58. Holiday Celebration at LA Music Center - 12/24

Live music AND dance for FREE on Christmas Eve in Downtown LA.
Tomorrow, Dec 24th, marks the 50th Annual LA County Holiday Celebration, which is supposedly LA's biggest holiday show. The best part is the fact that it's free! Even the underground parking at the LA Music Center is free that day. Come enjoy 6 hours of live entertainment starting at 3 PM inside the Dorothy Chandler Pavillion of the LA Music Center in Downtown LA.

Music Center Tree
Originally uploaded by savemejebus

This Emmy-nominated event features multi-cultural music and dance by 40 different groups from US and other countries, including Japan and Africa. By the way, the best time for photo ops is before sunset for the Walt Disney Concert Hall and after sunset for the water feature (see photo on right). Make sure to bundle up for this outdoor event!

If you are already booked on Xmas Eve, watch the festivities from the comfort of your own home in real-time by one of the many options:
a) on television on channel KCET-TV
b) on the internet kcet.org
c) on the radio KPFK 90.7 FM.

Approximate cost of creative date idea = Free.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = Priceless.
Kiss & Tell Idea by LA Bargains (@LA Bargains)

List: Christmas Boat Parades 2009

Did Santa's reindeers take the day off? Row, row, row your kayak gently down the chimney...
Nah, it's a Kodak Moment captured at last year's Venice Canals boat parade.

venicecanalboatparade13
Originally uploaded
by indexfinger90230

Grab your date and go admire decked out boats for the holidays for FREE! Find a boat parade near you... Click for more info.

• 23. Naples Xmas Boat Parade - 12/19 (canals)
• 24. Newport Beach Boat Parade - 12/16-12/20 (longest event)
• 46. Redondo Beach King Harbor Christmas Boat Parade - 12/12
• 47. Venice Canals Holiday Boat Parade - 12/13 (canals)
• 48. Marina Del Rey Xmas Boat Parade & Fireworks - 12/12 (only parade with fireworks)

Other options around Los Angeles and Orange County include:

• Long Beach Parade of 1000 Lights at Shoreline Village - 12/12
• Santa Barbara Parade of Lights at Stears Wharf - 12/13
• Dana Point Boat of Parade of Lights in San Juan Capistrano - 12/11, 12/12, 12/18, 12/19
• 
  
• Click HERE for more free and cheap stuff to do this month of December. Also, the LA Times online is a good resource for other holiday celebrations. As for specific events around Orange County, check out this other website (click HERE).

48. Marina Del Rey Xmas Boat Parade & Fireworks - 12/12

Wow, a holiday boat parade AND fireworks?? This definitely is "Christmas in Paradise"!
That's the festive theme for Marina Del Rey's 47th Annual Holiday Boat Parade tomorrow, Saturday, December 12th.

Christmas Boat Parade 003
Originally uploaded by Dan Wuh

Make sure to get there before the fireworks show at 5:55 PM, then the parade goes 6-8 PM. Needless to say, there are several boat parades in LA and OC this month, but this might be the only one that is double the fun (including a fireworks display). The only other local fireworks that I know about for the holidays is on Sunday in Manhattan Beach (see Cheap Date Idea #21).

I must admit that this event's website is the most informative out of all! On the website, not only is there a list of the 10 FREE parking lots (no street parking available that day), but also photos of last year's Winners (see photo on right for the "Best Overall" Category) and also recommendations for the best viewing spots. Live music will be playing in Burton Chase Park. Or grab a bite to eat at Fisherman's Village. Enjoy!

Approximate cost of creative date idea = FREE.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = Priceless.
Click here for map.

47. Venice Canals Holiday Boat Parade - 12/13

Here's another FREE romantic date idea for the holidays!
For the 28th Annual Holiday Boat Parade, decorated kayaks, row boats, canoes and whatever floats will be floating through the Venice Canals along Dell Avenue this Sunday, December 13th, 4-8 PM.

