Published November 28, 2024

ORANGE COUNTY DECEMBER CALENDAR EVENTS

Written by Bryn DeBeikes

ORANGE COUNTY DECEMBER CALENDAR EVENTS header image.

Sawdust Art Festival’s Winter Fantasy

Live entertainment, photos with Santa, winter themed art classes, glassblowing and other demonstrations, a petting zoo, puppet shows, falling snow, carolers and more.
Location: 935 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach
Info: www.sawdustartfestival.org / 949-494-3030
11/22 - 12/22: 10am-7pm
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Winter Fest OC

Over a million lights, magical snowfall, thrilling rides, festive entertainment, delightful treats and eats, and ice skating.
Location: OC Fair & Event Center - Lot A
Info: www.winterfestoc.com
11/22 - 1/5
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Lighting of the Bay

Families travel from all over to witness the pristine, waveless bay illuminated at dusk each night with more than 50 electric Christmas trees and holiday decorations.
Location: Newport Dunes Waterfront
Info: www.newportdunes.com / 949-729-3863
11/22-12/22 (Fri-Sun): various hours
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Mission Viejo Santa’s Arrival/Lighting Ceremony

“Make and take” craft projects, holiday-themed games, petting zoo, snacks & goodies, live entertainment, Santa Claus, and the Mission Viejo holiday lights.
Location: Civic Center Plaza
Info: www.mvactivities.com / 949-830-7066
12/1: 3pm-6pm
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Balboa Bay Resort’s Christmas Tree Lighting

Complimentary treats and beverages when you donate a new, unwrapped toy at the event, benefitting Toys for Tots. OCSA’s MONTAGE! kicks off your holiday season with an all-new sensational musical-review, “Magical Holiday Wishes!”
Location: Porte Cochere
Info: www.balboabayresort.com / 949-645-5000
11/1: 6pm-9pm
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Dana Point Tree Lighting

Santa and his elves will be arriving on his Jolly Trolley to hand out pre-packaged treats for children up to 12 years of age. Carolers, hot chocolate, cookies, and tree lighting.
Location: Pines Park
Info: www.danapoint.org
12/2: 4:30-5:30pm
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Cypress Holiday Sing and Tree Lighting

Performances from local schools. Visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Train rides. Games. Holiday Crafts & Activities. Letters to Santa, cards to Veterans. And More!
Location: Civic Center Green
Info: www.cypressca.org
12/3: 6pm
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La Palma Holiday Tree Lighting

Location: 7821 Walker Street
Info: www.cityoflapalma.org / 714-690-3300
12/4: 4-6:30pm
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Stanton Christmas Tree Lighting

Enjoy live entertainment, kids activities, and our Holidays Around the World displays. The young-at-heart will not want to miss an early visit from Santa Claus!
Location: City Hall
Info: www.stantonca.gov
12/5: 6:30-8:30pm
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Aliso Viejo Holiday Celebration

Train rides, ornament making, community performances, snow fall, Santa, and tree lighting.
Location: Town Center Fountain
Info: www.avcity.org / 949-425-2550
12/5: 5pm-8pm
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Nights of 1000 Lights

“CELEBRATE 10 Years of Nights of 1000 Lights” will bring back our best installations for another festive year of favorites. Select nights.
Location: Sherman Gardens, Corona del Mar
Info: www.thesherman.org / 949-673-2261
12/5-12/22: 5pm-8pm
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Buena Park Christmas Tree Lighting

Photo opportunities, food and dessert vendors, pictures with Mr. and Ms. Claus, and the return of extremely popular Santa train.
Location: / City Hall
Info: www.buenapark.com / 714-562-3860
12/6: 6pm
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Laguna Beach Hospitality Night

A Street Party with Santa Claus. Every first Friday in December, Laguna Beach celebrates Hospitality Night. Happenings occur in the downtown Laguna Beach village, along Forest Avenue.
Location: Forest Avenue, Downtown
Info: www.visitlagunabeach.com / 949-497-9229
12/6: 5pm-9pm
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Yorba Linda Kids’ Night Out

