Wonder why so many people come to Orange County in the winter. Well it is not just the weather. Check out this list of events scheduled to celebrate the holidays throughout Orange County!
Sugar Plum Festival Nov. 29-Dec. 3
Home decorations, garden and yard décor,
jewelry, ornaments, antiques and collectibles all themed to the Christmas
season.
Buena Park Downtown Mall, Lower Level
714-828-7722 /
www.sugarplumfestivals.com
Laguna Beach Hospitality Night Dec. 1
Downtown merchants, non-profit
organizations and the Chamber provide a myriad of activities around downtown
along with live musical entertainment, ice skating, strolling Victorian
carolers, hot chocolate, tamale sales and more!
5-9pm / Downtown Laguna Beach
949-494-1018 /
www.lagunabeachchamber.org
Seal Beach Holiday Parade Dec. 1
This ‘continuous motion’ parade
highlights youth groups, sports groups, schools, businesses, first responders
and other organizations from Seal Beach and the surrounding areas.
7-8:45pm / Main Street from Ocean Ave
to PCH
www.sealbeachlions.org
Newport Beach Holiday Lights Cruises Dec. 1-31
Newport Beach begins its holiday
decorations after Thanksgiving and by the first of December Newport Bay is
richly illuminated with millions of lights and hundreds of themed estates.
5:30pm, 7pm & 8:30pm / Newport
Landing Whale Watching
949-675-0551 /
www.christmasparadeboats.com
SJC Tree Lighting Ceremony &
Festivities Dec. 2
Pre-show entertainment, a live stage show
and official lighting of the Christmas tree.
4:15-5:45pm / Historic Town Center Park
949-493-5911 / www.sanjuanchamber.com
Santa’s Village by the Sea Dec. 2
Annual tree lighting ceremony to usher in
the spirit of the season with Christmas at the Casa, Snow at the Community
Center, and the Del Mar Glitz. Take a picture with Santa, carolers, cookie
decorating, and activities for the whole family to enjoy!
5-8pm / See website for schedule. www.san-clemente.org
Christmas at the Mission Dec. 2
Real snow sledding and play area, Dickens
Carolers, Children’s and School Choirs, “Merry-achi” Music, Chamber Orchestra,
Nativity Scene, Cookie decorating, Tamales, chili, sweets, spiced cider and hot
cocoa, Handcrafted gifts and more.
5:30-8pm / Mission San Juan
Capistrano www.missionsjc.com
Dana Point Winter Festival & Tree
Lighting Dec. 2
Santa visits, carnival games, craft fair,
Dana Point Police Services Kid Print ID, face painting, cookie decorating,
holiday crafts, Lego Santa’s Village Workshop, the Mini Express Train, petting
zoo, pony rides and the Annual Tree Lighting!
12-5pm / La Plaza Park www.danapoint.org
Balboa Village Christmas Tree Lighting Dec. 2
Home of the Fun Zone invites you to
kick-off the holiday season at the beloved holiday event, Christmas at the
Beach. Celebrate the season with the whole family with the Christmas tree
lighting ceremony located in the OceanQuest courtyard.
5-8pm / 600 E Bay Avenue, Newport Beach
www.balboavillage.com
Laguna Niguel Christmas Tree
Lighting Dec. 2
Snag a cookie, don’t forget a hot drink,
admire the beautiful tree and remember to blink. Santa will be there, although
a little tardy, he’s never one to miss a good party!
5-7pm / City Hall www.cityoflagunaniguel.org
Los Alamitos Winter Wonderland at the
Plaza Dec. 2
An area to play in the snow, activities,
Santa’s Village, tree lighting ceremony, refreshments, entertainment and canned
food drive.
4-7:30pm / St. Isidore Historical Plaza
562-431-3538 /
www.cityoflosalamitos.org
Fountain Valley Tree Lighting Ceremony Dec. 2
Will feature guests from the North Pole
as well as performances by various community groups, delicious food available
for purchase, games, a spectacular fireworks show, and much more!
