There are many great reasons to live in Orange County and you never run out of things to do all year long. While summer is full of beaches and theme parks and Spring is full of festivals and nature, Winter gets a special holiday boost. All the fun activities get transformed and covered in lights and holiday cheer. It could be difficult to get everything you want to fit into your schedule.
The key is to get a list together of all the things to do in Orange County during the holiday season.
Newport Beach Christmas Cruise
Everyone has seen the spectacle of lights strung from the gutters on a home. While those can be beautiful, Newport Beach adds their own magic to the lights. Watch a Christmas parade of lights as they float across the water during the Christmas Boat Parade and Cruise. December 16th through the 20th 6:30 pm to 9 pm.
Winter Fantasy Art Festival
Santa will be making his rounds this year trying to make appearances all over the world, but one place makes him feel at home. The Sawdust Art Festival gets a makeover just for Winter making it a Winter Wonderland. There will be 175 artists, holiday entertainment, classes, a petting zoo, and the big guy in red. November 21st, 22nd, 27th, 28th & 29th from 10am-6pm December 5th, 6th, 12th, 13th, 19th & 20th from 10am-6pm.
Tree Lighting Ceremonies
The biggest display for the holidays always comes in the form of a tree covered in lights, art and memories. During the holiday season, you can catch the lighting of this symbol all over Southern California. Downtown Huntington Beach has a tree lighting ceremony with Santa and a special performance, The Ritz Carlton in Dana Point has a ceremony with music and Santa, Bella Terra in Huntington Beach has a ceremony, Village Green Park in Garden Grove and so many more. You will not have to miss the experience since they are all on different days.
A Touch of Disney
Want to experience some Disney holiday magic without going to the parks? On select days throughout the season, you can catch a tree lighting ceremony with a sing-along led by Mickey himself, and all for free! Disney has teamed up with the Irvine Spectrum Center to bring this magic to life. November 27th through January 3rd with showtimes at 5:30pm, 6:30pm, 7:30pm, 8:30pm and 9:30pm.
The Science Behind it All
If you’ve ever wondered how science fits into the holidays, you search has ended. Head over to the Discovery Cube Orange County and enjoy a hands-on festival to learn about the science behind the holidays. Kids and parents can travel to different stations to learn and explore then enter the Gingerbread Derby. November 27th through January 3rd.
Santa’s Entrance
Santa knows how to make an entrance memorable for the whole family. Enjoy snow in So-Cal, face painting, crafts and more right in the middle of Anaheim Town Square. Then watch as Santa arrives, bringing joy and the holidays to Orange County.November 29th from 12 pm until 3 pm.
Breakfast With The Big Guy
Ever want to just eat breakfast with the big guy in red? Head over to Laguna Hills Community Center and Sports Complex and find out what it’s like to eat with Santa. There will be breakfast, pictures and crafts for the whole family to enjoy. December 12th from 9 am until 10:30 am.
No matter when you’re free to have some fun during the Holiday season, there is something to do in Orange County. From lights on boats, to free Disney Magic, there’s something for everyone. While visiting for the holidays is fun, living in Orange County for the holidays is even better. Contact us today to become a part of the community and to never miss a great time.
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