Winter Events in Orange County for 2018 include many magical events with visits from Santa and fresh fallen snow. There are also several regular annual events that the community enjoys every years such as the Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade and the Huntington Beach Cruise of Lights. Soak up the spirit of the season at one of these winter events in Orange County.
All is Bright Celebration & Tree Lighting – Aliso Viejo
Aliso Viejo Town Center Fountain & Amphitheater
November 29, 2018
5:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Come out and enjoy an evening with the Aliso Viejo Community for the 2nd annual All Is Bright Celebration & Tree Lighting event. Guests will enjoy a winter wonderland of snow, a visit for Santa Claus, train rides, caroling, ornament making, and the lighting of the 22-foot tall Christmas Tree.
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Christmas Chalk Walk – Aliso Viejo/Laguna Niguel
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
22851 Aliso Creek Road, Aliso Viejo
December 14 – December 15
The Christmas Chalk Walk is a unique holiday event where artists of all skill levels and ages are invited to register to participate and create chalk art depicting festive holiday scenes that celebrate the Christmas season. On Friday and Saturday, visitors can stroll the grounds to view the amazing creations by the many talented artists.
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Christmas With The Critters – Silverado
Rancho Wildlife Foundation
19191 Lawrence Canyon, Silverado
December 9, 2018
11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Adults $17
Children ages 3 – 12 $11
Come out to celebrate Christmas With The Critters at this fun annual event hosted by Rancho Wildlife Foundation. the event includes festive holiday crafts and music, a bounce house, and a visit with Santa. Visitors can watch the animals open their Christmas presents and listen to talks by the animal keepers. There will be a special section for holiday shopping, a silent auction, lunch, and beverages. They ask attendees to please consider bringing a gift for the animals from their amazon wish list. Rancho Wildlife Foundation is a wildlife refuge on the grounds of Ranch Las Lomas. They provide care for a variety of animals including servals, badgers, a tiger, zebra, and more.
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Corona Del Mar Christmas Walk
Corona Del Mar Village
2855 E. Coast Highway, Corona Del Mar
December 2, 2018
11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
The Corona Del Mar Christmas Walk is one of the community’s most popular annual events. For the 40th Annual Christmas Walk, guest will gather in Corona Del Mar Village for live entertainment, games, holiday activities, food, and prizes. The event features business promotions, 12 signature bands, food from the Fireman’s Grill BBQ, tastings from local restaurants, a beer and wine garden, performances by local high school groups, and an opportunity drawing. Kids will enjoy the petting zoo, bungee jumping, bounce houses, pictures with Santa, and other fun activities. Vendors will be on-site for all your holiday shopping needs. Proceeds from the event will benefit the U.S. Marines Toys For Tots program.
Cruise of Lights – Huntington Harbour
Huntington Harbour Mall
16889 Algonquin Street, Huntington Beach
December 14 – 17 & December 20 – 23, 2018
Boats depart at 5:30, 6:30, 7:30, and 8:30 p.m. nightly
Ticket Prices
Tradition Cruise Tickets – $21 per adult, $14 per child ages 2-12
Santa’s Special Night – $19 per adult, $12 per child
Extended Cruise – $32 per adult, $25 per child
Land & Sea Dinner & Cruise – $75 per adult, $68 per child
The annual Cruise of Lights, hosted by the Huntington Harbour Philharmonic Committee takes guests on a Harbour Cruise to view festive holiday lights and decorations. Participant will climb aboard a large chartered boat and head out into Huntington Harbour for a 45-minute narrated tour. The Huntington Harbour homes, docks, and boats are always bright and cheery with everything from animations and music to giant Christmas trees on the docks. You’ll see some of the most extraordinary lighting displays here in Huntington Harbour. All proceeds from the Cruise of Lights support music education programs for Orange County public and private schools by the Philharmonic Society of Orange County.
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Crystal Cove Tree Lighting Ceremony – Newport Beach
Crystal Cove Conservancy
5 Crystal Cove, Newport Beach
December 1, 2018
10:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
The 22nd Annual Crystal Cove Conservancy Tree Lighting Ceremony is a festive holiday event featuring the transformation of Crystal Cove into a winter wonderland complete with a Christmas tree on the beach, sparkling lights, Christmas ornaments, and of course, Santa on a lifeguard vehicle. Guests will enjoy shopping at the Holiday Bazaar, and sipping hot chocolate and apple cider. There will be home baked treats from the Beachcomber Cafe and arts and crafts activities to enjoy.