4:30-8pm / Rec. Center & Sports
Park www.fountainvalley.org
Yappy Howl-iday Celebration Dec. 3
This festive gathering of canines and
their companions provides Fido with the opportunity to be photographed with the
“Big Dog” himself - Santa Claus. Guests are asked to bring unopened canned or
dry dog food, treats or dog toys to be donated.
11am-2pm / The Ritz-Carlton, Dana Point
www.bringfido.com/event/34347
Orange Tree Lighting Ceremony &
Candlelight Choir Procession Dec. 3
Join us for an evening of holiday cheer
and family fun as we sing traditional carols of the season with the Orange
Community Master Chorale. Food and youth activities.
3:30-7pm / Old Towne Orange Plaza www.cityoforange.org
Irvine Winter Wonderland Dec. 3
Games, crafts, music, entertainment and
food. Joyful Jingles holiday concert and visit from Santa Claus. Food trucks.
Festive tree-lighting that includes “snow” falling over the piazza.
3-7pm / Irvine Civic Center www.cityofirvine.org
Corona del Mar Christmas Walk Dec. 3
Live entertainment, food, prizes and
games! Petting zoo, beer & wine garden, opportunity drawing and more.
11am / Village of Corona del Mar www.cdmchamber.com
Cypress Holiday Sing and Tree
Lighting Dec. 5
School Performances, Letters to Veterans
& Santa, Holiday Crafts, Train Rides, Visits with Santa, Games,
Refreshments, SPARK OF LOVE toy drive.
6pm / Civic Center Green www.cypressca.org
Garden Grove Christmas Tree Lighting Dec. 5
This free event features live
entertainment and holiday refreshments. The event culminates with the arrival
of Santa and Mrs. Claus, tree lighting, and a flurry of winter snow.
6:30pm / 12732 Main Street
714-741-5290 /
www.ci.garden-grove.ca.us
La Palma Holiday Tree Lighting Dec. 6
Enjoy the musical talents from our local
schools and join in during the Community Carol Sing Along. Take a picture with
Santa and his elves in the activities area before the event.
4-8:30pm / Central Park
Amphitheater www.cityoflapalma.org
Brea Tree Lighting Ceremony Dec. 7
Watch the holiday tree light up the
evening and see children’s eyes sparkle when Mr. and Mrs. Santa drop in for a
visit. Cookies and hot chocolate will be served.
6:30pm / Civic and Cultural Center www.ci.brea.ca.us
Stanton Christmas Tree Lighting Dec. 7
Live music, arts & crafts, story time
with the Stanton Library, and the lighting of the Stanton Central Park
Christmas tree.
6-7:30pm / Stanton Central Park www.ci.stanton.ca.us
Costa Mesa Home Tour Dec. 7
Meet for a reception with food and music,
and then jump aboard the train to visit some of Costa Mesa’s most festively
decorated homes.
3-8pm / Pottery Barn South Coast Plaza
www.costamesahometour.com
Tustin Tree Lighting Dec. 8
6pm / Tustin Library Courtyard
714-573-3000 / www.tustinca.org
Dana Point Holiday Boat Parade Dec. 8-9 & 15-16
“A Superhero Holiday” Decorated boats
light up the harbor with holiday cheer and seasonal activities are offered
throughout the harbor.
4:30-9pm / Dana Point Harbor www.danapointharbor.com
Laguna Niguel Holiday Parade Dec. 9
View over 100 exciting entries including
marching bands, floats, special guests, youth groups, equestrian units, exotic
cars, military members, local heroes and fun attractions!
10am-Noon / Crown Valley Parkway
949-425-5100 /
www.lagunaniguelparade.com
Santa Tour on a Fire Truck Dec. 9
As Santa rides his fire truck he makes
frequent stops along the way to share candy canes, listen to children’s
Christmas wishes and to pose for some family photo fun.
