50 Winter Activities in Orange County: A Winter Bucket List
Winter in Orange County doesn’t mean shoveling snow. It means boat parades, glowing holiday lights, whale sightings and a snowy mountain day trip when you want one. Here are 50 winter activities in Orange County, from big seasonal events to cozy nights at home, to build your 2026–27 winter bucket list.
Looking for a full calendar of dated holiday happenings? See our guide to winter events in Orange County.
Check before you go
- Confirm dates, hours and tickets with the organizer. Event schedules can shift, and some outdoor events close for rain or wind.
- Check OC Parks or California State Parks alerts before hiking or camping. Parks and trails can close for fire conditions, storm damage or maintenance.
- Heading to the mountains? Check Caltrans road conditions and chain controls, and carry chains when they’re required.
- Dress in layers. Coastal evenings get chilly, especially on the water during boat parades.
Winter 2026–27 Dates to Plan Around
These seasonal events have announced their 2026–27 dates. Tap a guide for viewing tips, parking and more.
| Activity | City | When | Type | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dana Point Harbor Boat Parade of Lights | Dana Point | Dec. 11–13, 2026, 6:30–8 p.m. | Boat parade | Guide |
| Huntington Harbour Boat Parade | Huntington Beach | Dec. 12–13, 2026 | Boat parade | Guide |
| Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade | Newport Beach | Dec. 16–20, 2026, about 6:30 p.m. | Boat parade | Guide |
| Lighting of the Bay (Newport Dunes) | Newport Beach | Nightly at dusk, Nov. 27, 2026–Jan. 3, 2027 | Holiday lights | Guide |
| Winter Fest OC | Costa Mesa | Select dates, Nov. 27, 2026–Jan. 3, 2027 | Snow play & lights | Guide |
| Holidays at the Disneyland Resort | Anaheim | Nov. 13, 2026–Jan. 6, 2027 | Theme park | Guide |
| Knott’s Merry Farm | Buena Park | Nov. 20, 2026–Jan. 3, 2027 | Theme park | Official site |
| Sawdust Winter Fantasy | Laguna Beach | Nov. 20–Dec. 20, 2026 (Fri.–Sun.) | Holiday art market | Guide |
| Gray whale watching | Dana Point, Newport Beach | Season runs about Dec.–April | Nature | Guide |
| Dana Point Festival of Whales | Dana Point | March 5–7, 2027 | Festival | Guide |
When Does Winter Start in 2026?
Winter officially begins with the winter solstice on Monday, Dec. 21, 2026 at 12:50 p.m. PST and ends with the spring equinox on Saturday, March 20, 2027 at 1:25 p.m. PDT, according to Griffith Observatory.
Holiday Lights & Boat Parades
See the Lighting of the Bay at Newport Dunes
Decorated trees and holiday displays float on the calm water of the Back Bay, lit each evening at dusk from Nov. 27, 2026 through Jan. 3, 2027. The Fire & Lights Festival adds evening activities Thursday through Sunday (closed Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve). Details are in our Lighting of the Bay guide.
Watch the Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade
The 118th parade loops through Newport Harbor Dec. 16–20, 2026, starting around 6:30 p.m. each night, and opening night begins with fireworks off the Newport Pier. Find viewing spots in our Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade guide.
Catch the Dana Point Harbor Boat Parade of Lights
Lit-up boats cruise Dana Point Harbor from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Dec. 11, 12 and 13, 2026 for the 51st annual parade. See our Dana Point Boat Parade guide for the best places to watch.
See the Huntington Harbour Boat Parade
This volunteer-run parade winds past decorated waterfront homes on Dec. 12 and 13, 2026, its 64th year. Our Huntington Harbour Boat Parade guide has the route, and our holiday boat parades roundup covers the rest of the season.
Tour the Best Christmas Light Neighborhoods
Pack some cocoa, turn up the carols and cruise (or stroll) past the brightest blocks in the county. Start with our Christmas lights guide and our picks for the best neighborhoods for Christmas lights.
