Best Christmas Events in OC 2024
It's a tradition to make this list of Christmas Events in Orange County as a gift to all of my readers! All of the events on this list are family-friendly Christmas Events Activities in the OC and Southern California.
So mark your calendars with your top choices, and get ready to make this holiday season, one that your family will always remember!
( Check back! More events will be added as they're announced.
Christmas Events in Orange County, CA
Best Holiday Light Displays in the Orange County
Here you'll find the best Christmas light displays in OC:
- Huge list of over 100 Christmas Light Displays in the OC
- Candy Cane Lane | El Corzo Street in Rancho Santa Margarita
- Nellie Gail Road in Laguna Hills
- Birch Street in Brea
- Belquest Drive in Lake Forest
Balboa Peninsula Christmas Lights - Take a walk around Balboa Island and view the amazing lights (it's FREE). Newport Landing also provides 3 cruises each night of the parade and all of December to view the amazing light displays. Cruises during the parade will travel within the parade and view both ships and estates in full décor. Click here for information on Holiday Lights Cruise tickets!
- Capistrano Lights (Recommended!)
December 7 - 29, 2024
San Juan Capistrano Mission
26801 Old Mission Road, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
Celebrate the holidays at Orange County’s only Mission! Enjoy daytime admission, a 30-foot Christmas tree lighting with music at 5pm, Dickens-era carolers, selfies with Santa, and family photos under a 10-foot wreath. Place a candle by the nativity in the historic Great Stone Church, admire The Mission in Lights, and explore kids' crafts, sweet treat vendors, and more! - Festival of Lights at the Dana Point Harbor
November 13, 2024 – January 12, 2025
Dana Point Harbor
34571 Golden Lantern Street, Dana Point, CA
FREE
Dana Point Harbor Partners is bringing holiday cheer with a stunning light display that will illuminate the Harbor all season long! Enjoy over 700,000 LED lights and themed exhibits like Candy Cane Lane, the “Merry Kiss Me” arch, and sparkling lighted trees. Festivities include the Santa Paws event, the CandyLand Boat Parade, and a chance to ride with Santa himself. Perfect for guests of all ages! - Newport Dunes Bay of Lights
November 29, 2024 - January 1, 2025
Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort
FREE
Join us for the festive opening night of Lighting of the Bay and the Fire and Lights Festival! Enjoy holiday crafts, festive treats, photos with Santa, a beachside holiday movie, a fire dance performance, and more. At 6 pm, Santa will light up the bay, transforming it into a winter wonderland with over fifty floating holiday displays. While you're here, explore the Holiday Tree Lot, featuring fresh Oregon trees, wreaths, and garlands. - Holidayz at the Great Park
December 7 - 29, 2024
Dusk to 9:30pm
Orange County Great Park
8000 Great Park Blvd. Irvine, CA
Celebrate the season with family fun and holiday cheer as the Great Park becomes a winter wonderland filled with holiday-themed art, music, and lights. Stop by the Palm Court Arts Complex to explore interactive displays and festive photo spots. - Hikari Festival of Light (Recommended!)
November 29 - December 29, 2024
Tanaka Farms
5380 ¾ University Drive, Irvine, CA
Join us at Tanaka Farms for a joyful holiday celebration! "Hikari," meaning "shine" in Japanese, comes to life with over a million twinkling lights. Enjoy a cozy wagon ride through the “Land of a Thousand Lanterns,” then explore festive light displays, photo spots, barnyard animals, food from Tanaka Grill, games, crafts, and a Santa meet-and-greet. (All activities priced individually.)
Holiday Events at Orange County Shopping Centers
- Holidays at MainPlace Mall (Recommended!)
November 15 - December 24, 2024
MainPlace Mall
2800 N Main St, Santa Ana, CA
Guests of all ages are invited to visit Santa and enjoy a new interactive experience inspired by the popular children's book The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition. The new set revolutionizes the traditional Santa visit, offering guests an interactive branded family entertainment experience that will appeal to visitors of all ages.
