 spectators expected to line the parade route filled with floats, marching bands, and tons of fun, this is must-do event. It will also be broadcast on TV at 11 a.m. on ABC-7.

Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
Los Angeles
Online: kingdomdayparade.org

7. A Walk to Remember MLK in Redondo Beach

Jan. 16: Join fellow community members in a Day of Service by walking to honor the life of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The walk begins at 101 W. Torrance Blvd. in Redondo Beach and ends at the MLK Jr. memorial located in front of the Redondo Beach Police Department. While the walk is free, event organizers ask all participants to bring a child or adult/teen kit filled with necessities (see website for specific needs) to donate at the event or any time prior to that at the RBPD. All kits will go to the RBPD Domestic Violence Advocacy Program. Attendees should meet at the Pier Sub-Station at 10:00 a.m.

Redondo Beach Pier Sub-Station
101 W. Torrance Blvd.
Redondo Beach
Online: eventbrite.com

https://www.instagram.com/p/CJrq8pEsHsW/?hidecaption=true

8. Big Sunday MLK Clothing Drive and Community Breakfast

Jan. 16: Big Sunday is hosting their 11th Annual MLK Day Clothing Drive and Community Breakfast on Jan. 16 from 10 a.m.—1 p.m. at 24th St. Elementary School. This big block party will feature a community breakfast, arts and crafts projects to benefit local nonprofits, entertainment from the Blue Breeze Band, a Civil Rights Exhibit, and Big Sunday’s Something in Common project. They will also be putting together 2,023 winter clothing kits for folks who are struggling. They are happy to accept donations of any new clothing or shoes, or you can sponsor a new clothing bag for $25. All ages are welcome!

24th St. Elementary School
2055 W. 24th St.
Los Angeles
Online: bigsunday.org

9. Leadership Long Beach MLK Day of Service

Jan. 16: For 13 years, Leadership Long Beach has coordinated the largest MLK Day of Service in LA County, bringing together thousands of volunteers to complete dozens of community service projects. If you have a project idea, Leadership Long Beach welcomes suggestions on their website. All service projects must be completed between 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. on Jan. 16 and be easy enough that volunteers can quickly jump in to make a difference. Projects must be completed within the cities of Long Beach or Signal Hill and have a dedicated leader who will guide and supervise volunteers to complete the work.

Online: leadershiplb.org

10. National Park System Free Entrance Day in Honor of MLK

Jan. 16: In honor of MLK’s birthday, National Park service sites will waive entrance fees for everyone on Jan. 16. Many national parks also host a variety of service projects that people can sign up for as volunteers, so be sure to check the park’s website for any opportunities.

Online: nps.gov

Related: Our Favorite National Parks within Driving Distance of DTLA

11. Martin Luther King Jr. Walk-A-Thon

Jan. 16: Join the African American Historical Society for a Walk-A-Thon in honor of MLK. This year’s theme is “A Legacy of Strength, a Future of Action.” The 5K walk starts at the Stratton Center and ends at the Main Library Breezeway across from the Civil Rights Institute with a stop at the Martin Luther King Jr. statue along the way. Early registrants have an opportunity to receive one of a limited number of commemorative coins to celebrate the grand opening of the Civil Rights Institute, as well as a family pack of tickets to an Ontario Clippers game at Toyota Arena. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. at Stratton Center and the walk begins at 10 a.m. Afterwards, there will be booths, entertainment, and performances. Proceeds from the Walk-A-Thon will benefit the Riverside African American Historical Society’s initiatives. Online registration prior to the event is encouraged, but on-site registration will available too. Tickets are $35 for participants ages 13 and up and include a t-shirt.

Stratton Center at Bordwell Park
2008 Martin Luther King Blvd.
Riverside
Online: raahsinc.org

There’s no better way to spread holiday cheer than bringing the kids to see one of these Christmas shows in Boston

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Or should we say, the busiest? With all the upcoming family gatherings, presents to wrap, and decorating to do, it’s easy to forget to slow down and enjoy a cup of hot chocolate with the family. Maybe even see a show or two to keep that magical holiday spirit alive and take a break from the hustle and bustle of the winter season. Thankfully, there are a ton of holiday events and Christmas shows in Boston that the whole family will be grateful to experience. Here are seven shows you won’t want to miss.

