Let’s face it. Holidays can be fun but take a big bite out of your wallet, if you’re not careful. Here are free fun things you can do to get into the holiday spirit without spending any money at all!

Now through Jan. 4 — Dana Point: Dana Point Harbor has turned on its holiday lights spanning the new harbor entrance, the Village, the Wharf, the island and Bump Out Park near Baby Beach. It’s perfect for strolling and holiday photos. It will be illuminated nightly starting at 4:30 p.m. through Jan. 4. The 700,000 lights include a giant whale sculpture, giant beach balls and the “Merry Kiss Me” arch. (Note: There’s a new parking structure at 799 Harbor Way.) Location: 34571 Golden Lantern, Dana Point  danapointharbor.com/holidays-at-the-harbor

Nov. 30 — Hollywood: Get ready for the start of the holiday season with the classic 93rd Annual Hollywood Christmas Parade, starting at 6 p.m. The parade travels from Hollywood Boulevard down Vine Street to Sunset Boulevard and back. There will be heavy traffic, so be advised, and take the Metro if you can. See the route and learn more at thehollywoodchristmasparade.org/

Nov. 30 — Anaheim: Stop by the Holiday Carnival at the Anaheim Town Square from noon to 3 p.m. Santa arrives in a red convertible with Mrs. Claus and kids can sit on his lap for a visit. Mrs. Claus will tell stories from the North Pole. There will also be snow play, cookie decorating, a stilt walker, bubble elf, face painters, balloon twisters, bounce houses, crafts and a magician with three shows.  2180 East Lincoln Ave., Anaheim. RSVP online to get a free ticket to attend. anaheimtownsquare.com/events/holiday-carnival-3/

Dec. 5 — Fullerton: Attend the city’s tree lighting and community gathering from 5 to 9 p.m. at Fullerton City Hall, with live music, performances, a classic car show, food trucks, Santa and more. The tree lighting ceremony starts at 6:30 p.m. 303 W. Commonwealth Ave. Fullerton. cityoffullerton.com/about-us/special-events

Dec. 6 — Pasadena: Holidayfest! on South Lake Avenue will feature family-friendly activities starting at noon.  Live music starts at 1 p.m. Shop and dine specials, apply to win prizes, giveaways, cookie making, Santa and more. Event ends at 6 p.m. Various locations on Lake Avenue; music is at 345 S. Lake Ave. southlakeavenue.org/holiday-shop-dine-win-on-south-lake-avenue/

Dec. 7 — Covina: Check out this year’s Christmas Car Show & Toy Drive with Santa by Best Vibe Market. It runs 8-11 a.m. and doors open at 7:30 a.m. Santa will be there, along with classic cars, shopping, food and fun. Free entrance if you bring a toy for the Covina Toy Drive — plus you get a raffle ticket. Music with DJ Dave, holiday fun and community spirit. Bert’s Mega Mall, 1151 North Azusa Ave., Covina. eventbrite.com/e/christmas-car-show-toy-drive-with-santa-tickets-1835651305469

Dec. 7 — Simi Valley: Enjoy a “Holiday in the Park” at the Strathearn Historical Park and Museum. The event runs 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Take free photos with Santa from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. (bring your own camera) Visit the historic houses decorated and open to the public. Antique cars and tractors. Live music. 137 Strathearn Place, Simi Valley. simihistory.com/park-events

Dec. 7 — Huntington Beach: Snowflakes on the Huntington Beach Pier will be illuminated in a ceremony at Pier Plaza that will follow a parade down the city’s Main Street with Santa and Mrs. Claus riding in a vintage woodie. The event, called Light a Light of Love, is a fundraiser for Waymakers Huntington Beach Youth Shelter. 3:30-6 p.m. Huntington Beach Pier, 325 Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach. 714-842-6600 or waymakersoc.org/events/light-a-light-of-love

Dec. 12 — Arcadia: Settle down for A Very Merry Movie Night by The Shops at Santa Anita. The fun starts at 5 p.m. with free popcorn, roasted chestnuts and more before the show —while supplies last. Bring a blanket and chairs, and watch “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” The event continues through 9 p.m. Located on The Promenade near Hai Di Lao. 400 South Baldwin Ave., Arcadia. eventbrite.com/e/a-very-merry-movie-night-tickets-1918506266889

Dec. 13 — San Bernardino: Get free photos with Santa at the KVCR public media studio from 10 a.m. to noon. Gifts and light refreshments will be offered, while supplies last. Doors open at 9:45 a.m. RSVP to Vanessa Wiarco at  vwiarco@kvcr.org. Free parking, lot 11 and 9. 701 South Mount Vernon Ave., San Bernardino.

Dec. 13 — Torrance: Wear your gloves when you attend the 2025 Snow Day at the Wilson Park softball fields from 3 to 7 p.m. There will be live reindeer, arts and crafts, a video booth, photos with Santa, food trucks and … snow! 2200 Crenshaw Blvd., Torrance. torranceca.gov/services/recreation-services/special-events/snow-day-event

Dec. 13 — Fontana: Check out the family fun at the Christmas Parade at 10 a.m. on Sierra Avenue, and then the Festival of Winter at the Miller Park Amphitheater, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Rides, attractions, live entertainment, photo opps with Santa and snow! That’s right. 40 tons of fresh snow and a Tot Lot where kids can experience snow for the first time. 17004 Arrow Blvd., Fontana. fontanaca.gov/387/Holiday-Events

Dec. 13 — Redlands: It’s back. The 20-year traditional Christmas Block Party at the Gonzales Community Center will be held from 10 a.m. to noon. Enjoy free photos with Santa, activities, crafts, live entertainment, a climbing wall, bounce house, video game truck, petting zoo and more. (No toy handouts this year.) Call 909-798-7572 to learn more. 111 W. Lugonia Ave., Redlands. cityofredlands.org/post/christmas-block-party

Dec. 14 — Riverside: Get ready for a Victorian Christmas Open House for a journey back in time at the Riverside Heritage House. There will be festive music, yummy treats, decorations, laughter and holiday cheer. From noon to 4 p.m. Sponsored by the Museum of Riverside & Heritage House. 8193 Magnolia Ave., Riverside. eventbrite.com/e/victorian-christmas-open-house-tickets-1830082157999

Dec. 17-21 — Newport Beach: It’s time for the 117th annual Christmas Boat Parade with more than 100 decorated yachts, boats and kayaks. The lighted boats reflect off the water and there are also drone shows.  This tradition has been going for more than a century. View for free from the shore, or go for paid seating and boat tours. This is really popular, so you’d better find your spot early, particularly at Balboa Island or Marina Park. The best free viewing is at Marina Park, 1600 W. Balboa Blvd, Newport Beach, and there will be a holiday market there Dec. 17 from 4-8 p.m. A fireworks show will add to the festivities on Dec. 17 at 6:15 p.m. christmasboatparade.com/