Fun for the whole family. The holidays are here, and that means plenty of activities for families to enjoy during the festive season in Orange County, California. From train rides to light festivals to Santa Claus, there’s plenty of feel-good holiday fun to squeeze into your itinerary from November through January. Even if you’re not a local, these well-known attractions are worth a visit because they attract visitors from across the country.
Surf City Winter Wonderland
November 18, 2022 to January 8, 2023
The newest addition to the City of Huntington Beach’s lineup of amazing events is Surf City Winter Wonderland, which is situated at the foot of the iconic Huntington Beach Pier! Beginning on November 18, 2022, and running through January 8, 2023, this family-friendly attraction will be back, thanks to the City of Huntington Beach and Ice-America.
Skate to the sound of the waves crashing while spending time with family and friends, then go out and support the restaurants and shops in the downtown area.
Winter Fantasy Sawdust Festival
Saturday, November 19th – Sunday, December 18th
935 Laguna Canyon Road Laguna Beach, CA 92651
With thousands of lights and decorations, 165 artists’ handcrafted products, three stages of live music, neighborhood performances, carolers, puppeteers, art classes, and daily visits with Santa Claus, Winter Fantasy is a one-of-a-kind Christmas art event.
Hikari – A Festival of Lights
November 25th – December 30th
5380 3/4 University Dr, Irvine, CA 92612
Hikari, which roughly translates to “shine” in Japanese, has been used to describe how they have made Tanaka Farms glow this Christmas season with over a million glittering lights!
You can travel to the “Land of a Thousand Lanterns” by taking a warm wagon ride around the festively lit farm while sipping hot cocoa. When you get off the wagon, you can explore the light shows and take pictures along the way.
Disney Festival of Holidays
November 11, 2022 to January 8, 2023
Disneyland – Anaheim
Enjoy the sights and sounds of this cheerful celebration of treasured holidays, such as Christmas, Navidad, Hanukkah, Diwali, Kwanzaa, and Three Kings’ Day, which brighten the season with a variety of celebrations and cherished seasonal customs.
Holidays At The Harbor
November 16, 2022 – Early January
Dana Point Harbor transforms into a Southern California Christmas scene as you can take in a promenade through holiday lights, boat rides and photos with Santa, a Menorah lighting, live music, and much more.
Knott’s Merry Farm
November 18, 2022 – January 8, 2023
Knott’s Berry Farm – Buena Park
This year, from November 18 to January 8, Knott’s Merry Farm is brimming with Christmas cheer. Experience the biggest Christmas celebration at Knott’s with decorations based on a winter wonderland that turn the entire park into a traditional holiday festival. These decorations include a landscape covered in tens of thousands of twinkling lights, miles of themed garland, jumbo snowflakes, and a variety of picturesque seasonal settings. Family-friendly Christmas activities and happy encounters infused with the holiday spirit are available at Knott’s Merry Farm.
Holidayz At The Park
November 19, 2022 – January 1, 2023
Orange County Great Park – Irvine
At Great Park, it’s time for some family fun and holiday cheer. Holidayz at the Park will be open from November 19, 2022, through January 1, 2023, and will feature holiday-themed activities, displays, and lighting.
Irvine Park Christmas Train
November 25th – December 23rd, 2022
1 Irvine Park Rd, Orange, CA 92869
It’s time for the annual Christmas Train run by Irvine Park Railroad. Take this magical trip around the historic Irvine Regional Park with your family and friends to see Santa Claus. Passengers will be dropped off to the North Pole by the train when it departs from the train station. In addition to sharing their wish list with Santa, kids can also get their picture taken with him. You can either purchase a photo shot by Irvine Park Railroad or snap images using your own camera.
Reboard the train after your visit with Santa to take in the festive holiday lights, decorations, and the enchanted “Tunnel of Lights” as you travel back to Santa’s Village.