🎅Santa's Arrival Celebration: November 15, 2024 - Join us in welcoming Santa to his festive “The Elf on the Shelf: Santa’s Magical Photo Adventure” home! Enjoy a lively atmosphere with music, crafts, treats, a Santa cookie, and a customizable elf hat, plus themed giveaways (while supplies last). Santa will arrive with a 15-minute Elf School show and greet the crowd to kick off the holiday spirit. This free event is open to all, no registration needed! - Outlets of San Clemente Tree Lighting Celebration
November 16, 2024
Outlets of San Clemente
101 W. Avenida Vista Hermosa, San Clemente, CA
Kick off the holiday season with a magical evening at Santa Clemente Village, filled with fun, music, and festive cheer for the whole family! Enjoy live performances by Calvary Chapel, Full Circle Boys, and OCSA students, leading up to a special show by headliner Caleb Lee Hutchinson. Santa will join us for a sparkling countdown, followed by a magical Snow Show to end the night! - Holidays at Pacific City
November 21, 2024 - December 24, 2024
Pacific City
21010 Pacific Coast Hwy, Huntington Beach, CA
Celebrate the holiday season with Fashion Island's iconic 90-foot white fir tree! Decorated with 10,000 lights and ornaments, the Christmas Tree sparkles during the day and twinkles to life every night through January 1. - Holidays at Fashion Island
November 22, 2024 - December 24, 2024
Fashion Island Newport Beach
Gather around for Nights of Coastal Lights at Fashion Island and watch the beautifully decorated 90-foot tree come to life with magical snowfall, music, and a choreographed light display in the Neiman Marcus - Bloomingdale's Courtyard, every half hour from 5:30pm to 8:00pm. Nightly Scheduled Times: 5:30pm, 6:00pm, 6:30pm, 7:00pm, 7:30pm, 8:00pm
🎅Holiday Photos - Visit Santa during special holiday hours in Santa's Coastal Cottage. Come share your holiday wishes and take a photo at his custom-designed house, located on the Atrium Lawn.
🎅Stories by the Sea - Gather 'round the Children's Department at Barnes & Noble to hear your favorite Christmas tales - and new ones too! Every Saturday at 11:30am. - Holidays at the Irvine Spectrum Center
November 22, 2024 - January 5, 2025
Irvine Spectrum Center
670 Spectrum Center Dr, Irvine, CA
The most wonderful time of the year at Irvine Spectrum Center. Explore special holiday experiences including outdoor ice skating and nightly tree lighting, our open-air, village-like setting has something special for everyone, all season long.
🎅Palm Lights, Musical Delights: Join us outside Old Navy and Dave & Busters for a festive light and sound show every half hour starting at 5:15pm, with palm trees as the canvas for this lively holiday pop music experience.
🎅Nightly Tree Lighting: Irvine Spectrum Center's beautifully-decorated 75-foot tree in Giant Wheel Court will come to life at night with a choreographed light show every 30 minutes in the evening.
🎅Skating Under the Stars: Ice skating is back at the Irvine Spectrum. Click here for more information. - Holidays at the Tustin Market Place
November 1, 2024 - January 1, 2025
Tustin Market Place
2961 El Camino Real, Tustin, CA
Light up your season with family-friendly festivities including crafts, entertainment, giveaways, and more on Sundays in December! Visit The Market Place for all your holiday essentials. Events include:
🎅Nutcrackers & Sugar Plums - November 30, December 7 & 14, 2024. Join us for Selfies with Santa, presented by Mathis Home. Bring your favorite people (and your phone) with you, and snap a free selfie with the man of the season—Santa!
🎅Holiday Workshops - December 1, 8 & 15, 2024. Joy and creativity to the world! Get into the holiday spirit with lively crafts and engaging seasonal activities. Plus, the season’s most popular guy will be at the event for Selfies with Santa.