Festive Outings
Celebrate Holidays at the Disneyland Resort
Disneyland and Disney California Adventure dress up for the season from Nov. 13, 2026 through Jan. 6, 2027, with holiday décor, seasonal entertainment and festive treats. Plan your visit with our Disneyland holidays guide.
Visit Knott’s Merry Farm
Knott’s Berry Farm in Buena Park becomes Knott’s Merry Farm from Nov. 20, 2026 through Jan. 3, 2027, with twinkling lights, holiday shows, a crafts village in Calico and visits with Santa.
Play in the Snow at Winter Fest OC
Get a taste of snow and holiday lights without the mountain drive at the OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa, open select dates from Nov. 27, 2026 through Jan. 3, 2027. Check open days in our Winter Fest OC guide.
Go Ice Skating
Lace up and take a few laps under the lights. Seasonal rinks pop up around the county each year, and our ice skating rinks guide lists where to find them.
Shop Sawdust Winter Fantasy
Laguna Canyon turns into a holiday village of handmade art Fridays through Sundays, Nov. 20 to Dec. 20, 2026. It’s a great place to find gifts you won’t see anywhere else; read more in our Sawdust Winter Fantasy guide.
See the Nutcracker Ballet
Clara, the Sugar Plum Fairy and the Mouse King return to local stages every holiday season. Find a performance in our guide to where to see the Nutcracker.
Take Pictures with Santa
A photo with Santa is a holiday must for many families (and a few brave pets). Our pictures with Santa guide rounds up where to find him around Orange County.
Browse Holiday Craft Fairs
Skip the big-box rush and pick up handmade ornaments, candles and gifts from local makers at holiday craft fairs. For everything else on your list, try one of OC’s shopping centers.
Ring In the New Year
Whether you want fireworks, a fancy dinner or a family-friendly countdown, see our New Year’s Eve events guide and our New Year’s Eve bucket list.
Volunteer Over Winter Break
The holidays are a natural time to give back as a family. Find a cause you care about in our list of volunteer opportunities in Orange County.
Indoor Fun
Attend a Hockey or Basketball Game
Winter is prime time for indoor sports. The Honda Center in Anaheim is home to the Anaheim Ducks, so there’s usually a game or event on the calendar.
Go to a Movie Theater
The holidays bring some of the year’s biggest releases, so grab a bucket of popcorn and settle into a reclining seat for a matinee.
Visit a Museum
Spend a cool afternoon exploring art, science or history, and save a little by planning around free museum days.
Go Bowling
Bowling is easy indoor fun for all ages, with just enough friendly competition to keep everyone in it.
Snow Day Trips
Have a Snow Play Day
Drive up to the mountains to build a snowman, make snow angels or start a snowball fight. Our guide to the best places to play in the snow covers spots within a day trip of OC.
Visit a California SNO-Park
SNO-Parks offer plowed parking and access to snowy trails and play areas. Read our California SNO-Parks guide before you go.
Hit the Slopes on Skis or a Snowboard
Southern California’s mountain resorts are close enough for a long day trip or a quick weekend. Compare options in our guide to the closest ski resorts.
Go Tubing or Sledding
Not everyone wants skis strapped to their feet, especially little kids. A tube or sled delivers all of the speed and giggles with none of the lessons.
Spend the Night in a Cabin
If camping in the cold sounds like too much, rent a mountain cabin with a fireplace and make a weekend of it.
Outdoors in OC
Go Whale Watching
Gray whales pass the Orange County coast on their migration roughly December through April, and boats leave from Dana Point and Newport Beach. Read our whale watching guide to plan a trip.
Celebrate the Dana Point Festival of Whales
The 56th annual festival is set for March 5–7, 2027 in Dana Point, with whale-watching trips, exhibits and family activities. See our Festival of Whales guide.
Do a Polar Bear Plunge
Brave the chilly Pacific for a New Year’s dip. The Surf City Splash has drawn crowds into the water by the Huntington Beach Pier on New Year’s Day; the 2027 date is TBA (it was last held Jan. 1, 2026).
Go Winter Camping
Winter nights mean clearer stars, fewer bugs and a campfire you’ll actually appreciate. Our picks for camping in OC include Caspers Wilderness Park and Crystal Cove State Park. Check OC Parks or California State Parks alerts before booking, since conditions can change.
