Orange County Winter Holiday Events 2026–27

Celebrate the 2026 holiday season with winter events throughout Orange County, including tree lightings, visits with Santa, holiday festivals, boat parades, ice skating, light displays, performances and more. From longtime community traditions to major attractions, use this guide to find holiday events happening across OC.

Events without confirmed dates are clearly marked below.

2026 Orange County Holiday Events at a Glance

Dream Glow Festival (Wild Rivers, Irvine): November 5–December 30, 2026
Irvine Holiday Faire (Great Park): November 7, 2026
Holidays at the Disneyland Resort: November 13, 2026–January 6, 2027
Bella Terra Tree Lighting (Huntington Beach): November 20, 2026
Winter Fest OC: November 27, 2026–January 3, 2027 on select dates
Newport Dunes Lighting of the Bay + Fire & Lights Festival: November 27, 2026–January 3, 2027 (festival Thu–Sun 4–9 pm; lights nightly at dusk)
Brea Tree Lighting: December 3, 2026
Garden Grove Winter in the Grove: December 5, 2026
Laguna Niguel Holiday Parade: December 12, 2026
Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade: December 16-20, 2026
Knott's Merry Farm: November 20, 2026–January 3, 2027
Dana Point Boat Parade: December 11-13, 2026
Huntington Harbour Boat Parade: December 12-13, 2026
Dana Point Holidays at the Harbor: Happy Harbor Days lights November 12, 2026–January 10, 2027, plus Harbor After Dark Thursdays, Santa boat rides and a December 19 holiday market
Dana Point Tree Lighting: December 5, 2026
Chapman Winterfest: November 18, 2026
Crystal Cove Tree Lighting & Holiday Bazaar: December 5, 2026
Muckenthaler Holiday Festival: December 13, 2026
Santa Ana Plaza Navideña: November 21, 2026
Buena Park Christmas Tree Lighting: December 4, 2026
Laguna Beach Hospitality Night: December 4, 2026
Downtown Anaheim Nutcracker Holiday Tree Lighting: December 6, 2026
Orange Christmas Market & Tree Lighting: December 6, 2026
Seal Beach Christmas Tree Lighting: November 21, 2026

More Orange County Holiday Guides

Holiday Runs

Holiday-themed runs are also scheduled around Orange County. Confirmed 2026 events include the Jingle Bell Run at Angel Stadium on December 5 and Santa Claus for a Cause 5K/10K at Bolsa Chica on December 12. See our Orange County 5Ks & Fun Runs guide for registration information and additional seasonal races.

Major Orange County Holiday Events

Holidays at the Disneyland Resort

Dates: November 13, 2026–January 6, 2027
Location: Disneyland Resort, Anaheim

Disneyland Resort's regular holiday season returns with seasonal décor, entertainment, festive food, holiday attraction overlays and Disney Festival of Holidays at Disney California Adventure.

Knott's Merry Farm

Dates: November 20, 2026–January 3, 2027
Location: Knott's Berry Farm, 8039 Beach Blvd., Buena Park

Knott's Merry Farm is an annual holiday celebration with seasonal décor, entertainment and Peanuts characters. Check Knott's Berry Farm for daily hours and ticket details.

Winter Fest OC

Dates: November 27, 2026–January 3, 2027 on select dates
Location: OC Fair & Event Center, 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa

Winter Fest OC returns with holiday lights, Santa, snow play, tubing, live entertainment and other seasonal attractions. Ice skating is offered in 2026 as an add-on or with select admission passes. See the dedicated Winter Fest OC guide for current tickets and hours.

Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade & Ring of Lights

Dates: December 16-20, 2026
Location: Newport Harbor

The Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade is one of Orange County's signature holiday traditions. The 118th Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade is scheduled for December 16-20, 2026. Check the official parade site and our dedicated guide for route, viewing and schedule details.

Holiday Events by City

Aliso Viejo

All Is Bright Holiday Celebration & Tree Lighting Ceremony: Thursday, December 3, 2026 | 5:00–8:00 PM

Location: Aliso Viejo Town Center, Pacific Park Drive. The free City of Aliso Viejo celebration includes train rides, crafts, live performances, photos with Santa and the lighting of a 22-foot tree.

