Bob Baker's Holiday Spectacular: The historic puppet theater presents a winter wonderland marionette musical extravaganza for children of all ages. Bob Baker Marionette Theater, 1345 W. 1st St., Echo Park. Tue.-Fri. 10:30 a.m., Sat.-Sun. 2:30 p.m. through Dec. 31. $20. (213) 250-9995, http://www.bobbakermarionettes.com.
WildLights Holiday Festival: Enjoy after-dark displays, visits from Santa, train rides, camel rides, wildlife shows, live music and refreshments. Palm Desert Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, 47900 Portola Ave., Palm Desert. Dec, 2-3, 9-10, 16-23, 26-31 from 6-9 p.m. Adults $9.75, children $6.50. (760) 346-5694, Ext. 2000, livingdesert.org.
Holiday of Lights: Motorists can take in more than 400 lighted and animated holiday scenes, accompanied by festive music, along a 1.5-mile route. Includes carolers, hay rides, and refreshments. Del Mar Fairgrounds, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar. Fri.-Sat. 5:30-10:30 p.m., Sun.-Thu. 5:30-10 p.m. except Dec. 5 and 12. Ends Jan. 1. $14 per car, up to five people, $19 per vehicle; Holiday Hayride $10. (858) 755-1161, holidayoflights.com.
Adamson House 2011 Christmas Tours: View the historic beach-side Malibu home's many holiday charms during these docent-led tours, which include light refreshments and a special remembrance crafted for the event. Prepaid reservation required. Historic Adamson House, 23200 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu. Dec. 4 and 18 at 2 p.m.; Dec. 9, 16 and 23 at 7 p.m.; Dec. 25 and Jan. 1 at 3 p.m. (310) 456-8432, http://www.adamsonhouse.org.
The Science of Gingerbread: How many gumdrops can a frosted cookie hold? Why do some recipes call for baking powder instead of baking soda? Find out at the annual Science of Gingerbread exhibition, featuring hands-on kitchen science activities, decorating demonstrations and award-winning gingerbread houses on display. Science Center, 2500 N. Main St., Santa Ana. Fri.-Sat. 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sun.-Thu. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. through Jan. 1. Adults $14.95, children 3-17 $12.95. (714) 542-2823, http://www.discoverycube.org.
Holiday Festival of Trains: This playful and colorful holiday exhibit takes visitors on a magical journey of miniature trains chugging through breathtaking landscapes that include snow-covered mountain passes, Santa's Village, the Roaring '20s, a Wild West Town and the Big Apple. Richard Nixon Library & Birthplace, 18001 Yorba Linda Blvd., Yorba Linda. Mon.-Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. through Jan. 1. Adults $11.95, children 7-11 $4.75, children 6 and younger are free. (714) 993-5075, nixonfoundation.org.
Festival of Lights: Millions of lights and hundreds of animated characters on display, plus an ice-skating rink, live entertainment, carriage rides and vendors. Mission Inn Hotel & Spa, 3649 Mission Inn Ave., Riverside. Daily beginning at 5 p.m. Display runs through Jan. 8. Free. (951) 543-9557, riversideca.gov/fol.
Ice at Santa Monica: The 8,000-square-foot rink by the beach celebrates its fifth anniversary as a Southland holiday tradition. Lessons available. Iceatsantamonica.com. 1324 5th St., Santa Monica. Mon.-Thu. 2-10 p.m., Fri. 2 p.m.-midnight, Sat. 10 a.m.-midnight, Sun. 10 a.m.-10 p.m. through Jan. 16. Admission and skate rental $12. (310) 496-9880, iceatsantamonica.com.
Downtown on Ice: Just because it doesn't ever get really cold (by East Coast standards) doesn't mean you can't pretend it's really cold. Visit Pershing Square and ice skate, and if you squint, it'll be just like the Rockefeller Center. Pershing Square Park, 532 S. Olive St., downtown Los Angeles. Mon.-Thu. noon-10 p.m., Fri.-Sun. 10 a.m.-10 p.m. through Jan. 16. Skating session $6, skate rental $2. (213) 847-4970, laparks.org.
