Intro
Experience the magic of OC Christmas events this holiday season! Discover the top 10 festive celebrations in Orange County, featuring parades, tree lighting ceremonies, and holiday markets. Enjoy seasonal delights, such as ice skating, sleigh rides, and visits with Santa. Find the perfect OC Christmas event for your family and make this holiday season unforgettable.
The holiday season is upon us, and Orange County (OC) is transforming into a winter wonderland. If you're looking for a fun and festive way to get into the holiday spirit, OC has plenty of magical Christmas events to attend. From snowfall and sledding to holiday markets and light displays, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
In this article, we'll take a look at the top 10 magical OC Christmas events to attend this holiday season. Whether you're a local or just visiting, these events are sure to make your holiday season merry and bright.
1. Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade
The Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade is a classic OC holiday tradition. This annual event features festively decorated boats of all shapes and sizes cruising through the Newport Beach harbor. The parade takes place over five nights in December and features live music, food, and drinks.
Best Time to Attend
The best time to attend the Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade is during the first week of December. The parade takes place on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights, starting at 6:30 PM.
2. Irvine Park Railroad Christmas Train
All aboard for the Irvine Park Railroad Christmas Train! This festive train ride takes you through the historic Irvine Regional Park, which is transformed into a winter wonderland for the holiday season. The train ride features holiday lights, decorations, and even a visit from Santa Claus.
Best Time to Attend
The best time to attend the Irvine Park Railroad Christmas Train is on a weekday evening in December. The train runs from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM, Monday through Thursday.
3. Dana Point Harbor Christmas Lights
The Dana Point Harbor is transformed into a winter wonderland during the holiday season. The harbor is adorned with festive lights and decorations, making it the perfect spot to take in the holiday cheer. You can also enjoy holiday shopping and dining at one of the many harbor-side restaurants.
Best Time to Attend
The best time to attend the Dana Point Harbor Christmas Lights is on a weekend evening in December. The lights are on display from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM, Friday through Sunday.
4. Huntington Beach Pier Christmas Tree
The Huntington Beach Pier is home to a stunning 30-foot Christmas tree during the holiday season. The tree is adorned with festive lights and decorations, making it the perfect spot to take in the holiday cheer. You can also enjoy holiday shopping and dining at one of the many pier-side restaurants.
Best Time to Attend
The best time to attend the Huntington Beach Pier Christmas Tree is on a weekday evening in December. The tree is on display from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM, Monday through Thursday.
5. Laguna Beach Holiday Village
The Laguna Beach Holiday Village is a festive holiday market featuring local artisans, craftspeople, and vendors. The market offers a wide range of holiday gifts, decorations, and treats, making it the perfect spot to find unique and thoughtful gifts.
Best Time to Attend
The best time to attend the Laguna Beach Holiday Village is on a weekend afternoon in December. The market is open from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM, Friday through Sunday.
6. Mission Viejo Christmas Tree Lighting
The Mission Viejo Christmas Tree Lighting is a classic OC holiday tradition. The event features the lighting of a stunning 70-foot Christmas tree, live music, and a visit from Santa Claus.
Best Time to Attend
The best time to attend the Mission Viejo Christmas Tree Lighting is on the first Friday in December. The event takes place from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
7. Lake Forest Christmas Tree Farm
The Lake Forest Christmas Tree Farm is a festive holiday destination featuring a wide range of Christmas trees, decorations, and treats. You can choose and cut your own tree, enjoy holiday shopping, and take part in festive activities like sledding and hayrides.
Best Time to Attend
The best time to attend the Lake Forest Christmas Tree Farm is on a weekend afternoon in December. The farm is open from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Friday through Sunday.
8. Costa Mesa Winter Fest
The Costa Mesa Winter Fest is a festive holiday event featuring live music, food, and drinks. The event also features an ice skating rink, festive lights, and decorations, making it the perfect spot to get into the holiday spirit.
Best Time to Attend
The best time to attend the Costa Mesa Winter Fest is on a weekend evening in December. The event takes place from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM, Friday through Sunday.
9. Santa Ana ZooLights
The Santa Ana ZooLights is a festive holiday event featuring a wide range of lights and decorations throughout the Santa Ana Zoo. The event also features live music, food, and drinks, making it the perfect spot to get into the holiday spirit.
Best Time to Attend
The best time to attend the Santa Ana ZooLights is on a weekday evening in December. The event takes place from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM, Monday through Thursday.
10. Fullerton Winter Fest
The Fullerton Winter Fest is a festive holiday event featuring live music, food, and drinks. The event also features an ice skating rink, festive lights, and decorations, making it the perfect spot to get into the holiday spirit.
Best Time to Attend
The best time to attend the Fullerton Winter Fest is on a weekend evening in December. The event takes place from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM, Friday through Sunday.
OC Christmas Events Image Gallery
We hope this article has helped you find the perfect OC Christmas event to attend this holiday season. Whether you're looking for a fun and festive way to get into the holiday spirit or a unique and thoughtful gift, OC has plenty of magical Christmas events to choose from.