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Disney Holiday Celebration – Anaheim
Disneyland Resort & California Adventure
1313 Disneyland Dr, Anaheim, CA 92802
November 9 – January 6
Hours and Prices Vary
The Happiest Place on Earth becomes a magical winter wonderland that you have to see to believe. Disneyland Resort and California Adventure light up with holiday lights and decorations that dazzle and delight visitors of all ages. A multitude of holiday celebrations are scheduled including Disney Festival of Holidays, Disney Viva Navidad, Festival Feasting, visits from Princess Elena, Goofy, and of course Santa, Mater’s Jingle Jamboree, the Christmas Fantasy Parade, magical fireworks, and nightly tree lighting ceremonies. Disney packs in the holiday spirit with all this and more plus all your favorite rides decked out in holiday decor.
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Fashion Island Tree Lighting Ceremony – Newport Beach
Fashion Island
401 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach
November 16 & 17 at 6:00 p.m.
Fashion Island kicks off the holiday season with their annual tree lighting ceremony. The event will take place both Friday and Saturday night at 6:00 p.m. The 25 minute ceremony takes place in the Neiman Marcus – Bloomingdale’s Courtyard. Afterwards, guests can enjoy visitng with Santa, playing in the fresh falling snow, and enjoying live entertainment from The Young Americans.
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Fullerton Snow Day
Brea Dam Park
1700 N. Harbor Boulevard, Fullerton
Date TBA
Ticket Prices
$15 per person for Fullerton residents with advanced registration
$18 per non-resident with advanced registration
Day of admission is $18 per resident, $21 per non-resident
Each Winter, the city of Fullerton delivers fresh snow to Brea Dam Park for families to come out and enjoy a day of snowball fights, building snowmen, and sledding. Warm clothing and mittens are recommended to prevent frosty fingers and cold toes. The event includes a snow-play area, three 75-foot sled runs, a small sled run area for children five and under, blast zone, crafts and games. Food trucks will be on site to purchase food for snacks or lunch.
Fullerton Winter Market
Downtown Fullerton Plaza
Wilshire Avenue between Harbor and Pomona
December 1, 2018
12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
The Fullerton Winter Market is a free community event with shopping and entertainment with the goal of collecting donations for the Spark of Love Toy Drive hosted by the Fullerton Fire Department in partnership with Toys for Tots. Winter Market attendees will enjoy free pictures with Santa, Holiday entertainment, plenty of shopping for gifts from a variety of vendors, food booths, face painting, a bounce house, and a beer and wine garden.
Irvine Regional Park Christmas Train – Orange
Irvine Regional Park
1 Irvine Park Road, Orange
November 30 – December 23
Weekdays: 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Weekends: 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Ticket Prices:
Train Ride – $15 per person (children 24 months and under are free)
Activity Tickets – $5 each or purchase of book of 15 tickets for $60
Park Entrance Fee – $3 on weekdays, $5 on weekends, $7 on holidays
Every winter, the Irvine Park Railroad transforms into a winter wonderland complete with a train ride to the North Pole to meet Santa Claus. Guests will also enjoy Santa’s Village, a play area packed with fun holiday activities including the bounce house, cookie decorating, ice fishing, carnival games, blizzard ball, and Rudolph racers. All activities require a ticket. Free activities in Santa’s Village include story time with Mrs. Claus, coloring corner, and photo stations. Tickets for the Christmas Train must be purchased online in advance.
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Knott’s Merry Farm – Buena Park
Knott’s Berry Farm
8039 Beach Blvd, Buena Park, CA 90620
November 16 – January 6
Enjoy the festivities at Knott’s Merry Farm with Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Linus and the gang. For the Holiday season, Knott’s becomes a magical place to celebrate with live entertainment, a Christmas Crafts Village, festive food, holiday decorations, and nightly snow in Ghost Town. Visitors won’t want to miss the Holiday Ice Show featuring the Peanuts Gang and world class ice skaters or the nightly tree lighting ceremony and The Christmas Carol. Stop by Santa’s Christmas Cabin, and enjoy the strolling Christmas Carolers. Little ones will enjoy A Peanuts Guide To Christmas at the Camp Snoopy Theater and all the delightful holiday decorations throughout Camp Snoopy. Plus, kids can meet their favorite characters after the show.