🎅Home Depot Kids Workshop - November 30, 2024. Kids can decorate their own sweet little Cocoa Ornament to help trim their tree for the holidays. - Holiday Spectacular
December 14, 2024
11am - 1pm
The Shops At Rossmoor
12501 Seal Beach Boulevard, Seal Beach, CA
FREE
Get ready—Santa Claus is coming to The Shops at Rossmoor! Join us for holiday cheer with photos with Santa, children’s crafts, face painting, and much more. Don’t miss a special performance by the OC Dance & Song Company to add to the festive fun. See you there! - Holiday Events at Bella Terra
November 27 - December 24, 2024
Bella Terra, Huntington Beach
FREE
Christmas is in the air at Bella Terra! Enjoy some fun family-friendly winter events this holiday season:
🎅Santa Photos - Santa & his elf will be dropping by Bella Terra to take photos with your family this holiday season. Photos are complimentary and taken with a photo booth - weather permitting. RSVP not needed. Check website for times and dates.
🎅Holiday Carolers - Classic Christmas Carolers will be roaming throughout Bella Terra and spreading holiday cheer. Check website for times and dates.
🎅Magical Snowfall - Meet on the Green for the “LET IT SNOW” show with the Snow Queen & Princess, and magic snowfall. Saturdays & Sundays, November 30 - December 22nd at 5-7pm.
🎅Holiday Music - Enjoy live holiday music on the Green every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday night from 6:30-9:30pm and Saturday and Sunday from 12-3pm. - Holidays at South Coast Plaza (Recommended!)
November 21 - December 24, 2024
South Coast Plaza
Celebrate the joys of the holiday season with us. From great gift ideas to memorable visits with Santa, it’s the most wonderful time of the year at South Coast Plaza.
🎅Tree Lighting and Santa Arrival on November 21 at 7pm – South Coast Plaza’s tree lighting features a magical performance by Orange County School of the Arts. Enjoy a celebration of the holidays with snow and a special visit from Santa. Admission is complimentary.
🎅Santa's Visits – With twinkling eyes and a fluffy white beard, Santa is ready to hear every Christmas wish. Located in Carousel Court and in the Macy’s Home Store Wing, Level 1. Open all Center hours.
🎅Santa's Train – Children can ride on Santa’s Express Train for $2, taking them full steam ahead into the heart of the holiday season. A train ride is complimentary with any Santa photo purchase. Open during Center hours in the Crate & Barrel wing, Level 2.
🎅Reindeer Carousel - During the holidays, our beloved carousel horses are transformed into Santa’s reindeer. Families make an annual visit to enjoy this special experience located in Carousel Court. - Holidayz at the Great Park
December 7 - 29, 2024
Orange County Great Park
‘Tis the season for family fun and holiday cheer at the Orange County Great Park, where the park will be transformed into a winterscape featuring art, music, and lights.
🎅Holidayz at the Park features an outdoor light display in the Palm Court, inviting guests to take photos. The holiday decorations include a larger-than-life airplane paying homage to Saint Nick’s travels and the park’s military roots. Drop in to see the lights and displays from dusk to 9:30pm
🎅Holidayz Pop-Up at the Artist Studios Selfies and family photos! With a winter theme, the Artist Studios will transform into a pop up museum that is crafted to delight visitors of all ages. Open Fridays from 5-9pm and weekend from 1-8pm.
🎅Illuminate Irvine - Ring in the season on December 7 at 3-8pm with winter-wonderland inspired activities and holiday music classics. The evening culminates with the lighting of the Holiday Tree and Palm Court Arts Complex. Guests are encouraged to donate a new, unwrapped gift for children up to age 12 to aid the Irvine 2/11 Marine Adoption Committee Holiday Toy Drive.
