Winter break well spent

Catherine Zhang and Catherine Liu

A white, snowy Christmas is the type of holiday that many dream of. Yet in California, we are considered lucky to even see rain. Thankfully, with the winter season rolling in, there are many events being held that can provide a semblance of such a holiday.

A place offering events with fake snow is the Winterfest of Orange County. From Dec. 16 to Jan. 1, for $10, students have the chance to participate in a 130 foot hill to ice tube down, winter house bounce house and a snowfall ceremony. There will also be a Christmas tree lighting ceremony at 5:30 p.m. each night and an area to walk in to see festival lights. There are also captivating attractions on display, including the world’s largest rocking horse. For people who love to ice skate, there will be an outdoor ice rink for an additional cost.

 To see marching bands perform, lighted car drives and other attractions, visit the Pomona Downtown Christmas Parade on Dec. 10 from 6 to 8 p.m. This year’s event theme is “California Christmas.” From youth groups, to car clubs, drill teams and floats, the parade will begin at Shaun Diamond Plaza and continue downtown.

For an event nearby, ride the annual Brea trolley, which is decorated with Christmas ornaments and decked out in festive red and green colors. Taking attendees through the brightly embellished downtown shops and Eagle Hills community, a neighborhood renown for its outstanding array of Christmas decorations,  the trolley runs from Dec. 1 through Dec. 16 and lasts for a duration of 45 minutes.

In addition, attendees can view the array of old-fashioned carolers and small bands and choirs performing on the sidewalks of the downtown shops, Thursday through Sunday nights. Tickets can be purchased for $7 at the Brea Community Center.