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Holiday Events in Orange County: Your Guide to Festive Fun

Holiday Events

Natalie and Kayla at the Tree Lighting
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
Ice skating at Surf City Winter Wonderland, 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
Holidayz at the Park, Irvine Great Park 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
Winter Fest OC at OC Fair & Event Center 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
Aliso Viejo Holiday Celebration 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
Gem Faire OC Fair Event Center 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
Laguna Niguel Tree Lighting Ceremony 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
Creative Babe Holiday Market OC Fair 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
RSM Christmas Tree Lighting 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
Santa's Village by the Sea, San Clemente 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
Irvine Holiday Tree Lighting 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
Light a Light of Love Pier Lighting Ceremony, Huntington Beach 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
Corona del Mar Christmas Walk 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
Sleigh the Holidays, 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
La Plaza Park & Pines Park Tree Lighting, Dana Point 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
Rudolph's Rink Mission Viejo 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
Laguna Niguel Holiday Parade 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
Huntington Harbour Boat Parade 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
Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade 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

Laguna Niguel Chanukah Celebration & Menorah Lighting

Dec. 18 / 4-6 pm / City Hall
Laguna Niguel Chanukah Celebration & Menorah Lighting 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
Ladera Ranch Menorah Lighting 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 headshot – Verso Homes founder
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.

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