🎅Holiday Market at the Great Park Hangar 244 - A festive, holiday artisan-focused shopping experience at the Great Park on December 7th, 3–7pm and December 8th, 10am–3pm. The event will be indoors and feature a curated selection of 28 vendors whose handmade offerings span jewelry, ceramics, folk-crafts, clothing, and more!
🎅Holiday Classes and Activities - Join us for holiday-themed classes for the whole family. Activities are held at the Great park, and fees and ages vary by program. Registration is required at yourirvine.org(link is external). - Holidays at the Ritz-Carlton
November 24, 2024 - January 1, 2025
Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel
The Ritz-Carlton will host some festive holiday events this Chistmas season.
🎅Annual Open House and Tree Lighting - Join KTLA Channel 5 Host Wendy Burch on November 24, 2024 at 4pm. Festivities include holiday music, a special appearance from Santa Claus, music, hot cocoa, and a final countdown to light the spectacular 40-foot tree on the front drive. Donations will be collected for Miracles for Kids, Orange County Rescue Mission, and local dog shelters.
🎅Gingerbread House and Holiday Cookie Decorating - On December 15, 2024. Gather with the family to decorate your own large-scale gingerbread house and holiday cookies with tips and tricks provided by the resort’s expert pastry team.
🎅13th Annual Surfing Santa and Stand Up Paddle Board Contest at Salt Creek Beach on Sunday, December 8. The annual contest celebrates community and directly benefits Surfers Healing.
Tree Lighting Ceremonies in Orange County, CA
The following Orange County Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremonies are listed by date. Please visit this Orange County Christmas Tree Lighting post for full details and descriptions of the events.
- November 16, 2024
• Outlets of San Clemente Tree Lighting - November 21, 2024
• Costa Mesa South Coast Plaza Tree Lighting Ceremony
• VEA Newport Beach Holiday Tree Lighting - November 23, 2024
• Plaza Navidad Tree Lighting in Santa Ana - November 24, 2024
• Laguna Niguel - Holidays at the Ritz-Carlton - November 29, 2024
• Newport Dunes Bay Lighting of the Bay Opening Night Celebration - November 30, 2024
• Santa's Jolly Trolley & La Plaza Tree Lighting - December 1, 2024
• Mission Viejo Santa’s Arrival & Illumination
• Anaheim Tree Lighting & Nutcracker Holiday Village - December 2, 2024
• Westminster Tree Lighting Ceremony
• Dana Point Pines Park Tree Lighting - December 3, 2024
• Cypress Tree Lighting Ceremony - December 4, 2024
• La Palma Tree Lighting - December 5, 2024
• Aliso Viejo Annual All is Bright Holiday Celebration & Tree Lighting
• Brea Tree Lighting
• Placentia Tree Lighting Ceremony - December 6, 2024
• Buena Park Tree Lighting
• Tustin Christmas Tree Lighting - December 7, 2024
• Crystal Cove Tree Lighting
• Fountain Valley Tree Lighting
• Illuminate Irvine Tree Lighting
• La Habra Tree Lighting and Tamale Festival
• Laguna Niguel Tree Lighting
• San Clemente Santa's Village by the Sea and Tree Lighting
• Tree Lighting with Friends in Yorba Linda
• Ladera Ranch Tree Lighting - Winter Fest - December 8, 2024
• Orange Tree Lighting Ceremony and Candlelight Procession
Family-Friendly Christmas Events in Orange County
- Holiday Carnival
December 1, 2024
12 - 3pm
Anaheim Town Square
2180 East Lincoln Avenue, Anaheim, CA 92806
FREE
Join Anaheim Town Square’s Holiday Carnival for a festive day of family fun! Enjoy Santa and Mrs. Claus's grand arrival, real snow for sledding, cookie decorating, bounce houses, and holiday crafts. Kids can meet a stilt walker, bubble elf, and balloon twisters, and get creative with holiday crafts and cookie decorating. It’s a joyful celebration with activities for all ages, making it a perfect holiday event for creating cherished memories. - Candlelight Walk at Heritage Hill (Recommended!)
