Wow in the World Pop up Party: Laborator

The Wow in the World Pop-Up Party isi bringing the insanely popular podcast “Wow in the World” OUT in the world and to the Wilshire EBell Theatre on December 18!

Get ready to weave STEM-themed interactive games and foley infused comedy skits between science themed songs from the Pop Ups (three-time Grammy nominees and creators of the “Wow in the World” theme song). This highly interactive show will engage curious kids and their grown-ups in science, wonder, and music and leave them all saying “WOW!”

Don’t miss out! Get your tickets now at ticketmaster.com.

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Wow In The World Pop Up Party: Laboratory of Bad Ideas
Online: ticketmaster.com

Discover the Art of Light at Glow

Get curious about light with us at Glow. Six artists illuminate the Exploratorium with light sculptures big and small, inviting you and your loved ones (of all ages) to connect, play, and get inspired in their glow.

Light is everywhere, yet still mysterious. Is it a wave, particle, force, or all three? Visible light can trick our eyes, inspire us across cultures, and reveal nature’s beauty—and fragility.

Experiment with color, mirrors, and more in the Seeing and Reflections gallery. And of course, join us for sparkling family and adult programs. Don’t miss this wondrous seasonal expansion of the Exploratorium’s iconic exhibits on light.

Glow is free for Exploratorium members and included with museum admission.

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Exploratorium
The Embarcadero
SF, CA 94111
Email: visit@exploratorium.edu
Phone: (415) 528-4444
Online: exploratorium.edu/glow

Capistrano Lights

Celebrate the holidays at Capistrano Lights at California Landmark #200, Mission San Juan Capistrano. Join us on select days from December 4 through December 30 for daytime admission to the Mission and an evening of holiday programming and fun.

Create lasting memories with family photos under our 10’ wreath, experience a Christmas tree lighting and music program with our 30’ tree and make your prayer for peace and goodwill by placing a candle near the large scale nativity in the Ruins of the Great Stone Church.

Enjoy performances by Dickens era Carolers and Selfies with Santa. Visit the Serra Chapel open after hours, California’s most historic chapel. Enjoy the Mission in lights, community Christmas trees around the grounds, extended holiday shopping hours in the Misison Store and more. Kids craft vendor and sweet treat vendor will be available on select days throughout the program as well as surprise performances.

You don’t want to miss the Mission at night experience! Tickets range from $9 -$19 (Children under 4 are free) and are available for purchase now. Limited tickets available. For more information and to see the select days Capistrano Lights is offered, please visit our website at http://www.CapistranoLights.com.

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Mission San Juan Capistrano
26801 Ortega Hwy
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
Phone: 9492341300
Online: https://www.missionsjc.com

The Nutcracker Has Returned

Since 1989, OBT has thrilled Portland audiences with its annual performances of the Nutcracker. Last year this cherished tradition was suspended leaving an empty stage in place of our beloved production. As we return to a more familiar world, we do so with a sense that nothing can be taken for granted – especially a time honored tradition that connects us through music and dance. Celebrate the return of Portland’s favorite holiday tradition, George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker®. Once again we will join Marie and her charming Nutcracker Prince as they are swept away by dancing snowflakes to a magical land of sweets ruled by the Sugar Plum Fairy and all to the music of Tchaikovsky’s brilliant score!

Experience the wonder as OBT brings this cherished fairy tale to life, December 11-26 at the Keller Auditorium. Tickets start at just $24

Enjoy ballet with the entire family! Kids can save up to 50% with a Family Subscription Package, which includes George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker®, Dracula, OBT School’s annual performance On Stage featuring the talent dancers of OBT’s junior company, OBT2.

Learn more at obt.org.

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Oregon Ballet Theatre
720 S Bancroft St
Portland, OR 97239
Online: https://www.obt.org/

Give Kids the Gift of Swimming Lessons

The gift of swimming lessons is one that kids can experience and enjoy through the holiday season and beyond, and one that will give them skills to be safer and stronger swimmers for life. Beginning swim lessons in the winter months helps to ensure that kids will be ready for safe summer swimming by giving kids time to get comfortable in the water, learn new skills, and build endurance.

