Holiday Activity Choices for San Fernando Valley Seniors

Snuggle up in your coziest winter woolens and your best ugly reindeer sweater … Christmas is right around the corner, and ‘tis the season for holiday fun! For seniors in the San Fernando Valley and their families, there are a wealth of holiday events and activities brimming with seasonal cheer.

There is something for everyone—from nostalgic concerts to toy drives, older adults and their families will find a wealth of ways to ring in the season. For extra help you can have professional in-home caregivers from a licensed San Fernando Valley home care agency provide assistance with companionship, transportation and more.

Before you start decking the halls, take a look at our guide to seasonal happenings in the area.

1. San Fernando Valley Historical Society Las Posadas Reenactment
   Date: December 03, 2016
   Time: 5pm – 8pm
   Location: Andrea Pico Adobe Park, 10940 Sepulveda Blvd, Mission Hills, CA 91345
   Cost: Free
   
   The San Fernando Valley Historical Society is hosting their 16th annual Las Posadas Reenactment in collaboration with the LA Parks Department. Las Posadas is a traditional Mexican Christmas pageant, recreating the journey of Mary, Joseph towards Bethlehem before the birth of Jesus. This celebration dates back over 400 years in Mexico, and variations are performed annually around the globe.
   
   SFVHS will launch their production in the historic Andres Pico Adobe landmark with a procession and traditional songs in both English and Spanish, performed by the Franciscan Sisters of San Fernando. Following the pageant, there will be a piñata breaking in the courtyard and complimentary pan dulce and hot chocolate. There might even be a visit from the big guy himself—Santa Claus!
   
   Organizers recommend that you bring a flashlight. For the best spot in the procession, arrive early. In the event of inclement weather, the event will be rescheduled for Saturday, December 10, at 5:30 p.m.

2. San Fernando Valley Chorale 2016 Holiday Songfest
   Where and When:
   Saturday, December 10, 7:00 pm at Chapel of the Cross,10000 Sepulveda Blvd.Mission Hills;
   Sunday, December 11, 5:30 pm at Congregational Church of Chatsworth, 20440 Lassen St., Chatsworth
   Cost: Suggested donations for performances are $10 for Adults and $5 for children.
   
   Join the San Fernando Valley Chorale and Director Conrad Immel for their magical 2016 Holiday Songfest: The Wonderful World of Christmas. This seasonal treat will delight the senses with a gorgeous selection of both secular and religious holiday music, carefully selected to represent the most festive music of all time. These talented singers and musicians offer the perfect start to the holiday season with song styles that range from classical pieces to retro jazz boogies. This is a wonderful event to enjoy alone, or bring the whole family to launch a new holiday tradition. The performance features vocal and instrumental solos to add to the seasonal magic. The San Fernando Valley Chorale is non-sectarian and non-profit; the goal of this group of men and women singers is to share their love of music with the community. For more information, call (818) 884-8897 or email dnconway@icloud.com.

3. Swing in the Holidays With Swing Dames
   Date: December 05, 2016
   Time: 7pm – 10pm
   Location: Van Nuys Airport – 94th Aero Squadron, 16320 Raymer St, Van Nuys, CA 91406
   Cost: $60 through December 4th, $65 at the door
   
   Bring a little swing to the season! This festive retro performance features holiday classics and celebrates the sounds of the 1940s with the 7-piece Swing Dames Band. Hosted by the talented Rob Pope, join the Swing Dames in a jolly good evening of nostalgic costumes, choreography, and beautiful vocals.
   
   The cost of tickets includes a three-course meal and non-alcoholic beverages. Ages 3 and up; children 3-11 must be accompanied by an adult. For more information call 323-365-6650 or email info@swingdames.com. To purchase tickets, go to www.swingdames.brownpapertickets.com.
   
   

4. Wilkinson Senior Center 2016 Holiday Bazaar
   Date: December 14, 2016,
   Time: 10am – 2pm
   Location: Wilkinson Multi-Purpose Senior Center, 8956 Vanalden Ave, Northridge, CA 91324
   Cost: Free Admission
   
   For the best selection of holiday gifts for the whole family, the Wilkinson Senior Center 2016 Holiday Bazaar is your one-stop shop. Featuring handcrafted selections from local vendors, this festive event includes refreshments and raffles among gorgeous decor and seasonal cheer. Even better, bazaar helps to support the Wilkinson Nutrition Program through vendor fees. For more information about the event or to become a vendor, call (818) 885-5144.
   
   The Wilkinson Senior Center is available to meet the needs of seniors in the San Fernando Valley area. The Center offers various classes, events, social activities, transportation services, and support services for adults over age 60. Additionally, the Center provides a regional food bank, as well as daily lunches on site and to homebound seniors through a delivery program, the Senior Center is a vital part of the community for those in greatest need. For more information about the Wilkinson Senior Center, please call (818) 756-7741.
   
   

5. The 7th Annual Cruise-in and Toy Drive
   Date: Friday, December 02, 2016
   Time: 4:00 PM- 9PM
   Location: Bob’s Big Boy in Northridge, CA
   Bob’s Big Boy is joining forces with the Yakety-Yaks Car Club and The Rodfathers for this classic car show and toy drive. This annual event supports US Military members who cannot be home for the holidays by collecting toys for their families. Enjoy an evening watching classic vehicles in their natural environment—a retro drive-in! This classic Big Boy has been open for over 60 years and is well known for the commitment of the owners to charitable causes. If you would like to donate items to the toy drive, please bring unwrapped toys and games; these donations will go to boys and girls in need this holiday season and support the families of members of the armed forces stationed overseas. For more information, call (818) 341-6383.

Photo by jfl1066