December 6 - 8, 2024
Heritage Hill Historical Park
25151 Serrano Road, Lake Forest, CA
FREE
The 38th annual Candlelight Walk will take place over three festive evenings. Enjoy an evening stroll through the decorated grounds as well as live musical performances, holiday crafts for kids and a visit with Santa Claus! Light refreshments will be available for cash purchase. - Crystal Cove Holiday Bazaar
December 7, 2024
Crystal Cove Conservancy Beach Cottages
5 Crystal Cove Newport Coast, CA
FREE
Crystal Cove Conservancy invites public visitors to enjoy the holiday atmosphere at the Crystal Cove Historic District during our Holiday Bazaar from 10:00AM-5:00PM. Park visitors can shop for gifts with local artisans, paint watercolor holiday cards for their loved ones, and meet Santa during a photo op! Cookies and cocoa will be provided by the Beachcomber. - Nutcracker Christmas Tree Lighting & Holiday Village
December 8, 2024
12 - 8pm
Center Street Promenade
201 W. Center St Prom, Anaheim, CA
FREE
This FREE event features holiday craft activities, a children’s train ride, the 6th Annual Candy Canine Dog Costume contest, free photo opportunity with Santa and Mrs. Claus (*bring your cellphone or camera), and holiday musical performances by local schools and community groups throughout the day. Purchase unique gifts from the Holiday Shopping Village, as well as mom and pop Downtown Anaheim shops, and enjoy a wide variety of culinary treasures. - Surfing Santa & Stand Up Paddleboard Contest
December 8, 2024
Salt Creek Beach
Dana Point, CA
The Annual Surfing Santa Competition is a celebration of the season that supports our efforts to raise money for Surfers Healing, an organization whose mission is to enrich the lives of people living with autism by exposing them to the unique joy of surfing. Categories and registration is now live. - Holiday Lights at Heritage Hill (Recommended!)
December 13 - 15, 2024
Heritage Hill Historical Park
25151 Serrano Road, Lake Forest, CA
FREE
The merriment continues with Holiday Lights. Wander through twinkling light displays during special park hours. Pets are welcome outdoors only on leashes no longer than 6 feet. Please note that no additional entertainment or refreshments will be provided at Holiday Lights. Bring a camera and take a variety of holiday-themed photo opportunities! - Holidays with Santa at Plaza Antonio
December 14, 2024
11am - 2pm
Plaza Antonio
22351 Antonio Parkway, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA
FREE
The event will feature FREE photos with Santa, Carolers, Balloon Artists, Arts & Crafts, Face Painting, and more! More Details to Come! - Winterfest OC
November 22, 2024 – January 5, 2025
OC Fair & Event Center
88 Fair Dr, Costa
Experience the magic of winter in California with an immersive holiday celebration that will leave you captivated. Create unforgettable memories with loved ones as you enjoy over a million lights, dazzling decor, thrilling activities, and the North Pole Journey to the enchanting Ice Trail. Delight in snow play, a 150-foot ice tubing slide, carnival fun, festive food, a holiday market, and more! Embrace the sights, sounds, and tastes of the season in a winter wonderland. - Snoopy House in Costa Mesa
December 13 - 20, 2024
City Hall Lawn
77 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, CA
FREE
The ever-popular annual holiday display, returns to the City Hall lawn. The event is free to the public and will include train rides, entertainment, carolers, crafts, and pictures with Santa Claus from 6pm to 8pm on weekends. - Holiday Bazaar at Manaserro Farms
TBA
Manaserro Farms
33 Irvine Valley, Irvine, CA
FREE
Our Christmas Farm partay is around the corner! Save the date to take photos with Jolly Ole St. Nick, enjoy snacking on fresh hot popcorn, meet and pet friendly farm animals and ride a pony like the little cowgirl and cowboy you are - Yeehaw! We have partnered with Toys for Tots again this year to help make a children's holiday sweeter. When you donate an unwrapped new toy, enjoy 25% off on Christmas items. - Holiday Snowland
December 14, 2024
Balearic Park
1975 Balearic Drive, Costa Mesa, CA
FREE
Turning our local park into a winter wonderland with over 40 tons of snow has become a Costa Mesa tradition. Three generations of families have enjoyed this Torelli sponsored event for over 25 years. A time honored tradition that is attended by over 1,000 people annually. - Marina Park Holiday Family Fun Night
