Holiday Events in Orange County: Your Guide to Festive Fun

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

Laguna Niguel Chanukah Celebration & Menorah Lighting

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.