Parks, public gardens, churches, malls, and other venues around Los Angeles and Orange County celebrate the Easter season in a variety of ways—from the purely commercial to the devoutly religious. Visitors planning to travel to California in April should be sure to check out some of the great events, attractions, and activities coming to the city over Easter weekend.
If you’re in the mood for family fun, consider checking out the annual community egg hunt at Pershing Square or attending the Easter party at the Los Angeles Zoo, and if you want something more romantic, you could take a brunch cruise on the Queen Mary. No matter what you decide to do, be sure to grab a ticket or make a reservation in advance to ensure you and your family can enjoy all the fun on this holiday weekend in Los Angeles.
Many Easter events in 2021 have been scaled back or canceled, so be sure to confirm the most up-to-date details on the official event webpages.
Champagne Easter Brunch Cruise in Marina Del Ray
On Easter Sunday, Hornblower Cruises in Marina Del Ray sets off on a two-hour brunch buffet cruise with free-flowing champagne, live entertainment, and photo opportunities with the Easter Bunny. Like most cruises, ticket prices are all-inclusive, but there are additional premium beverages available for purchase on-board if champagne isn’t your style. Kids are also welcome aboard and can enjoy juice, soda, or water with their meal.
Semi-formal attire is encouraged, so dress up in your Sunday best for this holiday outing. In 2021, boarding begins at 10:30 a.m. and the cruise lasts from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Blessing of the Animals at Olvera Street
Since Olvera Street first opened in 1930, the people of this historic downtown Los Angeles district have celebrated Easter each year with the Blessing of the Animals procession.
On the Saturday before Easter, members of the Olvera Street Merchants Association Foundation and a cow decorated with flowers lead a procession of animals past the Archbishop of Los Angeles who delivers the blessing. The procession begins at 2 p.m. and continues down Main Street, with the line for the blessing starting in front of the Pico House. Festivities are scheduled to take place all afternoon from noon to 4 p.m. around the entire neighborhood.
The Blessing of the Animals is tentatively scheduled to take place in 2021, but it may be canceled depending on city guidelines. Check the official event webpage for the latest updates.
The Passion Play at Shepherd of the Hills Church
There’s no better way to get in the holiday spirit of Easter than experiencing a retelling of the story of the Crucifixion and Resurrection of Christ. However, this presentation is not your typical local church production put on by the Sunday School class. Shepherd of the Hills Church in Porter Ranch, at the very northern edge of Los Angeles, stages a professional production with some local Hollywood talent in its annual performances of “The Passion Play.”
Performances are scheduled for March 27–28, 2021. Tickets aren’t necessary and all are invited to the Porter Ranch to see it, or you can stream it online to watch from home.
Discover Easter Events in Orange County
Orange County is a popular destination any time of year, but if you’re visiting this community south of Los Angeles, you can expect to find extravagant feasts, family-friendly festivals, and several Sunday services at gorgeous churches.
The Irvine Regional Railroad Easter Eggstravaganza is a three-week celebration that takes place at Irvine Regional Park from March 13 to April 3, 2021. The event features daily egg hunts, visits from the Easter Bunny, cookie decorating, and train rides.
On Easter Sunday, you can enjoy a champagne Easter brunch at the Phoenix Club, which features an Easter egg hunt and visits from the Easter Bunny. Also at the Phoenix Club, you can browse everything you’ll need for your kids’ Easter baskets at the Ostermarkt Easter Bazaar on March 28, 2021, a German-themed market featuring homemade treats and crafts.
If you’re more in the mood for ceremony and worship, the Vista Hermosa Sports Park in San Clement usually hosts the Pastors Fellowship of South Orange County for the Easter Together service in the morning. However, this annual event is taking place virtually in 2021 featuring preachers from several different churches in the local area.
Pershing Square Community Egg Hunt
One of the best community-oriented events in Los Angeles takes place in Downtown’s Pershing Square on the Saturday before Easter each year.
The annual Pershing Square Community Egg Hunt includes prizes, poetry and storytelling, arts and crafts, children’s entertainment, and inflatable bounce castles. Egg hunts will run in shifts by age group, and there is food available for purchase on-site.
Additionally, dozens of other Los Angeles parks also host Easter egg hunts in the week leading up to the holiday (and on Easter Sunday itself). Visit the official LA Parks website for more information on when these events will take place in a community park near you.
Big Bunny’s Spring Fling at the Los Angeles Zoo
Visiting the Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens is a memorable experience no matter what time of the year you’re in the city, but for Easter each year, this famous attraction is taken over by Big Bunny’s Spring Fling event.
At this three-day festival that takes place over Easter weekend, kids can make bunny ears, meet and pet real rabbits, and have their photo taken (for a fee) with Big Bunny and other cartoon characters. There are also crafts, face painting, music, and more in addition to admission to the rest of the facilities for one low price.
Additionally, there are plenty of other great things for kids to do when visiting the Los Angeles Zoo, and you can head just outside to Griffith Park for more family fun after you’re done exploring the attraction.
Have Easter Fun Aboard the Queen Mary
The all-in-one restaurant, hotel, and cruise-ship the Queen Mary in Long Beach throws a regular Royal Sunday Brunch, with extra special activities planned for Easter Sunday. You and your family can enjoy an Easter champagne brunch accompanied by live harp music in the Grand Salon, and reservations are also available at Sir Winston’s and Chelsea Chowder House.
The Easter Bunny is on hand for a special family photo-op, and complimentary afternoon programming on the picturesque Verandah Deck includes a prize-filled Easter egg hunt, Easter animal petting zoo, face painting station, and traditional “backyard games.”
Originally published on tripsavvy.com