December 20, 2024
5:30 - 8:30pm
Marina Park Community Center
1600 W. Balboa Blvd, Huntington Beach, CA
Enjoy a fun family event for all ages, with lots of activities, dinner and an amazing view of the Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade. We will have crafts for kids, photos with Santa, and the evening will include watching 115th Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade. Tickets are limited, registration begins November 16th! - Kids Holiday Party in Huntington Beach
December 17, 2024
11am - 12pm
Pacific City (first level paver patio)
21010 Pacific Coast Hwy, Huntington Beach, CA
FREE
Families are invited to a Holiday Party just for kids at the Yuletide Tree. Part of the PC Grommets kids club, this event includes Mrs. Claus reading A Jingle and Belle Christmas with author Kimberly Patton Kerner, along with a special visit from Santa for free selfie opportunities (bring your camera). Enjoy festive snowfall and complimentary candy canes to make the celebration extra sweet! - Santa's Village by the Sea
December 7, 2024
Community Center
100 N. Calle Seville, San Clemente, California 92672
FREE
The City of San Clemente and the Downtown Business Association presents, Santa's Village by the Sea! One holiday event that brings the Holly Jolly Hoopla and the Glitz on Del Mar together for a night of music, food, hot chocolate, popcorn, games, and snow to San Clemente. - Holiday Carnival
December 1, 2024
12 - 3pm
Anaheim Town Square
2180 E Lincoln Ave, Anaheim, CA
FREE
Join us at Anaheim Town Square's Holiday Carnival for a festive day of fun! Santa arrives in style with Mrs. Claus, who’ll share magical stories from the North Pole. ❄️ Enjoy real snow with sledding, snowman fun, stilt walkers, face painters, and balloon twisters! Kids can decorate cookies, bounce in our lively houses, and craft holiday keepsakes. Celebrate joy, laughter, and togetherness in a winter wonderland you won’t want to miss! - Holiday Spectacular
December 7, 2024
11am - 1pm
Anaheim Hills Festival
8020 E Santa Ana Canyon Rd, Anaheim, CA
FREE
Celebrate the magic of the season with us at our Holiday Spectacular! Enjoy holiday cheer with photos with Santa, crafts for kids, face painting, balloon art, and train rides. Don’t forget your camera and your best "ugly" sweater! Festivities will be held in the parking lot near Hobby Lobby. - Holidays on Main Street
December 7, 2024
9am - 4pm
Historic Main Street
Yorba Linda, California
FREE
Family and friends gather on Main Street to celebrate the holidays! The whole family can enjoy kids crafts, youth talent show, artisan shopping, pictures with Santa, holiday drinks lounge, live music and more! This community inspired event will feature a Choo Choo train, balloon artist, face painting, live music, drinks, Santa, & more! - Corona Del Mar Christmas Walk
December 8, 2024
11am - 5pm
Corona Del Mar Business District
FREE
For over 44 years, this popular community event proudly celebrates the merchants and restaurants of the Corona del Mar Village in a spectacular holiday celebration! The day offers something for all ages drawing thousands of friends, neighbors and business owners into the district of Corona del Mar for fun and merriment that can’t be matched! - Crafts with the Claus
December 14, 2024
9 - 11am
Aliso Viejo Ranch
100 Park Avenue, Aliso Viejo, CA 92656
Sleigh on down to Aliso Viejo Ranch for festive crafts, reindeer games, cookie decorating, and & photos with the Clauses! All supplies will be provided. $20 per person. Registration required. - Candy Caneland & Craft Faire
December 14, 2024
10am - 4pm
Ehlers Event Center
8150 Knott Ave, Buena Park, CA
FREE
Enjoy entertainment, food, games, activities, free raffles and of course the popular snow slide! Shop from over 100 local artisans for all those unique holiday gifts. - Winter in the Grove
December 7, 2024
3 - 7pm
Village Green Park
12732 Main St, Garden Grove, CA 92840
FREE
The event will feature song and dance performances from local schools and performers, holiday crafts and inflatable activities for children of all ages, a holiday craft boutique featuring handmade gifts from local vendors, and a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus!
