Dec. 19: Experience a holiday movie IRL on SoCal’s Polar Express

This is part of the L.A. Times 2021 holiday Advent calendar. See all 31 things to do for the 31 days of December here.

Book your family on the hourlong “Polar Express” train ride at the Southern California Railway Museum in Perris, about 20 miles north of Temecula. Get ready for hot chocolate, shortbread, caroling, dancing chefs, an appearance by Santa and a reading from the original “Polar Express,” a 1985 children’s book by Chris Van Allsburg (which inspired the 2004 film starring Tom Hanks). Info: socalthepolarexpressride.com

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Dec. 1: Take the crew to the theater for a production of a classic holiday play

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Dec. 2: Stroll through a holiday garden

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Dec. 3: Behold the holiday lights on a classic California cruise along the coast

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Dec. 4: Visit a dispensary to celebrate Jay-Z’s birthday

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Dec. 5: Attend a Hanukkah celebration

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Dec. 6: Order the perfect latkes

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Dec. 7: Window shop under lavish light displays

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Dec. 8: Strike a pose in an ugly sweater for a holiday photoshoot

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Dec. 9: Go on a holiday (city) safari

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Dec. 10: Order tamales from a local family business

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Dec. 11: Watch a fan-favorite holiday rom-com come to life

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Dec. 12: See L.A.’s most-spirited holiday bar pop-up

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Dec. 13: Roll through a drive-through light show

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Dec. 14: Grab a drink at a holiday-decorated historic hotel

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Dec. 15: Cruise through a holiday boat parade

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Dec. 16: Walk through more than a million holiday lights

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Dec. 17: Get a taste of a centuries-old tradition with this Italian sweet bread

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Dec. 18: Sip on holiday-themed cocktails while watching live music

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Dec. 19: Experience a holiday movie IRL on SoCal’s Polar Express

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Dec. 20: Take a classic L.A. holiday train ride

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Dec. 21: Ice skate in a winter wonderland

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Dec. 22: Visit one of the quietest places in Los Angeles

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Dec. 23: Take the family to an L.A. museum

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Dec. 24: Attend a one-of-a-kind musical performance

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Dec. 25: Indulge in Chinese food on Christmas

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Dec. 26: Take a walk through an interactive light display

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Dec. 27: Shop at a Black-owned L.A. business

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Dec. 28: Take a ride to the top of a snow-capped mountain

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Dec. 29: Take your besties to explore a holiday ranch

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Dec. 30: Plan your resolutions on a mini food-and-drink field trip

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Dec. 31: Toast the year with a bottle of bubbly