IMG_2287
Originally uploaded by photoNiki

This boat parade starts earlier than most, which is perfect timing for enjoying the sunset! By the way, this is similar to the event at the Naples Canals in Long Beach next weekend (see Cheap Date Idea #23). Except the Venice Canals are supposed to emulate the famous canals of Venice, Italy. Ok, it's not Europe but at least you and your date can enjoy a romantic stroll here without the cost of 2 plane tickets!

I've personally...

46. Redondo Beach Xmas Boat Parade - 12/12

Here's yet another free thing to do this weekend!
On Saturday, December 12th from 5:30-7:00 PM, decked out boats (and dinghys as shown in the photo here) will be parading between King Harbor Marina and the Redondo Beach Pier (see route map online).

Santa's... dinghy?
Originally uploaded by snehls

This will be the 18th Annual King Harbor Christmas Parade in Redondo Beach. Come an hour or two early to take a romantic stroll along the one mile of waterfront during sunset. But make sure to stake your spot at one of the many restaurants, the Redondo Beach Yacht Club, the breakwalls or anywhere along the piers. Parking is available in the pier parking structure, Redondo Beach Marina and street parking (meters are free during this time of year). The weather bunny is predicting a 70% of light rain in the 50 degrees range, so bundle up (but I'm crossing my fingers that the weather bunny will be wrong again).

While you are having so much festive fun, why not...

List: Ice Skating Rinks in LA & OC

Here's a list of the ice skating rinks that are open this season! The admission price listed is per person for 1-hour skating session including the skate rental (except it's 90 min in Redondo). Click on the hyperlink for more details about each date idea.

• 22. Seaside Ice Skating at Redondo Beach (11/10-1/18): $14, open daily until 9:30 PM, where else can you ice skate close to the beach and enjoy the sunset? Enough said.
• 35. Winterlit Ice Skating in Santa Monica (10/30-2/15): $10, open daily until 10 PM on weekdays and midnight on weekends, this rink is open the longest for the season. UPDATE 01/28/10: This rink has been extended from Jan 31st to Feb 15th! (Valentine's Date Idea, hint hint).
• 37. LA Kings Holiday Ice Skating (12/3-1/1): $10, open daily until 11 PM (open the latest), Santa visits at least once per day, grand opening this year at LA Live in Downtown LA, rink size: 50' x 70'. UPDATE: LA Live kept it open one more day on New Year's Day.
• 41. Downtown on Ice at Pershing Square (11/19-1/18): $8 (cheapest rink), open daily until 10 PM, been around 12 years in Downtown LA, rink size: 50' x 90' (largest rink), only rink offering FREE live concert series throughout the season, usually attracts 350,000 visitors per year.
• 42. Irvine Skate Spectrum (11/1-1/18): $15.50, open daily until 9 PM on weekdays and 11:15 PM on weekends, only rink in Orange County as far as I know.
• If you prefer one rink over another, please do share!

UPDATE: Actually there are 7 (yes, seven) ice rinks between LA and OC. Thanks for sharing, LA Bargain Hunter! (@LABargains) Click here for more info.
Rink #6: Woodland Hills Ice
Rink #7: Holiday Ice Rink at The Lakes in Thousand Oaks


UPDATE 01/28/10: Correction, there are 8! A new one opens this weekend in Orange County, just in time for Valentine's Day (hint hint). This one is the best because it's completely FREE!
90. FREE Ice Skating at OC Great Park (1/30-2/28)

45. Light Festival at Griffith Park

The Welcome Arch
Originally uploaded by RuggyBearLA

If you adore holiday lights, here's another option besides all the boat parades. The Light Festival at Griffith Park runs daily 5-10 PM through the month of December. Avoid traffic by going during the week, Mon-Thurs. However, the walking tour is the best way to see everything while it's vehicle-free during Dec 4-17. The festival will open up to cars on Dec 18-30. For the environmentally-friendly or active folks, you can bring your bike on vehicle-free Mondays, Dec 21st and 28th at 5:00-5:30 PM. Parking is available for free at...

List: Holiday Events in LA & OC

For the holiday planners out there, here's a quick summary of things to do this month of December or check out My Google Calendar for date ideas. Happy Holidays!

