Holidays are always full of fun and diversity – especially at Pretend City. One of the best things you can do with your child this holiday is to teach them about the beauty found in different cultures – it is perhaps one of the most important gifts of the season. Pretend City Children’s Museum gives families the opportunity to learn about the different cultural celebrations by highlighting the customs and traditions of Hanukkah, Las Posadas, Christmas and Kwanzaa. Here are a list of events coming up that you may not want to miss:
Sunday, December 9 – Saturday, December 15:
Lil’ Me Mornings – Hooray for Hanukkah
Time: Monday – Friday 11:00a.m.; Saturday & Sunday 10:30a.m.
Celebrate Hanukkah at Pretend City! These rich and diverse circle times will work to explain and teach your child about the Hanukkah miracle and the importance of many of the traditional symbols of the holiday. Games, finger play rhymes, art projects and activities will ensure that your child has fun in the process.
Sunday, December 16 – Sunday, December 23:
Engaging Afternoons – Las Posadas Fiesta!
Time: Tuesday – Friday 3:30p.m.; Saturday & Sunday 2:30p.m.
This week we partake in a Las Posadas Celebration! Every afternoon your child will engage in activities that will help them have an understanding of the cultures that celebrate Las Posadas and some of the regional traditions associated with the holiday. Activities include “Bunuelos” cookie art, piñata party, glitter poinsettia art and the traditional Mexican game of domino trains.
Sunday, December 16 – Sunday, December 23:
Lil’ Me Mornings – Christmas Countdown
Time: Monday – Friday 11:00a.m.; Saturday & Sunday 10:30a.m.
The countdown to Christmas has begun! The week that leads up to Christmas is an exciting and magical time for young children. The wait for Christmas Day can seem endless! This week’s daily morning activities will help to channel your young child’s anticipation into simple activities that celebrate the holiday.
Wednesday, December 26 – Monday, December 31:
Lil’ Me Mornings – Festival of Kwanzaa
Time: Monday – Friday 11:00a.m.; Saturday & Sunday 10:30a.m.
Kwanzaa is here, and there are so many fun things to do! Each day, children will have the opportunity to participate in lighting another candle on the Kinara. Then, we will celebrate the Kwanzaa principle of the day through a variety of activities, including: working at the family stand, making gifts for family and friends, playing African games, and even having a “feast”! These morning activities are a perfect way to begin teaching your children about the meaning and traditions of this joyous holiday.
Don’t miss out on these activities:
Friday, December 14:
CHOC Toy Drive Pick up by Orange Coast Harley Owners Group
Time: 12:00p.m
Join us for a special visit from hundreds of Harley Davidson riders as they come to Pretend City to pick up all of the toys we’ve collected for the children at CHOC Children’s Hospital. Watch your child’s eyes light up as Santa comes riding in on his motorcycle. The sound of hundreds of motorcycles cruising around the corner is one your child will surely remember! They’ll even have a chance to come out and look at the motorcycles up close. With parent supervision of course!
Friday, December 21:
Snow Play Day
Time: 10:00a.m. – 3:00p.m.
What’s in the forecast for Pretend City today? Snow! That’s right, real snow. Visiting the snow and experiencing a winter wonderland is an ageless, ever-magical experience, and one that is brought to life today at Pretend City. Today’s activities will be rich with the magic and delight of the falling snow. Your child will enjoy celebrating the snow with a day of adventures–experimenting with footprints, building snow forts, creating snow angels, and making snowballs. You won’t want to miss this opportunity to celebrate the first day of winter! *Guests will be provided with specific time slots for children based on age. Only a certain amount of children will be permitted into the snow play area at once based on the discretion of Pretend City staff.
Monday, December 31:
New Year’s Eve Party
Time: 10:00a.m. – 1:00p.m.
Twas’ the day before New Year’s and all through the city, the citizens are stirring and buzzing about! With sparkling streamers and festive party hats, this is one celebration you won’t want to miss. Activities of the day will include:
- Sensational Story Time: Twas’ the Night Before New Year’s will be the featured story of the day. Your little one may find inspiration to stay awake until the stroke of New Year!
- Smart Art: New Year’s Resolution – This colorful art project will be your opportunity to create a family New Year’s resolution. This promise will be one that you make to your family as a whole to be better and help others. This might even start a new family tradition!
- Music & Movement: New Year’s Eve Countdown- This countdown is for the kids! Countdown the New Year and celebrate at 12:00p.m. with a special rockin’ rollin’ dance party! Streamers, blowouts, and noise makers will make this the party of the year for your little ones!
Holiday Open/Close Schedule:
Monday, December 17 – Pretend City Open Full Day
Monday, December 24 – Pretend City Closed Full Day
Tuesday, December 25 – Pretend City Closed Full Day
About Pretend City Children’s Museum
Pretend City Children’s Museum features a small, interconnected city designed to “build better brains” through purposeful play, hands-on learning experiences, role playing, and educational programming. As a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization serving all children, it depends on community-based funding and guest support. Through 17 interactive exhibits and activities guided by a highly trained professional staff, children learn foundational math, reading and science skills, while fostering curiosity, creativity, critical thinking, problem solving, organization, teamwork, self-confidence and socialization. The museum is a unique community resource offering developmental screenings and tools for families, educators and community agencies working to ensure that each child gains the experiences needed to discover their potential and build toward a productive and fulfilling future. Pretend City Children’s Museum is located at 29 Hubble, Irvine, CA 92618. For more information, please visit www.pretendcity.org.
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