The Happening That’s Happening From the IE to the OC in December 2016!

The holidays are here! If you are like most of us here at Kessler Alair Insurance you work hard to play hard. For many of us filling our weekends with fun family activities is first priority when we clock out on Friday evening. Just because it is a little cold and rainy in the winter, families don’t stop looking for fun things to do. Having our offices located in Newport Beach, Rancho Cucamonga and Upland California gives us a wide variety of events to choose from. Of course one of the best things about Southern California is the fact that you can go snowboarding in the morning and sit on the beach to watch the sunset all in the same day.

Whether you are in the Inland Empire or in Orange County and you are looking for a great thing to do this month here are a few ideas:

What to do in the Inland Empire?

December 2 – Claremont Holiday Tree Lighting & Village Promenade – Kick off the Holiday Season Claremont Style, from 5:00 – 8:00 pm. Events include the Dynamite Dawson Carolers, Tree Lighting Ceremony at the Depot, a visit with Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus, performance by Moultrie Academy of Music (voice & dance), live reindeer, face painting at Shelton Park, Village Promenade, the Claremont High School Band and many more. Questions: Call: 909.624.1681. http://www.thevillageclaremont.com/holiday.html

December 2 – 18 – Elf the Musical, Jr. - Fridays and Saturdays at 7:29 pm – Saturday matinees December 10 & 17 at 2:00 pm and all Sundays at 2:00 pm. A title known the world over, Elf the Musical Jr. Is based on the cherished 2003 New Line Cinema hit starring Will Ferrell. Buddy, a young orphan, mistakenly crawls into Santa's bag of gifts and is transported to the North Pole. The would-be elf is raised, unaware that he is actually a human, until his enormous size and poor toy-making abilities cause him to face the truth. This modern day holiday classic is sure to make everyone embrace their inner elf. For more info, call: 909.920.4343. http://www.grovetheatre.com/

December 9,10,11 – Living Nativity 6:30, 7:15, and 8 each evening. Feell like you are in the city of Bethlehem when Jesus was born. Petting Zoo, as well as refreshments are provided each night. Held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saings, 6829 Etiwanda Ave., Rancho Cucamonga. http://www.livingnativityrc.com/

December 10 – Fontana Christmas Parade and Festival of Winter – the annual Christmas parade is fun for the whole family. Watch as beautiful holiday inspired floats roll down the street in beautiful downtown Fontana. ALSO – The City of Fontana is excited to invite you to our annual Festival of Winter. Join us as we celebrate the holiday season with 50 tons of snow, live entertainment carnival games, attractions, food, novelty vendors, and the big man himself, Santa Claus! Be sure to bring your old lights to trade them in for new, safe LED lights at our SANBAG booth! For more information, call: 909.350.7600. Visit: https://www.fontana.org/index.aspx?NID=387

December 17 – Gingerbread House Workshop – Build the best gingerbread house on the block. Creativity and teamwork are a must. Free for all ages. Located at Colony High Branch Library, 3850 East Riverside Drive, Ontario, from 10:30 am to 11:30 am. For more info. Call: 909.395.2256. http://www.ontarioca.gov/events/gingerbread-house-workshop

December 19 – DAQ – Free Zumba – from 7:00 – 8:00 pm. This dance-fitness class will get you moving and in good shape. Participants must be over 18 years old and have an emergency card on file. No charge for class. Located at Dorothy A. Quesada Community Center, 1010 S. Bon View Avenue in Ontario. http://www.ontarioca.gov/events/daq-free-zumba-evening?delta=16

Ongoing Monthly Events in the Upland area:

Every Monday in December – La Verne Library: 1-2-3 Play With Me Parent/Child Workshop – Parent – child workshops are designed to encourage parents to play with their children. We also invite specialists in various aspects of child development who can answer questions parents may have about their child's development. Where: LaVerne Library, 3640 D. St., between 10:30 am – 11:30 am. For children, ages 0-4 and their caregivers. Free admission. For more information, visit: http://upland.macaronikid.com/calendar/event/la-verne-library-1-2-3-play-with-me-parent-child-workshop-mon/2016-11-14/c7328834/