We will have dinner, play games, make crafts, watch a movie and have treats! Pre-registration is required. $15 per child.
Location: Thomas Lasorda Jr. Field House
Info: www.yorbalindaca.gov / 714-961-7100
12/6: 6pm-9:30pm
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Laguna Hills Holiday Events

Tree lighting on Dec. 6 from 6-8pm. Parent’s Night out on Dec. 13 from 6-8:30pm. Breakfast with Santa on Dec. 14 from 9-11am. Holiday Dance & Music Extravaganza on Dec. 14 from 7-9pm.
Info: www.lagunahillsca.gov / 949-707-2680
12/6, 12/13. 12/14
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La Habra Tamale Festiva

The event features live entertainment on three stages, tamales, food vendors, retail vendors, informational booths, children’s play activities, a cantina, performances from local dance studios, holiday tree lighting, and a Holiday Firework show!
Location: 301 S Euclid St.
Info: www.lahabratamalefestival.com / 562-383-4200
12/7: 10am-8pm
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Los Alamitos Winter Wonderland

Free snow play, free ice skating, tree lighting, vendor fair, Santa’s Village, and Live entertainment.
Location: St. Isidore Historical Plaza
Info: www.cityoflosalamitos.org / 562-430-1073
12/7: 4-7:30pm
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Laguna Niguel Christmas Tree Lighting

Capture timeless family memories with cookie decorating, crafts, live entertainment, games & prizes, character meet & greets, visits with Santa, & more.
Location: City Hall
Info: www.cityoflagunaniguel.org / 949-425-5100
12/7: 5-8pm
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San Clemente Gingerbread House Contest

Interested gingerbread builders and architects can enter in one of the following divisions: Individual Youth (ages 15 & under) Individual Adult (16+ years) Family/Group (all ages)
Location: Community Center
Info: www.san-clemente.org / 949-361-8264
12/7: 4-8pm
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Yorba Linda Breakfast with Santa

Breakfast and photos with Santa! Pre-registration is required and spots fill up quickly! $20 per person.
Location: Community Center
Info: www.yorbalindaca.gov / 714-961-7100
12/7: 9am-12pm
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Illuminate Irvine

Ring in the season with family and friends as you make merry with winter-wonderland-inspired activities and holiday music. The evening culminates with the lighting of the Holiday Tree.
Location: Great Park Palm Court Arts Complex
Info: www.cityofirvine.org / 949-724-6000
12/7: 3pm
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RSM Christmas Tree Lighting

The all-new “Trail of Lights”, complimentary hot cocoa and cookies, and stocking decorating. Watch a holiday dance performance and storytelling of “The Night Before Christmas” while anticipating Santa and Mrs. Claus’s arrival.
Location: Lago Santa Margarita
Info: www.samlarc.org
12/7: 5-7pm
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Ladera Ranch Winter Fest

Holiday performances and activities—from bouncing on inflatables to shopping at the craft fair, playing games, making crafts, and capturing magical moments with Mr. and Mrs. Claus.
Location: Town Green
Info: www.laderalife.com / 949-388-8300
12/7: 2-5pm
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Fountain Valley Tree Lighting

Join us for a special visit from our friend at the North Pole and the Hyundai Snow Zone! And fireworks!
Location: Rec. Center & Sports Park
Info: www.fountainvalley.gov / 714-839-8611
12/7: 4:30-8pm
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Winter in the Grove

Live entertainment, snow slides, holiday refreshments, and food for purchase. The event culminates with the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus and spectacular tree lighting.
Location: Village Green Park, Garden Grove
Info: www.ggcf.com/winterinthegrove / 714-741-5200
12/7: 3-7pm
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Tustin Holiday Artisan Faire

Jewelry, wearable fiber, ceramics, glass, and epicurean treats.
Location: Enderle Center
Info: www.chemersgallery.com / 714-731-5432
12/7-8: 12-5pm
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Anaheim Tree Lighting & Holiday Village

Photos with Santa, delightful shopping from local vendors, and cheering on some adorable four-legged friends in the Candy Canine Dog Costume Contest!
Location: Center Street Promenade
Info: www.downtownanaheim.com / 714-956-3586
12/8: 11am-3pm
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HO-HO Holiday Concert

