The holiday season is here, though coming up with something to do with your loved ones can be difficult with all the choices and expenses that accompany the season of giving. Here is a list of affordable and enjoyable Christmas outing ideas for a family, a date night or a solo jaunt.
Nightmare Before Christmas Market
Jack Skellington and Sally are coming to Ontario for a meet and greet, plus over 50 vendors to shop from, on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Located at Ontario Elks Lodge, this event is perfect for the little ones or for diehard fans. The best part is the event is free, and you can reserve a spot at the EventBrite website, which you can also visit for more information.
See Christmas Lights
Lucky for La Verne residents, this city is one that embraces the Christmas spirit. La Verne’s Christmas lights and decorations are beautiful, and many of them are already up. It’s a requirement to see Christmas lights at least once in the season, so why not get a head start?
Get hot chocolate
Hot chocolate is another must during the holiday season, and La Verne is full of spots to get this yummy treat. Madison’s Grand Avenue Chocolates, Sol Flower, Wähfles Café and La Verne Miss Donuts and Bagel are all good spots to stop at for a cozy atmosphere and enjoy delicious hot chocolate.
Go see a Christmas Parade
La Verne residents have two options for seeing a Christmas parade this year. Glendora is returning its Christmas parade after not hosting it for three years, from 8 to 11 a.m. Pomona will also be hosting its annual Christmas parade, with this year’s theme, “An Upbeat Down Holiday,” from 3 to 9 p.m. Both are on Saturday, so be sure to visit whichever one is closest to you, or feel free to visit both.
Go Christmas tree hunting
Now is the perfect time to pick out a tree and decorate. Or, if you’re not into setting up a tree, visiting a tree lot is still an enjoyable experience. The smell of pine and the family atmosphere is one contagious with joy. Chamberlain Choose and Cut Christmas Tree Farm, located at 3436 Padua Ave. in Claremont, is a tree lot that will help you clean, cut, drill, or net your tree.
Go ice skating
Ontario has not one but two ice skating rinks for you to visit this season. Ice skating is a perfect way to get close and laugh with your special someone or for you to make precious memories with the family. Visit the websites for Ontario Center Ice Arena or Ontario Ice Skating Arena Skating School for their operating hours, and consider planning an ice skating date or outing this month. Tickets at Ontario Center Ice Arena are $13 each, $10 for children 10 years old and under. Tickets at Ontario Ice Skating Arena are $14, including rentals, but admission with your own pair of ice skates is $12.
Go holiday shopping early
It is never too early to start your holiday shopping, and where better to shop than in a place that is decorated for the holidays? Ontario Mills has countless stores for you to choose from and an opportunity to take pictures with Santa Claus. For more information on Santa Photo Experience at Ontario Mills, visit the website.
—Taylor Moore
Taylor Moore is a senior broadcast journalism major and Campus Times social media editor for Fall 2023. In her fifth semester on Campus Times, this is her second time serving as social media editor. She has also served as LV Life editor and staff writer.
