The holiday season in Orange County is truly one of a kind, blending coastal charm with spectacular light displays and festive traditions. From boat parades on the harbor to magical theme park celebrations, there is no shortage of ways to make memories with your loved ones this December.
Holidays at the Disneyland Resort
What: Theme Park Seasonal Celebration
Where: Disneyland Park & Disney California Adventure, Anaheim
When: Wednesday, November 18, 2026 – Early January 2027
EVENT DESCRIPTION: Experience the “Happiest Place on Earth” transformed into a winter wonderland. Highlights include the “Believe… In Holiday Magic” fireworks, “A Christmas Fantasy” Parade, and the stunning “it’s a small world” Holiday overlay. Don’t miss the Festival of Holidays at Disney California Adventure, which celebrates diverse cultural traditions through food and music.
Event Info: Disneyland Holiday Tickets
118th Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade
What: Holiday Boat Parade
Where: Newport Harbor, Newport Beach
When: Wednesday, Dec. 16 – Sunday, Dec. 20, 2026 (Starts nightly at 6:30 PM)
EVENT DESCRIPTION: One of the nation’s oldest and most famous holiday traditions, this parade features hundreds of decorated vessels ranging from multimillion-dollar yachts to canoes. The boats travel a 14-mile route around the harbor, competing for awards in categories like “Best Animation” and “Best Lights.” It is a must-see event that draws over a million viewers annually.
Event Info: Newport Beach Boat Parade Guide
Knott’s Merry Farm
What: Theme Park Holiday Event
Where: Knott’s Berry Farm, Buena Park
When: Friday, November 20, 2026 – Sunday, January 3, 2027
EVENT DESCRIPTION: Knott’s Berry Farm transforms into Knott’s Merry Farm with seasonal shows like the “Snoopy’s Night Before Christmas” Ice Show and the “Home for the Holidays” musical revue. Guests can stroll through the Christmas Crafts Village, enjoy nightly snow in Ghost Town, and indulge in seasonal treats like pumpkin spice churros and turkey dinner bites.
Event Info: Knott’s Merry Farm Tickets
Dana Point Harbor Boat Parade of Lights
What: Nautical Light Parade
Where: Dana Point Harbor, Dana Point
When: Friday, Dec. 11 – Sunday, Dec. 13, 2026 (6:30 PM)
EVENT DESCRIPTION: This year’s “Fiesta Holiday” themed parade brings festive flair to the water as boaters decorate their slips and vessels with dazzling displays. The harbor also features over a million LED lights on land, including the famous “Merry Kiss Me” arch. It’s a great family-friendly alternative to the Newport parade with plenty of dockside viewing.
Event Info: Dana Point Harbor Events
Winter Fest OC
What: Winter Festival & Fair
Where: OC Fair & Event Center, Costa Mesa
When: Friday, Nov. 27, 2026 – Sunday, Jan. 3, 2027
EVENT DESCRIPTION: Southern California’s largest winter festival features ice skating, a nine-lane 150-foot long ice tubing slide, and a massive holiday light walk-through. Visitors can enjoy live entertainment, a nightly tree lighting ceremony with “snow” flurries, and the North Pole Journey immersive experience.
Event Info: Winter Fest OC Tickets
Capistrano Lights: Mission in Lights
What: Historic Site Holiday Program
Where: Mission San Juan Capistrano
When: Friday, Dec. 18 – Wednesday, Dec. 30, 2026 (Select Nights)
EVENT DESCRIPTION: Celebrate the holidays at Orange County’s only Mission with festive lights, Dickens-era carolers, and a large-scale nativity scene. The evening features a musical tree lighting at 5:00 PM and holiday-themed audio tours. It is a peaceful, community-focused event in one of California’s most historic settings.
Event Info: Mission SJC Tickets
Irvine Park Railroad Christmas Train
What: Holiday Train Ride & Santa Visit
Where: Irvine Regional Park, Orange
When: Nov. 27 – Dec. 23 & Dec. 26 – Dec. 30, 2026
EVENT DESCRIPTION: Take an evening train ride through the historic Irvine Regional Park to visit Santa Claus at the “North Pole.” The park is decked out in thousands of lights, and Santa’s Village offers activities like cookie decorating, moon bounces, and ice fishing. Tickets sell out months in advance for this extremely popular family tradition.
Event Info: Irvine Park Railroad Tickets
Hikari: A Festival of Lights
What: Farm Light Display
Where: Tanaka Farms, Irvine
When: Late November 2026 – Sunday, Jan. 4, 2027
EVENT DESCRIPTION: “Hikari” means “light” in Japanese, and this event features a wagon ride through a farm transformed by over a million twinkling lights. After the ride, guests can explore the “Land of a Thousand Lanterns,” enjoy live music, and visit the Barnyard Educational Exhibit.
Event Info: Tanaka Farms Hikari
Nights of 1000 Lights
What: Botanical Garden Light Display
Where: Sherman Library & Gardens, Corona del Mar
When: Dec. 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20, 2026 (5:00 PM – 8:00 PM)
EVENT DESCRIPTION: This annual stroll through the gardens features a “Crystal Disco” theme for its 12th year. Guests can walk through a 100-foot light tunnel, visit Santa in his adobe, and roast s’mores at the fire pit. It is a sophisticated and artistic light experience perfect for date nights or family outings.
