- 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)
- 38. Find Peace at Lake Shrine
- 39. Winterlit Celebration in Santa Monica - 12/5
- 40. More FREE Rides at Magic Mountain
- 41. Downtown on Ice at Pershing Square (11/19-1/18...
- 42. Irvine Skate Spectrum (11/1-1/18)
- 43. Jump on the Xmas Train, choo choo!
- List: Holiday Events in LA & OC
- 44. Tidepools at Crystal Cove
Showing posts with label december. Show all posts
Showing posts with label december. Show all posts
Friday, January 1, 2010
List: Date Ideas for December & More
For quick reference, here's a summary of the cheap date ideas posted for last month, December. Some of these are special events with the specific dates listed, otherwise it's good to do anytime. Click on each date idea for more info.
Sunday, December 27, 2009
62. The Christmas Carol - Free & Live
Don't be a scrooge, go support your local theatre group!
Although Christmas has passed again, The Christmas Carol is a Dicken's classic that has been watched over and over. So why not watch it for FREE? Go watch a live performance next weekend at Warner Grand Theatre in San Pedro.
Admission is regularly $20 per person, but Goldstar.com is offering free admission + $5 service fee (limit 2) for either Sat. Jan 2nd at 8 PM or Sun. Jan 3rd at 2:30 PM. This play is a family-friendly event, but the $5 tickets for 18 and under are available directly through the venue, not on Goldstar (comes out to the same price as adults anyway). Get your tickets online before the free tickets sell out, otherwise it will be $10 admission + $3.50 service fee (a 50% discount, not free, but still cheap).
Approximate cost of creative date idea = FREE Admission + $5 Service Fee per person.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = $40 Total.
Although Christmas has passed again, The Christmas Carol is a Dicken's classic that has been watched over and over. So why not watch it for FREE? Go watch a live performance next weekend at Warner Grand Theatre in San Pedro.
Admission is regularly $20 per person, but Goldstar.com is offering free admission + $5 service fee (limit 2) for either Sat. Jan 2nd at 8 PM or Sun. Jan 3rd at 2:30 PM. This play is a family-friendly event, but the $5 tickets for 18 and under are available directly through the venue, not on Goldstar (comes out to the same price as adults anyway). Get your tickets online before the free tickets sell out, otherwise it will be $10 admission + $3.50 service fee (a 50% discount, not free, but still cheap).
Approximate cost of creative date idea = FREE Admission + $5 Service Fee per person.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = $40 Total.
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
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.
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)
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.
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)
Monday, December 21, 2009
56. Free NYE Party at CityWalk Hollywood
Want to enjoy free entertainment AND fireworks under the stars?
Live bands are playing at CityWalk every night during the holidays. Entrance into this entertainment center outside of Universal Studios Hollywood is always free to the public.
Typical band start times are 6 or 8 PM, but CityWalk is open on average til 9 PM this week and 11 PM next week. Check the schedule online for more info, including a list of bands. Parking is $10 after 3 PM (Tip: Get $5 parking rebate for moviegoers). By the way, Santa will be there too every night until 9 PM on Dec 23rd. Even after the holidays, CityWalk Hollywood is something casual to do year round for hanging out, eating and drinking, and watching a flick.
Here's the best part... CityWalk boasts that they offer LA's largest FREE New Year's Eve Party: 2 stages with live bands, 2 large video screens, and fireworks. This special event is 9:00 PM - 12:30 AM.
If you want to make it a full day of fun, buy a day pass and get a full year of the theme park for a mere $69 (best discount for Californians at the moment).
UPDATE 12/28/09: Oops, I meant to mention that fireworks will be going off at midnight at Citywalk Hollywood. Have fun!
Approximate cost of creative date idea = FREE Admission + $10 Parking.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = Priceless.
Live bands are playing at CityWalk every night during the holidays. Entrance into this entertainment center outside of Universal Studios Hollywood is always free to the public.
Typical band start times are 6 or 8 PM, but CityWalk is open on average til 9 PM this week and 11 PM next week. Check the schedule online for more info, including a list of bands. Parking is $10 after 3 PM (Tip: Get $5 parking rebate for moviegoers). By the way, Santa will be there too every night until 9 PM on Dec 23rd. Even after the holidays, CityWalk Hollywood is something casual to do year round for hanging out, eating and drinking, and watching a flick.
