By Alicia Doyle
Sunday Signal Writer
As the holiday season is upon us, the city brims with opportunities for celebration — whether joining Santa for cocoa and crafts at Valencia Town Center, wandering hand-in-hand through the illuminated wonders of Six Flags Magic Mountain or crafting nature-inspired ornaments at Placerita Canyon, each gathering offers more than memories: it’s a chance to experience the warmth and heart of the holiday spirit.
Light Up Main Street
Old Town Newhall will transform into a sparkling winter wonderland on November 15, as Light Up Main Street returns for its annual tree-lighting celebration from 4 to 8 p.m. The highlight of the evening will be the official tree lighting at 5:30 p.m., marking the start of the holiday season.
Festive lights will dazzle along Main Street, while live performances, food trucks, and a variety of activities promise fun for all ages. Guests can roast marshmallows and indulge in gooey s’mores at the S’mores Fire Pits, or try their luck at the Andy Cane Carnival & Polar Playground, featuring games, inflatables, and seasonal fun.
Music lovers will enjoy live performances and marvel at intricate ice sculptures, adding a touch of holiday magic to the evening. Shoppers can browse the Maker’s Marketplace and Elves’ Crafts Corner, where handmade gifts, ornaments, and festive creations will be on display.
Children (and adults!) can write letters to Santa or snap a photo with him, while animal lovers will have the chance to meet adoptable pets from the Castaic Animal Shelter or pose with therapy dogs dressed in their holiday best.
With dazzling lights, delicious treats, and activities for every age, Light Up Main Street is the perfect way to kick off the holidays in Old Town Newhall.
Light Up Main Street is located in Old Town Newhall, Main Street. For more information, visit oldtownnewhall.com/events/light-up-main.
Santa Celebration, Holiday Kick-Off
The season officially kicks off on Saturday, November 15, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., when the Valencia Town Center hosts its annual Santa Celebration and Holiday Kick-Off. Families are invited to gather at Santa’s festive home, in front of the 30-foot Christmas tree on the lower level near H&M, for a morning filled with holiday cheer.
Guests can meet Buddy the Elf and other favorite winter characters at a themed photo booth, create custom photo frames to display their new snapshots, and enjoy classic seasonal fun with face painting, balloon twisting, and a cozy coloring corner for kids. The celebration continues with a hot chocolate station, winter cupcakes, and complimentary Santa hats for everyone who attends. Children can also stop by the letter-writing station to craft and send their own messages straight to the North Pole.
The Santa Celebration is free and open to the public, with no registration required. The Valencia Town Center is located at 24201 Valencia Boulevard. For more information, call 669-800-6707 or visit www.valenciatowncenter.com.
Holiday in the Park
From November 27 through January 4, Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia transforms into a sparkling winter wonderland for its annual Holiday in the Park celebration. The theme park glows with thousands of colorful lights, festive displays, and the joyful sounds of the season, creating a family-friendly atmosphere filled with excitement and nostalgia.
Guests can enjoy the park’s famous thrill rides alongside special holiday entertainment, themed shows, and meet-and-greets with Santa and his cheerful helpers. Seasonal aromas drift through the air, tempting visitors with favorites like hot chocolate, apple cider, custom fudge, and holiday funnel cakes topped with merry new flavors. Whether you come for the lights, the treats, or the holiday magic itself, it’s a festive experience that captures the spirit of the season.
For more information visit www.sixflags.com.
Holiday Craft Fair
The Placerita Canyon Nature Center will host its annual Holiday Craft Fair on December 6 and 7 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., inviting visitors to create their own wreaths, centerpieces, Yule logs, and ornaments using fresh greenery, pinecones, and other natural materials. Children can participate in a variety of craft activities, making the event a family favorite.
All proceeds from the fair support the Placerita Canyon Nature Center Associates, a nonprofit organization dedicated to nature education and animal care. The fundraiser has long been one of Santa Clarita’s most popular seasonal traditions, drawing visitors not only from the local community but from as far away as Arizona and other neighboring states.
Unlike many holiday craft fairs that sell pre-made goods, this event offers a hands-on, do-it-yourself experience. Supplies are carefully harvested, collected, and purchased specifically for guests to use in creating their own nature-inspired crafts — a signature element that keeps the line stretching out the door year after year.
The Placerita Canyon Nature Center is located at 19152 Placerita Canyon Rd. in Newhall. For information, call (661) 259-7721; or visit www.placerita.org.
A Nutcracker Fantasy
Ice skaters will highlight the holiday season during their annual performance, A Nutcracker Fantasy, on December 12 at 7 p.m., or on December 13 at 12 p.m. and 5 p.m. Presented at The Cube – Ice and Entertainment Center, magical retelling of The Nutcracker will come to life on ice as the talented Skating Academy presents a dazzling show filled with twirls, sparkle, and holiday cheer.
The Cube – Ice and Entertainment Center is located at 27745 Smyth Drive in Valencia. For tickets or more information, call (661) 257-2823; or visit www.thecubesantaclarita.com.
