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for Los Angeles (and beyond) 2008
(still building for this year)
The winter holidays season - Christmas, Hanukah, Kwanzaa, Solstice and
beyond - is a time of family gatherings, crafts, celebrations and
admit it... shopping. Often places re-make themselves into an
old-fashioned world or create a picturesque fantasy to help with the mood.
Many places add the wonderful ambiance of Yuletide costumes to their holiday
events. Here is a highlight of some of Los Angeles's events.
Whether you dress up or just want to go to watch costumed folks in Los Angles
and celebrate. (Check Other
Sources for hints on how to find more events.)
Historic dace can be the highlight of the entire holiday season. In
costume, it certainly is the most romantic.
Most of these dances require tickets be purchased in advance and most require
at least, an attempt at the costume of the period. However, first time
out, most will allow modern formal wear. There are
other dances throughout the
year where you can learn.
Dance presented by the South Bay English Country Dance. Theme for
the ball is "faces and places"
 | Info:
http://www.geocities.com/sbecd/index.html,
 | Tickets $7 Pre-registration required |
| Thursday, November 1 & December 6, 2007
 | Dance from 8 to 10 pm, with social half-hour to follow (light
refreshments provided). See schedule for the afternoon dance review |
|
| Bethany Lutheran Church Hall, Long Beach |
| Festive Attire required - from between the 15th and 21st century. |
|
The Gasfitter's Ball
Be
transported back in time to the 18th century for an evening of Victorian period
dinner and dance in the time of Sherlock Holmes.
Regency ballroom dances are charming, and not very difficult. Mozart,
Haydn, and Beethoven all wrote dance music. Select dances for all levels.
West side of Los Angeles. Light refreshments.
| Info:
http://regencyfriends.org/
| Sunday, November 3 & December 1, 2007
| Tickets $5 - 7:30-11:00 |
|
| Lindberg Park
| 5041 Rhoda Way, Culver City (Near the 10/405 freeways) |
|
| Costume of about the year 1800 is welcome, but not required. |
|
English Country Dance - Monrovia
Dances for 1650 to present day are taught. Beginners welcome, no
partner required.
| Info:626-397-2202 or
http://www.lahacal.org/
| November 9, 2007
| St Luke's Episcopal church, corner of Foothill Blvd. & California Ave, Monrovia |
| Tickets $5 - 7:30 - 10pm |
|
| Wear comfortable clothes and soft shoes |
|
Honoring this year’s bountiful autumn Harvest. Sup at a
sumptuous feast and dance with our friends from villages near and far.
Formal attire please.
| Info:
http://www.englishcountrydancing.org/8thHarvestBall.pdf
| Saturday , November 15, 2008.
| Dinner starts at 6pm |
|
| Tickets $35, include dinner, Music by Fleur de Lis . Buy tickets
early, may sell out. |
| Janet Goeske Center, 5257 Sierra Street, Riverside <-- New location |
|
| Formal attire required, from 1700-1820 preferred but not
required
| English Country Dancing and Instruction on the second and fourth
Thursdays of every month. See website for location and more details |
|
Social Daunce Irregulars
Grand Ball
| Info:
http://victoriandance.org/ , tickets $25, may be purchased on line.
Note: they also hold dance classes in advance of all balls. |
| Upcoming balls:
| Winter Ball, November 24, 2007
| Pasadena Mason Hall |
|
| Spring Ball, March 22, 2008
| Pasadena Masonic Hall |
|
| Summer Ball, June 23, 2007
| Thorp Church, Pasadena |
|
|
| To add to the ambiance, we suggest, but do not insist that our
patrons wear the formal attire or military uniforms (any nation) of the 19th
Century |
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Homestead Museum
"Experience southern California Christmas traditions from the 1840s, 1870s,
and 1920s at an afternoon fair with music, historic house tours, theatrical
performances, crafts, food, and much more. Santa Claus will also be on hand for
the festivities!"
"Visitors to enjoy the period decorations by moonlight! Tours will focus on
how the celebration of Christmas in southern California changed from the 1840s
through the 1920s. Following the tour, visitors can enjoy cider and some sweet
treats in the Pio Pico Gallery."
| Sunday December 20, 2008 - 4-8pm |
| Admission $5, $3 seniors/students/children
| Tickets on sale Nov 1 |
| Advance purchase recommended. |
|
Heritage Square Museum Lamplight Celebration
Victorian-era holiday party in the grand parlor of the Perry Mansion–the
gorgeous Boyle Heights residence built in 1876 for William H. Perry.
