I am looking for an activity or event that the entire extended family can enjoy when we get together over the holidays. We have tweens, teens, young adults, middle aged fogies and senior citizens too.

Last year everyone enjoyed an evening in Long Beach at a melodrama theater. http://www.allamericanmelodrama.com/

Geographically I would prefer to stay southernish in LA County.

I am looking forward to your suggestions! Thank you.

The Autry National Center is a very appealing and often overlooked place: http://theautry.org

Thanks! I had been there several years ago and completely forgotten about it.

Not sure if you mean the Thanksgiving Holiday or the Christmas holiday season, but if you like things British, there's nothing better than a seasonal British "Panto" as they are called in England, short for "pantomime", but a completely different meaning than made up people who don't talk. Men are dressed as women, women as men, and it is irreverant British comedic play at its best and worst. The upcoming Panto at the El Portal sounds great, and definitely for all ages, but only for people who like to laugh:

http://www.british-weekly.com/?p=3837

What about one of the seasonal events at the California Missions? A quick google search it appears San Luis Rey has something planned. Santa Barbara is planning La Posada, a traditional reenactment of Joseph and Mary's journey.

What about the dinner show on the Queen Mary? http://www.queenmary.com/Shows-and-Exhibits.aspx

Thank you! These are all great ideas. I did mean the Christmas holidays, but I am realizing that I don't have exact dates yet when everyone will be together.

surfergirl: That sounds like a lot of fun. I'm crossing my fingers that the dates work.

5alive: The whole group loves historic stuff and a mission would be a great daytime activity

mclaurie: I didn't know about dinner shows on the Queen Mary. That could work out very well. Thank you!