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Laguna Niguel Holiday Parade
29751 Crown Valley Parkway
December 8, 2018
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
The annual Laguna Niguel Holiday Parade features over 100 exciting entries including marching bands, floats, youth groups, equestrian units, exotic cars, military members, local heroes, fun attractions, and of course, Santa. There are more than 3,000 participants in the parade and more than 10,000 community members come out to watch. Bring your own chair and scout out a spot to watch this fun annual parade. There is a free shuttle available from the Federal Building parking lot.
Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade & Ring of Lights
Newport Landing
309 Palm St. Ste. A, Newport Beach
Holiday Lights Cruise December 1 – December 31
Boat Parade December 19 – December 23
Every year for 110 years, Newport Bay has hosted spectacular Christmas light displays on and off the water. Bayfront residents elaborately decorate their homes with holiday lights and decor to wow spectators who board boats and cruise around to admire the dazzling Christmas displays. In addition to the decorated homes, there is a boat parade for spectators to enjoy during the evenings of December 19-23, when hundreds of decorated boats cruise Newport Bay for all to see. The Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade is one of the largest of its kind. Boaters are entered into a competition to win awards and over 1.5 million people watch the parade every year.
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Nutcracker Tree Lighting & Holiday Village – Downtown Anaheim
Center Street Promenade, Anaheim
December 8, 2018
10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
The Nutcracker Tree Lighting & Holiday Village in Downtown Anaheim has been an annual tradition since 1995. The exciting day-long event includes performances by the Anaheim Ballet, Anaheim Union High School Combined Choirs, and Loara High School Marching Band. There will be an International Food Fair for tasting delicious foods from participating vendors, and a holiday bazaar to shop for unique gifts for family and friends. Photos with Santa will take place from 3:00 – 5:30, followed by the tree lighting ceremony. Kids will enjoy a variety of free activities like snow play, kids crafts, train rides, and a family music show.
OC Chill Ice Rink – Irvine Spectrum
Irvine Spectrum
670 Spectrum Center Drive, Irvine, CA 92618
November 2 – January 6
Open Daily: 3:00 – 5:30 p.m.; 6:00 – 8:30 p.m.; 9:00 – 11:00 p.m.
Admission $16 – $20 Per person
Season Pass $199
The OC Chill Ice Rink at Irvine Spectrum is located in the Giant Wheel Court. Enjoy the holiday season skating on the 47 x 72 foot ice rink. Skate sessions are 75 minutes long and helmets are available upon request. Thursdays are theme nights and visitors who dress for the theme will receive $5 off admission. Before or after an evening on the ice, enjoy the other attractions like the giant wheel and the carousel. There are many restaurants for family dining and retail shops to knock out some holiday shopping.
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Pirates Take Christmas! – Buena Park
Pirates Dinner Adventure
7600 Beach Blvd. Buena Park, CA
December 1 – December 25
Showtimes Vary
Adults (12 and up) $61.95
Children (3 – 11) $36.95
The Pirates Dinner Adventure celebrates the holiday season with their popular show, Pirates Take Christmas! The pirates take Santa and Mrs. Claus captive and attempt to steal Christmas, but can the crowd help save them and the beloved holiday? The family-friendly event is served with loads of fun, a fantastic holiday feast, and unforgettable memories. A variety of meal options are available including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free.
Rossmoor Winter Festival
Rush Park
3001 Blume Drive, Rossmoor
December 14, 2018
6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
The Rossmoor Winter Festival is a free family event includes fresh snow, a visit from Santa, a petting zoo, and live entertainment. Santa will host the tree lighting ceremony at 7:00 p.m. and guests will be invited to take a Holiday Lights Trolley ride around the neighborhood to view the festive decorations in the community. Arts and crafts activities will be hosted in the auditorium. If you’re looking for snow play, there will be plenty of it for snowball fights and building snowmen, and three hills will be available for sledding. Five gourmet food trucks will be onsite for feeding hungry families and 28 vendors will be set up for your holiday shopping needs. Guests are asked to please consider bringing a new unwrapped toy or gift to donate to Operation Santa or Senior Santa.
Santa’s Arrival & Celebration – Mission Viejo
Civic Center
200 Civic Center, Mission Viejo
November 25
3:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Bring the whole family out for an evening of fun as Santa arrives on a fire engine to kick off the Christmas season in Mission Viejo. The free event includes visiting with real live reindeer, arts and crafts for the kids to make and take home, game and activity booths, and the turning on of the festive holiday light displays.