The Nutcracker

The Nutcracker is one of those holiday shows that transports you back to your childhood as soon as you hear that hauntingly beautiful musical score. Luckily, The Boston Ballet will be performing The Nutcracker from November 25th through December 31st at the Citizens Bank Opera House in Boston. So your family will have plenty of chances to grab tickets and watch Clara’s adventure through The Land of Sweets with her Nutcracker prince. You don’t want to miss out on this holiday show which has been described by The Boston Globe as “the gold standard.”

Citizens Bank Opera House
539 Washington St.
Boston
Event details

Cirque du Soleil's 'Twas The Night Before

Everyone has heard the famous opening lines on the Christmas classic poem, 'Twas the Night Before Christmas. But the Cirque du Soleil brings this poem to life on stage at The Boch Center in Boston with a modern take on your favorite holiday songs and an acrobatic performance like no other. The kids will be entranced by the fun choreography and silly costumes, while learning about the importance of family traditions and friendship. The holiday songs will also have your inner child beaming and dancing. Be sure to grab your tickets before their last show on December 11.

Boch Center Wang Theatre
270 Tremont St.
Boston
Event details

Related: Bright Lights, Big City: Boston's Top 10 Holiday Light Displays

Holiday Pops

There is no better way to spread Christmas cheer than through song and music. Treat the family to this special holiday concert, Holiday Pops, at the Boston Symphony Hall. The family will get to experience a merry night of singing along to their favorite Christmas classics and can even select special matinee performances for younger children, with a shorter show and photo with Santa. Another great option is the Holiday Pops Sensory-Friendly Concert, designed for people who have sensory issues. This concert is more relaxed and offers quiet spaces and less stimulating features. The Holiday Pops will certainly be on your families’ holiday to-do list every year. Performances run from December 1 through Christmas Eve.

Boston Symphony Hall
301 Massachusetts Ave.
Boston
Event details

Christmas with the Copley Singers at the Cathedral

Sometimes a small but magical chorus performance is all you need to bring out your holiday spirit. Gather the family together for this annual concert put on by the Copley Singers, and be ready to be blown away (or brought to tears) by this talented Boston group. The Copley Singers are a critically acclaimed choir and have had many shows throughout New England. Here's the important part—this is a one day only show (December 11). Make sure to get your tickets ASAP.

Good to Know: Kids ages 17 and under attend for free.

Cathedral of the Holy Cross
1400 Washington St.
Boston
Online: eventbrite.com

A Christmas Carol, A Musical Ghost Story

If you have older kids or the family is a fan of literary classics, then A Christmas Carol is a must-see. Follow the tale of Ebenezer Scrooge as he takes off on an ethereal adventure to discover his Christmas spirit. This award-winning holiday show will be performed from December 1 through December 23.

Good to Know: Children under 4 are not permitted to attend this show.

North Shore Music Theatre
54 Dunham Rd.
Beverly, MA
Event details

Boston Toy Show Holiday Show

Why not start a new holiday tradition this year? If you’ve had your share of Christmas performances, try something a little different and take the family to the Boston Toy Show Holiday Show held at the Hilton Boston in Dedham. Held annually for the last 30 years (with the exception of Covid-19), this Toy show doesn’t display just any old toys; antique toys and collectibles are put on display or for sale. Imagine stumbling on your favorite childhood toy that is no longer made? Then telling your kids stories about these relics? Sounds like a great way to spend a cozy winter morning.

Date & Time: Dec. 11, 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

Hilton Boston/Dedham
25 Allied Dr.
Dedham, MA 
Online: facebook.com

Related: Shop Boston's Best Toy Stores for Unique Gifts This Season

Little Women: The Broadway Musical

Here's another great holiday show for the book lovers in your family. This musical adaptation of the beloved story, Little Women, is being performed at the Greater Boston Stage Company. Get ready to laugh and cry whole-heartedly as you watch the March Sisters in their coming-of-age adventures during the Civil War. This is sure to be a memorable performance that will be the topic of discussion as your family returns home for some hot chocolate. Little Women: The Broadway Musical runs from November 25 through December 23.