8am / Villa Park www.villapark.co/santa-tour-fire-truck
Villa Park Dry Land Boat Parade Dec. 10
An asphalt harbor tour where 50 + vessels
travel through Villa Park. At the Towne Centre there are tree lighting and
awards ceremonies with trophies.
4:30-8:30pm / Villa Park Towne Center
www.villapark.co/dry-land-boat-parade
The Holly Jolly Light Tour Dec. 8-9
Enjoy a VIP reception and then tour the
Home Lighting Contest displays aboard a warm comfortable bus.
6pm & 8pm / Mission Viejo Civic
Center
www.cityofmissionviejo.org
Breakfast with Santa Dec. 9
Join us for a special celebration
complete with a scrumptious breakfast, photos with Santa and holiday crafts.
9-11am / Laguna Hills Community Center
949-707-2680 / www.ci.laguna-hills.ca.us
Huntington Harbour Boat Parade Dec. 9-10
Watch as beautifully decorated boats
parade through the harbor to celebrate the holiday season.
5:15pm / 16370 PCH, Huntington Beach
714-840-7542 / www.hhboatparade.org
Balboa Island Holiday Home Walking Tour Dec. 10
One of Orange County’s most loved Holiday
Home Walking Tours returns this year with seven uniquely holiday decorated
island homes and cottages.
11am-4pm / 331 Marine Avenue www.balboaislandNB.org
Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade Dec. 13-17
Beautiful multi-million dollar yachts,
kayaks, canoes and other small boats will light up the harbor as a dazzling
array of holiday lights and music fill the air.
6:30-9pm / Newport Beach Harbor, Bay
Island
www.christmasboatparade.com
Cruise of Lights Dec. 15-18 & 21-23
Both locals and visitors share the beauty
of thousands of lights and animated displays on brightly decorated homes,
docks, decks and boats.
16889 Algonquin Street, Huntington
Beach
714-840-7542 / www.cruiseoflights.org
Operation Santa Dec. 16
Food and gift items collected for
pre-qualified families in need are distributed. Kids and families can visit
with Santa and play carnival-style games.
9am-Noon / La Habra Community Center
562-383-4217 / www.lahabracity.com
Inaugural Charity Event 5K
Walk/Run/Skip Dec. 16
Bring an unwrapped toy. T-shirt, Medal,
& Swag Bag Included to all that pre-register!
9am / Lake Forest Sports Park
www.lakeforestcachamber.com
Chanukah Wonderland/Menorah Lighting Dec. 17
Enjoy live entertainment, activities, and
crafts, as well as your favorite Chanukah, treats – latkes, dreidels, and more!
Bring your family, friends, and lots of holiday spirit!
5:30-7:30pm / Laguna Niguel City
Hall
949-831-7701 / www.cityoflagunaniguel.org
Fullerton Holiday Festival Dec. 17
Live stage performances and an arts and
crafts fair. Food vendors and exclusive craft beer selections! Free art
workshops for kids, a children’s play area, and a special appearance by Santa Claus.
12-4pm / Muckenthaler Cultural
Center www.themuck.org
Int'l Christmas Nativity Play &
Celebration Dec. 17
A celebration that brings together a
diverse group of churches, singers, dancers for a celebration that highlights
the true meaning of the holiday season.
6-8pm / Old World Village, Huntington
Beach
714-895-8020 / www.oldworld.ws
Winter Fest Dec. 21-Jan. 7
Outdoor ice rink, 130-foot, six lane
Snowflake Summit ice slide, a play park featuring real snow, strolling carolers
and personal visits in the cabin of Mr. and Mrs. Claus. Festival of Lights
walk-through holiday light show featuring.
OC Fair & Event Center, Costa
Mesa www.winterfestoc.com
What a great way to enjoy the community and all Orange County has to offer. Remember as you are out having fun, we will take care of all your real estate needs. Please do not hesitate to
give us a call to help!