Christmas Events in Orange County 2025 | Parades, Lights & Santa

🎄 Balboa Peninsula Christmas Lights

📅 December 19–31, 2025

📍 Balboa Fun Zone
600 E Bay Ave, Newport Beach, CA 92661

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

📅 December 19–30, 2025

📍 Mission San Juan Capistrano
26801 Old Mission Road, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675

(RECOMMENDED!) Celebrate the holidays at Orange County’s only Mission! Enjoy daytime admission, a 30-foot Christmas tree lighting with music at 5 PM, 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 14, 2025–January 11, 2026

📍 Dana Point Harbor
34571 Golden Lantern Street, Dana Point, CA

💰 FREE

(RECOMMENDED!) Dana Point Harbor Partners bring holiday cheer with over 700,000 LED lights illuminating themed exhibits like Candy Cane Lane, the “Merry Kiss Me” arch, and sparkling lighted trees. Festivities include Santa Paws, the CandyLand Boat Parade, and even a chance to ride with Santa himself — fun for all ages!

✨ Newport Dunes Fire & Lights Festival

📅 November 28, 2025–January 3, 2026

📍 Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort
1131 Back Bay Dr., Newport Beach, CA 92660

💰 FREE

Kick off the season at the Lighting of the Bay and Fire & Lights Festival! Enjoy holiday crafts, treats, photos with Santa, and a beachside holiday movie. At 6 PM, Santa flips the switch, transforming the bay into a winter wonderland with fifty floating light displays. Don’t miss the Holiday Tree Lot with fresh Oregon trees, wreaths, and garlands.

✨ Holidayz at the Park

📅 December 6, 2025–January 4, 2026

📍Orange County Great Park
8000 Great Park Blvd. Irvine, CA

💰 FREE

‘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. 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).

✨ Hikari Festival of Light

📅 November 29–December 29, 2025

📍Tanaka Farms
5380 ¾ University Drive, Irvine, CA

Join Tanaka Farms for a joyful celebration of light! “Hikari” — meaning shine in Japanese — features over one million lights. Enjoy a cozy wagon ride through the Land of a Thousand Lanterns, festive displays, barnyard animals, food from Tanaka Grill, crafts, games, and photos with Santa. (Activities priced individually.)

🎄 Holidays at MainPlace Mall

📅 November 28–December 28, 2025

📍MainPlace Mall
2800 N Main St, Santa Ana, CA

💰 FREE

(RECOMMENDED!) Guests of all ages are invited to visit Santa and enjoy a new interactive experience inspired by The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition. This immersive set turns the traditional Santa visit into a playful, photo-ready adventure the whole family will love.

• Santa’s Arrival Celebration — November 14, 2025
  Join the welcome party for Santa at his “Elf on the Shelf: Santa’s Magical Photo Adventure” home! Expect music, crafts, treats, a Santa cookie, customizable elf hats, themed giveaways (while supplies last), a 15-minute Elf School show, and a festive crowd greeting. Free; no registration required.

🎄 Holidays at Pacific City

📅 November 28, 2025–January 1, 2026

📍Pacific City
21010 Pacific Coast Hwy, Huntington Beach, CA

💰 FREE

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 23–December 24, 2025

📍Fashion Island Newport Beach
401 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, CA 92660

💰 FREE

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 8:00 PM. 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 21, 2025–January 4, 2026

📍Irvine Spectrum Center
670 Spectrum Center Dr, Irvine, CA

💰 FREE

Ice skate at the base of a 75-foot holiday tree or enjoy our new “Palm Lights, Musical Delights” with music accompanying the lighting of palm trees at Irvine Spectrum Center. Winter Workshops full of family-friendly activities and giveaways take center stage at The Market Place. These are just a few examples of the festive settings, one‑of‑a‑kind goods and world-class stores you’ll find to keep your spirits bright for the whole season.

• 🎅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 Outlets of San Clemente

📅 November 15, 2025–January 4, 2026

📍Outlets of San Clemente
101 W. Avenida Vista Hermosa, San Clemente, CA

💰 FREE
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 the Tustin Market Place

📅 November 15, 2025–January 4, 2026

📍Tustin Market Place
2961 El Camino Real, Tustin, CA

💰 FREE
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 at The Shops at Rossmoor

📅 December 14, 2024

📍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, 2025

📍Bella Terra
7777 Edinger Ave, Huntington Beach, CA 92647

💰 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

📅 November 21–December 24, 2025

📍South Coast Plaza
3333 Bristol St, Costa Mesa, CA 92626

💰 FREE

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.

