JANUARY 5, 2012

LOS ANGELES - Downtown on Ice 

Holiday ice rink is an annual event with free concerts and paid ice skating at temporary rink constructed at Pershing Square near the Civic Center. Rink is open daily. Time: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays, and open until 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Cost: $6/ adult, $3 child 4 to 12, free age 3 & under. Location: Pershing Square 532 South Olive Drive Los Angeles, CA. Call: (213) 847-4968. laparks.org

DANA POINT - Gray Whale Watching Trips. Search for whales, dolphin, sea lion and other exciting marine life! All cruises are narrated by our expert captains who will educate you on the abundant ocean life on our coast. Trips are all 2 hours long. Trips depart daily! 10 a.m. to Noon; Noon- 2 p.m.; 2 - 4 p.m. Cost: $30, kid $19. Location: 34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, California. Call: (800) 979-3370. danwharf.com
PALM SPRINGS - Palm Springs International Film Festival Jan. 5 -16, 2012. Contemporary international films, many with special guests attending for post-screening Q&A's. Passes: $60 Up.    psfilmfest.org
PALM SPRINGS - Kennel Dog Club Show, January 5 - 8, 2012. This is the largest conformation show in the country. Location: Empire Polo Club, 81-800 Avenue 51 Indio, CA. (323) 727-0136. jbradshaw.com
SAN JOSE -Silicon Valley International Auto Show, January 5 - 8, 2012.  San Jose McEnery Convention Center 150 West San Carlos Street San Jose, CA. Call: (408) 277-5277.  Hours Thursday 10 am – 10 pm Friday 10 am – 10 pm Saturday 10 am – 10 pm Sunday* 10 am – 6 pm Admission: $10;  $7 age 62+. motortrendautoshows.com
SANTA CRUZ - Whale Watching Trip. Enjoy a 3.5 hour tour of the Monterey Bay in search of the Gray Whale migrations with Stagnaro Charter Boats. Time: 11 a.m. Cost: $4495. Location: Santa Cruz West Harbor at Atlantic Ave. Check-in at Stagnaro's office on 7th Ave and Eaton St., Santa Cruz, CA. Call: (800) 979-3370. zerve.com
WALNUT CREEK -  Downtown Walnut Creek on Ice. Ice skating through Jan. 22, 2012.  This seasonal ice skating rink offers holiday exercise and fun in a beautiful outdoor setting. Runs through Jan. 22. Time: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Cost: $11 - 15. Location: Civic Park, Clay Arts Parking Lot, Walnut Creek, CA. Call: (925) 935-7669. iceskatewalnutcreek.com