Drive-thru Holiday Lights in Orange County
Complete list of Christmas and Holiday Drive-Thru Events in Orange County and Southern California.
Where to Get Santa Photos in Orange County
There are over 25 places in the OC to take photos with Santa!
Click here for a COMPLETE LIST of Where to Get Santa Photos in Orange County!
- MainPlace Mall Santa Hours
- Brea Mall Santa Hours
- The Shops at Mission Viejo Santa Hours
- Selfies with Santa
November 30, 2024
2 - 5pm
Laguna Niguel Promenade
27891 La Paz Rd, Laguna Niguel, CA
FREE
Come enjoy FREE photos with Santa, goodies for the kids, seasonal music, and more fun! We will be located in front of JOANN and Grocery Outlet. - Sunsets with Santa
December 15 & 22, 2024
3pm
Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente
FREE
Enjoy FREE visits with Santa on the San Clemente Municipal Pier with a beautiful sunset as your backdrop. Bring your own camera.
Pet Photos with Santa Claus in Orange County
- Santa Paws at the Harbor
December 7 & 8, 2024
10am - 3pm
Dana Point Harbor
34571 Golden Lantern Street, Dana Point, CA
Celebrate the season with your furry friends at the Pet Project Foundation's annual Santa Paws event at Dana Point Harbor’s Mariner's Village courtyard. Pet photos with Santa are available for a small donation, with all proceeds benefiting the Pet Project Foundation. - Home For the Holidays Pet Adoption Event
TBA
10am - 2pm
Irvine Animal Care Center
6443 Oak Canyon, Irvine, CA
The Irvine Animal Care Center is hosting its 18th annual Home for the Holidays Pet Adoption & Fundraiser to support special programs for animals in need. The event will feature gourmet food trucks, a bake sale, an opportunity drawing, vendors for pets and owners, and hundreds of adoptable pets. - Santa Paws
December 2, 9 & 16, 2024
4 - 7pm
MainPlace Mall
2800 N. Main St. Santa Ana, CA
Each pet photo package includes a goodie bag with treats, a toy, and a bandana, while supplies last. Limited availability; first come, first served. - Santa Paws
December 2, 9 & 16, 2024
4 - 7pm
MainPlace Mall
2800 N. Main St. Santa Ana, CA
Each pet photo package includes a goodie bag with treats, a toy, and a bandana, while supplies last. Limited availability; first come, first served.
Orange County Christmas Boat Parades and more!