🎄 Holidays at the Ritz-Carlton

📅 November 24, 2024–January 1, 2025

📍Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel
One Ritz Carlton Drive Dana Point, CA 92629

💰 FREE

The Ritz-Carlton will host some festive holiday events this Christmas season.

• 🎅Annual Open House and Tree Lighting - Join KTLA on November 23, 2025 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.
• 🎅Breakfast with Santa - Bring the whole family on December 7, 2025 to The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel and indulge in a buffet-style holiday breakfast to please everyone's taste buds. Delight in a special meet-and-greet with Santa.
• 🎅15th Annual Surfing Santa and Stand Up Paddle Board Contest at Salt Creek Beach on Saturday, December 13th. The annual contest celebrates community and directly benefits Surfers Healing.
• 🎅Gingerbread House and Holiday Cookie Decorating - On December 14, 2025. 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. 

🎄Winterfest OC (Costa Mesa)

📅 November 28, 2025–January 4, 2026

📍OC Fair & Event Center
88 Fair Dr, Costa Mesa, CA 92626

Discover holiday magic for everyone—play in real falling snow, enjoy thrilling carnival rides, meet Santa and stroll through a dazzling tunnel of lights. Race down our exhilarating 150-foot ice tubing slide, explore expanded snow play zones, and capture unforgettable holiday photo ops

🎄 Holiday Carnival at Anaheim Town Square (Anaheim)

📅 November 30, 2025

📍Anaheim Town Square
2180 East Lincoln Avenue, Anaheim, CA 92806

💰 FREE
Enjoy Santa’s grand arrival by red convertible, story time with Mrs. Claus, and real snow with sledding and snow play. Kids can decorate cookies, bounce in inflatable play areas, and make holiday crafts, while roaming performers—including a stilt walker, Bubble Elf, face painters, and balloon twisters—keep the fun going. A cheerful, family-friendly afternoon to kick off the holidays.

🎄Santa's Village by the Sea (San Clemente)

📅 December 6, 2025

📍San Clemente Community Center
100 N. Calle Seville, San Clemente, California 92672

💰 FREE
One holiday event that brings the Holly Jolly Hoopla and the Glitz on Del Mar together for a night of music, games, cookie decorating, and snow to San Clemente...one big occasion for the entire family to enjoy!

🎄 Candlelight Walk at Heritage Hill (Lake Forest)

📅 December 6–8, 2024

📍Heritage Hill Historical Park
25151 Serrano Road, Lake Forest, CA

💰 FREE
(RECOMMENDED!) The 39th 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 (Newport Beach)

📅 December 7, 2024

📍Crystal Cove Conservancy Beach Cottages
5 Crystal Cove Newport Coast, CA

💰 FREE
(RECOMMENDED!) 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 (Anaheim)

📅 December 7, 2025

📍Downtown Anaheim
201 W. Center Street Promenade, Anaheim, CA 92805

💰 FREE
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, 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.

🎄Holiday Lights at Heritage Hill (Lake Forest)

📅 December 12–14, 2025

📍Heritage Hill Historical Park
25151 Serrano Road, Lake Forest, CA

💰 FREE
(Recommended!) 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!

🎄Snoopy House in Costa Mesa (Costa Mesa)

📅 December 12–19, 2025

📍Costa Mesa City Hall
77 Fair Dr, Costa Mesa, CA 92626

💰 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 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM on weekends.

🎄Holiday Snowland (Costa Mesa)

📅 December 13, 2025

📍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 (Newport Beach)

📅 December 19, 2025

📍Marina Park Community Center
1600 W. Balboa Blvd, Huntington Beach, CA

💰 FREE
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 116th Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade. Tickets are limited, registration begins November 15th!

🎄Surfing Santa & Stand Up Paddleboard Contest (Dana Point)

📅 December 13, 2025

📍Salt Creek Beach
33333 S. Pacific Coast Hwy. Dana Point, CA 92629

💰 FREE
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.

Holidays with Santa at Plaza Antonio (Rancho Santa Margarita)

📅 TBA

📍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!

🎄Holiday Carnival (Anaheim)

📅 November 30, 2025

📍Anaheim Town Center
2180 East Lincoln Avenue, Anaheim, CA 92806

💰 FREE
Celebrate the magic of the season at our Holiday Spectacular with photos with Santa, children’s crafts, face painting, balloon art, and more. This free community event is perfect for families of all ages—wear your favorite ugly sweater and bring your camera!