Take a Winter Hike
Cooler temperatures make for comfortable hiking. Head to one of your favorite local trails, especially after a rain when the hills turn green.
Have a Bonfire
Beach bonfires aren’t just for summer. Bundle up, bring the s’mores and watch the sun set over the water.
Go Stargazing
Clear, crisp winter nights are ideal for spotting constellations. Find a dark spot away from city lights and let your eyes adjust for a few minutes.
Hook a Trout
Many local lakes stock trout during the cooler months. Check our fish stocking schedule before you grab your rod.
Plan a Family Winter Photo Shoot
Early sunsets mean golden-hour photos without keeping the kids up late. A beach or park at dusk makes a great backdrop for holiday cards.
Eat & Drink
Stop by a Farmers Market
Farmers markets are full of winter citrus, seasonal produce and holiday goodies, and they’re a fun way to spend a weekend morning.
Eat a Bowl of Ramen
Nothing warms you up like a steaming bowl of ramen. Try a local shop, or make your own with these ramen noodle recipes.
Go Brewery Hopping
Many Orange County breweries have cozy taprooms with food, games and room for the whole crew.
Book a Beer, Tequila or Whiskey Tasting
Plan a grown-ups’ night out and sample a flight of your favorite spirit or seasonal brews.
Try a New Restaurant or Bar
Winter menus and holiday cocktails are the perfect excuse to check out that spot you’ve been meaning to try.
Make Homemade Hot Chocolate
Skip the packets. Real hot cocoa takes about five minutes with milk, good chocolate and a pinch of salt; top it with whipped cream or marshmallows.
Make Mulled Wine
Simmer red wine with orange slices, cinnamon and cloves, and your kitchen will smell like the holidays.
Bake a Pie
Roll out a crust and bake a seasonal pie, or leave it to the pros at one of the best pie shops in town.
Learn to Cook a New Winter Favorite
Pick a comfort dish you’ve never made, like a hearty stew or homemade soup, and share it with friends and family.
Cozy & Relaxing
Have a Spa Day
Step away from the holiday rush at one of the best day spas in Orange County.
Host a Football Party
With playoffs on the calendar, winter is made for game-day spreads. Invite friends over, set out the snacks and pick your team.
Binge-Watch a TV Series
Chilly evenings are the perfect excuse to finally start that show everyone keeps talking about. Grab a blanket and hit play on the next episode (or three).
Watch a Holiday Movie
Pop some popcorn and work through your family’s favorite holiday classics, from the funny to the sentimental.
Have a Board Game Night
Break out a classic, try a new game or settle things with a fierce round of UNO.
Complete a Jigsaw Puzzle
Set up a puzzle on the dining table and let everyone chip away at it over the winter break.
Make a Gingerbread House
Build and decorate a gingerbread house with family or friends; extra candy is always encouraged.
Make a Pinecone Wreath
Collect pinecones on a winter walk and turn them into a rustic wreath for your front door.
Winter Activities in Orange County: FAQ
When does winter start in 2026?
The winter solstice falls on Monday, Dec. 21, 2026 at 12:50 p.m. PST, and winter ends on Saturday, March 20, 2027 at 1:25 p.m. PDT.
When are the Orange County boat parades in 2026?
The Dana Point Harbor Boat Parade of Lights is Dec. 11–13, the Huntington Harbour Boat Parade is Dec. 12–13, and the Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade is Dec. 16–20, 2026.
Where can I play in the snow in Orange County?
Winter Fest OC at the OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa offers snow play on select dates from Nov. 27, 2026 through Jan. 3, 2027. For real mountain snow, plan a day trip to a SNO-Park, ski resort or snow play area.
When is whale watching season in Orange County?
Gray whales migrate along the coast roughly December through April, and the Dana Point Festival of Whales is March 5–7, 2027.
What are some free winter activities in Orange County?
Watching the boat parades from shore, touring Christmas light neighborhoods, taking a winter hike, stargazing and having a beach bonfire are all easy on the budget.