Letter to Santa – When was the last time you told Santa your wishes? Children and those young at heart, whether good or bad, can write to Santa Clause and receive a letter in return. Sent from the North Pole, Santa Claus will be sure to send his greetings before the Big Day! When writing, be sure to include your name, home address and $1 per letter. Please mail all letters to the following address: Upland Recreation Division, c/o Santa Claus, PO Box 460, Upland, CA. 91785. http://localloyaltyrewards.com/letters-to-santa-upland/

Every Monday in November & December – Offer a Spark of Love – Upland Fire Stations. The spark of Love Toy Drive collects new, unwrapped toys and sports equipment for the underserved children in the community. Last year, toys were donated to the Upland Fire Department by the truckload. Through the generosity of City of Upland business, residents and charitable organizations, the Upland Fire Department was able to provide toys for roughly 750 children in the City of Upland. The collection of toys continues through the last week of December. Toys may be dropped off at any Upland Fire Station. For more information call 909.931.4280 or visit http://www.calfund.org/abc7-firefighters-spark-love-toy-drive-fund/

Every Thursday – Upland Certified Farmer's Market – Turn your Thursday evening into a fun-filled time with family, friends and neighbors. Enjoy vendors, food, music, pony rides, petting zoo and more! Where: Historic Downtown Upland – 9^th Street and Second Avenue. When: 5 pm – 9 pm. The entire family is invited for this FREE event! Call 909.509.6414 or visit: http://upland.macaronikid.com/calendar/event/upland-certified-farmers-market/2016-09-01/c5164690/

Every Tuesday – Upland Chamber Business Bowling League – at 6:30 pm at the Brunswick Upland Bowl, 451 W. Foothill Boulevard. Games take place Tuesdays, Sept. 6 through November 8^th. $10 each week, includes shoe rental and three games. Teams forming now! For more info., please contact the Upland Chamber of Commerce at 909.204.4465 or visit: http://www.uplandpl.lib.ca.us/#Calendar_/_Updates

Veterans Resource Center – Now open! Open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm in the Discovery Lab of the Library. Meet with one of our trained volunteers to learn about the benefits that veterans and their families can receive. Questions? Call 909.931.4225 or e-mail https://www.facebook.com/UplandPublicLibrary/

Every Saturday – La Verne Fresh - Old Town Certified Farmer's Market. La Verne Fresh is the source of the highest quality, seasonal and locally grown fresh fruits and vegetables, and delicious gourmet specialty foods, plants and flowers. The Market has something for everyone who eats......and is a fun and interesting gathering place, with weekly entertainment. Check it out and make it part of your Saturday morning routine! Rain or shine....Where: Old Towne La Verne - at 3rd & D Streets. When: 8:00 am - 1:00 pm. Who: Entire Family! How: Just show up! Cost: Free Admission. More Info: Call 909.596.8706. http://www.ci.la-verne.ca.us/index.php/residents/event-calendar/icalrepeat.detail/2016/01/16/32511/-/la-verne-fresh-old-town-la-verne-certified-farmers-market and http://www.dailybulletin.com/lifestyle/20150416/fresh-farmers-market-opens-saturday-in-old-town-la-verne

Claremont Farmer's and Artisan's Market - Every Sunday from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm. A "must see" during weekly strolls on Sunday mornings. Sponsored by The Claremont Forum. Located on Second Street between Indian Hill Blvd. and Yale Ave. Free Admission. Phone - 909.626.3066. http://www.claremontforum.org/claremont-farmers-market/

Upland Flea Market - 4th Sunday of each month from 9 am - 3 pm. Antique and collectible vendors. For more info., call 951.751.7235 or 714.883.7051. http://www.historicdowntownupland.org/Photos.php

Ongoing Events in the Rancho Cucamonga area:

Every Saturday Drop - In Art - All ages are invited to stop by and enjoy the Art Depot art supplies for a fun and creative time. Each week will offer a new and exciting art activity ranging from oragami to mixed media. When: Every Saturday. Where: Art Depot Gallery. Time: 12:30 pm - 3:30 pm. Ages: All ages welcome. Cost: FREE. For more information, call 909.349.6979. http://www.fontana.org/index.aspx?nid=454