🎄Holiday Spectacular (Anaheim Hills)

📅 December 6, 2025

📍Anaheim Hills Festival
8020 E Santa Ana Canyon Rd, Anaheim, CA 92808

💰 FREE
Celebrate the magic of the season at our Holiday Spectacular with photos with Santa, children’s crafts, face painting, balloon art, and more. This free community event is perfect for families of all ages—wear your favorite ugly sweater and bring your camera!

🎄Holidays on Main Street (Yorba Linda)

📅 December 6, 2025

📍Main Street
Main Street, Yorba Linda, CA 92886

💰 FREE
Every year family and friends gather on Main Street to celebrate the holidays!  There's something for the whole family with kids crafts, youth talent show, artisan shopping, pictures with Santa, a holiday drinks lounge, live music and more!

🎄Corona del Mar Christmas Walk (Corona del Mar)

📅 December 13, 2025

📍Corona del Mar Village
303 Goldenrod Ave, Corona del Mar, CA 92625

💰 FREE
Free community stroll through Corona del Mar Village with live music (17+ local bands), Santa visits and photos, beer & wine gardens, children’s activities, vendor gifts, and merchant/restaurant promotions. No set starting point—walk PCH and enjoy.

🎄Candy Caneland & Craft Faire (Buena Park)

📅 December 13, 2025

📍Ehlers Event Center
8150 Knott Ave, Buena Park, CA

💰 FREE
Get ready for an unforgettable holiday event. Entertainment, food, games, free raffles, and the thrills of our snow slide. Discover unique treasures at our Craft Faire featuring over 100 artisans, perfect for any last-minute gifts! Santa Claus will be in attendance this year to delight the children and spread holiday cheer!

🎄Winter in the Grove (Anaheim)

📅 December 6, 2025

📍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!

🎄 Home For the Holidays Pet Adoption Event (Irvine)

📅 TBA

📍Irvine Animal Care Center
6443 Oak Canyon, Irvine, CA

💰 FREE

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 (Dana Point)

📅 December 13–4, 2025

📍Dana Point Harbor
34571 Golden Lantern Street, Dana Point, CA

💰 FREE

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.

🎄 Santa Paws (Santa Ana)

📅 November 24–December 1 & 8, 2025

📍MainPlace Mall
2800 N Main St, Santa Ana, CA

💰 FREE

‘Tis the season to paws and pose! Dress your furry (or feathered!) friends in their holiday best and join us for Pet Photos with Santa on select Monday nights in Macy’s Court. All pets are welcome — dogs, cats, bunnies, even bearded dragons — as long as they’re leashed or in a carrier.

🎄Pet Photos with Santa (Brea)

📅 November 23, 2025

📍Brea Mall
1065 Brea Mall, Brea, CA 92821

Bring your pets to pose with Santa! Your pets are part of the family too, so don't miss this fun opportunity for them to see Santa too!

🎄116th Newport Beach Boat Parade (Newport Beach)

📅 December 17–21, 2025

📍Newport Harbor
12732 Main St, Garden Grove, CA 92840

💰 FREE
The 117th Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade will move its way through the Newport Harbor this December! Watch the parade for free from almost anywhere along the shore. Crowds are large each night, so plan extra travel time and arrive early. All city parking lots remain open during the event. The 2025 Newport Beach Christmas Boat Paradestarts and finishes at the tip of Lido Isle and begins at approximately 6:30 PM each night.

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 50th Boat Parade of Lights (Dana Point)

📅 December 12–14, 2025

📍Dana Point Harbor
34571 Golden Lantern Street, Dana Point, CA 92629

💰 FREE
This annual tradition, now in its 50th year, features a fleet of local boats decked out in twinkling lights and holiday decor! The boats will circle the harbor from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM. This year’s theme is “Carol of the Boats”. 

🎄Boat Ride with Santa (Dana Point)

📅 December 6–7, 2025

📍Dana Point Harbor
34571 Golden Lantern Street, Dana Point, CA 92629

Support a great cause this holiday season and hop aboard the Dana Pride with Santa Claus – 100% of tickets benefit Soroptomist of Capistrano Bay. 20-minute harbor boat rides with Santa are available from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM for just $5 per passenger. Book early as time slots will sellout!

🎄East Lake Village Boat Parade (Yorba Linda)

📅 December 12–13, 2025

📍East Lake Village
5325 Village Center Dr. Yorba Linda, CA 92886

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.

