Orange County news
With Christmas just around the corner, it’s time to dive into the holiday spirit!
Southern California, our sunny holiday haven, offers endless merriment. Think sun-kissed days and Santa-filled nights! Daily delights await, from vibrant makers markets to enchanting boat parades. Don’t miss our ten top holiday events — add them to your festive bucket list now!
Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade · Lido Isle, Newport Beach
12/13 – 12/17, 6:30 pm: Get ready to be dazzled by the parade of beautifully decorated yachts, boats, kayaks, and canoes as they set sail on a spectacular holiday adventure! The fun begins at the east end of Lido Island, and we’re following the celebrated route that promises excitement at every turn. But the real magic happens at the 10.5-acre Marina Park, the ultimate destination for public viewing! At Marina Park, you’ll find a whopping 177 parking spaces, a playground with a nautical twist, a picnic area perfect for snacking, and even a sailing center! It’s like a holiday wonderland just waiting to be explored.
Night of 1,000 Lights · Sherman Library & Gardens, Corona del Mar
12/6 – 12/22: This season, the Gardens transform into a nostalgic board game landscape. Wander amidst twinkling lights and festive joy! Follow the Rainbow Trail, explore Lollypop Woods and Gumdrop Mountains, and wander through the Peppermint Stick Forest. Your journey leads to the Candy Heart Carnival, with games for all ages! Don’t miss the Molasses Swamp, the Old Peanut Brittle House, and the Candy Land Express Train. And, of course, Santa awaits in his workshop!
Winter Fest OC · OC Fair & Event Center, Costa Mesa
11/24 – 1/7: Get ready to be swept off your feet at Winter Fest OC! The enchantment of winter is coming to sunny Southern California. This frosty fiesta will fill you with awe and wonder as you make unforgettable memories. Immerse yourself in the magic of the season surrounded by dazzling lights, epic holiday decor, and tons of activities. With over a million twinkling lights, a journey to the North Pole, a thrilling ice tubing slide, a snowy play zone, carnival delights, mouthwatering treats, a holiday bazaar, and so much more, this is where the winter fun happens!
Ice Skating Rink · Paséa Hotel & Spa, Huntington Beach
12/14 – 1/1: Feel the magic of the holidays with a SoCal twist: sunshine and ice skating. There’s no better place than Paséa Hotel & Spa’s oceanfront lawn. Glide on ice by day. As night falls, gather around a warm fire pit under the stars. Indulge in a festive menu featuring Reindeer cocktails and Santa’s Hot Chocolate. Stay updated on Instagram for themed nights — don’t miss the Mariah Carey tribute!
Nutcracker Tree Lighting + Holiday Village · Clementine Street & Center Street Promenade, Anaheim
12/3, 12 – 6 pm: Don’t miss the annual holiday tree lighting in a charming village setting. Savor festive foods, enjoy boutique shopping, and snap photos with Santa — all outside city hall. Pups are welcome too! Dress them in ugly sweaters for a fun puppy costume contest. Festivities kick off at noon, and the tree lighting starts right at 6 pm.
Sawdust Art Festival Winter Fantasy · Sawdust Art Festival, Laguna Beach
11/17 – 12/17: Embrace the Christmas spirit at the Winter Fantasy Sawdust Art Festival. The iconic Sawdust Festival venue transforms into a festive market. Wander through thousands of lights and peppermint lanes. Explore unique handcrafted gifts from over 160 local artists. Engage with creators, enjoy live music, and learn to make ornaments. Savor hot drinks, libations, and delicious treats.
Capistrano Lights: Mission in Lights · Mission San Juan Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano
12/2 – 12/30: Enjoy Dickens-era carolers and a full-scale nativity scene at Capistrano Lights. Be amazed by new light features, including a halo grove and butterfly orchard, plus dancing swallows. Your ticket includes same-day Mission admission!
Annual SantaCon Pub Crawl · Various locations, Newport Beach
12/9, 1 – 8 pm: Get ready for a festive adventure. Polish your boots, don your Santa hat, and join Newport Beach’s North Pole bar hop. Twelve bars await your merry spirit. Join fellow revelers from across the city for a day of holiday fun. Enjoy holiday-themed drinks and meet local Santas, plus participate in charitable acts and toy drives. Hop from one cozy bar to the next, where the holiday spirit is always high!
Candy Caneland & Craft Fair · Ehlers Event Center, Buena Park
12/9, 10 am – 4 pm: It’s the 70th year of Buena Park’s Candy Caneland & Craft Fair. Kids can enjoy snow slides and a petting zoo. This year, experience Buena Park’s first pop-up ice rink. Amidst the fun, explore the craft fair, reminiscent of Santa’s workshop, with over 100 artisans. Perfect for stocking-stuffer finds! Plus, Santa Claus himself will be there, bringing holiday joy to all.
Fullerton Museum Center’s Winter Market · Downtown Fullerton Plaza, Fullerton
12/2, 2 – 6 pm: Fullerton Museum Center’s elves present their Winter Market on December 2. Enjoy wine and beer in the plaza garden and shop unique finds from local artisans. Food trucks offer delicious lunch options. Capture festive moments at photo spots — perfect for Christmas cards. Kids can meet Santa and delight in holiday performances. Don’t forget to treat yourself too – your secret’s safe with us!
Make this holiday season the beginning of a new chapter in your dream home! For expert guidance and to discover your next home in Orange County, reach out to your local Surterre real estate specialists today at NewportBeachPad.com.