Every Saturday - Fontana Farmer's Market - 8:00 am every Saturday morning. Residents enjoy locally grown fresh fruits and vegetables available every week at the Market. The Southland Farmer's Market Association (SFMA) has committed to bringing Fontana residents nutritious, in-season produce so residents have even more opportunities to make healthy food choices. The cost is free. Located at Center Stage Parking Lot, 8463 Sierra Blvd. in Fontana. For more information, call 909.429.7469 or visit: http://www.fontana.org/index.aspx?NID=2149

The Riverside Downtown Farmer's Market. The cost is free, located downtown Riverside - Main St. Riverside between 5th and 6th, in the arts and culture district of downtown Riverside. It provides a unique opportunity to shop for fresh fruits, vegetables, flowers, hummus, aged gouda cheese by Winchester Cheese Co., fresh baked bread from Old Towne Baking Co. and other specialty food items. For more info. call 714.345.3087 (Oscar De Leon). http://www.riversideca.gov/arts/farmers-market.asp

Every Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday in December – Kids Paint at Purple Easel – Kids love to paint, and with the guided steps from an artist, they are sure to create a one of a kind masterpiece! Purple Easel offers a Kids Paint class almost daily. Check the website to select the day/painting you prefer! Located at 880 Rochester, Ontario. From 10:00 am to 11:30 am. Suggested age: 5 – 12+; Adults welcome to paint, too – same price. No fee for adults to stay and observe/help. http://ranchocucamonga.macaronikid.com/calendar/event/kids-paint-purple-easel/2016-12-04/c7348506/

December 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31st - Kid's Club @ Michael's – They craft a Monster Treat Bag; you shop! Kids 3 and up can enjoy a fun project, face painting and costume parades every 30 minutes. Sign up in-store, online or just drop in. Supplies included. Parent or guardian must remain on premises during the event. Where: Michael's in Rancho Cucamonga. When: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm. Class offered every 30 minutes from 10 am – 12 pm. Who: Children 3 and older. Cost: FREE. http://ranchocucamonga.macaronikid.com/calendar/event/kids-club-michaels/2016-11-05/c7294457/

Each Saturday Morning – Children's Storytime @ Barnes & Noble – Go to Barnes & Noble each Saturday morning for storytime. This weekend's book is Pete the Cat and the Missing Cupcakes by New York Times bestselling authors James and Kimberly Dean. Where: Barnes & Noble in Rancho Cucamonga. When: 11:00 am – 11:30 am. All children are invited to come. Cost is FREE. http://ranchocucamonga.macaronikid.com/calendar/event/childrens-storytime-barnes-noble/2016-11-05/c7273073/

Any Day of the Month – Free Samples at See's Candies! - Visit See's Candies for a free sample! Hours: M-Th – 10:00 am – 9:00 pm, Fri – Sat – 10:00 am – 10:00 pm, Sun – 11: am – 7:00 pm. Located at 7819 Monticello Ave. @ Victoria Gardens between North and South Mainstreet. Questions? Call: 909.646.8935. http://www.victoriagardensie.com/sale/free-sample-at-sees-candies/2138215516/

Every Thursday in December - $1.25 Cone Thursday at Handel's Ice Cream – Don't forget to get your Handel's $1.25 ice cream cone on Thursdays! Located on Haven and the 210 next to Corky's Kitchen from 11:00 am – 11:00 pm. Everyone is invited. Cost is only $1.25. http://ranchocucamonga.macaronikid.com/calendar/event/125-cone-thursday-handels-ice-cream/2016-10-06/c6973589/

Every Tuesday & Wednesday – Little Learners – Archibald Library – This storytime focuses on caregiver and child (ages 19 months – 30 months) bonding through rhymes, music, stories, playtime and early literacy tips. Storytime for ages 19 mos. - 30 mos. And adult caregivers. Registration required. Next registration will occur online. First-time users of the online registration system will need to create a free account to register for storytimes. From 10 am – 10:20 am at the Archibald Library Story Theater, 7368 Archibald Ave., Rancho Cucamonga. For more info, call: 909.477.2720, ext. 5025 or visit: https://www.cityofrc.us/about/library_calendar.asp