🎄Knott's Merry Farm (Buena Park)

📅 November 21, 2025–January 4, 2026

📍Knott's Berry Farm
8039 Beach Blvd, Buena Park, CA 90620

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 (Anaheim)

📅 November 14, 2025–January 4, 2026

📍Disneyland Resort
1313 Disneyland Drive, Anaheim, CA 92802

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 (Carlsbad)

📅 November 22, 2025–January 4, 2026

📍LEGOLAND Carlsbad
One LEGOLAND Drive, Carlsbad, CA 92008

Experience the holidays at LEGOLAND® California, where the whole resort bursts with festive cheer. Rock around the giant LEGO tree, sing and dance at seasonal shows, snap “elfies” with your favorite LEGO characters, mail letters to the North Pole and meet LEGO Santa, and pose by the larger-than-life LEGO wreath. Cap the night with the Elves’ LEGOLAND Christmas fireworks—pure holiday magic.

🎄Holiday Animal Art Preschool Program (Orange)

📅 TBA

📍OC Zoo
1 Irvine Park Road, Orange, CA 92869

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. Registration is required.

🎄Christmas at the OC Zoo (Orange)

📅 TBA

📍OC Zoo
1 Irvine Park Road, Orange, CA 92869

Join us for holiday fun at the OC Zoo! Enjoy visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, holiday crafts, and watch animals receive treat-filled gifts hidden in Christmas trees. No reservations needed; activities are free with paid zoo admission ($2 per person, ages 2 and under free).

🎄Aquarium Holidays (Long Beach)

📅 TBA

📍Aquarium of the Pacific
100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802

Join us for Aquarium Holidays! Enjoy festive decorations, daily Santa Diver appearances, special photo ops, and a Kwanzaa display. On weekends, snap a picture with Surfer Santa, and don’t miss Hanukkah storytelling on December 21. Holiday fun awaits at the Aquarium!

🎄Christmas Celebration at SeaWorld San Diego (San Diego)

📅 November 14, 2025–January 4, 2026

📍Seaworld San Diego
500 Sea World Drive, San Diego, CA 92109

Celebrate the season at SeaWorld San Diego’s Christmas Celebration, featuring dazzling lights, holiday shows, and joyful traditions. Enjoy snowfall in Southern California, meet Santa and Rudolph, watch the Christmas parade, and snap photos by San Diego's iconic Christmas tree and a spectacularly lit SkyTower. Indulge in festive treats like candy-topped hot chocolate, experience thrilling rides in a holiday setting, and greet marine animals with a holiday twist. It's a magical, family-friendly holiday experience filled with cheer and wonder.

🎄Jungle Bells (San Diego)

📅 December 19, 2025–January 4, 2026

📍San Diego Zoo
500 Sea World Drive, San Diego, CA 92109

Experience the magic and the spirit of the holiday season at the world-famous San Diego Zoo. Join us for the return of Jungle Bells, when we light up the night until 8 p.m. with amazing entertainment and merry experiences. Bring the whole family and enjoy the warmth of the holidays at this joyous annual celebration.

🎄Free Miniature Train Rides and Holiday Fun (Costa Mesa)

📅 December 20–21, 2025

📍Goathill Junction Railroad in Fairview Park
2480 Placentia Ave, Costa Mesa, CA 92626

💰 FREE
Free Public Train Rides (10:00 AM to 3:30 PM), Weather Permitting. Pictures with Santa Claus and a visit to Whoville, brought to you by Kathy’s Kids. Riders must be at least 31 inches tall and able to walk.

🎄Irvine Park Railroad Christmas Train to Santa (Orange)

📅 November 28–December 23, 2025

📍Irvine Park Railroad
1 Irvine Park Road, Orange, CA 92869

‘Tis the season for Irvine Park Railroad’s annual Christmas Train. Come with family and friends and take this enchanting night ride through historic Irvine Regional Park. The train will depart from the brightly-lit train station and stop at the North Pole. TICKETS SELL OUT FAST, PURCHASE NOW.