Anaheim

Ring in the Holidays in Downtown Anaheim & Nutcracker Holiday Tree Lighting: Sunday, December 6, 2026 | Tuba Christmas at 1:00 PM; photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus 3:00–5:00 PM; tree lighting at 6:00 PM
Location: Center Street Promenade and the steps of Anaheim City Hall

The downtown celebration brings entertainment, holiday crafts, shopping and festive treats before the evening tree lighting at City Hall. Holidays at the Disneyland Resort runs November 13, 2026–January 6, 2027. Anaheim Hills Festival programming, Disney On Ice and shopping-center events should be checked individually for 2026 dates.

Brea

Brea Tree Lighting Ceremony: Thursday, December 3, 2026 | 6:30–9:00 PM
Location: Brea Civic & Cultural Center, 1 Civic Center Circle

The city has confirmed its 2026 tree lighting with performances, a visit from Santa, shopping and the lighting of the holiday tree. Other Brea Downtown, Brea Mall and Curtis Theatre holiday dates should be checked as they are announced. For other performances throughout the county, see our Christmas and holiday shows guide.

Movies Under the Stars – A Christmas Carol: Friday, December 11, 2026 | 7:00–10:00 PM
Location: Brea Civic & Cultural Center

Buena Park

Christmas Tree Lighting: Friday, December 4, 2026 | Attractions and food vendors open at 5:00 PM; tree lighting at 6:00 PM; ends at 8:00 PM
Location: Buena Park City Hall, 6650 Beach Blvd.

Candy Caneland & Craft Fair: Saturday, December 12, 2026 | 10:00 AM–4:00 PM | Free
Location: Ehlers Event Center, 8150 Knott Ave.

The city's tree lighting kicks off the season at City Hall. The 55th annual Candy Caneland brings entertainment, food, games, a snow slide, Santa and a craft fair with more than 100 artisans. Parking at Ehlers is limited, so use the shuttle from Peak Park Pool, 7225 El Dorado Dr., which runs 9:00 AM–5:00 PM. Knott's Merry Farm runs November 20, 2026–January 3, 2027. Pirates Dinner Adventure has not announced its 2026 holiday show dates yet.

Costa Mesa

Winter Fest OC: November 27, 2026–January 3, 2027 on select dates. Snoopy House: December 11–18, 2026, nightly 5:30–8:30 PM at Costa Mesa City Hall, 77 Fair Drive. A Christmas Carol: November 28–December 27, 2026, at South Coast Repertory; see our Christmas and holiday shows guide. Other recurring Costa Mesa events, including South Coast Plaza's tree lighting and Holiday Snowland, should be checked for 2026 schedules before attending.

Cypress

Holiday Sing & Tree Lighting: Tuesday, December 1, 2026, at 6:00 PM. Community holiday music and a tree-lighting celebration at the corner of Orange Avenue and Grindlay Street; check the City of Cypress for any event-day changes.

Dana Point

Dana Point Boat Parade of Lights: December 11-13, 2026 (theme: Harboritaville). Happy Harbor Days lights run November 12, 2026–January 10, 2027. See the Dana Point Boat Parade guide for parade details.

2026 Holidays at the Harbor highlights:

Harbor After Dark holiday night market (with Modern Makers Mart): select Thursdays from November 12, 4:00–8:00 PM, harbor parking structure, 34571 Golden Lantern
Whale on the Wharf scavenger hunt: from December 1
Holiday Lights Cruises (Dana Wharf): December 4, 5, 18 and 19 at 6:00 PM
Boat Rides with Santa (Dana Wharf, aboard the Dana Pride): Saturday–Sunday, December 5–6, 10:00 AM–2:00 PM; reservations required; adults $10, kids $7, benefiting Soroptimist of Capistrano Bay
Santa Paws pet photos: Saturday–Sunday, December 12–13, 10:00 AM–3:00 PM; $15 donation to Pet Project Foundation
Modern Makers Mart Holiday Edition: Saturday, December 19, 10:00 AM–3:00 PM, on the Island near the Richard Henry Dana statue, with Santa 11:00 AM–1:00 PM; Little Folk Club also meets December 19
Holiday Wine Cruises: December 20 and 27 at 5:30 PM (21+)

Dana Point Tree Lighting: Saturday, December 5, 2026, 4:30–5:30 PM at La Plaza Park, with Santa's Jolly Trolley stops around the city that day. A second tree lighting is at Pines Park (Capistrano Beach) on Monday, December 7, also 4:30–5:30 PM. Patch, citing the city, reports the trees are lit at about 5:15 PM at both events.