Adult Literacy Program – The Rancho Cucamonga Library Adult Literacy Program provides free literacy services to the local community. Adults who wish to participate as a student or as a volunteer tutor can contact the Literacy office at 909.477.2720, ext. 5009.The program can help English speaking adults learn and/or improve their basic reading, writing, computer and life skills. Volunteer tutors work with adults to improve reading and writing skills. https://www.cityofrc.us/cityhall/lib/archibald/

Every Saturday – Complimentary Yoga – Join lululemon athletica – Rancho Cucamonga Showroom, 7369 Day Creek Blvd. - #F-102. Come every Saturday at 9:30 am for complimentary yoga. This class is perfect for all levels. Don't have your own mat? No problem, we have mats for you. Contact Teresa Mitchell at 909.899.1264. https://www.cityofrc.us/about/community_events_calendar.asp

V.I.P. Club - For only $5 per year you can become a member of one of the largest senior clubs in the area. Enjoy activities, trips and friendships with over 300 members. The club meets in the Rancho Cucamonga Hall located at Central Park on Thursdays at 9:00 am to 10:30 am. For more info, visit: https://www.cityofrc.us/cityhall/cs/seniors/programs/senior_clubs.asp

Every Tuesday - Chick-fil-A Family Night. Take the kids to Chick-fil-A for Kid's night every Tuesday for a complimentary craft! Where: Chick-fil-A Rancho Cucamonga just west of Day Creek and Foothill Blvd. When: 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm. Who: Kids and families. Cost: Free Crafts for the Kids. For more info: Call 909.899.4707. http://ranchocucamonga.macaronikid.com/calendar/

December 3 - Home Depot's Free Kid's Workshop. Attend the FREE Kid's Workshops on the first Saturday of every month! Workshops teach children do-it-yourself skills, tool safety and instill sense of pride and accomplishment. All kids get to keep their craft and receive a FREE Kids Workshop Apron, commemorative pin and certificate of achievement. Where: Home Depot - All locations! When: 9:00 am - 12:00 pm. Who: Kids 5 to 12. How: Register at http://workshops.homedepot.com/workshops/kids-workshops . Cost: FREE!

Mary Vagle Nature Center. 11501 Cypress Ave., Fontana, CA. It's so fun to have a family day out in nature! There is so much to explore for active families. You can enjoy a lovely walk along the nature trail which winds around the pond. Kids can have a great time spotting the local wildlife, or seeing if they can find the native plants currently in bloom. Or, for that extra learning experience, you can venture into the center itself and discover all the exhibits of the local animals, plants, geology and history. There is nothing better than learning about what you can see right in front of you! There are also programs with hands on approach to learning. For more info, call 909.349.6994. http://www.familydaysout.com/attractions-usa/the-mary-vagle-nature-center/

Mother Goose on the Loose. Mondays and Wednesdays at 12:00 noon at the Archibald Library Story Theater in Rancho Cucamonga. This is a fun, fast-paced storytime geared for children ages 0-3 years and is filled with rhymes, songs, lap-bouncers, movement, and of course classic Mother Goose rhymes. Walk-ins welcome. Limited seating - all walk in storytimes require buttons for each family member attending storytime and will be available at the Children's Information Desk 30 minutes before the program. Questions - 909.477.2720 Ext. 5025. https://www.cityofrc.us/cityhall/lib/kids/stories.asp

5 on 5 Basketball League - Men & Women - Sunday and Monday evening leagues are available for both recreational and competitive players of all ability levels. All games are played at the RC Family Sports Center. Registration is taken as a team. Call 909.477.2785. www.cityofrc.us/cityhall/cs/sports/adults/default.asp

Free Computer Classes - Archibald and Biane Libraries offering free classes covering a variety of computer-related topics such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, E-Bay, Google and basic computer skills. Classes at Archibald are on Tuesdays at 6 pm and at Biane Library on Wednesdays at 6 pm and 1st Saturday of the month at 10 am. www.cityofrc.us/cityhall/lib/tech.asp

Farmer’s Market Terra Vista Town Center - Every Thursday Rain or Shine! Come see the fresh fruits, vegetables and more on Thursdays and soon Saturdays at Terra Vista Town Center. 3 pm to 7 pm in the Farrell’s Ice Cream Parlour and Restaurant.