Event Info: Sherman Library Tickets
Laguna Beach Hospitality Night
What: Community Holiday Festival
Where: Downtown Laguna Beach (Forest Ave)
When: Friday, December 4, 2026 (5:00 PM – 9:00 PM)
EVENT DESCRIPTION: The city of Laguna Beach kicks off the season with its beloved Hospitality Night. Downtown becomes a pedestrian-only zone with live music, a tree lighting ceremony at the Peppertree Lot, and a visit from Santa. Local shops stay open late to offer treats and holiday cheer to the community.
Event Info: Visit Laguna Beach Events
Balboa Island Holiday Home Walking Tour
What: Neighborhood Home Tour
Where: Balboa Island, Newport Beach
When: Sunday, December 13, 2026 (11:00 AM – 4:00 PM)
EVENT DESCRIPTION: Walk through one of Orange County’s most charming neighborhoods to view several uniquely decorated homes. This self-guided walking tour allows you to see the creative interior and exterior holiday decor of Balboa Island’s elite residences while enjoying the festive spirit of the island.
Event Info: Balboa Island Museum Events
Snoopy House Holiday Display
What: Neighborhood Light Display
Where: Costa Mesa City Hall, Costa Mesa
When: Friday, Dec. 11 – Friday, Dec. 18, 2026 (5:30 PM – 8:30 PM)
EVENT DESCRIPTION: A Costa Mesa tradition for over 50 years, this display features scenes from the “Peanuts” comic strip. Originally started at a local home, it now resides at City Hall and includes nightly visits from Santa, live music, and free train rides for children.
Event Info: Costa Mesa Holiday Events
Sawdust Art Festival Winter Fantasy
What: Arts & Crafts Festival
Where: Sawdust Art Festival Grounds, Laguna Beach
When: Weekends, Late Nov. – Dec. 20, 2026 (10:00 AM – 7:00 PM)
EVENT DESCRIPTION: The Sawdust grounds are transformed into a winter wonderland featuring 160 local artists. Visitors can shop for unique holiday gifts, watch live art demonstrations, and enjoy three stages of live music. It is a fantastic way to support local artists while enjoying a festive atmosphere.
Event Info: Sawdust Art Festival
Anaheim Nutcracker Christmas Tree Lighting
What: Tree Lighting & Holiday Village
Where: Center Street Promenade, Anaheim
When: Saturday, December 5, 2026 (10:00 AM – 7:00 PM)
EVENT DESCRIPTION: This day-long celebration features a holiday vendor village, snow play area, and live performances. The highlight is the lighting of Anaheim’s massive living Christmas tree at the end of the evening. It’s a classic community event that captures the heart of downtown Anaheim.
Event Info: Downtown Anaheim Events
Skating Under the Stars
What: Outdoor Ice Skating
Where: Irvine Spectrum Center, Irvine
When: Dec. 1, 2026 – Jan. 4, 2027
EVENT DESCRIPTION: Located in the Giant Wheel Court, this outdoor ice rink offers a quintessential Southern California holiday experience. You can skate under the palms and then enjoy the nightly holiday light show at the Spectrum’s giant tree. Special “Themed Thursdays” often feature discounts for wearing holiday attire.
Event Info: Irvine Spectrum Ice Rink
Rogers Gardens Christmas Boutique
What: Holiday Decor Shopping Experience
Where: Rogers Gardens, Newport Beach
When: Daily throughout December
EVENT DESCRIPTION: Rogers Gardens is famous for its immersive themed Christmas Boutique. Each room is meticulously decorated with unique ornaments, greenery, and gifts sourced from around the world. It’s more of an attraction than a store, providing endless inspiration for your own home holiday decor.
Event Info: Rogers Gardens Holiday
Nights of Coastal Lights
What: Light & Snow Show
Where: Fashion Island, Newport Beach
When: Daily through Dec. 28, 2026
EVENT DESCRIPTION: Fashion Island’s towering Christmas tree sparkles to life each night with a synchronized light and music show. “Snow” falls in the courtyard as the tree twinkles, creating a magical atmosphere for holiday shoppers and families taking photos.
Event Info: Fashion Island Holiday
Brea Tree Lighting Ceremony
What: Community Tree Lighting
Where: Brea Civic & Cultural Center, Brea
When: Thursday, December 3, 2026 (6:30 PM)
EVENT DESCRIPTION: A cozy community event featuring live music, hot chocolate, and the official lighting of Brea’s holiday tree. Mr. and Mrs. Claus make a grand appearance to take photos with children, and local choirs provide the soundtrack for the evening.
Event Info: City of Brea Events
CHiPs for Kids Toy Drive
What: Charity Event
Where: Irvine Spectrum Center, Irvine
When: Thursday, December 17, 2026 (9:00 AM – 6:00 PM)
EVENT DESCRIPTION: Join the California Highway Patrol for their annual toy drive. Bring a new, unwrapped toy to the Spectrum Center to help local children in need. The event often features live broadcasts, CHP vehicles for kids to explore, and a festive atmosphere of giving.
Event Info: KCAL/CHP Toy Drive
La Palma Holiday Tree Lighting
What: Small Town Holiday Celebration
Where: Central Park, La Palma
When: Wednesday, December 2, 2026 (4:30 PM)
EVENT DESCRIPTION: This 40th annual event features “Santa’s Village” with crafts and activities before the official ceremony at 5:30 PM. Local schools perform holiday carols, and the community gathers to light the tree in a warm, neighborhood setting.
Event Info: City of La Palma
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