Written By: Samantha Reed, Staff Writer
BREAK: Plenty of things are happening around So-Cal during the Christmas season that are sure to get you in the holiday spirit.
Poly’s students are almost to the finish line for this semester. Finals week is only a couple of days away, and then everyone is left with eighteen days to themselves, no school work, and no classes. That is a huge slot of time, so many of us will struggle to find something to keep us busy. Who would want to waste all that time doing nothing, when they can make fun memories with both their families and friends? So let’s dive into five fun activities to do over winter break to get into that holiday spirit.
1. Festival of Lights (Free)
In Downtown Riverside, only a few minutes away from Poly’s campus, the Mission Inn Hotel and Spa holds a light festival from November 23rd to January 6th. This event is great for both family and friends as it offers many things to amuse groups of all ages. You can start your night off by walking around looking at the thousands of lights hung throughout Downtown, or get in a carriage ride pulled by real horses. You can enjoy the festivities of live entertainment, and food vendors, and even meet Santa himself. This is also a great place to hang out if you are not looking for too much excitement. The Mission Inn would love to have all of you celebrate their 34th anniversary with them.
2. Irvine Spectrum (Free)
About 40 minutes away is the Irvine Spectrum. During the Holiday Season, they offer plenty of activities that will have you bursting with Christmas Spirit. Starting on November 9th to January 5th, every night, they do a tree lighting ceremony with their 75-foot tree at 5 pm, along with a choreographed dance show every 30 minutes, so if you miss it the first time, you have an opportunity to see it again. And if you get bored, they also have a photo booth with Santa, an ice skating rink, live musical entertainment, a silent disco, and a Ferris wheel. They also have a Dave and Busters and a Regal movie theater in case you want to step away from all the Lights and music for a little while. In addition, while you’re there, you can get Christmas shopping out of the way.
3. Los Angeles Zoo ($)
It might be a bit far, but it is worth it. For $29 to $35, you can enjoy the Los Angeles Zoo’s Animals Aglow event starting on November 15th to January 5th. This is presented by the Angela Collier Foundation which supports the homes and sheltering of animals. At this event, you can look at the spectacular lights throughout the zoo as well as the animals in their enclosures. To enhance your experience, they will be displaying all new light lantern sculptures. This is a great event to take aesthetic pictures for Instagram as well as a great way to enjoy each other’s company. You can also take photos with Santa for an additional fee.]
4. 2024 The Polar Express Train Ride ($)
For as low as $50 per person, during the whole month of December, you can fully immerse yourself in the world of one of the most classic animated Christmas movies, The Polar Express. At the Southern California Railway Museum in Perris California, wearing your favorite pajamas, you can ride on the Polar Express and get your golden ticket to meet Santa Claus himself. While on your train ride to visit Santa and his elves you are complimented with hot chocolate and a captivating show. On the Polar Express, you can truly become a child again.
5. LA Riverside Ice Town ($)
At LA Riverside Ice Town, for $20 with skate rentals included, and $17 with student ID, you can go to their open skate that they offer almost every day at various times during Christmas Break. This is not just for experienced skaters or performers, it is for everyone, so, even if you are horrible at ice skating, you are always welcome on the rink. This is a great experience to learn how to skate by yourself, with your friends, and family. Nothing is better than running into walls, slipping and falling on your butt, or staying in one place when you attempt to skate when you are with your loved ones.
This is just a little taste of what the Inland Empire and Los Angeles offer during the holiday season to make sure you have a fun-filled holiday season with every minute filled with the company of your family and friends.