December in Orange County brings all the joy of the holiday season — sparkling lights, festive parades, family traditions, and plenty of opportunities to celebrate with friends and loved ones. Whether you’re looking for classic seasonal experiences, cultural holiday events, or relaxing winter strolls, OC delivers a month full of warmth and wonder.
Tree Lighting & Holiday Sing — Cypress
📍 Cypress Civic Center Green
📅 Tuesday, December 2, 2025 | 6 PM
Celebrate the season with carolers, visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, train rides, crafts, and a community tree lighting.
🔗 Event Info
Candlelight Walk — Heritage Hill Historical Park
📍 Lake Forest
📅 December 6–8, 2025 | 5–9 PM
Take a peaceful lantern-lit stroll through the historic park grounds, enjoy live music, holiday crafts, and a visit with Santa.
🔗 Event Info
Tamale Festival & Tree Lighting — La Habra
📍 301 S Euclid St., La Habra
📅 Saturday, December 6, 2025 | 10 AM – 8 PM
Enjoy live performances, tamales from local vendors, a cantina, kids’ activities, holiday shopping, and a fireworks show to close out the night.
🔗 Event Info
Santa’s Jolly Trolley & Tree Lighting — Dana Point
📍 Dana Point
📅 Saturday, December 6, 2025 | 1:30 – 5:30 PM
Ride along on Santa’s trolley as he makes his rounds, catch festive performances, and enjoy a holiday tree lighting with the whole family.
🔗 Event Info
Christmas at the Beach — Huntington State Beach
📍 Bolsa Chica / Huntington State Beach
📅 Saturday, December 6, 2025 | 3 – 6 PM
Join this free, beachfront holiday event featuring Santa on a jet ski, bounce houses, cocoa, games, and more — even your pup can be a “Bark Ranger”!
🔗 Event Info
The Nutcracker Ballet — Huntington Beach / Anaheim
📍 Golden West College Theater & Other Venues
📅 Multiple Dates in December
A beloved holiday tradition: Tchaikovsky’s timeless ballet comes to life with snowflakes, toy soldiers, and sugar plum fairies in a heartwarming performance for all ages.
🔗 Event Info
Illuminate Irvine & Holiday Tree Lighting — Great Park
📍 Palm Court Arts Complex, Irvine
📅 Saturday, December 6, 2025 | 3 PM
Help light up the season at Irvine’s official tree lighting and enjoy festive music, arts, and a holiday toy drive.
🔗 Event Info
Dana Point Boat Parade of Lights
📍 Dana Point Harbor
📅 December 12 – 14, 2025 | nightly at ~6:30 PM
Watch beautifully decorated boats cruise the harbor in a dazzling nighttime holiday display.
🔗 Event Info
Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade
📍 Newport Harbor
📅 December 17 – 25, 2025 | ~6:30 PM nightly
A beloved OC tradition: sailboats, yachts, and kayaks decked out in holiday lights glide through the bay each night in a festive waterfront spectacle.
🔗 Event Info
Holiday Markt & International Christmas Celebration — Old World Village
📍 Huntington Beach
📅 December 14 (Live Nativity & Celebration)
Join a community celebration with live music, international performances, and a live nativity to reflect on the season’s true meaning.
🔗 Event Info
Festival of Kwanzaa — Pretend City Children’s Museum
📍 Irvine
📅 December 20, 2025
Celebrate Kwanzaa with candle lighting, music, crafts, and community values.
🔗 Event Info
Hanukkah Celebration — Pretend City Children’s Museum
📍 Irvine
📅 December 14, 2025
Enjoy a family-friendly Hanukkah event with candle lighting, storytelling, and kid-focused activities.
🔗 Event Info
Leave a Reply