Fountain Valley

Fountain Valley Tree Lighting: Saturday, December 5, 2026, 4:30–8:00 PM at the Fountain Valley Recreation Center & Sports Park, 16400 Brookhurst St. The city's Fall 2026 activity guide lists it as the Tree & Menorah Lighting with a SnowZone; check Fountain Valley's community events calendar for event-day details.

Fullerton

Fullerton's annual Tree Lighting Ceremony is listed by third-party event calendars for Friday, December 4, 2026, at City Hall; the time is TBA, and the city has not yet posted details, so confirm before going. The Muckenthaler's Holiday Festival is Sunday, December 13, 2026, 12:00–4:00 PM (free entry and parking), with family activities, live music, food, kids' art workshops and an arts-and-crafts sale. The Fullerton Museum Center's Winter Market is listed for Saturday, December 5, 2026, 2:00–6:00 PM at the Downtown Plaza, 301 N. Pomona Ave. Nearby Heritage Hill holiday events in Lake Forest are another seasonal option, but their 2026 dates are still unconfirmed.

Garden Grove

Winter in the Grove: Saturday, December 5, 2026 | 3:00–7:00 PM
Location: Village Green Park

The City of Garden Grove's Winter in the Grove features performances by local schools and performers, holiday crafts and inflatables for kids, Snowtopia with 50 tons of snow and nine snow slides, a holiday craft boutique with handmade gifts from local vendors, and a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Huntington Beach

Magic on Main Street: Tuesday, November 24, 2026, 4:00–7:00 PM in Downtown Huntington Beach (2026 date and hours per the city newsletter and event listings). The holiday kickoff is reported to include live entertainment, seasonal treats, festive activities and a holiday tree lighting; a 2026 tree-lighting time has not been announced.

Huntington Harbour Boat Parade: December 12-13, 2026. Cruise of Lights runs December 19–23, 2026 (5:30 / 6:30 / 7:30 pm). Old World Village Christmas Market: Christmas Market OC runs November 15, 2026–January 3, 2027 at Old World Village, with an indoor European shopping village, live music, Santa meet-and-greets and Wiener Dog Races on select days. Bella Terra Tree Lighting: Friday, November 20, 2026, 4:00–7:00 PM in The Park, with the tree lighting at 5:00 PM, holiday performers, Mr. & Mrs. Claus, photo booths and kids' crafts. Bella Terra Winterfest: Saturday, December 5, 2026, 1:00–4:00 PM on The Green, with live holiday music, holiday characters, crafts and snow on The Green. OC Song & Dance holiday performance: Sunday, December 13, 2026, 1:00–2:00 PM in The Park at Bella Terra. Other HB traditions include downtown holiday programming, hotel events and Pacific City. Use the Huntington Harbour guide and organizer calendars for current dates.

Irvine

Illuminate Irvine: Saturday, December 5, 2026 | 3:00–7:00 PM
Location: Great Park

The City of Irvine kicks off Holidayz at the Park with Illuminate Irvine, featuring the Holiday Tree and Palm Court lighting, winter activities, holiday shopping and live performances. The Palm Court Light Display begins December 5 and is scheduled daily from dusk–9:00 PM during the holiday season. See our Holidayz at the Park guide for additional Great Park holiday activities. Irvine Spectrum Center holiday activities: The Ice Rink at Irvine Spectrum returns, with tickets sold at the rink booth in SunWheel Court beginning Friday, November 6, 2026. Santa experiences, holiday entertainment and festive displays round out the season; see our holiday ice skating guide and Santa photo guide for updated options.

Hikari: Festival of Lights: November 27–December 27, 2026 at Tanaka Farms in Irvine. Open Wednesday–Sunday, 5:00–9:00 PM (last admission 7:30 PM), plus Monday–Wednesday, December 21–23; closed December 24–25. Admission is $28 Wednesday–Thursday and $33 Friday–Sunday for adults, $18/$23 for kids 3–12 and $14/$16.50 for military. Parking is $12 per vehicle Friday–Sunday. See our dedicated Hikari guide for more details.

La Habra

La Habra Tamale Festival: Saturday, December 5, 2026. Food vendors, tamales and seasonal festivities. A Charlie Brown Christmas: December 4–20, 2026; see our holiday shows guide for performance information.

La Palma

Holiday Tree Lighting & Santa's Village: Wednesday, December 2, 2026, beginning at 4:30 PM; tree-lighting ceremony at approximately 5:30 PM. Check the City of La Palma for location and activity details.

