Holiday Events in Orange County: Your Guide to Festive Fun
Holiday Events
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Published by Natalie Boyle, REALTOR®, Founder of Verso Homes (DRE #01329012)
The last month of the year is a hectic but exciting time in Orange County. Whether you’re looking for dazzling tree lightings, local holiday markets, or family festivals, the region offers something for everyone. Here’s your ultimate guide to December holiday events that will make your season bright!
Pro Tip: Many events offer free admission or discounts for early registration. Plan ahead—popular activities like skating and parades fill up fast!
Surf City Winter Wonderland
Nov. 18 – Jan. 8 • Huntington Beach Pier Plaza Spend the day or night skating to the sounds of crashing waves and supporting local downtown businesses.
Holidayz at the Park
Nov. 19 – Jan. 1, Dusk – 9:30 pm • Great Park, Irvine • 949-724-6247 Enjoy holiday lights, festive music, decorations, and plenty of photo ops for the family. Source: cityofirvine.org
Winter Fest OC
Nov. 25 – Jan. 1 • OC Fair & Event Center, Costa Mesa The fairgrounds become a massive winter wonderland with live entertainment, attractions, and affordable fun. More info: winterfestoc.com
Aliso Viejo Holiday Celebration
Dec. 1 • Town Center Fountain & Amphitheater • 949-425-2550 Train rides, ornament making, performances, Santa’s visit, tree lighting, and more for the whole family. Source: avcity.org
Gem Faire
Dec. 2-4 • OC Fair & Event Center, Costa Mesa • 503-252-8300 Shop fine jewelry, beads, crystals, and minerals from 200+ international exhibitors. Source: Gem Faire Facebook
Laguna Niguel Tree Lighting Ceremony
Dec. 3 / 5-8pm / City Hall • 949-425-5100 Enjoy performances, crafts, cookie decorating, food trucks, and the official tree lighting. Source: cityoflagunaniguel.org
Creative Babe Holiday Market
Dec. 3 / 11 am – 5 pm / OC Fair & Event Center A free, kid-friendly holiday market with 100+ local businesses, holiday goods, decor, and gifts. Source: creative-babe-market.com
RSM Christmas Tree Lighting
Dec. 3 / 5-7 pm / Lago Santa Margarita Lakeshore • 949-709-0010 Sing along to holiday music and enjoy seasonal treats with family and friends. Source: samlarc.org
Santa’s Village by the Sea
Dec. 3 / 4-8pm / Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente • 949-361-8200 An evening of snow, games, hot chocolate, food, and the BIG tree lighting on the Community Center lawn. Source: san-clemente.org
Irvine Holiday Tree Lighting
Dec. 3 / 4 pm – 6:30 pm / Irvine Civic Center This FREE event features visits with Santa Claus, live holiday music, games, crafts, and a winter-themed train ride. Source: ocregister.com
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 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. Source: waymakersoc.org
Corona del Mar Christmas Walk
Dec. 4 / 11am-5pm / Corona del Mar village • 949-673-4050 Over 17 local bands will perform live. The event also includes Santa visits, wine & beer gardens, special vendor gifts, activities for kids, and promotions from retailers and restaurants. Source: cdmchamber.com
Sleigh the Holidays
Dec. 4 / 11am-6pm / Del Prado, Dana Point 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. Source: https://visitdanapoint.com/calendar/
La Plaza Park & Pines Park Tree Lighting
Dec. 5 / 4:30 – 5:30 pm / Dana Point • 949-248-3536 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: danapoint.org Source: yelp.com
Rudolph’s Rink
Dec. 5-12 / Mon-Fri 4-8 pm, Sun 2–9 pm / Mission Viejo Civic Center • 949-830-7066 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: cityofmissionviejo.org Source: patch.com
Laguna Niguel Holiday Parade
Dec. 10 / 10 am -12 pm / Nueva Vista to Community Park • 949-425-5100 Check out all of the interesting entries, including marching bands, floats, special guests, youth organizations, equestrian units, exotic cars, military members, local heroes, and more. No neighborhood holiday parade would be complete without a spectacular appearance by Santa Claus! Source: cityoflagunaniguel.org
Huntington Harbour Boat Parade
Dec. 10-11 / 5:15 pm / Huntington Beach • 714-840-7542 60th Anniversary… Swinging to the Music. Grand Marshal Michael Gates. Source: hhboatparade.org
Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade and Ring of Lights
Dec. 14-18 / 6:30 pm / Newport Harbor 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. Source: christmasboatparade.com
Dec. 18 / 4-6 pm / City Hall 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: cityoflagunaniguel.org Source: cwdriver.com
Ladera Ranch Menorah Lighting
Dec. 18 / 4-6 pm / Town Green 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. Source: laderalife.com
Natalie Boyle REALTOR®, Founder of Verso Homes (DRE #01329012) Over 15 years helping South OC homeowners discover their perfect community. Learn more about Natalie →
*All event information is believed reliable but not guaranteed. Please confirm event times and details with organizers before attending. For real estate advice or to learn more about living in Orange County, contact a licensed professional. Lic. #01329012.