• 20. Sand Snowman Contest - 12/12
• 21. MB Holiday Fireworks Festival - 12/13
• 22. Ice Skating at Redondo Beach (11/10-1/18)
• 23. Naples Xmas Boat Parade - 12/19
• 24. Newport Beach Boat Parade - 12/16
• 29. 100-Foot Xmas Tree and More (11/22-12/25)
• 35. Ice Skating in Santa Monica (10/30-1/31)
• 36. Dr. Seuss How the Grinch Stole Xmas (11/10-12/...
• 37. LA Kings Holiday Ice Skating (12/3-12/31)
• 39. Winterlit Celebration in Santa Monica - 12/5
• 40. More FREE Rides at Magic Mountain
  
  

43. Jump on the Xmas Train, choo choo!

Wanna be a kid again?
Head over to the Irvine Park Railroad this month (or any month since it's open all year round).

Irvine Park Railroad Pumpkin Patch -
Orange, CA (Orange County)
Originally uploaded by Irvine Park Railroad

The special schedule for the Christmas Train will be daily every day until 8 PM for Dec 11th-23rd. The ticket prices are $8 per person. For the this special event, the tickets are available for purchase online in advance with a one-time service fee of $7.50 or a limited number of same-day use tickets for the end of the day will be available at the railroad (check the schedule online to see if that day is sold out). I suggest going on a weekday after 5 PM for free parking, otherwise it's $3 during weekdays and $5 over the weekends.

Want FREE tickets for next time? Make sure to...

42. Irvine Skate Spectrum (11/1-1/18)

If any of the 4 ice skating options are too much of a trek (Santa Monica, Redondo Beach, LA Live and Pershing Square), then Irvine will be the ice skating spot in Orange County.

Irvine Spectrum Ice rink
Originally uploaded by MOGua

An outdoor tented ice skating rink is set up next to the 108-foot ferris wheel. From Nov 1 to Jan 18th, the Skate Spectrum is open every day in one hour intervals til 9 PM on weekdays and 11:15 PM on weekends with 15 min breaks for re-icing, but check the schedule online for exceptions.. Skating admission is $11 per person and the skate rental is $4.50, while helmets are free. Parking is free and plentiful at the Irvine Spectrum.
After your ice skating escapade, explore the rest of the Irvine Spectrum, a great place for people-watching. One of my fave spots there is...

41. Downtown on Ice at Pershing Square

Downtown on Ice at Pershing
Square, Downtown Los Angeles
Originally uploaded by alossix

Only $6 for 1-hour plus $2 for ice skate rental, this is THE best deal for ice skating in LA! Downtown on Ice is celebrating it's 12th season at Pershing Square. Even though the rink has been open since Nov 19th, the Free Winter Holiday Festival is next weekend, Dec 12-13th, 11 AM- 6 PM. The festival activities will include: Free Snow Zone for sledding and romping, Free live puppet shows, Free photo moments and more!

The fun does not stop there! Downtown On Ice is the only venue to provide a Free Winter Concert Series at the ice rink: at 8-10 PM on Wednesday through Friday nights, in the afternoons on the weekends, and also during lunchtime concerts on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Check the calendar online for updates.

The rink is open daily until...

39. Winterlit Celebration in Santa Monica - 12/5

20071223-0078-1
Originally uploaded by frentzel

If you haven't been to the Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica yet, you should go this Saturday, Dec 5th, for the Winterlit Celebration! Starting at 5 PM, Brian McKnight with radio station 94.7 The Wave will be hosting Santa Monica's tree lighting ceremony as well as providing FREE musical entertainment, including an acoustic set of favorite holiday songs.

Even if you have "been there, done that", Third Street Promenade is always a fun place to go for people-watching, something that won't cost you a dime. Well, parking is only free for...

37. LA Kings Holiday Ice Skating

Nokia Plaza at LA Live
Originally uploaded by Michael Zampelli

How often can you go ice skating in California?? Apparently, this year there are 4 options where you can take your date: Redondo Beach, Santa Monica, and now 2 more in Downtown LA (rink #4 is Cheap Date Idea #42). Today, Thursday, Dec 3rd, marks the grand opening for the LA Kings Holiday Ice, located on Nokia Plaza in LA Live, right across from the Staples Center (same location for Cheap Date Idea #30). Boasting a rink size of 70 feet by 50 feet, the capacity is rated for 200 skaters.