Greater Boston Stage Company
395 Main St.
​Stoneham, MA
Event details

Well, folks, it’s that time of year again: when you and your family take a festive group outing to one of Portland’s many holiday shows! Perhaps it’s an evening venture to a stage performing Christmas tales of old, or to see a local spin on classic holiday stories. Either way, it is sure to be a merry time! Let us enliven your winter spirit with our picks for this season’s must-see Portland holiday shows!

Portland’s Singing Christmas Tree

Come and visit Sunset Presbyterian Church’s choir, three-hundred strong, for your classic holiday tunes! This show features a beautifully crafted Nativity scene and is made possible through a masterful cast of singers, dancers, and local actors. You will be entranced by the live orchestra and humored by the dancing Santas in this festive feature, so be sure to carve out a space in one of these upcoming evenings to make memories with friends and family.

Nov. 27 - Dec, 5
14986 NW Cornell Rd,
Portland OR
Online at: singingchristmastree.org/

Oregon Children's Theater

OCT via Yelp

Join the Oregon Children’s Theater for a performance that will be sure to create a special family memory. This year’s performance, titled “Happy Everything!”, features teenagers from the cast of OCTC’s show “Impulse!”, and includes the caroling classics that will be sure to inspire that beloved Christmas spirit. Head to the Oregon Children’s Theater website for details about the cast and ticket prices! If you have a credit from a show during the 2019-2020 season, Oregon Children’s Theater will allow you to redeem it for this show. 

Nov. 19 - Dec. 19
Friday: 7:30 p.m.
Saturday: 2 p.m., 5 p.m.
Sunday: 11 p.m., 2 p.m.
Brunish Theatre: 1111 SW Broadway,
Portland OR
Online at: octc.org/merry-happy-everything

Portland Gay Men's Chorus

Here for only one whirlwind weekend, the Portland Gay Men’s Chorus is returning this Christmas season with the event “Gather”! This show will feature classic winter songs and holiday staples that will tickle your festive spirit and brighten the beginning of your December. Be sure to check for tickets on their website as they will be going-going-gone, and you surely won’t want to miss this special occasion.

Dec. 10-12
1111 SW Broadway, 
Portland, OR 
Online at: pdxgmc.org/shows/gather/

Oregon Ballet Theatre

OBT via Yelp

The Oregon Ballet Theatre has been preforming its beautifully choreographed showing of the Nutcracker every holiday season since 1989 (barring COVID-season, of course). Never fear - they are back this 2021 Christmas season to bless Portlanders near and far with Tchaikovsky, snowflakes and all things Sugar Plum Fairy! Don’t miss this elegant Christmas classic by heading to the Oregon Ballet Theatre’s website for tickets - be sure to note which shows include the live orchestra! 

Dec. 11 - Dec. 26
Keller Auditorium: 222 SW Clay St,
Portland OR 
Online at: obt.org/nutcracker

The Oregon Symphony

Oregon Symphony via Yelp

The Oregon Symphony is putting on a host of Christmas-themed events this year, and many only are showing for one night! Whether it’s for “Comfort and Joy: A Classical Christmas” or “A Merry-Achi Christmas”, the Oregon Symphony’s large spread of seasonal showings will bring on the holiday spirit, full-swing. So dress your family up in your Sunday’s best and head to the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall for a musical evening you’ll be sure to enjoy. 

Dec. 8 -19th,
Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall: 1037 SW Broadway, Portland OR 97205
Online at: orsymphony.org/concerts

—Hannah Judge

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‘Tis the season for many things, especially festive music! To say goodbye to 2020, Idina Menzel wants to celebrate with a one-time-only holiday concert through an Airbnb Online Experience.

Fans can book Idina’s Online Experience beginning Wed., Dec. 16 at 12:00PM ET, with the event taking place on Thur., Dec. 17th at 7:00PM ET for up to 100 guests, starting at $10 a person. All proceeds will benefit The Actors Fund, a national human services organization for performing arts and entertainment professionals that fosters stability and resiliency.

