Holiday Events in Orange County

The last month of the year is a hectic but exciting time in Orange County. The events are jam-packed and there’s never a dull moment! No matter what you’re looking for this Christmas season, we have you covered. With events like Tree Lighting, Market Fairs, and Christmas Bazaars, we take pride in these fun and festive celebrations that will be sure to make your holiday season a memorable one.

The events are listed below:

Surf City Winter Wonderland

Nov. 18 – Jan. 8
Huntington Beach Pier Plaza ​​​​​​​

(Photo Source: www.surfcitywinterwonderland.org)

Spend the day or night skating to the sounds of crashing waves and supporting local downtown restaurants and businesses.

Holidayz at the Park

Nov. 19 – Jan. 1 / Dusk – 9:30 pm / Great Park, Irvine
949-724-6247

(Photo Source: www.cityofirvine.org)

Including artwork, music, and decorations with a festive theme. Enjoy the holiday decorations, photo opportunities, and family fun.

Winter Fest OC

Nov. 25-Jan. 1
OC Fair & Event Center, Costa Mesa

As the fairgrounds transform into a massive winter wonderland with live entertainment and attractions, you can have 26 days of affordable fun.

For more details, visit: www.winterfestoc.com

Aliso Viejo Holiday Celebration

Dec. 1 / Town Center Fountain & Amphitheater
949-425-2550

(Photo Source: www.avcity.org)

Get in the holiday spirit with train rides, ornament making, community and aerial performances, magic snowfall, Santa’s visits, and tree lighting.

Gem Faire

Dec. 2-4 / OC Fair & Event Center, Costa Mesa
503-252-8300

(Photo Source: Gem Faire Facebook Page)

You may find fine jewelry, precious and semi-precious stones, millions of beads, crystals, gold and silver, minerals, and much more at the manufacturer’s prices. Over 200 international exhibitors. While you shop, you can get jewelry repair, cleaning, and ring sizing.

Laguna Niguel Tree Lighting Ceremony

Dec. 3 / 5-8pm / City Hall
949-425-5100

(Photo Source:  www.cityoflagunaniguel.org)

There will be performances, crafts, cookie decorating, games, food trucks, face painters, balloon twisters, character meet and greets, and activities for every family member.

Creative Babe Holiday Market

Dec. 3 / 11 am – 5 pm / OC Fair & Event Center

(Photo Source: www.creative-babe-market.com)

A free, kid-friendly holiday market featuring more than 100 local businesses. Decorative products for the home, seasonal goods, apparel, pet treats, holiday presents, and artisan goods.

RSM Christmas Tree Lighting

Dec. 3 / 5 pm -7 pm / Lago Santa Margarita Lakeshore
949-709-0010

(Photo Source: www.samlarc.org)

Sing along to holiday music and create precious moments with family and friends while enjoying the sights, sounds, and treats of the season.

Santa’s Village by the Sea

Dec. 3 / 4-8pm / Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente
949-361-8200

(Photo Source: www.san-clemente.org)

One Christmas celebration combines the Glitz on Del Mar and the Holly Jolly Hoopla for a night of snow, games, hot chocolate, food, and entertainment in San Clemente. Join us at 5:55 p.m. for the BIG tree lighting on the Community Center lawn.

Irvine Holiday Tree Lighting

Dec. 3 / 4 pm – 6:30 pm / Irvine Civic Center

(Photo Source: www.ocregister.com)

This FREE event features visits with Santa Claus, live holiday music, games, crafts, and a winter-themed train ride.

Light a Light of Love Pier Lighting Ceremony

Dec. 4 / 3:30 pm – 7 pm / Downtown Huntington Beach on Main Street and Pier Plaza 
714-842-6600

(Photo Source: www.waymakersoc.org)

With your help, Waymakers can shine a light on Orange County’s youngsters this holiday season by sponsoring a snowflake! Your beautiful, gleaming sponsored snowflake on the pier or on Main Street will be illuminated each night until the new year.

Corona del Mar Christmas Walk

Dec. 4 / 11am-5pm / Corona del Mar village
949-673-4050

(Photo Source: www.cdmchamber.com)

Over 17 local bands will perform live. The event also includes snapshots from Santa’s visits, wine & beer gardens, special vendor gifts, activities for kids, and promotions from retailers and restaurants.

Sleigh the Holidays

Dec. 4 / 11am-6pm / Del Prado, Dana Point

Photo Source: www.danapointevents.org)

Showcasing the small businesses, manufacturers, and artists in Dana Point and Orange County. Shop locally, take in holiday shows, eat gourmet food on the street, visit cocktail bars, and have a good time with the family.

La Plaza Park & Pines Park Tree Lighting

Dec. 5 / 4:30 – 5:30 pm / Dana Point
949-248-3536

(Photo Source: www.yelp.com)

On his jolly trolley, Santa and his helpers will arrive to distribute gifts to kids up to the age of twelve. Carolers, hot chocolate, cookies, and the tree lighting at 5:15 pm are all part of the festivities. Don’t forget to bring an unwrapped toy for the Spark of Love Toy Drive.

For more information, visit: www.danapoint.org

Rudolph’s Rink

Dec. 5-12 / Mon-Fri 4-8 pm, Sun 2 – 9 pm / Mission Viejo Civic Center
949-830-7066

(Photo Source: www.patch.com)

All are welcome to participate in this enjoyable family activity, which will be available for one week only. Whether you skate or not, everyone is encouraged to sit back, relax, and enjoy the Christmas atmosphere!

For more information, visit: www.cityofmissionviejo.org

Laguna Niguel Holiday Parade

Dec. 10 / 10 am -12 pm / Nueva Vista to Community Park
949-425-5100

(Photo Source: www.cityoflagunaniguel.org)

Check out all of the interesting entries, which include marching bands, floats, special guests, youth organizations, equestrian units, exotic cars, military members, local heroes, and entertaining attractions! No neighborhood holiday parade would be complete without a spectacular appearance by Santa Claus!

Huntington Harbour Boat Parade

Dec. 10-11 / 5:15 pm / Huntington Beach
714-840-7542

(Photo Source: www.hhboatparade.org)

60th Anniversary… Swinging to the Music. Grand Marshal Michael Gates.

Newport Beach Christmas
Boat Parade and Ring of Lights

Dec. 14-18 / 6:30 pm / Newport Harbor

(Photo Source: www.christmasboatparade.com)

Sail along the port admiring the magnificently adorned yachts, boats, kayaks, and canoes. On December 14, at around 6:15 p.m., a special opening fireworks show will take place off the Newport Pier to kick off the parade.

Laguna Niguel Chanukah

Celebration & Menorah Lighting

Dec. 18 / 4-6 pm / City Hall

(Photo Source: www.cwdriver.com)

Enjoy the music and festivities as we celebrate and remember each day of the Festival of Lights. The City of Laguna Niguel and Chabad of Laguna Niguel are thrilled to celebrate this tradition by providing live entertainment, games, crafts, and your favorite Chanukah delicacies!

For more information, visit: www.cityoflagunaniguel.org

Ladera Ranch Menora Lighting

Dec. 18 / 4-6 pm / Town Green

(Photo Source: www.laderalife.com)

As part of this year’s Hanukkah celebration, LARCS will partner with local organizations to bring music, dance, dreidels, crafts, candle lighting, and traditional Hanukkah treats to the community.

Orange County is a great place to live all year round with tons of things to do, explore, and see

Give us a call at 949-541-8122 if you want to experience all of the great events
happening in Orange County and make it your new home.