With the holiday season just around the corner, many students are looking for ways to celebrate with family and friends. From Ventura to Los Angeles, there is no shortage of fun and affordable holiday events.
Oxnard’s Victorian House Christmas Tours are the perfect blend of history and Christmas spirit. These tours, which begin Dec. 6 and end Dec. 28, are a walk-through of the Victorian-style houses in Heritage Square that are adorned in Christmas decorations, including docents and guides in 1800s period clothing. With admission at only $5 per person, it’s the perfect holiday event for students on a budget. For more information, visit: venturacountywest.com/ventura-county-events-calendar.
“As an avid history-lover, it’s always important for me to explore different times throughout history, so getting to experience it in these tours will be exciting,” said History major Jonathan Martin, 20.
For students looking for a more active holiday experience, the popular Woodland Hills Outdoor Winter Ice Rink on Topanga Canyon Boulevard is a Winter Wonderland for ice skaters ranging from beginner to advanced. The season will run from Nov. 14 to Jan. 19 of next year, with admission starting at $15. For more information, visit: woodlandhillsice.com/ice.
“We are very excited to once again be part of your family’s holiday traditions and together we will continue to make winter memories for skaters of all ages,” said the rink on their website.
The holiday season does not just include Christmas events. Other holidays, such as Chanukah, are also important in creating the magic of the holiday spirit. Jewish organization Chabad of the Valley will be hosting their thirteenth annual Chanukah Celebration at Universal Studio’s City Walk on Dec. 21 that will include musical performances, games, and a variety of food. For information on tickets, visit: citywalkhollywood.com/calendar.html.
Oftentimes, the story of Jesus’ birth is overlooked during Christmas time. Las Posadas at Olvera Street in Downtown L.A. is the celebration that memorializes the journey of Joseph and Mary from Nazareth to Bethlehem to prepare for the birth of Jesus. The event is free to the public and will be held from Dec. 16 to 24. For more information, visit: olvera-street.com/Calendar/calendar.html.
Cultural events during the holidays are always exciting and fun, especially for students. Irish instrumental band Lunasa will be performing Christmas music at the Scherr Forum in Thousand Oaks on Dec. 12. For more information, visit: events.vcstar.com/
“My grandfather was Irish so I love getting into as much Irish culture as I can,” said Psychology major Jane Cassidy, 19.
As the end of the semester approaches, students will be looking to relieve stress, whether it’s a holiday concert or ice-skating with friends. These events are sure to bring holiday cheer to those who partake in them.
