Fun & Free Activities for the Mayan Apocalypse (or the Weekend Before Christmas, whichever comes first) with LA Kids

Congratulations, folks; we've made it. We've spent weeks preparing, planning, shopping, making our lists and checking them twice, posing for holiday pictures and sending missives to our entire address book, and finally our hard work has paid off. The holidays have arrived. (Unless the Mayan apocalypse happened*.  In that case: bummer).  This weekend gives you one last shot to complete any unfinished business, and then it’s nothing but candy canes and tinsel until the new year.

No doubt many of you plan to spend Christmas Day home with friends and family. For those of you looking for activities outside the home, good news: we're here to help. First up, we offer 12 Things to Do on Christmas Day. And if your kitchen closes on Christmas Day, we present a list of Restaurants that are Open.

For holiday cheer that continues on into next week, might we suggest some of LA's finest Christmas Light Displays (and, if you're willing to hop on the freeway, More Christmas Light Displays outside of Los Angeles). There are even a few Nutcracker performances left to catch this week.

Take a break from wrapping (or unwrapping) your presents, and continue reading for some of our favorite picks for this holiday weekend.

ALL WEEKEND

Monsters, Inc. (G) - Hollywood
Monsters Mike and Scully are back, and they’re scaring up a whole lotta fun at El Capitan Theatre.

Metrolink Holiday Toy Express - Various
Santa makes the final stops on his Southland tour, visiting Buena Park and Norwalk to meet kids and gather toys for less fortunate families.

Disney on Ice: Dare to Dream - Anaheim
Favorite Disney Princesses take to the ice at the Honda Center for some fast-skating, sword-fighting, swinging-from-the-rafters fun. Check out our review for the full scoop!

Las Posadas - Downtown
The recreation of Mary and Joseph's search for a "room at the inn" at Olvera Street continues through this weekend.

Newport Beach Boat Parade - Newport Beach
This is the weekend to catch the nation's oldest boat parade lighting up the harbor and getting all Christmas-Sea.

SATURDAY DECEMBER 22

Annual Wrigley Snow Day - Long Beach
It was so cold… how cold was it? It was so cold there was snow in Veterans Park! Four tons of it. Break out your scarves and mittens and dig in for some play.

Holiday Sing-a-long - Eagle Rock
Eagle Rock's Green Bean hosts a free holiday sing-a-long with Gregory & Traci of The Hollow Trees.

White Hippogriff Exchange Party - Hollywood
Ever wonder what Christmas is like at Hogwarts Academy? Wonder no more! Whimsic Alley throws a party worthy of a wizard (muggles are graciously invited as well).

Holiday Sing-Along - Downtown
What’s better than a chance to sing along with the holiday classics? How about a chance to sing along with holiday classics and hear Julie Andrews recite classic poems!

Public Star Party - Griffith Park
Wondering why the world didn’t end? Check out the skies at Griffith Observatory’s monthly star party for a lesson in astronomy.

The Double Trouble Holiday Screening - Downtown
Lay out a blanket (and double up the sweaters) for a free holiday double-feature at Downtown’s Grand Park.

SUNDAY DECEMBER 23

It's a Wonderful Life - Santa Monica
The Christmas classic will warm your heart all over again at The Aero Theatre.

Noche de Rabanos - Downtown
Mercado la Paloma offers a night of family-fun-filled entertainment including dance and live music, raffles, and the traditional, annual carving of the radishes competition.

Family Snow Day - Valencia
The weather outside might be frightful, but you’ll find the snow at Valencia’s Ice Station to be absolutely delightful. Kid’s admission includes snow play and skating, plus free lessons for beginners.

MONDAY DECEMBER 24 - CHRISTMAS EVE

53rd Annual L.A. County Holiday Celebration - Downtown
LA Country offers up an early Christmas gift to the people of Los Angeles - a free concert featuring performers who reflect the diversity and excellence of Angelenos.

TUESDAY DECEMBER 25 - CHRISTMAS DAY

Opening Presents - Your House
If you were a good little girl or boy all year, then the fun is at your house Christmas Day. Reap the rewards of 12 months of making your bed, putting away the dishes, and getting good grades as you sit by the tree enjoying hot cocoa and cookies. Or, if not, that coal in your stocking will come in handy on a cold night.

Winter Wonderland Week - Mid-Wilshire
Zimmer Children's Museum is open for limited hours on Christmas Day.

Christmas at the Santa Barbara Zoo  - Santa Barbara
The Santa Barbara Zoo stays open for limited hours on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

As always, there are more activities listed on our daily events calendar. Whatever you choose to do this weekend, we hope you are gifted with much joy and surrounded by love.

* Spoiler alert:  It won't.