Get into the Holiday Spirit with an afternoon of music with the Orange County Tremble Clefs and the OK Chorale. Our special guests will be the Laguna Country United Methodist Bell Choir.
Info: www.lagunahillschamber.com / 949-390-3024
12/8: 3-4pm
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Fiesta del Mariachi

A musical extravaganza set to captivate audiences with the soul-stirring rhythms and vibrant melodies of traditional mariachi styles and sounds.
Location: Santa Ana Stadium
Info: www.powerofonefoundation.org
12/8: 9am-12pm
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Brea Holiday Car Show

Location: Birch & Brea Blvd
Info: www.breadowntown.com / 714-674-0801
12/8: 10am-4pm
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Corona del Mar Christmas Walk

Live entertainment staging over 17 local bands. Santa’s Visits and Snapshots. Beer & Wine Gardens. Unique Vendor Gifts. Children’s Activities. Merchant & Restaurant Promotions.
Location: Pacific Coast Highway
Info: www.cdmchamber.com / 949-673-4050
12/8: 11am-5pm
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Light a Light of Love Pier Lighting Ceremony

Your beautiful sponsored snowflake on the pier or on Main St. will be lit up each night through the beginning of the new year.
Info: www.waymakersoc.org / 714-842-6600
12/8: 3:30-6pm
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Balboa Island Holiday Home Walking Tour

We have eight delightfully decorated island bayfronts, homes and cottages lined up that will surely spark holiday cheer!
Location: Balboa Island
Info: www.biia.org
12/8: 11am-4pm
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Tustin Tree Lighting

Local community and dance schools, Game Booths, Petting Zoo, Train Rides, Snack Booths, Spot the Elves for a chance to win raffle prizes, Food Trucks, Holiday Letters to Seniors.
Location: Tustin Library Courtyard
Info: www.tustinca.org
12/9: 6:30am-8:30pm
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Jewish Festival of Light

Chanukah music and entertainment, games, activities, bounce house, creative crafts, face painting, cookie decorating & more!
Location: Village Green, Mission Viejo
Info: www.mvactivities.com / 949-470-3061
12/10: 3pm-5pm
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Placentia Tamale Festival

Live entertainment, food and tamale vendors, non-profit booths, business booths, a beer garden, pictures with Santa Claus, a Holiday Tree Lighting, and a kids games area.
Location: Old Town Placentia
Info: www.placentiatamalefestival.org / 714-993-8232
12/12: 4pm-10pm
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Dana Point Boat Parade of Lights

2024 Theme – Santa’s Seaside Carnival.
Location: Dana Point Harbor
Info: www.danapointharbor.com / 949-388-3663
12/13 - 12/15: 6:30pm
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Rossmoor Winter Festival

Live music, snow play area, kids carnival, food trucks, craft vendors, meet Santa Claus, holiday fun and entertainment.
Location: Rush Park
Info: www.rossmoor-csd.org
12/14: 4pm-9pm
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Laguna Niguel “Hometown” Holiday Parade

Location: Crown Valley Parkway
Info: www.cityoflagunaniguel.org / 949-425-5100
12/14: 10am-1pm
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Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade

Decorated yachts, boats, kayaks and canoes sail along the harbor. On the opening night of the parade on Wednesday at approximately 6:15 pm, a special opening fireworks display will take place off the Newport Pier to kick off the parade.
Location: Lido Isle
Info: www.christmasboatparade.com
12/18 - 12/22: 6:30pm
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Huntington Beach Cruise of Lights

50-minute narrated tours of thousands of lights and animated displays on brightly decorated homes, docks, decks, and boats.
Location: Huntington Harbor
Info: www.cruiseoflights.org
12/18 - 12/23: 5:30pm, 6:30pm, 7:30pm
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Santa Ana Walk of Lights

Join friends and neighbors in strolling the neighborhood to admire all the beautifully decorated homes with stops along the way for refreshments and merriment.
Location: Floral Park
Info: www.floralpark.com
12/22: TBD
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First Night in Fullerton

Fireworks, live music, and kids lane.
Location: Fullerton Plaza
Info: www.cityoffullerton.com
12/31: 7pm-12am