Victoria Garden’s Farmers Market- Every Friday 10am to 2pm- Held on South Main Street there will be vendors with specialty food and craft items. http://www.victoriagardensie.com/ifeature/2129987128/

Storytimes at the Paul Biane Library in Rancho Cucamonga http://www.cityofrc.us/cityhall/lib/kids/stories.asp

What to do in Newport Beach?

December 3 – The Nutcracker for Kids @ Newport Beach Central Library. Join us for a holiday program the whole family will enjoy. "The Nutcracker" for kids is an abridged narrated version of the holiday classic presented by Festival Ballet theatre. The shortened performance, with beautiful costumes and music, is a wonderful introduction to the Nutcracker story and ballet for children. This event is supported by the City Arts Commission. Two performances: 2:30 – 3:30 pm and 4:00 – 5:00 pm. No reservations. Seating is first-come, first served; limited room capacity. Come to Newport Beach Library, 1000 Avocado Ave. in Newport Beach. Admission and parking are free. Suitable for ages 2-17. Call 949.717.3800 for more information. https://www.planadayout.com/Activity/Newport-Beach-Central-Library/The-Nutcracker-for-Kids-1146

December 9 – Breakfast with Santa @ Newport Coast Community Center – Come have breakfast with Santa. Breakfast, crafts, games and photo with Santa included. Children 2 and up please enroll in BWS101. Parents please enroll in BWS104. From: 9:30 am – 11:00 at Newport Coast Community Center, 6401 San Joaquin Hills Road. Suitable for ages up to 17 years of age. Street parking available. Call 949.270.8100 for more information. https://www.planadayout.com/Activity/Newport-Coast-Community-Center/Breakfast-with-Santa-15083

December 14 – Christmas Boat Parade – One of the top ten holiday happenings! Join over a million viewers as you watch beautifully decorated yachts, boats, kayaks and canoes sail along the harbor in the 108^th Annual Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade, hosted by the Commodores Club of the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce. From 6:30 – 9:00 pm, located at 600 East Bay Ave. Free admission and street parking. Suitable for ages up to 17 years. Questions? Call: 949.729.4400 https://www.christmasboatparade.com/

December 17 – Big Canyon Bird and Plant Program @ Big Canyon Trail – Expert Newport Bay Conservancy Naturalists conduct highly informative themed plant and bird programs at Big Canyon from 9:00 am until 11:00 am on the 3^rd Saturday of the month. Thee interpretive programs, which involve a short walk in and area where several habitats meet, provide a great introduction for those interested in identifying the birds and plants they see at the Bay. This is a "serendipity" walk. Bring binoculars if you have them. No charge for this program, but reservations are requested. Call 949.923.2269. For more information: https://www.planadayout.com/Activity/Big-Canyon-Trail/Big-Canyon-Bird-and-Plant-Program-10927

Ongoing Events in Newport Beach

Orange County Museum of Art – The Orange County Museum of Art enriches lives through modern and contemporary art. This museum is the premier visual arts organization in Orange County, serving a population of nearly three million residents in one of the fastest-growing metropolitan areas in the country. More than 40,000 visitors come annually. Some 15,000 children and adults participate in award winning educational programs. Open Wednesday through Sunday. Closed on Some holidays. Located at: 850 San Clemente Drive in Newport Beach. Free on Fridays. Call 949.759.1122. https://www.planadayout.com/Activity/Orange-County-Museum-of-Art-314 and http://www.ocma.net/