Costumed hosts will transport visitors back in time to Christmas of 1901, during
the “Gilded Age.” Traditional dance, music, and Victorian games will enliven the
night, as guests discover exactly how the Victorians partied! Strolling
carolers, warn apple cider, treats, music, period dancing, and a visit with
Father Christmas are included with the tour.
Georja Skinner, author of "The Christmas House; How One Man’s Dream Changed
the Way We Celebrate Christmas", will make a special appearance and will be on
hand to sign her recently released book .
| Info: http://heritagesquare.org
or 323-225-2700
|
December 6-7, 2008 - Starts at 4pm, continuing to
8:30pm |
|
Heritage Square Museum, 3800 Homer Street (Exit
110-Pasadena Freeway at Avenue 43) |
|
Tickets $20/$10 for children 12 and under, member
discount
|
reservation highly recommended. |
|
|
Heritage House: A Southern California Christmas
"Join Heritage Square Museum as we chronicle how Christmas was celebrated in the
Southland from the late 19th through the mid 20th centuries. Over fifty
historic images offer a glimpse of the culture, commerce and art of Christmas in
Southern California from 1880 to 1950, capturing the core details of holiday
celebrations in each era".
Victorian Christmas, Fireside traditions - Banning House Museum
Much research has been done to ensure that the Museum will reflect realism in
decor and display a re-creation of "A Victorian Christmas, Fireside
Traditions". In addition
to tours of the Museum, you will enjoy free transport on a horse-drawn trolley
between the Museum and Drum Barracks as well as specially planned old fashioned
activities. Light refreshment provided, lunch available for purchase.
| Info:
http://www.banningmuseum.org or (310) 548-7777
| December 1-2, 2007. 11 to 4, $5 donation |
| 401 E. "M" Street, Wilmington, South of the Pacific Coast Hwy, E of
Avalon Blvd. |
|
Candlelight Tours - Banning House Museum
Join then for a "special evening event, including a guided Living History
tour through the Museum, holiday refreshments and entertainment in the
Photograph Gallery. This extra special glimpse at "A Victorian Family Christmas"
is a chance to see the Museum in candlelit elegance and holiday spirit. "
| Info:
http://www.banningmuseum.org/events/ (310) 548-7777
| December 8-9, 2007. 6-8pm, |
| Members $15 donation / public $20 / Children with an adult, free |
| 401 E. "M" Street, Wilmington, South of the Pacific Coast Hwy, E of
Avalon Blvd. |
| Reservations required |
|
"Navidad in Early California" Christmas Candlelight Tours / Christmas Open
House - Rancho Los Cerritos
"Christmas 1850 at Rancho Los Cerritos and explore holiday traditions and
life in early California with the Temples, their guests and ranch workers. The 160-year-old adobe house will come to life
with the sights and sounds of holidays past, including Christmas greenery and
decorations authentic to the period." Holiday music and refreshments after the
tour.
| Info:
http://www.rancholoscerritos.org or 562-570-1755
| Rancho Los Cerritos, 4600 Virginia Rd, Long Beach |
|
| "Navidad in Early California" Christmas Candlelight Tours
| Friday Dec 7 and Sat Dec 8, 2007 6:30-8:30 |
| $8 members, $10 non-members, reservations required, sells out |
|
| Christmas Open House
| Sunday December 10, 2006, 1-4 |
| Free, reservations not required |
| Refreshments, Santa, Piñata |
|
Gilded Age Holiday in the Mansion
Gather family and friends for a Gilded
Age Holiday in the Mansion tour and
enjoy the beauty and history of Edwardian-style holiday décor in the 100
year-old Fenyes Mansion, one of the few remaining grand residences that once
lined Orange Grove Boulevard -- Pasadena's famed "Millionaire's Row." Trained
docents will weave stories of long-ago holiday celebrations with details of the
decorating styles of the early 1900s and the genesis of many of today's
cherished traditions.
Complete your festive afternoon with a special
tea beginning at 1:45 pm at one of the city's signature dining spots, The
Raymond Restaurant. Originally the caretaker's cottage of the famed Raymond
Hotel, the restaurant is located at 1250 S. Fair Oaks Ave.
Old Riverside Foundation Victorian
12th Night Celebration
Progressive Dinner in the Heritage Square Historic District, Riverside.
Horse drawn carriages take guests to 3 vintage homes decorated in holiday
splendor. Delicious gourmet food, elegant but fun. Live music and carolers.
