Consider starting your weekend this Saturday by taking the kids to watch a holiday puppet show at the Placentia Library or by watching a screening of “It’s A Wonderful Life” at the Central Library in Anaheim.
On Sunday, celebrate author Jane Austen’s birthday at the Cypress Library or attend a screening of the 1955 film “Mister Rodgers” at the Donald Dungan Library.
This is just a handful of the many free events and activities happening throughout Orange County – funded by public tax dollars.
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That same kind of watchdog reporting now fuels a vibrant weekend calendar, choc full of free public services and assets your tax dollars finance.
Here are a few noteworthy free events happening this weekend.
North Orange County
Holiday Puppet Show
Take the kids to a holiday puppet show at the Placentia Library. No tickets are required for this event.
When: December 20, 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Where: 411 E. Chapman Ave., Placentia CA 92870
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (714) 528-1906
Holiday Movie Screening
Attend a screening of the holiday film “It’s a Wonderful Life” at the Anaheim Central Library.
When: December 20, 2:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Where: 500 W. Broadway, Anaheim, CA 92805
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (714) 765-1700
Yarn Swap
Bring your leftover yarn to exchange with other stitchers at the Fullerton Public Library’s main branch during a yarn swap event.
All ages and types of fiber arts including crochet, knitting, embroidery, and cross stitch are welcome. Children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult. A staff member will be available to assist with basic crochet and cross stitch concepts.
When: December 20, 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Where: 353 W. Commonwealth Ave., Fullerton, CA, US, 92832
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (714) 738-6326
Central Orange County
Holiday Ornament Workshop
Make a felt ornament at the Fountain Valley Library. Registration by phone call to (714-962-1324) or in-person is required as supplies are limited.
When: December 20, 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Where: 17635 Los Alamos, Fountain Valley, CA 92708
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (714) 962-1324
Grinchmas
Attend ‘Grinchmas’ at the Orange County Employees Association building. Pick up an ornament to take home from the Santa Ana Public Library’s Knowledge Mobile or take a “Who-ville” style photo with props and decorations.
When: December 20, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Where: 830 N. Ross St., Santa Ana, CA 92701
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (714) 647-5358
Celebrate Jane Austen’s Birthday
Celebrate the 250th birthday of author Jane Austen at the Cypress Library. Attendees will enjoy a cup of tea while making a regency-era inspired craft.
When: December 21, 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Where: 5331 Orange Ave., Cypress, CA 90630
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (714) 826-0350
Coastal Orange County
Volunteer Outdoors
Spend time volunteering in the Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve. Activities include non-native plant removal, planting, watering, removing trash and other maintenance.
Registration is required.
When: December 20, 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Where: 2301 University Dr., Newport Beach, CA 92660
Cost: Free
For more details, contact Resource Specialist Emma Arago at emma.arago@ocparks.com or call (657) 692-5401
Chess Club
Children ages 7+ and teens are welcome to the Oak View Branch Library to learn to play chess. Registration is required.
When: December 20, 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Where: 17251 Oak Ln., Huntington Beach, CA 92647
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (714) 375-5068
Movie Screening
Enjoy a screening of the 1955 film “Mister Rodgers” at the Costa Mesa Donald Dungan Library.
When: December 21, 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Where: 1855 Park Ave., Costa Mesa, CA 92627
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (949) 646-8845
South Orange County
Bilingual Chinese Program
Children aged 6 and up are invited to join a 3-day program celebrating Chinese culture and language at the Laguna Niguel Library. The bilingual program will include crafts and activities in both Mandarin and English.
Registration by phone at (949) 249-5252 or at the service desk is required.
When: December 19, December 20 & December 21, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Where: 30341 Crown Valley Pkwy., Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (949) 249-5252
Faux-Snow Craft
Take your kids to create fake snow and build a miniature snowman at the Library of the Canyons. The craft is recommended for children between the ages of 3-6.
When: December 20, 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Where: 7531 E. Santiago Canyon Rd., Silverado, CA 92676
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (714) 649-2216
Winter Concert
Listen to music by jazz duo Birdy and the Bow Tie during a winter concert at the Rancho Santa Margarita Library.
When: December 20, 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Where: 30902 La Promesa, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (949) 459-6094
If you know of a free public agency event that the Voice of OC should be aware of, send an email to etaylor@voiceofoc.org
For more events, please refer to the Voice of OC Calendar.