Menzel says, “Song is a huge part of my life and the holidays have always had a special place in my heart. This year, connecting with others is more important than ever and I am excited to hopefully bring a little bit of joy and holiday sparkle to your families by hosting this experience.”

Head to the website for Airbnb’s Online Experiences to get all the details.

––Karly Wood

All photos: Courtesy of Idina Menzel

 

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Get in the holiday spirit! Children’s musician Laurie Berkner invites everyone to share the magic of the season at two special “Holiday Party” Live Virtual Family Concerts on Sunday, Dec. 13 at 12:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. ET on Berkner’s website. For double the fun, a family ticket grants admission to one or both livestreams.

Laurie Berkner Holiday

“With all that’s going on in the world, I feel so lucky to still be able to share our annual Holiday Concert and celebrate with families this year! These will be my final virtual family concerts of 2020, and I’m so proud and moved by the community that we have built together in these past months,” says Berkner. “Seeing videos of kids and families sharing loving moments and dancing together to my music makes all of the hard work that we put into each of these livestreamed events completely worth it. I truly can’t wait!”

Berkner encourages fans of all ages to decorate their homes and wear their holiday outfits to this show, whether it be a fun sweater, fancy holiday clothes, cozy winter pajamas, or even a Santa suit.

“Get out your holiday lights, dreidels, nutcrackers, candy canes, Hanukkah gelt, wreaths, and stockings!” says Berkner. “Maybe your Christmas tree or menorah is already out. You could make a gingerbread house, an ornament, or some hot cocoa, and bring them to the show. Let’s build a winter wonderland together!”

Longtime Laurie Berkner Band member Susie Lampert will be a special guest at these holiday concerts, which will feature such traditional, secular songs as “Jingle Bells” and “Frosty the Snowman,” along with originals from Laurie Berkner’s well-loved album, A Laurie Berkner Christmas, like “Santa’s Coming to My House Tonight.” Laurie will also celebrate Hanukkah with “Candle Chase” and “The Dreidel Song.” She’ll perform an array of her greatest hits, too, including “We Are The Dinosaurs,” “Victor Vito,” and “Pig On Her Head.”

Your little ones should plan on bringing their instruments (jingle bells if you have them), dancing shoes and a stuffed animal to participate in the sing along.

A fun-filled virtual lobby will feature pre-show music and videos, holiday games and a fun snowflake craft activity to bring to the concert. For those who’d like to spend a few minutes chatting one-on-one with Laurie after the show, special Meet-and-Greet tickets are available.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

Featured photo: Laurie Berkner

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The Grinch, Ebenezer Scrooge, Charlie Brown and the Sugar Plum Fairy are all set to take the stage in San Diego’s best holiday shows! Treat your kids to a magical performance to revel in the excitement of the holidays. We’ve got a list featuring classic faves like How the Grinch Stole Christmas to brand new productions like Cirque Dreams Holidaze. Watch your little elves’ eyes light up when the curtain goes up at these delightful extravaganzas. Read on for the details.

Hip Hop Nutcracker

Hip Hop Nutcracker via Facebook

The Hip Hop Nutcracker, a contemporary work set to classic the Tchaikovsky score, celebrates its 5th year anniversary and hits the road to play at the Civic Theatre. You’ll find MC Kurtis Blow, one of hip hop’s founding fathers, opening the show with a short set before rapping the introduction. Even more, a dozen all-star dancers, an on-stage DJ and an electric violinist. The traditional Tchaikovsky score beautifully complements the power moves of the 12 dancers, with traditional and incidental music re-mixed and re-imagined, helping to bring a beautifully surprising and contemporary vibe to the production.

The Hip Hop Nutcracker
Nov. 7, 7:30 p.m.
Tickets: From $33.50/person
San Diego Civic Theater
3rd Avenue & B St.
San Diego, CA 92101
Online: sandiegocivictheatre.com

Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas

Jim Cox

Get a front row ticket to the land of Whoville and you won't be disappointed! Every year San Diegans flock to the Old Globe Theater to be entertained by their rendition of Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas and time and again audiences leave feeling wowed. Based on the classic Dr. Seuss book and back for its 20th incredible year, the family favorite features the songs “Santa for a Day,” “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch,” and “Welcome, Christmas (Fah Who Doraze).” Scrooges everywhere are dared not to love this magical show.