Winter Fest OC
November 25, 2022- January 1, 2023
OC Fair & Event Center – Costa Mesa
The OC Fair & Event Center is transformed into a winter wonderland with Winter Fest OC, which features extravagant Christmas decorations, more than a million lights, and countless opportunities for creating memories. Enjoy the charm of the holiday season with old favorites from Winter Fest OC and brand-new events! The North Pole Journey, ice skating outside while the stars shine, a 150-foot ice tube slide, a snowboard simulator, carnival thrills, food and drinks, a holiday market, photo opportunities, and much more are among the events.
Lighting Of The Bay & Christmas Tree Lot
November 25 – January 1 the Back Bay will glow from sunset until 11:30 pm
Newport Dunes – Newport Beach
Join us for the 32nd annual Lighting of the Bay at Newport Dune. Enjoy the sights and sounds of the holidays while strolling along the bay. The Back Bay will be illuminated with merry floating holiday lights from sunset to 11:30 p.m. from November 25 to January 1.
Bring your loved ones along as you roast marshmallows around the fire, take in the glow of the bay, and get into the holiday spirit. The use of firepits is first-come, first-served. Anyone is welcome.
Casa Lumina Holiday Walk
December 1–22, 2022
415 Avenida Granada, San Clemente, CA 92672
Explore the historic Casa Romantica coastal mansion and gardens at night, when they are turned into a festively lit winter wonderland! Each evening of the Casa Lumina Holiday Walk will feature an illuminated tour of Casa Romantica, live performances from regional artists, holiday-themed crafts like Letters to Santa, and hot cocoa.
All is Bright Celebration & Tree Lighting
Thursday, December 1, 2022
Aliso Viejo Town Center Fountain & Amphitheater
For the annual All Is Bright Celebration & Tree Lighting event, come out and spend the evening with the Aliso Viejo Community. Snowy winter splendor, Santa Claus visit, train excursions, carolers, ornament making, and the lighting of the 22-foot Christmas Tree are all on the itinerary for visitors. To participate in the Spark of Love Toy Drive, please bring an unwrapped toy or some sporting goods.
Santa’s Workshop
Saturday & Sunday, December 3 – December 18, 2022
Mission Viejo City Hall
Jolly Ol’ – There will be additional follow-up trips to Santa Claus’ workshop. Santa will welcome every visitor with a jovial, Ho! Ho! Ho! and a peppermint candy cane, along with Mrs. Claus and the elves. You are free to document your trip with photos.
Only on Saturday and Sunday evenings are kids allowed to “strike a pose” with Santa and Mrs. Claus at Santa’s Workshop. Bring your camera to snap two pictures of the magic of the season. Santa’s Village is open to everyone every day of the week.
Fullerton Winter Market
December 3, 2022
The Spark of Love Toy Drive, sponsored by the Fullerton Fire Department in collaboration with Toys for Tots, is a free community event including shopping and entertainment with the aim of gathering donations. Visitors to the Winter Market can take advantage of free photos with Santa, holiday entertainment, a wide selection of exhibitors to shop from, food booths, face painting, a bounce house, and a beer and wine garden.
Santa Ana Winter Village
December 8, 2022 through January 8, 2023
Civic Center Plaza – Santa Ana
Join us for this holiday event, which is now in its second year and is located right in Santa Ana. An outdoor ice rink, live entertainment, holiday shopping, regional food trucks, and much more are available to visitors of all ages. There are family-friendly activities offered every day of the month. For information on special activities and other offerings, see “Hours and Activities” below.
Huntington Harbour Boat Parade
December 10 & 11, 2022
Huntington Harbour – Huntington Beach
It’s that time of year when we look forward to the approaching boat parade, where we may see our old favorites with fresh and interesting entrants.
The non-profit Huntington Harbour Philharmonic Committee thanks the Harbour residents for adorning their houses by hosting the entirely volunteer Huntington Harbour Boat Parade.
The Huntington Harbour Boat Parade is neither organized or run by a marina operator, city, or chamber of commerce, in contrast to many other boat parades. The entire work is done by volunteers.
Sunsets With Santa
December 10, 11, 17, & 18, 2022
622 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente
Bring your cameras so you may capture Santa on the pier in front of the lovely holiday tree and the ocean! On the second and third weekends in December, head to the San Clemente Pier to take pictures with Santa Claus as the sun is setting. On December 11, 12, 18, and 19, Santa Claus will be at the pier in front of the BIG holiday tree and will be available for photos from 3 to 5 p.m. Additionally, there will be background music and some special guests performing seasonal carols.