Victorian dress encouraged. Fundraiser for Old Riverside Foundation historic
preservation group.
| Info: Old
Riverside Foundation:
http://www.oldriverside.org/ or 951-683-2725
| Friday & Saturday, January 4 & 5, 2008
| 6:30 & 8:30 pm |
| Tickets $85 |
| Riverside Historic District, exact address w/ tickets |
|
|
Ships in Costume!
There are a couple of holiday spectacular in the Harbor. The boats will
be all decked out in their best lighting. Dress on the crews will vary.
| Marina del Rey Boat Parade,
one of the largest boat parade on the west coast
| December 8, 2007 Saturday 6-8 pm (Fireworks at 5:55)
| Burton Chance Park and Fisherman's village |
| Info: (310) 670-7130 |
|
|
| Parade of 1000 Lights
| December 8, 2007 - Shoreline Village, Long Beach
|
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| Naples Boat Parade, one of the longest running boat parades in So Cal.
| December 9, 2007 - Canals in Naples Island, Long Beach |
| Info: (562) 570-5333 |
|
|
Redondo Beach Christmas Boat Parade
| December 15, 2007, 5:15 - Kings Harbor |
|
| San Diego Boat
Parade of Lights
| Saturday Dec 16, 2007 |
| A Pirate's Christmas is the theme of
the 37th Annual Port boat parade. Free Viewing! The spectacular boat parade
of lights features individually holiday decorated private craft. The boat
parade starts at the southwest end of Shelter Island, travels past Harbor
Island, the Embarcadero, Seaport Village, the Convention Center, the
Coronado Island Marriott Hotel, the Coronado Ferry Landing Marketplace and
ends at the Navy carrier turning basin. Fireworks begin at 5:30pm, Light
Parade begins immediately following 5:30-9pm. |
|
More Local City Street Fairs and Local Celebrations
I'm not going to try and catch these. Some communities with get
elaborate during Yuletide, others leave it to the malls, while even others will quietly
celebrate. Check your local paper for special events. (If
you think your group merits singling out, contact us.)
| Los
Angeles Almanac list a lot of family friendly activities for
December including parades, tree lightings, street fairs and museum days. |
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Most of Southern Californian's theme parts will do a holiday makeup this
December. If you're a regular to the parts, you know it's always fun to see the
twist on the costumes. This is the only time of the year, the characters
outfits are specially designed to help get you in the mood. Though 90 degree days do seem incongruous
with the characters' winter wonderland dress! Here I'm only going to highlight the
biggest costume changes.
Disneyland always remakes their amusement parks into a winter wonderland.
Many of
the costumed characters change costumes representing the season. Victorian Dress is a theme
for many of the characters, street bands and singers. The stage shows,
remade for the holidays, show some of the most magical revisions of the
costumes of the entire year. I is well worth the crowds to enjoy.
Haunted
Mansion Holiday is also billed as When Holidays Collide.
Disneyland has remade over their famous Haunted Mansion in the style of
"Tim Burton's Nightmare Before Christmas". The somber New Orleans
styled house has been redecorated as Jack Skellington and the other residents of
his world descending for some delightful twists on the mix of Christmas and
Halloween. Runs though January 6th only.
Giant Victorian-era crafts fair in the western Ghost town inside the park
Snoopy Ice show and the rollercoasters for a bit more
[Top]
Stats Floral
| The famous after-Christmas sale for Costumers looking for shinny
bits! |
| Check out the whole story <here>. |
AlterYears
| Building your own historic costume for the holiday? Want something beyond the patterns you
can find in the fabric stores?
| This store in San Gabriel specializes in historical patterns (and
books). |
| Also carry a number of hard to find costume accessories including
hoop skirts, gloves, spats, top hats, corsets and boning. |
|
| Their web site ( www.AlterYears.com
) has a few examples of their patterns, but they have many more in store.
| Moved, visit by appointment only, 626-569-9919 |
|
[Top]
Use search engines for events around Los Angeles. Note: no search engines
have everything, so dig for info.
| Check out DigitalCity.com. |
| Los
Angeles Almanac list a lot of family friendly activities for
December including street fairs and museum days. |
| Want to check out more costuming around this site:
|
[Top]
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If a search engine brought you to this page, you may want to
prowl the rest of the Alley Cat Scratch site. Most of it is
about costumes and resources for them... so if you like
dress-up, come play with da Cat.
|
Please contact us at
daCat@AlleyCatScratch.com with any corrections or
if you have an item to be
added to this page.
This page last updated
09/04/08
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