🎄Irvine Park Railroad Train of Lights (Orange)

📅 November 28–December 23, 2025

📍Irvine Park Railroad
1 Irvine Park Road, Orange, CA 92869

Bring your family and friends out to ride the train and view thousands of holiday lights and festive scenes throughout the 1-mile loop in Irvine Park. Santa's Village will also be open where you can enjoy family activities including Ice Fishing, Blizzard Ball, Rudolph Racers, Mini Diggers, and much more. Filled with thousands of sparkling Christmas lights, there are many photo opportunities throughout Santa's Village. The Train of Lights and Santa's Village may be enjoyed without any reservations or advance tickets

🎄 Laguna Niguel Holiday Parade (Laguna Niguel)

📅 December 13, 2025

📍Community Park, Laguna Niguel
Crown Valley Pkwy between Nueva Vista and Community Park

Experience the unique sights and sounds of the annual Laguna Niguel Holiday Parade. View all of the exciting entries including marching bands, floats, special guests, youth groups, equestrian units, exotic cars, military members, local heroes, and fun attractions! No hometown holiday parade is complete without a dazzling entrance by Santa Claus!

🎄 Light at Light of Love 2024 Holiday Parade (Huntington Beach)

📅 December 7, 2025

📍Pier Plaza, Huntington Beach
401 CA-1, Huntington Beach, CA 92648

Light a Light of Love Pier Lighting (Huntington Beach, Pier Plaza) — community celebration benefiting the Waymakers Youth Shelter, with 80 donor-funded snowflakes lighting the pier.

🎄 Breakfast with Santa (Laguna Niguel)

📅 December 7, 2025

📍Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel
One Ritz Carlton Drive Dana Point, CA 92629

Bring the whole family to The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel and indulge in a buffet-style holiday breakfast to please everyone's taste buds. Delight in a special meet-and-greet with Santa.

🎄 Breakfast with Santa (Newport Beach)

📅 December 5, 2025

📍Newport Coast Community Center
6401 San Joaquin Hills Rd., Newport Beach, CA 92657

Breakfast, a photo, train rides, and more. Join the fun at Breakfast with Santa at Newport Coast Community Center!

🎄 Breakfast with Santa (Yorba Linda)

📅 December 6, 2025

📍Yorba Linda Community Center
4501 Casa Loma Avenue, Yorba Linda, CA 92886

Join Santa for breakfast, crafts, entertainment and photos! Parent participation is required and all participants must be registered. Don't wait, this event will sell out!

🎄 Breakfast with Santa (Tustin)

📅 December 13, 2025

📍Community Center at the Market Place
2961 El Camino Real, Tustin, CA 92782

The event will include photos with Santa, activities, breakfast, a dance party, and more.

🎄 Brunch with Santa (Mission Viejo)

📅 TBA

📍Oso Creek Golf Course
27601 Casta Del Sol, Mission Viejo, CA

Families will enjoy taking photos with St. Nick on a golf cart; decorating a Christmas cookie; making a holiday ornament as well as the talents of strolling carolers.

🎄 Cordelia’s Christmas Tea Party at Knott's Berry Farm (Buena Park)

📅 TBA

📍Mrs. Knott's Chicken Dinner Restaurant
8039 Beach Blvd, Buena Park, CA 90620

This Merry Farm season, join Cordelia’s Christmas Tea Party inside Mrs. Knott's Chicken Dinner Restaurant, available Monday through Friday from 11 am to 2 pm. Served for parties of two at $29 per person, the tea party offers a festive way to enjoy the season. Larger groups will be billed in sets of two. Don’t miss out on a warm cup of holiday cheer!

🎄 Breakfast with Santa in Huntington Beach (Huntington Beach)

📅 TBA

📍Murdy Park
7000 Norma Dr, Huntington Beach, CA 92647

Hear the jingle? It's time to mingle, with family and friends! Put on your best holiday gear and bring the family to enjoy festivities including a pancake breakfast, bounce house, holiday music, arts and crafts, and a picture with Santa! Register early as space is limited, tickets will not be sold at the door. Register online at www.hbsands.org. Children under the age of one are free!

🎄 Winter Lights at Discovery Cube (Santa Ana)

📅 TBA

📍Discovery Cube OC
2500 N Main St, Santa Ana, CA

Experience the magic of the season at Winter Lights at Discovery Cube! Step into a dazzling holiday wonderland filled with a million twinkling lights, gentle snowfall, and giant decorations perfect for exploring with the whole family. Highlights include a festive holiday show, an enchanting holiday tunnel walkthrough, interactive Brite Lites displays, and fun snowball tosses. Enjoy singing snowmen, a large ice castle play structure, and a giant snowglobe for memorable photo ops. Don’t miss Jean Luc’s Snowbulb Workshop, where guests can create and take home their own light bulb snowglobes!