Science of Gingerbread Competition – Discovery Cube – Santa Ana
Discovery Cube OC
2500 N. Main Street, Santa Ana
November 17 – December 2
10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
The Discovery Cube Orange County invites contestants of all ages to join in the Science of Gingerbread Competition. Kids of all ages, families, scout groups, school groups, and organizations can team up to create a gingerbread house to enter into the competition. Use your imagination to build the perfect house, castle, log cabin, boat, robot or whatever your imagination can come up with. Award categories include Best Holiday Theme, Best by an Organization, Best by a Classroom, Best by a Youth Group/Troop/Scout, Best Youth 5 and Under, Best Youth Ages 6-13, Best By a Member of the Cube, and Best Science Theme. Entries will be displayed at the Discovery Cube from November 23, 2018 through January 6, 2019.
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Seal Beach Christmas Parade
Main Street, Seal Beach
December 7, 2018
7:00 p.m. – 8:45 p.m.
The 40th Annual Christmas Parade takes place on Friday, December 7. Parade viewers will see more than 100 entries and 3,300 parade participants marching down Main Street with holiday cheer and festive music and costumes. Parade entries include floats, marching bands, classic cars, dancing groups, youth groups, equestrians, local businesses, military displays and more. Before and after the parade, families can enjoy dining at the many delicious restaurants and shopping at the unique stores for holiday gifts.
Seal Beach Tree Lighting
Eisenhower Park
Ocean Avenue and Main Street, Seal Beach
November 17, 2018
4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Join friends and family at Eisenhower Park at the Seal Beach Pier for the annual Christmas Tree Lighting. Participants will enjoy sledding on real snow, visiting with Santa, sipping coffee and hot chocolate, live music, and performances at Heritage Square. Enjoy an evening stroll down Main Street and get a head start on your holiday shopping.
Winter Fantasy Sawdust Festival – Laguna Beach
Sawdust Art Festival
935 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
November 17, 18, 23, 24 & 25
December 1, 2, 8, 9, 15 & 16
10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Ticket Prices
Adults $8
Seniors $6
Kids, 6-12 $4
Under 5 Free
Free admission for Military and three members of their family.
The Sawdust Festival Winter Fantasy transforms the 3-acre art village into a magical winter wonderland during the holiday season, complete with lights and decorations, falling snow, Santa, art demos, live music and entertainment, and 182 artists and craft makers. Special dates include the Community Tree Lighting at 5:30 p.m. on November 17th, Breakfast with Santa at 9:00 a.m. on December 8th, and Ugly Christmas Sweater Day on December 15th. Santa will be in his cottage for pictures each day of the event from 10:30 a.m. to noon and 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Families will enjoy all the activities including puppet shows, magic acts, balloon art, art classes, live music and roaming entertainers. There will also be plenty of delicious food and drinks available to purchase.
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Winter Fest OC – Costa Mesa
OC Fair & Event Center
88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, California 92626
December 20 – January 6
Ticket prices vary. Discount tickets are available online. General admission on-site is $20 for children and $25 for adults. Season passes can be purchased online for $25 for children and $35 for adults. A service charge is added to the online purchase and there is a limited supply of season passes available.
Winter Fest OC is a magical winter festival with Santa, snow, a carnival and much more. Visitors can stroll through ten holiday themed lands in the Festival of Lights, build a snowman in the expanded snow play area, and explore the Alpine Village with a snow tubing slide, inflatable maze, craft tent, and food trucks. Every night at 5:30 guests will enjoy the tree lighting ceremony with fresh falling snow, a parade, and watch as fireworks light up the sky. Kids will enjoy all the magic that Winter Fest has to offer including the petting zoo, bounce houses, and Meet & Greets with favorite characters like Thomas the Train, PAW Patrol, and Rusty Rivets. The whole family will feel the spirit of the season as they wander through the winter wonderland.
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Yorba Linda Holiday on Main Street
Olinda Street
December 2
3:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Come out to Olinda Street in Yorba Linda for the 29th annual Holiday on Main Street Celebration. The event includes holiday decorations and magical lighting, stages with live Christmas Music, pictures with Santa, activities for kids, food trucks, shopping from artisans and local businesses, and a beer garden. Gather with friends, family, and community members to enjoy the holiday season.
Heidi Deal is the author of the 6th edition of the Newcomers Handbook to Living In Los Angeles (includes Orange County), an expert at exploring all that Orange County has to offer, and a children’s book author specializing in history and improving human rights.