KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter |
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Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers:
The Christmas I was 10, my sister and I woke up at our usual ridiculously-early hour and raced downstairs to the tree. Something was different: fewer gifts than usual, no giant boxes, no bike-shaped mystery lumps. But nestled among the smaller packages were envelopes that turned out to be plane tickets to Bermuda. We were leaving that very morning, which
explained why my parents had not objected to being awakened at 5:30. Decades later, I don’t remember what else I got that year—or most years—but I remember being bundled up and giddy, heading to the airport while it was still dark. I remember pink sand, caves, and the little cakes they served at teatime. It's all still as fresh to me as the air was at Grotto Bay Beach. That trip taught me something I wouldn’t have been able to say at the time:
Presence creates the memories, not the presents. Of course, we all want our kids to have a magical holiday. But when we think back to our own childhoods, what sticks isn’t the stuff, it’s the doing. The zoo trips, the plays, the sporting events, the concerts, the hands held during the adventures. That’s why my long-time holiday mantra is “Do it, don’t dust it.” Experiences are the gifts that last the longest, especially when we do them
together. They don’t pile up in a closet; they plant themselves in our memory. So if you’re still pondering what to give the people you love this year, consider a show, a class, a day trip, a membership, a season pass. Something that says “I see you, you matter, let's do it together." Need ideas? Head to our Local Memberships & Season Passes page! It's your ticket to the perfect gift... and it's guaranteed clutter-free.
—Debra Ross, publisher
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KidsOutAndAbout.com: Discover more. Do more. Connect more. If you like my publisher's column, you can easily scroll through past columns in the "Notes from Deb" section of our site. |
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I'm thrilled to announce that my new book The Eclipse Effect: How to Seize Extraordinary Moments to Build Strong Communities (co-authored with Jamie Carter) is now published and shipping across North America! It’s packed with inspiring, true stories of everyday leaders who stepped up during the 2024 eclipse to bring people together, spark change, and strengthen their communities. Told with warmth and insight, this book makes a perfect holiday gift for the visionary, organizer, or community-builder in your life. Click the graphic to order from Amazon on print or Kindle; for other ordering options (including educator and bulk orders), or to see an annotated table of contents and the introduction, head to https://theeclipseeffect.com.
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Curious how your AI know-how compares to other parents? We surveyed over 300 of you, and the results are in! The big takeaway? You aren't alone in feeling overwhelmed. While most parents have a basic grasp of the technology, over 52% feel unequipped to actually guide their kids through it. The number one thing you requested help with was "Digital Defense"—specifically, how to spot misinformation and fake news. You can read the full, fascinating report at kidsoutandabout.com/research. Ready for round two? Help us dive deeper by taking our new, quick 13-question survey here: https://forms.gle/1nTsaG384SW8cUpL7.
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The Downtown Anaheim Farmers Market will remain open during regular business hours 11am- 3pm, providing an open air space to purchase food essentials while we work together to address the needs of our community.
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Bacy by popular demand, this holiday season…a waterfront ice rink in the heart of Newport Beach! Enjoy ice skating with views of the water and Lighting of the Bay
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Scrooge! The Musical is a heartwarming and festive adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic novella A Christmas Carol, featuring music, lyrics, and book by Leslie Bricusse. Set in Victorian London, the story follows the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge, a cold-hearted moneylender who despises Christmas and lives a life devoid of compassion and joy. On Christmas Eve, Scrooge is visited by the ghost of his former business partner, Jacob Marley, who warns him to change his ways or suffer a grim fate in the future.
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Active, full-time fire and law enforcement personnel, including EMTs, may purchase discounted admission of $25* for themselves and up to 5 additional guests during Knott's Fire and Law Tribute Days. Discount tickets can be purchased at Knotts.com, or present your eligible fire or law enforcement photo ID card at the Knott's Berry Farm ticket booths for this offer.
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Winter Fest OC, Southern California’s largest winter festival, returns to Costa Mesa on select dates from November 28 through January 4. Experience the magic of the holiday season with dazzling lights, fresh snow, thrilling attractions, live entertainment, and festive activities for families, couples, and holiday lovers of all ages. Guests can enjoy unlimited ice tubing, real snow play, immersive experiences, live entertainment, seasonal food & drinks, countless photo opportunities, and much more as the OC Fair and Event Center is transformed into a magical winter wonderland.
