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Camille Hardy • Nov 21, 2023

The Holidays Are Here in Lakewood, CA!

The Nutcracker, parades, and dazzling light displays are only a few of the great things waiting for you this holiday season in Lakewood, CA! Being so close to Los Angeles and the Southern California Coast means residents and visitors in Lakewood can take advantage of Christmas shows, holiday runs, coastal light displays, and so much more. 



Spending the end of the year in Lakewood, CA? Here are some of the great things waiting for you this holiday season!


Activities

The holidays are the time of the year when most people stay indoors curled up on the couch with a cup of hot cocoa, but Lakewood residents have a different option: get outside! The relatively warm winter weather of Southern California means that events such as races, parades, and outdoor activities are not only possible, but even comfortable. Here are some of the best activities going on in and around Lakewood, CA, this season.


Holidays at Disneyland: There’s no better way to spend this magical time of year than in the most magical place on earth. Disneyland kickstarts the holidays off on November 10 with a wide array of decorations and activities to enjoy. Whether you want to see Christmas lights sparkle across the pond on a crisp night or try out a Christmas-themed treat, Disney is the place to go. These fun holiday-themed decorations and activities will come to an end on January 7. 


Christmas Cookie Caper: It’s the best time of the year to grab your running shoes and listen to some holly jolly music. If you don’t consider yourself an amazing runner, don’t worry: You can pick from running a 5K, 10K, 15K, or, if you want to go big, a half marathon. Sign up today for the December 17 event to get your holiday cheer on.


The Hollywood Christmas Parade: This event is one of the most awaited of the year in Southern California. In true California fashion, the parade includes massive floats of popular characters such as Kermit the Frog and the Grinch and a host of holiday floats like candy canes and gingerbread men. Equestrian groups and marching bands are also part of the parade, of course, and local celebrities might join in. The parade takes place on November 26 at 6 p.m. If you can’t make it in person, be sure to watch it on TV.

holiday presents with ornament decorations
christmas tree with music ornaments

Shows and Performances

Get dressed up, hit the town, and see a live theatrical performance this holiday season! It makes for a great date but can also be fun for the whole family. This season you’ll have a wide variety of performances to choose from. Here are some of the stunning performances coming to a stage near you.


A Christmas Carol: To start the holiday season off right, it’s only fair to see the classical performance A Christmas Carol happening on December 8. This beloved Christmas production is a holiday tradition for many, so if you’d like to enjoy it this year, make sure to get your tickets early!


A Christmas with C.S. Lewis: Take a step back in time this Christmas by stopping by La Mirada Theatre and being treated to the many stories of beloved British author C.S. Lewis. You’ll definitely get your money’s worth with laughter and pure glee. You won’t want to miss this intriguing storytelling night happening on December 17 at 2 p.m.   



The Nutcracker: Is there any holiday performance more well-known than The Nutcracker? The San Pedro City Ballet has been performing The Nutcracker in the South Bay communities of Los Angeles since 1994 and consistently brings energy and professionalism to the stage. Support this local ballet company by attending one of its performances of The Nutcracker on December 8–10.

Shopping

Who doesn’t love a good holiday shopping spree? Even better is the moment when you see your loved one’s face light up when they open your gift. If you want to find something truly special to give to someone this season, you should consider shopping at one of the local stores or fairs. Here are some of our top picks.



Swedish Christmas Fair: Celebrate the holidays at the Swedish Christmas Fair, even if you aren’t Swedish! There will be traditional food and treats alongside traditional handmade Swedish art, crafts, decor, and more. Check out one of the two sessions taking place on November 19.


Lakewood Center: Tis the season of shopping, and Lakewood Center has you covered with stores ranging from Bath & Body Works to Best Buy. Whatever is on your list for gifts, you will surely find it at this diverse mall. The biggest treat of all? Santa will be there! Reserve a spot today to meet him face to face. So what are you waiting for? Get to shopping before the good deals are gone and meet Santa.   


Hobby Lobby: Could your home use a little more holiday cheer? Hobby Lobby is the ideal place to go. They have all sorts of decor to make your living room look straight out of a Christmas movie. If you are one that likes ther challenge of a DIY project, Hobby Lobby also has many items and equipment that will add the perfect touch.   

couple holiday shopping
young man ringing bell for charit

Opportunities to Share

Thousands of Children won’t be celebrating the holidays this year, at least not without your help. Local organizations are doing their best to help those in need, both children and families, this year, but they need your help. Here are a few organizations that would really benefit from donations of time or money.


The Salvation Army: Imagine a place where families that are in need can find extreme discounts on home goods, furniture, clothing, and toys for their children during the Christmas season. Well, The Salvation Army is just that spot. The charity takes donations all year round to make sure those in need have the items they need available to them at more affordable rates. So take the extra time this year to go through some of your gently used goods and donate them to The Salvation Army. This year also marks the organization’s 16th annual Christmas Kettle Luncheon, where you can donate your spare change to help fund one million meals next year! 


Teddy Bear Tree: Come by City Hall from mid-November to early December to pick a paper bear off of the Christmas tree. Each bear will have a child’s name and wish on it. They ask that you buy that toy and bring it back to City Hall or the Burns Community Center. Please leave the toy unwrapped and unopened. Lakewood’s community needs your support, so consider donating a toy or money to help this fundraiser become a success.

Safe Celebration

Candles are a fun holiday staple, but up to 7,400 fires are started each year because of this scented household item. Pay special attention to where you place candles in your apartment, especially if you plan on having them in your bedroom. Battery-powered candles can be a fun and safe alternative, and they don’t run out of wax! Whatever you do, never leave your holiday candles unattended, and don’t fall asleep with lit candles in the house!



Christmas trees can be another fire hazard you need to be aware of. If you’ve brought a real Christmas tree into your apartment during this holiday season, make sure you keep it watered so it isn’t quite as dangerous. But even a regularly watered Christmas tree will dry out. Keep all open flames, especially candles, away from the needles and branches, and make sure you turn all lights off and unplug any strand lights when you’re not at home. You never know when unexpected electrical issues might cause fires.


candle lit decorations

It’s nearly impossible to take advantage of all the great holiday activities going on this year in and around Lakewood, CA, but hopefully our holiday guide can help you out! There are tons of great activities, performances, and shopping locations to discover and explore. From everyone at The 5800 Apartments in Lakewood, CA, happy holidays!

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