Here's the best part... CityWalk boasts that they offer LA's largest FREE New Year's Eve Party: 2 stages with live bands, 2 large video screens, and fireworks. This special event is 9:00 PM - 12:30 AM.
If you want to make it a full day of fun, buy a day pass and get a full year of the theme park for a mere $69 (best discount for Californians at the moment).
UPDATE 12/28/09: Oops, I meant to mention that fireworks will be going off at midnight at Citywalk Hollywood. Have fun!
Approximate cost of creative date idea = FREE Admission + $10 Parking.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = Priceless.
Saturday, December 19, 2009
54. Paparazzi Day in Hollywood
Wanna go on a date with Jack Nicholson or Marilyn Monroe?
The one chance that you might have with a movie star will be at the newly opened Madame Tussauds in Hollywood. The conversations might be one-way with the wax museum figures, but it makes for great photo ops!
Where else can you have a Kodak Moment with Madonna or Tiger Woods without paying an arm and a leg? Admission at the door is regularly $25 per person or save 10% online anytime for "Priority Access" tickets or get 1/2 off during December through Goldstar.com (only $12.50 pp + $4 processing fee!). The cheapest option for parking is only $2 for up to 4 hours with validation at The Hollywood & Highland Center (an easy 2 minute walk on the same block). For those with a sweet tooth, treat your date to a dessert crepe from the French Crepe Company on the 2nd floor at H&H.
This wax museum makes for a good "day date" anytime (click HERE for more day date ideas). It's open daily from 10 AM til 8 PM on weekdays and til 10 PM on weekends. Your date and you can pretend to be the paparazzi for the day!! Grab your cameras and be silly, why not?
UPDATE 02/08/10: New dates for cheap tickets have been added on Goldstar.com for the next two weeks, Feb 9-21 (unique cheap date idea on Valentine's Day too!).
UPDATE 04/04/10: For a spontaneous date here (AKA last minute), print a $5 off coupon HERE (good for a group date up to 3 couples, expires 12/31/10). Thank you, @dvanderberg and @RobShamTrojan!
Approximate cost of creative date idea = $16.50 per person + $2 Parking + $8 Drink or snack for parking validation.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = $60 Total.
The one chance that you might have with a movie star will be at the newly opened Madame Tussauds in Hollywood. The conversations might be one-way with the wax museum figures, but it makes for great photo ops!
Where else can you have a Kodak Moment with Madonna or Tiger Woods without paying an arm and a leg? Admission at the door is regularly $25 per person or save 10% online anytime for "Priority Access" tickets or get 1/2 off during December through Goldstar.com (only $12.50 pp + $4 processing fee!). The cheapest option for parking is only $2 for up to 4 hours with validation at The Hollywood & Highland Center (an easy 2 minute walk on the same block). For those with a sweet tooth, treat your date to a dessert crepe from the French Crepe Company on the 2nd floor at H&H.
This wax museum makes for a good "day date" anytime (click HERE for more day date ideas). It's open daily from 10 AM til 8 PM on weekdays and til 10 PM on weekends. Your date and you can pretend to be the paparazzi for the day!! Grab your cameras and be silly, why not?
UPDATE 02/08/10: New dates for cheap tickets have been added on Goldstar.com for the next two weeks, Feb 9-21 (unique cheap date idea on Valentine's Day too!).
UPDATE 04/04/10: For a spontaneous date here (AKA last minute), print a $5 off coupon HERE (good for a group date up to 3 couples, expires 12/31/10). Thank you, @dvanderberg and @RobShamTrojan!
Approximate cost of creative date idea = $16.50 per person + $2 Parking + $8 Drink or snack for parking validation.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = $60 Total.
Monday, December 14, 2009
51. Winter Craft Weekend at the Beach
Ok, that's not a real shark in the photo!
But there are live sharks inside the 3,500 gallon tank at the Roundhouse Aquarium at the end of Manhattan Beach Pier. The aquarium is open all year round, but why not go during Winter Craft Weekend!