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Join Santa, Santa’s Head Elf and Mrs. Claus to sing festive holiday songs to get into the Christmas spirit! Happening at the Santa Set on Level 1, near Nordstrom.
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Discover the sweet side of science at Science of Gingerbread, featuring dozens of creative gingerbread structures crafted by families, students, and makers. From whimsical houses to engineering -inspired designs, this annual holiday exhibit blends creativity, STEM, and festive fun. Guests can explore the displays all season and vote for their favorite creation.
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Circus Bella returns to the Big Top Circus Tent for a third year with STARLIGHT – An All-New Winter Circus Spectacular. With brand-new acts, sumptuous costumes, and artists from across the US, Circus Bell brings all the nostalgia and beauty of an old-timey circus combined with the eyebrow-raising savvy & modern look of 2025. A diverse cast of 13 perform thrilling feats of balance and strength, demonstrations of grace & poise, outrageous humor, and authentic moments that bring us all together.
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Leapin' lizards! America's most beloved musical Annie will once again be presented at the Historic Star Theatre in downtown Oceanside, giving a whole new generation the chance to experience this classical musical about never giving up hope.
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Movies have captivated our attention and emotions for over 100 years. Come celebrate cinema on a 30-minute guided tour of select galleries which feature the exciting, diverse, and complex stories of filmmakers from around the world. Dive into the worlds of Sarah Greenwood and Katie Spencer, the creative production designing duo behind films such as Barbie (2023), Beauty and the Beast (2017), and Anna Karenina (2012), and their partnership in building immersive and breathtaking worlds. Tour guides use voice amplifiers to enhance sound accessibility.
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On Christmas Eve, catalina kitchen at Terranea Resort presents a festive dining experience featuring a variety of seasonal offerings. Guests can start at the Grazing Table with hummus dip with fresh vegetables, a selection of cured meats and California cheeses, and fresh seasonal fruit.
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Take out your calendar - you have a lot of scheduling to do to fit in all the incredible Holiday Break camps taking place in and around our area! If we're missing a camp that should be on this list, please email us to let us know.
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The Orange County area offers a delightful selection of Christmas tree farms that bring the magic of the holiday season to life. Families can enjoy the cherished tradition of selecting the perfect tree while exploring picturesque landscapes and engaging in
festive activities.
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- Farmers Market - Runway Playa Vista - Runway Playa Vista - 12775 Millennium Drive, Playa Vista, CA 90094, Friday, December 12, 2025, 9:00 am - 2:00 pm PST
- Way to Play Day - Pretend City Children's
Museum - 29 Hubble, Irvine, CA 92618, Friday, December 12, 2025, 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
- Free mini photo session with Shoott! - Irvine & Orange County - Shoott, Broadway, New York, NY, USA, Friday, December 12, 2025 (see link for times)
- Santa on the Go! - City of Westminster - Westminster Community Services - Westminster Boulevard, Westminster, CA, Saturday, December 13, 2025, 10:00 am - 11:30 am
- Doheny State Beach Community Beach Cleanups - 33282 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, CA, Saturday, December 13, 2025, 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
- Free mini photo session with Shoott! - Irvine & Orange County - Shoott, Broadway, New York, NY, USA, Saturday, December 13,
2025 (see link for times)
- Celebración de las Artes - Dorothy Chandler Pavilion - 135 North Grand Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90012, Sunday, December 14, 2025, 4:30 pm - 7:00 pm
- Visit Santa - Main Street Mercantile - 62 N Main St, Fairport, NY 14450, Sunday, December 14, 2025, 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
- Free mini photo session with Shoott! - Irvine & Orange County - Shoott, Broadway, New York, NY, USA, Sunday, December 14, 2025 (see link for times)
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Click here to discover Birthday party locations in the Orange County area. From Arcades to Ziplines our Big List will help you think outside the box and plan the party of your kids' dreams! KidsOutAndAbout has dozens of ideas!
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2025's best places to take kids in the Orange County, CA area. Each May-June, thousands of parents vote in the KidsOutAndAbout survey of the Top 20 Places to Take Kids. Who won the top spot? An indoor play center, museum, farm, nature center, sports team?
Click through to find out!
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Here's to seizing opportunities to learn wherever they appear!
Debra Ross
Publisher, KidsOutAndAbout.com
Mom of Madison and Ella |
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