At Big Blue Swim School, we teach kids ages three months to 12 years how to be safe, happy, and confident swimmers through year-round weekly swim lessons. Big Blue offers an unparalleled weekly swim lesson experience, made easier and more effective by our professional swim instructors, flexible schedule, curriculum focused on progress, and comfortable facilities with 90-degree pool water, free WIFI, and a spacious viewing area for parents and caregivers. We celebrate every bit of progress a kid makes, whether overcoming a fear or learning a new skill. We call these Big Moments because they lead kids to believe they can achieve anything in life.

Learn more about weekly swim lessons at a Big Blue Swim School location near you!

Learn More

Big Blue Swim School
Email: memberservices@bigblueswimschool.com
Phone: 847.729.7665
Online: https://bigblueswimschool.com/

Holidays at Filoli

Holidays at Filoli is sure to delight, dripping with festive finery and sparkling with garden lights every day and night! Filoli is an expansive and vibrant landscape of the Bay Area, encompassing 16-acres of stunning formal Garden and a 54,000 square foot historic House in Woodside. From November 20, 2021- January 2, 2022, the House and Garden is addorned with dazzling displays of lights and decor.

Join us on a Monday evening for one of our Themed Nights, like Vintage Christmas or Hannukah Lights. Come dressed in the theme and receive a special gift! Looking for a daytime activity for the kids? Our popular Santa Weekends are back! Snap a selfie with Santa on his festive golden throne on the Woodland Garden Court on select weekends from 10am-4pm. Santa takes the stage on weekends, but every day from 12-7:30pm the Woodland Garden Court is your hot stop on a cool winter day– grab a seasonal libation like mulled wine or cider and cozy up by a firepit.

Filoli is open every day of the week from 10am-8pm during November 20, 2021-January 2, 2022. Plan a visit at filoli.org/holidays!

Learn More

Filoli
86 Cañada Rd
Redwood City, CA 94062
Phone: 6503648300
Online: https://filoli.org

Give Kids the Gift of Swimming Lessons

Learn more about weekly swim lessons at Big Blue Swim School Johns Creek!

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Big Blue Swim School Johns Creek
10955 Jones Bridge Rd
Johns Creek, GA 30022
Email: memberservices@bigblueswimschool.com
Phone: 7703088227
Online: https://bigblueswimschool.com/locations/georgia/johns-creek

All Aboard The Polar Express™ Train Ride

Well, are you coming? The magic of THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride returns to Southern California this holiday season and tickets are on sale now! Join your favorite characters from the film for an immersive theatrical experience on a real train ride at the Southern California Railway Museum in Perris, CA!

Set to the sounds of the motion picture soundtrack, passengers will relive the magic of the classic story as they are whisked away on THE POLAR EXPRESS™ for a magical one-hour trip to the North Pole. Once on board, your car hosts will work their way through the coach and punch your golden ticket before hot chocolate and delicious Walkers Shortbread are served by dancing chefs. Passengers then read along with the classic children’s book.

Santa and his helpers board the train to greet passengers and each guest is given the first gift of Christmas – a silver sleigh bell. During the trip, characters on each car lead passengers in caroling and onboard entertainment just like in the film! Each guest will take home a keepsake sleigh bell in addition to the wonderful memories made on this magical trip. Trains depart Nov. 24 – Dec. 31.

Book Now

The Polar Express™ Train Ride
2201 S A St
Perris, CA 92570
Online: https://www.socalthepolarexpressride.com

Give Kids the Gift of Swimming Lessons

Learn more about weekly swim lessons at a Big Blue Swim School location near you!

Learn More

Big Blue Swim School
Email: memberservices@bigblueswimschool.com
Phone: 847.729.7665
Online: https://bigblueswimschool.com/locations/virginia

Discover Inspiring Art Together

Spend time with friends and family this holiday season exploring SFMOMA’s remarkable collection of art. Experience something new and captivating – let art and the creative process inspire you and your loved ones!

Explore the interplay of color, light, and human perception by walking across Olafur Eliasson’s One-way colour tunnel – a visitor favorite!
Stop by our newest exhibition, Rafael Lozano-Hemmer: Unstable Presence, for a sensory experience that brings together sculptural and performative installations.
Need a rest? Swing by Café 5 for a bite and enjoy the view from our sculpture garden or step inside our Museum Store for some holiday shopping.

Join us at SFMOMA for an art adventure! Visitors 18 and younger are always free.

Book Now

SFMOMA
151 3rd St
SF, CA 94103
Online: http://www.sfmoma.org