Event details.

Dr. Seuss's How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Nov. 4-Dec. 24; (11 a.m. matinée for kids under 3 years old)
Sensory-friendly show on Dec. 14
Tickets: From $29/adult; $19/youth
The Old Globe
1363 Old Globe Way
San Diego, CA 92101
619-234-5623
Online: theoldglobe.org

A Charlie Brown Christmas

A Charlie Brown Christmas

Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and the entire Peanuts gang are back at Balboa Theater to bring this holiday classic to life! With live actors, an animated backdrop, and Vince Guaraldi’s timeless music, this is a beloved holiday classic you won’t want to miss.

Event details.

A Charlie Brown Christmas
Dec. 27, 1:30 p.m.
Tickets: From $34/person
Balboa Theater
868 4th Avenue
San Diego, CA 92101
Online: sandiegotheatres.org

Ebenezer Scrooge’s BIG San Diego Christmas Show

stevendepolo via Flickr

San Diego has a new show for its Christmas stocking with this fast, funny, and highly theatrical reimagining of one of the most beloved holiday stories ever told. All the traditional elements of Dickens’s A Christmas Carol are intact—including the iconic ghosts of Christmases Past, Present, and Future—but with a comic local twist! Audiences of all ages will cheer Ebenezer Scrooge’s rediscovery of the Christmas spirit in this riotous Dickens mash-up filled with music and laughter—all set in “wintery” San Diego!

Event details.

Ebenezer Scrooge’s BIG San Diego Christmas Show
Nov. 23-Dec. 29
Tickets: From $39/person
The Old Globe
1363 Old Globe Way
San Diego, CA 92101
619-234-5623
Online: theoldglobe.org

Cirque Dreams Holidaze

Ian Ibbetson 2017

Light up your holiday season! You’ll enjoy the unique cast of cirque artists and theater talent that will wow your whole family. With over 300 imaginative costumes, 20 world-class astonishing acts, the finest singers, original music and seasonal favorites, celebrate Thanksgiving, Chanukah, Christmas and New Year’s in a 2 hour breathtaking spectacle. This show has something for everyone in your crew, so grab your tickets today!

Event details.

Cirque Dreams Holidaze
Dec. 17 & 18, 7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $45-$100/person
340 N Escondido Blvd.
Escondido, CA 92025
800-988-4253
Online: artcenter.org

A Christmas Carol

Ken Jacques

You and your little carolers will feel like you've stepped into a Victorian Christmas card once the curtain comes up at the Cygnet Theatre. This reimagined take on the original holiday classic: A Christmas Carol, by Charles Dickens, is adapted by Sean Murray with an original score by Billy Thompson. Audience involvement is encouraged as guests are invited to engage in photo ops at the lobby Christmas tree and pre-show singalongs from their seats. Suitable for all ages.

Event details.

A Christmas Carol
Nov. 27-Dec. 29
Tickets: $35/adult; $27.50/child (with paying adult)
Old Town Theatre
4040 Twiggs St.
San Diego, CA 92110
Online: cygnettheatre.com

San Diego Ballet: The Nutcracker

San Diego Ballet

For many people, the holidays just aren’t the holidays without a performance of The Nutcracker. The San Diego Ballet's version appeals to the child in all of us and is a must-see for tiny dancers who dream about tulle and lace-up ballet slippers. Budding stage performers will be inspired by the mix of professional dancers and ballet students (some taking the stage for the very first time). Another reason to love the San Diego Ballet version of The Nutcracker is that the show features an international cast from China, Japan, Russia, South Africa and Mexico.

Event details.

The Nutcracker
Dec. 28 & 29
Tickets: $49-$134/person
Copley Symphony Hall
750 B Street
San Diego, CA 92101
Online: sandiegoballetdancecompany.org

A Magical Cirque Christmas

Lou Baldanza

Your fam will be spellbound and on the edge of their seats at this new holiday show. The producers of Broadway’s smash hit “The Illusionists” have brought together all kinds of entertainers for this extravaganza. Experience the magic of Christmas with dazzling performers and breathtaking cirque artists from all corners of the world, accompanied by your favorite holiday music performed live. Get into the spirit of the season with this merry treat that’s perfect for the entire family.