The opening ceremony commences at 6 PM, then the tree lighting is 25 minutes after. The rest of the evening includes various performances by singers/bands, Santa Claus, Coca-Cola ice-skating polar bear, the LA Kings mascot, figure skater, skating team, and more. This outdoor rink will be lit up by the 11 giant LED screens, the 75,000 lights that adorn the 50 ten-foot angels, and 150 surrounding trees with 265,400 snowfall LED lights. The best part of this event is that it's FREE and open to the public.

If you can't make it today, the rink will be open daily until 11 PM through New Year's Eve (Dec 3-31). The best time of the day to go is when Santa Claus is in town of course! You can skate with Santa every day at 6:45-7:45 PM, and an extra hour on weekends at 3-4 PM. General admission is a mere $10, which includes 1 hour of fun and skate rental. Get a $1 discount by showing a student ID or a Metro pass. Speaking of which, take the bus into Downtown if you can, otherwise parking is $5 for the first 2 hours and another $5 for each additional 1/2 hour.

Approximate cost of creative date idea = FREE + $20 skating + $5 parking.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = Priceless.
Click here for map

UPDATE 12/08/09: 2-for-1 "Locals" discount coupon for LA Live ice skating available through local paper (click here for more info)
UPDATE 01/01/10: This ice rink is open for one more day on New Year's Day!


UPDATE 12/02/10: Ice skating is back in season! The price is now $12 for unlimited skating. Other rinks usually limit the time to 1-2 hours, so it's not bad if you love to skate. Click HERE for the schedule and more info. Unless you are not fond of crowds, a good time to go is this Saturday, Dec 4th, for the Annual Holiday Tree Lighting Event. Enjoy this winter sport until New Year's Day!

36. Dr. Seuss How the Grinch Stole Xmas (11/10-12/27)

Grinch & Stocking 2007 12 28
Originally uploaded by tintinetmilou

Everyone loves Dr. Seuss, right?
Or if you need some help in getting into the holiday cheer... Or do you simply enjoy musicals and want to share it with a special someone without breaking the bank? You can get you 50% off tickets for this weekend Dec 3rd - 6th to the Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas! at Goldstar.com. If you can't make it this weekend, The Pantages Theatre in Hollywood will be producing it until Dec 27th (CLICK HERE and HERE for times and more info). This is not the cheapest date idea, but it's worth seeing according to 296 members on Goldstar (Rating 4.5 stars out of 5). You can grab a bite or wander around Hollywood before or after since the performance is only 90 minutes with no intermission.

UPDATE 12/19: Only $30 per person on Goldstar.com (save $60) next week Dec 21-27.

Approximate cost of creative date idea = $30-42.50 per person + $4-8 parking.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = $170-180 total.
Click here for map

29. 100-Foot Xmas Tree and More (11/22-12/25)

Flyin' high
Originally uploaded by andy castro

As I'm catching up between my blog and Twitter, some events have passed and gone, such as the Annual Tree Lighting Celebration at The Grove this past Sunday, Nov 22nd at 7:30 PM. Thankfully, the 100-foot tree may be enjoyed every day for the rest of the year. Cheap Date Idea #17 is also something fun to do at the Grove. Parking is free for 2 hours with validation from particular stores, then $3 thereafter. Besides the water feature, the other landmark is the trolley, like a San Fran cable car, that circles this upscale shopping center. Unfortunately, it's down for repair at the moment, but check online to find out when the free rides start up again. Even if you have been here before, the water feature "dances" to all-time favorite holiday tunes during this time of the year. Santa will be in front of Barnes and Noble every day until Christmas Eve. Extra bonus: free dance performances on Fri-Sun at 7 and 8 PM until Dec 21st. Lots of fun stuff to do at The Grove with a great vibe every day of the year, not a bad place to go for a first date, I must say. Have fun!

