Orange County Winter Holiday Events 2026

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

Holidays at the Disneyland Resort: November 13, 2026–January 6, 2027
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: returning in 2026; date TBA
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

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

Jump to: Aliso Viejo · Anaheim · Brea · Buena Park · Costa Mesa · Dana Point · Fullerton · Garden Grove · Huntington Beach · Irvine · Laguna Area · Mission Viejo · Newport Beach · Orange · San Clemente · San Juan Capistrano · Santa Ana · Tustin · Villa Park · Westminster · Yorba Linda

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.

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. Other recurring Costa Mesa events such as South Coast Plaza's tree lighting, Segerstrom holiday performances, Snoopy House and Holiday Snowland should be checked for 2026 schedules before attending.

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, 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. Times TBA.

Fullerton

Fullerton's annual Tree Lighting Ceremony returns, and the city says more details are coming soon. 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 has not posted a 2026 date.

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

Huntington Harbour Boat Parade: December 12-13, 2026. Cruise of Lights runs December 19–23, 2026 (5:30 / 6:30 / 7:30 pm). Other HB traditions include downtown holiday programming, hotel events, Pacific City and Bella Terra. 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. Irvine Spectrum skating, Tanaka Farms seasonal events and other Irvine holiday programs should be checked individually for current dates.

Hikari: 2026 dates not yet announced. Check Tanaka Farms and our Hikari guide for updates.

Laguna Beach, Laguna Hills & Laguna Niguel

Laguna Niguel Holiday Parade: The city has opened 2026 parade entries, confirming the parade's return. Check the city parade page for the final 2026 date and event details.

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 on the first Friday of December, 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 events and Laguna Niguel's tree lighting are recurring traditions; check city calendars for 2026 dates.

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.

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 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.

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

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 includes live entertainment, photos with Santa, story time with Mrs. Claus, crafts and a tamale, hot chocolate and cookie giveaway while supplies last. 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.

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
Location: Westminster Civic Center

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 city also typically hosts Breakfast with Santa, Holidays on the Paseo and seasonal events at the Nixon Library; check the city, library and Nixon Foundation calendars for 2026 information.

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.

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.