Event details.

A Magical Cirque Christmas
Dec. 28, 7:30 p.m.
Tickets: From $27.50/person
San Diego Civic Theater
3rd Avenue & B St.
San Diego, CA 92101
Online: sandiegocivictheatre.com

The Nutcracker

San Diego Civic Youth Ballet

A magical journey! Join Clara in the Land of the Sweets with the Nutcracker Prince at the San Diego Civic Youth Ballet’s annual production of The Nutcracker. Witness an epic battle between toy soldiers and mice before being whisked away to an enchanting land of falling snow, waltzing flowers, and the dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy! This classic holiday production is a beloved San Diego family tradition.

Event details.

The Nutcracker
Dec. 11-22
Tickets: $15-$20
Casa del Prado Theater
Balboa Park
1800 Village Place
San Diego, CA, 92101
Online: sdcyb.org

Festival of Christmas: A Fargo Christmas

Ken Jacques

Every holiday season for 40 years families visit Lamb's Players Theater in Coronado looking to be entertained, and every year the theater delivers. Resident Playwright Kerry Meads delights theater goers with her version of A Fargo Christmas, a hilarious play that brings together a rising star, a real estate mogul, a precocious child and an octogenarian looking at the same “dream” property to be their new home by Christmas. This show is appropriate for all ages, but due to the theater's small size, tickets are available for ages 5 and up only.

A Festival of Christmas
Dec. 5-29
Tickets: $28-$82/person
Lamb’s Players Theatre
1142 Orange Ave.
Coronado, CA 92118
Online: lambsplayers.org

Noel Noel

San Diego Symphony

Music to your ears! Ring in holiday cheer at Noel Noel, a holiday concert for the whole family. The sounds of old-fashioned and new-found festive music makes the season bright and delightful as audiences sing along with the San Diego Master Chorale. Decked with boughs of holly and sparkling lights, Copley Symphony Hall at the Jacobs Music Center warmly welcomes you and the North Pole’s most famous resident! Even more, attend the one-hour family version in the afternoon. Snatch up your tickets today, because they go fast.

Event details.

Noel Noel
Dec. 14-22; Dec. 15, 1-hour family version
Tickets: From $25/person (from $10/person for family version)
Copley Symphony Hall
750 B Street
San Diego, CA 92101
Online: sandiegosymphony.org

California Ballet: The Nutcracker

San Diego Theater

Love the idea of seeing a performance of The Nutcracker in all its glory, but worried your little one may turn sour halfway through the two-hour show? The California Ballet version has toddler-friendly performances that are only 60 minutes long. Read all the details on this kid-friendly show here.

The Nutcracker
Dec. 14-24
Tickets: Start at $45/person
San Diego Civic Theater
3rd Avenue & B St.
San Diego, CA 92101
Online: sandiegotheatres.org/the-nutcracker

––Aimee Della Bitta & Nikki Walsh

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So you want your child to have an appreciation of music beyond Katy Perry, Daniel Tiger or Frozen? Great news! Not only is NYC home to premier music companies and organizations, many create programming just for kids. (Even better: several just launched kids’ music series with programming that will have the whole family singing and grooving until spring.) Here are some of the best places in the city to introduce kids to compositions beyond “Wheels on the Bus” and “Bad Blood.”

art: LOS Kids

LOS Kids
The Little Orchestra Society is all about getting them while they’re young. The organization is staging a new concert series for families this fall, dubbed LOS Kids. The series is recommended for kids ages 3 to 7 and will feature four of the classical giants and their greatest hits. “Mozart! Starting Small to Become Great” will include Magic Flute, Eine Kleine Nachtmusik and the Marriage of Figaro; “Dvorak! Exploring the New World” will feature Humoresque, New World Symphony and Slavonic Dance; “Gershwin!: Got Rhythm?” spotlights Rhapsody in Blue, I Got Rhythm and Summertime,” and “Tchaikovsky!: Bigger Than Ballet” rolls out the Nutcracker, Mozartiana, Serenade for Strings and Swan Lake. Tickets are available as 4-concerts subscriptions, 2-concert subscriptions or individually. All concerts take place at the Kaye Playhouse at Hunter College.