Approximate cost of creative date idea = Free + $3 parking.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = Priceless.
Click here for map

28. MB Holiday Open House - 11/18

Merry Christmas!
Originally uploaded by Dan90266

On this Wednesday, Nov 18th, the streets will be merry in Manhattan Beach for their 15th Annual Holiday Open House and 20th Annual Pier Lighting. Live entertainment starts at 5 PM, the pier lighting ceremony at 7 pm, and the festivities come to a close at 9 PM. Carolers and musicians will be strolling the streets to spread the cheer. Of course, Santa and his helpers will be at the pier for photos. The local stores typically provide some kind of beverage or tasty treats for free, which you can enjoy while they decorate their store front windows for the competition. Besides your date and yourself, bring an unwrapped toy for the annual toy drive. Ho, ho, ho!

P.S. If you can get there before sunset, check out the Roundhouse Aquarium on the pier (more info at previous Cheap Date Idea #6).

Approximate cost of creative date idea = Free + parking.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = Priceless.
Click here for map

24. Newport Beach Boat Parade (12/16-12/20)

Yacht Christmas Tree
Originally uploaded by FrogMiller

The City of Newport Beach is throwing their 101st Christmas Boat Parade. This one is bigger than the one in Naples (see yesterday's post, Cheap Date Idea #23), but you can do both since Newport's is 5 days long, 12/16-12/20, running 6:30 - 9 PM every night (check online for the schedule and route) Newport Beach can get quite congested, so going during a weekday may be more enjoyable.


UPDATE 12/20: For the grand finale on Sunday, free fireworks go off at 9 PM near Balboa Pier.

Approximate cost of creative date idea = Free plus parking.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = Priceless.

23. Naples Xmas Boat Parade - 12/19

_MG_0759
Originally uploaded by raudog

Besides taking a gondola ride around the canals of Naples, every year everyone flocks to admire the decorated boats and homes (this year on Saturday, Dec 19th, starting at 6 pm). Naples Island is next to Belmont Shore in Long Beach. The parade will pass by the 2nd Street bridge and continue along Alamitos Bay Marina. Make sure to get there early to avoid traffic and claim your spot on the bridge or canal. Bundle up because it will be chilly by the water. This is definitely a nice romantic (and free) thing to do around the holidays. If you want to catch dinner or a gondola ride beforehand or during the parade, you will want to make reservations ASAP. Enjoy!

Approximate cost of creative date idea = Free.
Actual cost of the cheap date idea = Priceless.
Click here for map

22. Ice Skating at Redondo Beach (11/10-1/18)

Who ever thought that we could ice skate at sunset by the beach?? Well, the City of Redondo Beach did! Today is the first day of the 2nd Annual Seaside Skating Season (Nov 10th to Jan 18th). You can buy tickets for $14 pp, which provides 90 minutes of fun including skate rental, at the Seaside Lagoon or online. Don't worry if you can't ice skate, because they offer lessons on site. Parking is available at King's Harbor for a flat rate with validation from the skate admission. The ice rink is open daily even during the holidays til 9:30 pm or later. The best time is to go an hour before sunset. Have fun!

UPDATE 01/09/10: During the 50th Anniversary Celebration on Jan 9th at 10 AM to Jan 10th at 11 PM, save $5 on ice skating (so ONLY $11 pp) by showing a $10 or more receipt dated in December or January from any of the King Harbor restaurants or businesses. Thanks to @CenterdinLA for sharing!

Approximate cost of creative date idea = $14 Per Person.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = Priceless.
Click here for map

21. MB Holiday Fireworks Festival - 12/13

Annual Holiday Fireworks
Originally uploaded by 365 Cheap Dates

Come join the crowd at the Annual Holiday Fireworks Festival at Manhattan Beach Pier on Sunday, December 13th. The streets are blocked off for the Snow Park to open at 4 PM and the live bands to play music at 5 PM. Claim your spot on the Strand walkway along the beach before the fireworks display starts at 6:30 PM. The event is open to the public and the parking meters are free during the holidays in Manhattan Beach, but come early or take a cab to beat the crowd. Bundle up because it can get nippy at night during this time of the year!

Approximate cost of creative date idea = Free.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = Priceless.
Click here for map