Laguna Beach

Laguna Beach Hospitality Night: Friday, December 4, 2026 | About 5:00–9:00 PM; Santa lights the tree at 6:10 PM
Location: Starts at the Peppertree Lot (Lot 2), downtown Laguna Beach

Sawdust Winter Fantasy: November 20–December 20, 2026, Fridays–Sundays
Location: Sawdust Art Festival, 935 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach

The City of Laguna Beach and the Chamber of Commerce host Hospitality Night with carols, music and Santa's tree lighting. Winter Fantasy turns the Sawdust grounds into a holiday art village with artist-made gifts, craft demonstrations and seasonal music.

Laguna Hills

Holiday celebrations: The city's holiday events page lists the Tree Lighting on December 4, 6:00–8:00 PM at 25555 Alicia Pkwy., and Breakfast with Santa on December 12 (9:00 and 10:30 AM seatings, $10, pre-registration required). Confirm details on the city calendar before attending.

Laguna Niguel

Laguna Niguel Holiday Parade: Saturday, December 12, 2026. Check the city's holiday parade information for the route, starting time and viewing details. Other Laguna Niguel holiday programs, including tree lighting, require separate 2026 confirmation.

Laguna Woods

Holiday Tree Lighting, Golf Cart Parade & Toy Drive: Saturday, December 5, 2026, approximately 5:00–6:30 PM at Clubhouse 1, Laguna Woods Village. Access may be limited to residents and their guests; verify entry requirements with the community before attending.

Lake Forest

Holiday Tree Lighting: Saturday, December 12, 2026, 3:00–6:00 PM, at the Civic Center Campus, 100 Civic Center Dr., per the city's Winter 2026/27 guide. Breakfast with Santa: Saturday, December 5, 2026. Snow Fest: Saturday, January 16, 2027, at Pittsford Park; the city's Winter 2026/27 guide lists tickets at $10 in advance or $15 on the day. Heritage Hill Candlelight Walk & Holiday Lights: Seasonal events at Heritage Hill Historical Park; 2026 dates remain TBA. Confirm the organizer's calendar before visiting.

Los Alamitos

Winter Wonderland: Saturday, December 5, 2026, 4:00–7:30 PM. A community holiday celebration with seasonal activities; confirm the location and final program with the city.

Mission Viejo

Santa's Arrival & Christmas Tree Lighting: Sunday, November 29, 2026 | Festival from 3:00 PM; Santa arrives by fire engine about 6:00 PM
Location: Civic Center Plaza, 200 Civic Center Dr., Mission Viejo

The Mission Viejo Activities Committee's Santa's Arrival includes crafts, holiday games, a petting zoo and live music and dance before Santa helps light the city's holiday lights. A shuttle runs from the City Hall lot to North Paseo from 3:00 to 7:00 PM. Santa's Workshop, community Chanukah programming and other holiday activities should also be checked for current dates.

Newport Beach

Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade: December 16-20, 2026. Newport Dunes 36th Lighting of the Bay + Fire & Lights Festival: Nov 27, 2026 – Jan 3, 2027; lights nightly at dusk; festival Thu–Sun 4–9 pm (closed Dec 24, Dec 25, Dec 31). Details: Lighting of the Bay. Crystal Cove Conservancy's 30th Tree Lighting & Holiday Bazaar is Saturday, December 5, 2026 (bazaar 10:00 AM–6:00 PM at Education Commons; Santa 3:30–5:00 PM and tree-lighting program 3:00–5:30 PM at Cottage #46). Other recurring traditions include Fashion Island holiday displays, Balboa Bay Resort events, and seasonal programs at Lido Marina Village. Sherman Library & Gardens' Merry & Bright Nights (formerly Nights of 1000 Lights) is another Newport Beach-area holiday attraction, running December 3–6, 10–13 and 17–22, 2026, from 5 to 9 PM in Corona del Mar.

Orange

Orange Christmas Market & Tree Lighting: Sunday, December 6, 2026 | Free
Location: Plaza Park, Old Towne Orange

Irvine Park Railroad Christmas Train: November 27–December 23, 2026 | Weekdays 4:00–9:00 PM, weekends 10:00 AM–9:00 PM (daily 10:00 AM–9:00 PM December 14–23)
Location: Irvine Regional Park, Orange

Orange Plaza Traditions' Christmas Market & Tree Lighting fills the Plaza with local vendors, seasonal treats, live entertainment and the lighting of the city's Christmas tree. The Christmas Train at Irvine Regional Park requires reservations, and tickets go on sale online only on November 2, 2026, at 10:00 AM; the Irvine Regional Park vehicle entrance fee also applies. Chapman University's free Winterfest and Doy's Holiday Tree Lighting is Wednesday, November 18, 2026, in Attallah Piazza (holiday songs and activities at 5:00 PM, program at 5:30 PM; register your vehicle for free event parking). Christmas at the OC Zoo has not announced a 2026 date.