🎄 Science of Gingerbread at Discovery Cube (Santa Ana)

📅 TBA

📍Discovery Cube OC
2500 N Main St, Santa Ana, CA

Step into a winter wonderland and immerse yourself in all things festive! Gingerbread village – see all of the amazing entries from the competition! Decorate the perfect holiday cookie. Participate in the Winter Weather Workshop. Join story-time and the interactive activity every day. Code holiday lights, sounds, and snowflakes.

🎄 Tree Lighting at Pretend City (Irvine)

📅 Saturday, December 6, 2025

📍Pretend City Children's Museum
29 Hubble, Irvine, CA 92618

Kick off the holiday season with our enchanting Tree Lighting Ceremony at Pretend City! Join us as we welcome winter with festive cheer, cookies, and hot cocoa—served alongside a special visit from Santa! Don’t miss this wonderful opportunity to create cherished memories with family and friends as we celebrate the magic of the holidays in the city! 

🎄 International Winter Holiday Festival (Santa Ana)

📅 Sunday, December 7, 2025

📍Bowers Museum
2002 North Main Street, Santa Ana, California 92706

💰 FREE

Bring the whole family and celebrate the season with music from around the world! Dance along to the lively sounds of Southern California’s own Klezmer Juice, enjoy festive Christmas carols with Chordially Yours, and experience the vibrant energy of Mariachi Anacatlán. Celebrate with Bowers Museum during our free family festivals held every first Sunday of the month in the Museum’s beautiful Key Courtyard. Enjoy live performances, art making, face painting and complimentary treats at every festival.

🎄 Los Posada at Pretend City (Irvine)

📅 December 17, 2025

📍Pretend City Children's Museum
29 Hubble, Irvine, CA 92618

A posada is an important Latino holiday tradition that happens all over the world on each of the nine nights before Christmas. Join us at Pretend City as we have a blast celebrating together through crafts and story time!

🎄Winter Solstice / Christmas Celebration (Irvine)

📅 December 21, 2025

📍Pretend City Children's Museum
29 Hubble, Irvine, CA 92618

Celebrate Winter Solstice, the longest night of the year at Pretend City! Bring your family for a day filled with fun activities that highlight the traditions of the Winter Solstice. 

🎄Stories and Cookies with Mrs. Claus (Irvine)

📅 December 22, 2025

📍Pretend City Children's Museum
29 Hubble, Irvine, CA 92618

We’re planning something special! Be sure to follow us on socials for any updates to come.

🎄 Gingerbread House Decorating (Laguna Niguel)

📅 December 14, 2025

📍Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel
One Ritz Carlton Drive Dana Point, CA 92629

Join our talented pastry team to decorate your own gingerbread house on the Dana Lawn overlooking ocean views. Guests will be supplied a large-scale pre-built house, candy, icing, and more.

Teddy Bear Christmas Tea (San Clemente)

📅 All month long

📍Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens
415 Avenida Granada, San Clemente, CA 92672

Casa Romantica’s Teddy Bear Christmas Tea is a heartwarming holiday tradition that invites families to step into a world of festive wonder. Gather in our beautifully decorated Main Salon for a charming high tea designed especially for children and their favorite grown-ups. The afternoon sparkles with live holiday music by Lark Knowles, inviting guests to sing along to beloved carols. Just when hearts are fullest, Mrs. Claus herself will stop by for a reading of The Night Before Christmas.

Candy Cane Making Demonstrations (Ontario)

📅 All month long

📍Logan's Candies
34571 Golden Lantern Street, Dana Point, CA 92629

💰 FREE

Visit this old fashion candy store and see candy canes made right in front of you. Also get a chance to shape one yourself! Check website or Facebook page for events and time. Reservations required.

🎄Sensory Friendly Santa (Santa Ana)

📅 December 7, 2025

📍MainPlace Mall
2800 N Main St. Santa Ana, CA

Caring Santa is a special, sensory-friendly experience - exclusively for children with special needs and their families.

🎄Sensory Friendly Santa (Brea)

📅 December 7, 2025

📍Brea Mall
1065 Brea Mall, Brea, CA 92821

Caring Santa is a special, sensory-friendly experience - exclusively for children with special needs and their families.

🎄Sensory Friendly Santa (Mission Viejo)

📅 December 7, 2025

📍The Shops at Mission Viejo
555 The, Shops At Mission Viejo, Mission Viejo, CA 92691

Caring Santa is a special, sensory-friendly experience - exclusively for children with special needs and their families.