114th Christmas Boat Parade
December 14 – 18, 2022
Newport Beach Harbor – Parking available in all City Parking lots
Watch the 114th Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade as elegantly decorated yachts, boats, kayaks, and canoes glide around the harbor. The Commodores Club of the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce will once again serve as the parade’s host, and it will take place from Wednesday through Sunday, December 14–18, 2022.
Disney On Ice
December 15-19, 2022
Honda Center – Anaheim
A preshow Character Experience that includes a dance party, creating, and interaction with Moana will enhance your Disney On Ice show ticket. For photo chances with Moana and her special visitor, Mickey Mouse, bring your own camera.
Huntington Harbour Cruise of Lights
December 16-23, 2022
Huntington Harbour Mall – Huntington Beach
Narrated boat tours through the Huntington Harbour’s waterways are available on the Huntington Harbour Philharmonic Cruise of Lights® in Huntington Beach, California. Thousands of lights and dynamic displays on festively adorned homes, docks, decks, and boats are a sight to behold in December for both locals and tourists.
Holiday Event Dates
Thanksgiving Day – Thursday, November 24, 2022
Black Friday – Friday, November 25, 2022
Newport Beach Breakfast with Santa – Friday, December 2, 2022
Laguna Beach Hospitality Night – Friday, December 2, 2022
Seal Beach Christmas Parade – Friday, December 2, 2022
Buena Park Candy Caneland & Craft Faire – Saturday, December 3, 2022
Dana Point Santa’s Jolly Trolley – Saturday, December 3, 2022
Fullerton Winter Market – Saturday, December 3, 2022
Ladera Ranch Miracle on Mercantile Way – Saturday, December 3, 2022
Tustin Breakfast With Santa – December 3, 2022
Santa’s Village By The Sea & Puttin’ on the Glitz – Saturday, December 3, 2022
Villa Park Santa Tour on a Fire Truck – Saturday, December 3, 2022
Villa Park Winter Wonderland – Saturday, December 3, 2022
Yorba Linda Holiday on Main Street – December 3, 2022
Corona Del Mar Christmas Walk – Sunday, December 4, 2022
Dana Point Sleigh the Holidays Market & Festival – Sunday, December 4, 2022
Mission Viejo Rudolph’s Rink – December 5-12, 2022
Segerstrom Silent Night Disco – Friday, December 9, 2022
Westminster Santa on the Go – December 9-10 & 17, 2022
Dana Point Boat Parade of Lights – December 9-11, 2022
Laguna Hills Breakfast with Santa – Saturday, December 10, 2022
Rossmoor Winter Festival & Holiday Spectacular – Saturday, December 10, 2022
Westminster Breakfast with Santa – Saturday, December 10, 2022
Huntington Harbour Boat Parade – December 10-11, 2022
San Clemente Sunsets With Santa – December 10, 11, 17, & 18, 2022
Mission Viejo Brunch With Santa – Sunday, December 11, 2022
Villa Park Dry Land Boat Parade – Sunday, December 11, 2022
Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade & Ring of Lights – December 14 – 18, 2022
Holidays with the Critters at the Santa Ana Zoo – Thursday, December 15, 2022
Huntington Harbour Cruise of Lights – December 16-23, 2022
Inn at the Mission Holiday Night Market – Sunday, December 18, 2022
Holiday Festival at the Muck – Sunday, December 18, 2022
Costa Mesa Snoopy House – December 16 through 23, 2022
Aliso Viejo Breakfast With Santa – Friday, December 16, 2022
Anaheim Hills Festival Holiday Spectacular – Saturday, December 17, 2022
Costa Mesa Holiday Snowland – Saturday, December 17, 2022
Holidays on the Paseo – Wednesday, December 21, 2022
Christmas Eve – Saturday, December 24, 2022
Christmas Day – Sunday, December 24, 2022
New Years Eve – Saturday, December 31, 2022
New Years Day – Sunday, January 1, 2023
