In the city of California, there are so many places we Californians and tourists often miss each and every day. Most places give fantastic services with amazing attractions, yet go by unnoticed. Us here at Manifestations101, focus on giving attention to those particular places. Here are the Top 10 Events in Southern California. 

*Please note that some of these events are a one-time event meaning, there will only be one show of the year.*

10. The Christmas Inn "Festival of Lights" (Riverside, CA)

The Festival of lights is a huge attraction in the Southern part of California. I personally, living in Southern California most of my life, used to beg my mother to take me here every year.

 The Festival of Lights located in Riverside pulls in thousands of people throughout the day every year. It is the perfect spot for nearly everything. From taking your romantic partner for candid pics, to having the whole family ice skate, to eating and dining at the finest pizza restaurants, to sweet and savory cupcakes from Cacey's Cupcakes. 

You can even ride with Reindeer or take a special Christmas decorated bus around the town! You will find something if not plenty of things to love here, you can even spend the night at one of the most grand hotels, The Mission Inn.

You will find yourself in and out of this place every year, whether you are local or coming from another city, state, or country, just don't have too much funnel cake!

9. Griffith Park Holiday Train Ride (Los Angeles, CA)

The Griffith Park Holiday Train ride comes only once a year. Although this ride is recurring through the month of Christmas, you certainly want to hop on this event as soon as possible.

The Griffith Park ride is a fun, but pretty short event like the Queen Mary in Long, Beach, Ca. So do have something else on the list in Los Angeles, while you are there.

Why? It's because it will be packed! Many people wait till the end of the month to get on this event and will have to endure long lines, and less fun, which isn't the ideal Christmas for us.

8. Christmas at Legoland (Carlsbad, Ca)

Christmas comes every day in Legoland, especially around Christmas time. During Christmas Time you will notice a lot of things different about LegoLand. The whole theme is upgraded with plenty of fun attraction for kids.

Don't expect a romantic date here, as this event is specifically for making the kids have a unique and amazingly fun experience. At LegoLand you will find great treats and snacks as it will be one of the more prime attractions for the adults.

LegoLand tickets can run up in price, but don't worry you have until January to go here. As long as you can get your kids on board, it will be a pretty fun experience for the whole family.

7. Sawdust Winter Fantasy (Laguna Beach, Ca)

The Sawdust Winter Fantasy is a fun little event that lasts only a couple weeks through the month of December. You will enjoy this little event as it has plenty of unique hobbies like glass blowing, sculptures, holiday paintings and so on.

The sawdust Winter Fantasy has plenty of concerts and very unique artsy gifts along with a petting zoo that the kids will love!

While going to the Sawdust Winter Fantasy, you will find plenty of very luxury stores, shops and so on in Laguna Beach. Do your research as the whole city is a place for fun!

6. A Charlie Brown Christmas (Redlands, Indio, Anaheim, etc)

Now most of everyone in America has heard of or at least watched an episode of Charlie Brown. Me, even being a 90's kid, have heard and watched multiple episodes growing up. Some, in school, (which probably wasn't legal due to copyright, but who cares) and some at home. 

The Charlie Brown Christmas performance is held multiple times, every year. You will have enjoyment watching the show as every city that hosts it has it's own little unique twist of energy.

The Charlie Brown Christmas is a great event for parents and family members. It brings a lot of nostalgia and the message always reminds people of the purpose of Christmas. Family, Unity, and Freedom.

5. Concordia Christmas Concerts (Irvine, Ca)

Now this event is just as amazing as it looks. It's huge, you will notice a surge of energy in this arena that you've maybe never felt before. The true meaning of unity and a Christmas spirit will be felt here.

The Concordia Christmas Concerts in Irvine is conducted by over 300 singers. As an event held by Concordia college, you will find yourself enjoying your holiday with a wide-diverse crowd from all over.

I recommend doing this event as a family, or just with your significant other. The city of Irvine especially events at the Irvine Spectrum will draw people from all different backgrounds. Art events, musicals, concerts, Irvine has it all.

4. Santa Monica Pier Christmas (Santa Monica, Ca)

The Santa Monica Pier isn't exactly a spot designed for "Christmas," but as you can see it's just a beautiful spot to be at. They do decorate the area with a ton of Christmas lights, shops, people, and plenty of decoration.

The Santa Monica Pier has dozens of shows, attractions, shops, and one of the most happiest communities you'll be around. It has a level of fanciness that will step your classiness up a notch.

The Santa Monica pier hosts multiple events throughout Christmas, and are constantly switching it up every year. For a list of the different events with specific times included, click here.

3.  A Magical Cirque Christmas (Thousand Oaks, San Diego, Hollywood, etc.)

This event is just as magical as magic can possibly be. You will find it being a spectacular event that you won't be able to explain to anyone who didn't go. These events every year or any event made by Cirque De Soleil will MESMERIZE you and put you in a trance you've never been in before.

Cirque De Soleil has been hosting events for over 30 years. I remember going to one of these events as a kid, and thought of it as so unreal that it had to have been a dream. It wasn't and Cirque De Soleil never fails to outperform each and every year.

This event is hosted in many different cities in Southern California, so find which is more convenient to you. I recommend like with all other Christmas events, to do the research beforehand to find out what is located nearby these places.

2. Winter Fest at the Orange County Fair (Costa Mesa, Ca)

Now Orange County has been a staple of a city known for it's foods and fairs every year. It's also known for it's high brackets of income. Orange County is a place that you will find some of the best mom and pop shops that you won't find anywhere else in California.

As the Orange County fair usually hosts its major event around the middle of the year. The Winter Fest doesn't come up too short in the amount of people it attracts. Be ready to walk, and eat simultaneously, hopefully you can multitask.

The Orange County fair is home to carolers, fancy toy shops, reindeer, a huge carnival and more food then you can ever imagine. Orange County wouldn't be Orange County without food, right?

1. A Disneyland Christmas (Anaheim, Ca)

Disneyland wouldn't be Disneyland if it didn't have a Christmas. We had to put it as number 1 on our list as it always serves fun every year and has been doing it longer than most other Christmas Attractions.

Disneyland during the Christmas time is one of the most amazing places to be at. It literally is the size of a small town, and we couldn't stop at telling you a couple attractions, as this literally has everything you could dream of.

You'd want to sleep and stay here, and you literally can! With hotels, restaurants, bakeries, towns for kids, festivals, carnivals, concerts, night shows, parades. You won't find yourself ever wanting to spend Christmas most of anywhere else. Unless you've already been here before, in that case, why not just go back?

That's it for the top 10! Now that you've seen our list you can hopefully decide on a perfect spot for your family, friends or your significant other. Heck, you can even have fun by yourself, (although we don't recommend it.) Grab someone and enjoy the holidays as that is what Christmas is all about, unity, family, joy, and freedom. Hope you guys enjoyed the Article, and remember to subscribe to the newsletter below!

-Mr. Day