The largest gingerbread exhibition in Southern California is on display at the Discovery Cube Los Angeles and Orange County, now through Jan. 7.
One of the most popular exhibits of the season, the Gingerbread Showcase is the culmination of the Cube’s annual “Science of Gingerbread” baking competition, which was held Nov. 18 through Dec. 3.
The competition, which focuses on the science and engineering behind baking and building gingerbread houses, garnered more than 200 creative and whimsical entries from novice bakers to professional pastry chefs throughout the southland.
At both Cube locations, chef-led gingerbread demonstrations will take place now through Dec. 31.
Demonstrations will include lessons in all things gingerbread, including how the tradition of creating gingerbread houses became associated with the holidays. Children can make their own gingerbread houses with edible glue and decorate gingerbread cookies and candies to take home.
Sweet-tooths of all ages can also join in cookie decorating classes where they will learn about primary and secondary colors and decorate cookies to take with.
Young engineers can additionally explore the science of engineering at a Lego engineering table where they will learn about the science behind the basic foundation and design of buildings.
A virtual programmable art station will also allow guests to design their own snowflake pattern and explore the unending array of snowflake shapes and textures.
On Dec. 31, at the Discovery Cube Los Angeles only, the entire family can ring in the New Year at their popular Noon Year’s Eve event. The merrymaking will take place from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. with a special mega balloon drop at noon and 3:00 p.m.
Revelers can peruse their favorite Cube science exhibits, sip apple cider or ginger ale, hit the dance floor with a live DJ, and even make their own fireworks sparkler to help ring in 2024.
To stave off holiday boredom blues, Discovery Cube Los Angeles is also offering two new four-day winter camps for grades K–2 to members. Each in-person camp features hands-on, high quality interactive science activities that encourage creativity and boost confidence and curiosity. Camp dates in Los Angeles are from Tuesday, Dec. 26 through Friday, Dec. 29, daily from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Discovery Cube Orange County in Santa Ana is also welcoming the return of Winter Lights: A Journey Home holiday musical.
Shown on select dates through Jan. 7, Winter Lights was created by Discovery Cube in partnership with the Tony Award-winning production team of Apples & Oranges Studios and features Tony Award-winning Broadway star Pamela Winslow Kashani.
In a theater filled with snow, Winter Lights magically tells the enchanting story of family through the eyes of a tenacious young girl who wants to make the world a better place.
Discovery Cube OC is also offering two kids camps to members Dec. 26–29, including Camp Extreme! and Coding Bonanza!
Developed for Grades K–2, Camp Extreme! explores the extreme depths of space and the ocean and unique animals that inhabit the earth, the wonders of winter weather, as well as crafts and activities like the basics of coding and programming with robots.
For kids Grades 3–5, Coding Bonanza! focuses on coding basics, 3D computer modeling and text-based programing designed to give kids a head start in our world of technology and virtual realities. For more information, and select dates and times, visit www.discoverycube.org
