With all the hustle and bustle of running holiday errands, don't forget to take some time and enjoy a seasonal family outing or two. From boats to trains to snow to theater, and usually including Santa, here are some of the fun things families can do in the SCV and beyond:

Snow Day at Westfield Valencia
Town Center
24201 West Valencia Blvd.
Valencia, CA 91355
(661) 287-9050 x5
Saturday, Dec. 10, 1 p.m. Find the perfect setting for a winter wonderland at Valencia Town Center. A joyful outing for the whole family, Snow Day will offer ice skating, snowman-making, and Christmas tree ornament creation. Radio Disney will be there and all are sure to enjoy a special live performance by Adam Irigoyen (from Disney Channel's Shake It Up). Free.

Community Holiday Celebration
Dr. Richard H. Rioux Memorial Park
26233 West Faulkner Drive
Stevenson Ranch, CA 91381
Saturday, Dec. 10, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (Santa arrives at 11 a.m.). Free of charge for all ages. Games, holiday crafts, jumper and refreshments.

‘A Christmas Carol, the Musical'
Canyon Theatre Guild
24242 Main St.
Newhall, CA 91321
(661) 799-2702
www.canyontheatre.org  
Through Dec. 21, with 8 p.m. performances on Dec. 3, 9, 10, 16 and 17. There are matinees at 2 p.m. on Dec. 4, 11, 17 and 18. There are weeknight performances at 7 p.m. on Dec. 20 and 21. Tickets are $15 and $17.

Gentle Barn Holiday Open House
15825 Sierra Highway
Canyon Country, CA 91390
(661) 252-2440
http://gentlebarn.org  
Sunday, Dec. 18, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. - Activities include arts and crafts and vegan food. Learn the stories of where animals came from and interact with them. $10 per person.

Winter Wonderland
Castaic Sports Complex
31230 North Castaic Road
Castaic, CA 91384
(661) 775-8865/8866
Saturday, Dec. 10, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Free of charge for all ages. Santa's visit (noon to 2 p.m.), games, food and face painting.

Family Snow Day
Ice Station Valencia
27745 North Smyth Drive
Valencia, CA 91355
(661) 775-8686
www.icestation.net
Saturday, Dec. 10 from 1 p.m. to 4:15 p.m (snow play area 1 p.m. to 3:15 p.m.) and Sunday, Dec. 11 from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 24, from 1 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. An opportunity for the entire family to play in snow, ice skate, drink hot cocoa, meet Santa and have a fun family holiday experience. Child admission includes a snow play area on the "pond" where you can play in snow with tennis shoes (no skates so it is great for whole family, especially smaller kids, to play while older siblings skate), a large skating area to ice skate with rentals, and hot cocoa. Child admission (17 and under) $12, adult admission - free to play, $5 for skate rentals.

Winter Wonderland
Castaic Sports Complex
31230 North Castaic Road, Castaic, CA 91384
(661) 775-8865/8866
Saturday, Dec. 10, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Free of charge for all ages. Santa's visit, games, food and snow.

Fillmore & Western
Christmas Trains
351 Santa Clara St.
Fillmore, CA 93015
(805) 524-2546
www.fwry.com  
The Fillmore & Western Railway will be operating a variety of holiday-themed trains during December. Those most suitable for families with children include:
Dec. 10, 11, 17, 18: Christmas Tree Holiday Train
Dec. 10, 11, 17, 18: Cab Rides
Dec. 9, 10, 11, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 26: North Pole Express
Dec. 9: Dinner with Santa

Ventura Harbor Parade of Lights
Ventura Harbor Village
www.venturaharborvillage.com  
(805) 477-0470
Friday, Dec. 16 and Saturday, Dec. 17. Ventura Harbor celebrates the season with its 35th annual Holiday Parade of Lights & Fireworks. The two-day fun filled event begins with a Winter Wonderland & Sidewalk Sale on Saturday, followed by the lighted boat parade & fireworks show in the evening. The Parade of Light's 2011 theme is "California Dreamin'" Admission is free. Fireworks immediately following the parade.

‘The Snow Queen' ballet
Glendale Community College Performing Arts Theater
1500 Verdugo Road
Glendale, CA 91208
(800) 938-3006
www.snowqueenballet.com  
Dec. 16, 17 and 18 (at various times). The Snow Queen marks the 14th annual presentation of a great holiday and winter-time fairy tale presented by the professional non-profit company, California Contemporary Ballet. Adult tickets (in advance) $25, child $20.

Bob Baker Marionette Theater
1345 W. First St.
Los Angeles, CA 90026
(213) 250-9995
www.bobbakermarionettes.com  
Through Dec. 31. Join the Wizard of Fantasy and his side kick Demi Star as they embark on a magical journey. Tickets $20.