This will be a family-friendly event with many activities for kids, but aren't you a kid at heart? Surround yourself here with holiday spirit (and sharks and eels). Don't worry, they won't touch you, but you can touch them... Nothing bites in the "touch tank", at least not as far as I know.
The event is Dec 19-20th at 10 AM til sunset. The City of Manhattan Beach shows their holiday spirit every year by making metered parking free for 3 hours. Get there in the afternoon for the event, then enjoy the sunset by taking a romantic stroll along shoreline or on The Strand (paved path for runners and bikers). Heck, bring your bikes while you're at it! It's an easy 2-mile bike ride south to the twin pier in Hermosa Beach. See Cheap Date Idea #6 for more info about this aquarium. For ideas on other things to do in the area, search this site by city or keyword, i.e. beach (use the search toolbar on the left or the new dropdown menu above). For more shark action, don't miss out on Cheap Date Idea #15.
Approximate cost of creative date idea = Free.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = Priceless.
Click here for map
But there are live sharks inside the 3,500 gallon tank at the Roundhouse Aquarium at the end of Manhattan Beach Pier. The aquarium is open all year round, but why not go during Winter Craft Weekend!
This will be a family-friendly event with many activities for kids, but aren't you a kid at heart? Surround yourself here with holiday spirit (and sharks and eels). Don't worry, they won't touch you, but you can touch them... Nothing bites in the "touch tank", at least not as far as I know.
The event is Dec 19-20th at 10 AM til sunset. The City of Manhattan Beach shows their holiday spirit every year by making metered parking free for 3 hours. Get there in the afternoon for the event, then enjoy the sunset by taking a romantic stroll along shoreline or on The Strand (paved path for runners and bikers). Heck, bring your bikes while you're at it! It's an easy 2-mile bike ride south to the twin pier in Hermosa Beach. See Cheap Date Idea #6 for more info about this aquarium. For ideas on other things to do in the area, search this site by city or keyword, i.e. beach (use the search toolbar on the left or the new dropdown menu above). For more shark action, don't miss out on Cheap Date Idea #15.
Approximate cost of creative date idea = Free.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = Priceless.
Click here for map
Sunday, December 13, 2009
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.
Grab your date and go admire decked out boats for the holidays for FREE! Find a boat parade near you... Click for more info.
Nah, it's a Kodak Moment captured at last year's Venice Canals boat parade.
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).
Saturday, December 12, 2009
49. Free Disneyland on Your Birthday
If your birthday is coming up in December, go to Disneyland for FREE!
Register and fill out the form online and bring your photo ID to the amusement park. While this may not be the cheapest date idea, you save a whopping $72! I hope Disney extends this offer to next year, so that I can go too. Say hi to Mickey for me and Happy Birthday!
UPDATE 12/16/09: If you want to go to the magical kingdom for FREE in 2010, check out Cheap Date Idea #52!
Approximate cost of creative date idea = 1 Free Ticket + $72 Regular Admission + $14 Parking.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = $158 Total.
Click here for map
Register and fill out the form online and bring your photo ID to the amusement park. While this may not be the cheapest date idea, you save a whopping $72! I hope Disney extends this offer to next year, so that I can go too. Say hi to Mickey for me and Happy Birthday!
UPDATE 12/16/09: If you want to go to the magical kingdom for FREE in 2010, check out Cheap Date Idea #52!
Approximate cost of creative date idea = 1 Free Ticket + $72 Regular Admission + $14 Parking.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = $158 Total.
Click here for map
Friday, December 11, 2009
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.
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.
That's the festive theme for Marina Del Rey's 47th Annual Holiday Boat Parade tomorrow, Saturday, December 12th.
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.
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...
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.
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...
Thursday, December 10, 2009
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).
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...
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).
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)
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
45. Light Festival at Griffith Park
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...
Monday, December 7, 2009
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...
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
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.
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...
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...
Saturday, December 5, 2009
41. Downtown on Ice at Pershing Square
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...
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...
Thursday, December 3, 2009
39. Winterlit Celebration in Santa Monica - 12/5
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...
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
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!
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!
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
36. Dr. Seuss How the Grinch Stole Xmas (11/10-12/27)
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
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