Placentia

Centennial Birthday Celebration & Tree Lighting: Saturday, December 5, 2026, 3:00–7:00 PM. A special centennial-year community celebration; confirm location and event details with the City of Placentia.

Rancho Santa Margarita

Brown Family Lights: A residential holiday light display scheduled from Thanksgiving weekend through New Year's Eve, generally 5:30–9:00 PM nightly. As this is a private neighborhood display, confirm the organizer's latest schedule and respect residential parking and neighbors.

San Clemente

Santa's Village by the Sea: Saturday, December 5, 2026 | 4:30–9:00 PM
Location: San Clemente Community Center, 100 N. Calle Seville

Puttin' on the Glitz: Saturday, December 5, 2026, 4:00–9:00 PM, along Avenida Del Mar in downtown San Clemente, with holiday shopping, entertainment and festivities. Other San Clemente holiday traditions include the Outlets at San Clemente tree lighting, Sunsets with Santa and holiday events at Casa Romantica. Check city and venue calendars for 2026 dates.

San Juan Capistrano

Capistrano Lights: Select days December 18–30, 2026
Location: Mission San Juan Capistrano, 26801 Old Mission Road

Capistrano Lights returns with a holiday tree lighting, Dickens-era carolers, a full-scale nativity, lighted halo grove, scented citrus garden, dancing swallows, community Christmas trees and an early-evening digital projection show. Tickets are sold online only: $23 adults, $19 seniors, $16 youth/students 5+, free for ages 4 and under; tickets include same-day Mission admission (grounds 10:00 AM–7:00 PM). Santa visits 3:30–6:30 PM through December 23, and the tree lighting and music program is at 5:05 PM. The Mission says the full day-by-day schedule is coming soon. San Juan Capistrano's city tree lighting is Saturday, December 5.

Santa Ana

Plaza Navideña: Saturday, November 21, 2026 | 5:00–8:00 PM | Free
Location: Plaza Calle Cuatro (4th and French streets), downtown Santa Ana

The city's Plaza Navideña tree lighting typically features live entertainment, Santa photos and family activities. The detailed 2026 entertainment schedule and any giveaways have not yet been confirmed. See our Santa Ana holiday events guide for more. Santa Ana Zoo, Discovery Cube, Bowers Museum and MainPlace Mall holiday programming should be checked for 2026 dates. See our Christmas lights guide for additional confirmed seasonal attractions around the county.

Seal Beach

Seal Beach Christmas Tree Lighting: Saturday, November 21, 2026, 4:00–7:00 PM at Eisenhower Park, at the base of the Seal Beach Pier. The Seal Beach Chamber of Commerce lists sledding for kids, a kids' craft area, carolers, gingerbread cookies, hot cocoa and a visit from Santa.

48th Annual Seal Beach Christmas Parade: Friday, December 4, 2026, at 7:00 PM. A community holiday parade in Old Town Seal Beach, running along Main Street from the pier to Pacific Coast Highway; check the organizer for road closures and viewing information.

Stanton

Christmas Tree Lighting: Thursday, December 3, 2026, at Stanton City Hall, 7800 Katella Ave. Local news reports a 6:30 PM start, which the city has not yet posted; check the City of Stanton event calendar before attending.

Tustin

Christmas Tree Lighting: Friday, December 4, 2026 | 6:00–8:30 PM
Location: Old Town Tustin, El Camino Real & 3rd Street; Dreamers Market from 5:00 PM

Breakfast with Santa: Saturday, December 12, 2026 | 9:00 AM–12:00 PM
Location: Community Center at The Market Place

Tustin's holiday season also includes programming at The Market Place and The District. See the City of Tustin calendar for event details.

Villa Park

Santa Tour by Fire Engine: December 5, 2026 | 7:45 AM–5:10 PM
Christmas Tree Lighting: December 5, 2026 | 6:00–7:00 PM
Chanukah Celebration: December 10, 2026 | 6:30–7:30 PM
Dry Land Boat Parade: December 13, 2026 | 5:00–6:00 PM

Villa Park's 2026 holiday schedule includes four confirmed community traditions. Check the Villa Park Community Services Foundation and dedicated VillaPark.co event pages for locations, routes and event-day details.