- 116th Newport Beach Boat Parade
December 18-22, 2024
Newport Harbor
FREE
The 116th Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade will move its way through the Newport Harbor this December! There are many spots to view the parade for free. Newport Landing provides 3 cruises each night of the parade and all of December to view the amazing light displays. The Holiday Lights Cruises view all of the amazing light displays of bay front estates and landscapes and even some ships from the boat parade. Click here for more information on Holiday Lights Cruise tickets! - Dana Point Harbor 48th Candyland Parade of Lights
December 13 - 15, 2024
Dana Point Harbor
FREE
Locals and visitors alike can look forward to exciting lighting installations along with holiday-themed photo opportunities, visits with Santa and more. - Boat Rides with Santa
December 7 & 8, 2024 | 10am - 2pm
Dana Wharf, Dana Point Harbor
Take a festive boat ride with Santa around Dana Point Harbor this holiday season! Tickets are $5 per person, with all proceeds supporting the Soroptimist of Capistrano Bay. Reservations are required, with a limit of six people per reservation. - East Lake Boat Parade
December 13 & 14, 2024 | 6:30pm
East Lake Village, Yorba Linda
FREE
The Yorba Linda East Lake Village Holiday Lights boat parade takes place on the second weekend of December on a 15-acre lake, surrounded by waterfront homes. Starting at 6:30 PM, the parade showcases over 40 festively decorated boats, creating a charming, walkable event that can be enjoyed in about an hour. Hosted by the Yorba Linda East Lake Village Community Association, this annual parade brings holiday cheer to the community.
Christmas at Orange County Theme Parks
- Knott's Merry Farm
November 22, 2024 - January 5, 2025
Knott's Merry Farm transforms into a festive holiday wonderland with twinkling lights, themed garlands, and beautiful seasonal décor. Enjoy Christmas shows like Home for the Holidays and a Peanuts ice show, plus unique holiday foods and Santa’s Christmas Cabin. Explore the Christmas Crafts Village, join the nightly tree lighting, and experience the Snow and Glow event. It’s a joyful celebration with activities, entertainment, and holiday spirit for the whole family. - Holidays at Disneyland Resort
November 15, 2024 - January 6, 2025
Disneyland Resort transforms into a holiday wonderland with festive decorations, themed attractions, and seasonal entertainment. Guests can enjoy dazzling light displays, character meet-and-greets in holiday attire, and special seasonal shows. Don’t miss holiday-themed treats, unique merchandise, and magical experiences across both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park, including a massive Christmas tree on Main Street and a winter celebration in Cars Land. It’s a joyful experience filled with holiday cheer for all ages. For more details, visit Disneyland’s official page on holiday events. - Holidays at Legoland
November 23, 2024 - January 5, 2025
Celebrate the holidays at LEGOLAND®, where the entire resort overflows with festive cheer! It’s the perfect time to add a touch of LEGO® magic to your family vacation and build lasting memories. Dance around the giant LEGO tree to holiday tunes, enjoy seasonal shows, snap “elfies” with favorite LEGO characters, mail letters and meet LEGO Santa at the North Pole, and capture the ultimate family photo at the larger-than-life LEGO wreath!
Christmas Zoo & Aquarium Events
- Holiday Animal Art Preschool Program
TBA
OC Zoo
Irvine Regional Park, Orange, CA
Make holiday themed crafts and meet some zoo creatures up close! Class is for ages 5-7 years old ONLY. Cost is $5.00 per child (one parent included). Parent must accompany child for entire program. Phone registration is required. To register for a class, call 714-973-6846. - Christmas at the OC Zoo
December 14, 2024<
150 Halloween Events in OC for Kids
Best Halloween Events in Orange County for Kids and Families
12 ST. PATRICK'S DAY EVENTS IN ORANGE COUNTY FOR KIDS AND FAMILIES [2024]
St. Patrick's Day is just around the corner! There are some fun events happening here in the OC to celebrate this lucky day of green. These kid and family-friendly St. Patrick's Day events in Orange County are sure to put the rainbow in your lucky day.
ORANGE COUNTY VALENTINE'S DAY EVENTS FOR KIDS AND FAMILIES
Here are some of fun Valentine's things to do in OC! I have listed below all the Valentine events by day. You will also find some great LOVE themed photo ops, where to get Valentine's Day treats, and even heart-shaped pizza!
ORANGE COUNTY MOVIES IN THE PARK 2023
Here is a list of 2023 Summer Movies in the Park happening in Orange County this year. They are listed by date with the city. Please check back, as more events will be added as they come available.