LOS Kids
Sat., Nov. 7 to Sun. March 6
Tickets: starting at $15
The Kaye Playhouse at Hunter College
695 Park Ave. at 68th St.
212-971-9500
Online: littleorchestra.org/

photo: Jeffrey Bary via Flickr

BAM Kids
The Brooklyn Academy of Music brings its funky sensibility to kids programming too, and that includes music. The arts organization’s kid’s music series is already underway, and this season will feature a bilingual concert by Sol y Canto for kids ages 2 to 5 (Nov. 7); a jazzy holiday concert by Grammy-winning Jennifer Gasoi for kids 4 to11 years old (Dec. 12), and Brooklyn viola and violin duo Chargaux performing original songs and pop favorite for those 5 to 11 (Jan. 23).

Brooklyn Academy of Music
Nov 7 -Jan. 23
Tickets: $10
Peter Jay Sharp Building
30 Lafayette Ave.
Fort Greene
718-636-4100
Online: bam.org/kids

photo: New York Philharmonic Facebook page

New York Philharmonic  Young People’s Concerts and Very Young People’s Concerts
The New York Philharmonic offers concerts for the tiniest of culture vultures and their parents. Started in the 1960s by Leonard Bernstein, the Saturday afternoon Young People’s Concert series for kids six years old and up explores symphonic music through a theme each season. This year, “Once Upon a Time,” with concerts such as “Fables and Folktales”, “Myths and Legends” and “Babble and Verse” will demonstrate how stories, poems, legends, tales of heroes and villains all come to life in music by great composers. Works by Strauss, Gershwin, Mahler and others will be featured this season.

For even younger kids (children 3 to 6 years old), the New York Philharmonic produces the lively and interactive Very Young People’s Concerts on Sunday afternoons. Designed by Philharmonic musicians together with faculty of Columbia University’s Teacher’s College, Very Young People’s Concerts combine games, storytelling, and great music in one fun-filled hour that unlocks children’s imagination and talent. This season’s theme of “Philharmonic Playground” explores musical concepts such as treble and base, forte and piano, allegro and adagio with works by Bach, Tchaikovsky and Grieg. Check out an example of a Very Young People’s Concert programs here.

Young People’s Concerts
Dec. 12 – May 14
Tickets: $13 and up
David Geffen Hall
10 Lincoln Center Plaza
Upper West Side
212-875-5656
Online: nyphil.org

Very Young People’s Concerts
Nov. 8 – April 4
Tickets: $24 and up
Merkin Concert Hall
129 W. 67th St.
Upper West Side
212-875-5656
Online: nyphil.org

photo: Carnegie Hall/Stephanie Berger

Carnegie Hall Carnegie Kids
Carnegie Hall is so serious about introducing young kids to music its concerts are free. Now entering its 20th season, the interactive concert series Carnegie Kids is developed for children ages 3 to six and features a diverse slate of performers and musical genres, from funk and bluegrass to “Indie Hindi”, Latin and classic kindie rock. Acts appearing in the 2015-26 season include Songs for Unusual Creatures, Shine and the Moonbeams and Little Big Tiny.

This season will also include two large orchestral concerts in the Stern Ausitorium/Perelman Stage just for families. We’re super psyched for the Carnegie Hall Family Concert: The New York Pops A Charlie Brown Christmas celebrating the 50th anniversary of the classic holiday special. The  December 20 concert will include a singalong, dance, a reading of the story and other surprises. (This one isn’t free, but ticket prices start at $10. Buy now: tickets are going fast!)

Carnegie Kids
November 15 – June 12
Tickets: free
Carnegie Hall
154 W. 57th St.
Upper West Side
212-247-7800
Online: carnegiehall.org

What’s your favorite spot in the city to catch a concert with kids? Tell us in the comments below!

—Mimi O’Connor

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