Second Saturday of every Month – The "Friends" Tour – Next ocurrance is on December 10, 2016, from 9:00 am – 11:30 am located at Vista Point, Eastbluff and Back Bay Drive in Newport Beach. This 90 minute tour is free. Bring sun protection and binoculars if you have them. Meet at the Vista Point look out at the corner of Eastbluff and Back Bay Drive where you will join a naturalist who will lead you on a tour between outdoor "classrooms" set up along Back Bay Drive. Tours depart from the lookout at 9:00, 9:30 and 10:00 am. Round-trip distance is a little under a mile. Suitable for ages 4-17. Questions? Call: 949.923.2269. https://www.planadayout.com/Activity/Vista-Point/The-Friends-Tour-16163

Shellmaker Island Discovery Tour – This event occurs one day a month for the entire 2016 year. Join a naturalist to learn about Shellmaker Island's rich history; the future of Back Bay Science Center and discover unusual and endangered plants, bird and crab habitats. Bring binoculars if you have them. No late comers. The program's FREE. Reservations are required. Please call 949.640.9956 for more info and to RSVP. From 9:00 am – 11:00 am. http://www.planadayout.com/Activity/Back-Bay-Science-Center/Shellmaker-Island-Discovery-Tour-15035

Boomers! Fountain Valley - When it comes to fun, we've got it all. Attractions: Whirlybird, Miniature Golf, Go Karts, Bumper Boats, Rock Wall, Batting Cages, Kiddie Rides, Game Room. Hours of Operation: M-Th 12:00 pm - 9:00 pm, Fridays 12:00 pm - 11:00 pm, Saturdays 10:00 am - 11:00 pm, Sundays 10:00 am - 9:00 pm. Location: 16800 Magnolia Street, Fountain Valley, Orange Co. 92708. Admission: FREE to all! There may be a cost depending on the activity you participate in. There are lots of specials, so look online. Free parking. Suitable for ages 3-17. Event Contact Info: 714.842.1111. http://www.planadayout.com/Activity/Boomers-Fountain-Valley-43

Environmental Nature Center - 1601 E. 16th St., Newport Beach. Founded in 1972, the Nature Center is known to thousands of visiting students through the years as the "ENC". It is a fascinating combination of 15 California native plant communities, wildlife habitats, walking trails, Free museum and children's play/learning center. It's a sanctuary from life's pressures and a place of learning. It is visited by thousands annually. For more info, call: 949.645.8489. http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g32780-d3653262-Reviews-Environmental_Nature_Center-Newport_Beach_California.html

Family Storytime - Every Saturday starting September 5 from 10:30 am - 11 am at the Central Library , 1000 Avocado Ave. in Newport Beach. Enjoy family time with stories, songs and a craft especially for children from 3-7, along with their favorite grownups! www.newportbeachlibrary.org

Every Saturday and Sunday morning beginning September 5 and continues year round. One of the best ways to appreciate Upper Newport Bay is to get out on the water, experience the tranquility and see pelicans, terns and egrets flying by you. Kayaking is fun and easy. The Newport Bay Conservancy offers a 2-hour guided kayak tour of the Back Bay in the heart of Newport Beach. This is great for novice and the experienced. They will make several stops on the way. Rain cancels the event. Where: Meet at the Newport Aquatic Center. When: 10:00 am - 12:00 pm every Saturday and Sunday. Who: Ages 8 and older. How: RSVP to 949.923.2269. Cost: $25 per person. www.newportbay.org

Sunset Cruise - Newport Beach, Every night. Choose from 1 of 2 cruises. The Fiesta Newport Beach Cruise includes live Latin Music, complimentary chips and salsa and an unlimited drink special of $15. The Newport Beach Sunset Cruise will also include the beautiful sunsets of Newport Beach. Each cruise is 1 1/2 hours. You will tour Newport Bay as well as the famous Newport Beach coastline. Upstairs sundeck, indoor salon and many other comforts are offered. Price $25. Location: Newport Landing/Newport Bay, 309 Palm St. Suite A. For more info call 949.675.0551. http://www.cruisenewportbeach.com

If you know of some family fun that should be added to this list for the IE to the OC then please let us know with a note! Send us a picture of you at these events to share with us to share on FB. Have a great time making memories with your Family!