Westminster

Tree Lighting Ceremony: Monday, December 7, 2026 | 5:30–7:30 PM | Free
Location: Westminster Civic Center Sunken Gardens, 8200 Westminster Blvd.

Breakfast with Santa: Saturday, December 5, 2026 | 9:00–10:30 AM
Location: Community Services Building (East/West Room) | $15 per person; everyone attending must pre-register; no walk-ins. Registration is open now.

Westminster's annual tree lighting brings entertainment, photos with Santa, activities and food vendors to the Civic Center before the tree is lit. Breakfast with Santa requires advance registration; see the City of Westminster special events page for times and sign-up.

Yorba Linda

Holiday on Main Street: Saturday, December 5, 2026 | 4:00–9:00 PM | Free
Location: Main Street, Yorba Linda

Holiday on Main has a 30-year history in downtown Yorba Linda. The Richard Nixon Library hosts A Revolutionary Christmas on Tuesday, December 8, 2026, from 5:00–9:00 PM, featuring a tree lighting, Santa photos, live music and holiday activities (ticketed). The city also typically hosts Breakfast with Santa and Holidays on the Paseo; check for confirmed 2026 dates.

Hanukkah & Menorah Lighting Events

Orange County communities regularly host menorah lightings and Chanukah celebrations in places such as Dana Point, Laguna Beach, Laguna Niguel, Mission Viejo, Newport Beach, Orange, San Clemente, Seal Beach, Tustin, Villa Park and Yorba Linda. Check the sponsoring Chabad, synagogue, city or shopping center before attending. Hanukkah 2026 begins at sundown Friday, December 4 and ends Saturday, December 12. Confirmed so far: Ladera Ranch Festival of Lights menorah lighting, Sunday, December 6, 4:00–6:00 PM, Covenant Hills Clubhouse, 1 Covenant Hills Dr.; Villa Park Chanukah Celebration, Thursday, December 10, 6:30–7:30 PM.

Lunar New Year & Tết in Orange County

Winter in Orange County runs into Lunar New Year. The UVSA Tết Festival is scheduled for February 5–7, 2027 at Golden West College in Huntington Beach. The Westminster Tết Parade is reported for Saturday, February 6, 2027 at 9:30 AM; confirm with the City of Westminster closer to the date. See our Lunar New Year events guide for more celebrations.

More Holiday Experiences in Orange County

Looking for a particular kind of holiday outing rather than an event in one city? These dedicated Orange County guides cover more places, seasonal dates and planning details.

Christmas Lights in Orange County and neighborhood Christmas light displays for free and ticketed lights.
Holiday Craft Fairs & Christmas Markets for shopping, artisan vendors and seasonal markets.
Pictures with Santa for photo locations, booking information and family visits.
Holiday Ice Skating Rinks for seasonal rink locations and dates.
Christmas & Holiday Shows and Where to See The Nutcracker for plays, concerts and dance performances.
Holiday Boat Parades for Newport Beach, Dana Point, Huntington Harbour and other waterfront celebrations.

Orange County Holiday Event FAQs

What are the biggest holiday events in Orange County?

Major seasonal attractions include Holidays at the Disneyland Resort, Knott's Merry Farm, Winter Fest OC and the Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade, along with city tree lightings and harbor events throughout the county.

Where can you see Christmas lights in Orange County?

Neighborhood displays, harbor lights, theme parks and ticketed attractions all offer holiday lighting. See our Christmas Lights in Orange County guide for dedicated coverage.

Where can kids see Santa in Orange County?

Santa appearances are common at city tree lightings, shopping centers, theme parks, Irvine Park Railroad and special holiday festivals. Check each organizer because reservations are sometimes required.

Are there free holiday events in Orange County?

Yes. Many city tree lightings, community festivals, menorah lightings and neighborhood events are free, while theme parks, ice skating and large attractions generally require admission.

Where can you go ice skating during the holidays?

Seasonal rinks operate at several Orange County destinations. See our Holiday Ice Skating guide for current rink locations and dates.

What holiday boat parades are in Orange County?

Orange County's best-known boat parades include Newport Beach, Dana Point and Huntington Harbour. See our Holiday Boat Parades guide for the current schedules.