10 Festive Christmas Activities In Orange County

The holiday season is upon us, and Orange County is buzzing with excitement! If you're looking for ways to get into the festive spirit, you're in luck. From festive lights and decorations to holiday markets and events, there's no shortage of Christmas activities in Orange County. Here are 10 festive Christmas activities in Orange County that are sure to make your holiday season merry and bright.

1. Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade

The Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade is a beloved holiday tradition in Orange County. The parade features festively decorated boats of all sizes, from small sailboats to large yachts, that cruise through the Newport Bay. The event takes place in mid-December and is free to attend.

When:

Mid-December

Where:

Newport Bay

Time:

6:30 pm

2. Irvine Park Railroad's Christmas Train

All aboard for a festive holiday train ride at Irvine Park Railroad's Christmas Train! The train takes passengers on a scenic ride through Irvine Regional Park, which is decorated with festive lights and decorations. After the ride, enjoy a visit with Santa, cookie decorating, and other holiday activities.

When:

Late November to December 23

Where:

Irvine Regional Park

Time:

4 pm to 8 pm

3. Huntington Beach Pier Christmas Tree Lighting

Join the city of Huntington Beach for a festive Christmas tree lighting ceremony at the iconic Huntington Beach Pier. The event features live music, holiday treats, and a special visit from Santa Claus. The pier is decorated with festive lights and decorations, making for a magical holiday experience.

When:

Early December

Where:

Huntington Beach Pier

Time:

4 pm to 7 pm

4. Balboa Fun Zone Christmas Tree Lighting

The Balboa Fun Zone is a historic amusement park in Newport Beach that's perfect for a festive holiday outing. The park's Christmas tree lighting ceremony features live music, holiday treats, and a visit from Santa Claus. Take a ride on the Ferris wheel or play some classic arcade games to make the experience even more special.

When:

Early December

Where:

Balboa Fun Zone

Time:

5 pm to 8 pm

5. Fullerton Arboretum's Winter Wonderland

The Fullerton Arboretum is transformed into a Winter Wonderland during the holiday season. Take a stroll through the beautifully decorated gardens, featuring festive lights, decorations, and holiday-themed displays. Enjoy live music, hot chocolate, and holiday treats to make the experience even more special.

When:

Late November to December 23

Where:

Fullerton Arboretum

Time:

4 pm to 8 pm

6. Orange County Great Park's Winter Fest

The Orange County Great Park's Winter Fest is a festive holiday event featuring ice skating, sledding, and snow play. Take a ride on the Great Park Balloon, which is decorated with festive lights and decorations. Enjoy live music, holiday treats, and shopping from local vendors to make the experience even more special.

When:

Late December to Early January

Where:

Orange County Great Park

Time:

11 am to 10 pm

7. Santa Ana Zoo's Wild Wonderland

The Santa Ana Zoo is transformed into a Wild Wonderland during the holiday season. Take a stroll through the beautifully decorated zoo, featuring festive lights, decorations, and holiday-themed displays. Enjoy live music, holiday treats, and animal encounters to make the experience even more special.

When:

Late November to December 23

Where:

Santa Ana Zoo

Time:

6 pm to 10 pm

8. Irvine Spectrum Center's Holiday Ice Rink

Get your skates on and enjoy a festive holiday ice skating experience at the Irvine Spectrum Center's Holiday Ice Rink. The outdoor ice rink is located in the heart of the shopping center and is surrounded by festive decorations and lights.

When:

Late November to Early January

Where:

Irvine Spectrum Center

Time:

10 am to 10 pm

9. Laguna Hills Holiday Celebration

Join the city of Laguna Hills for a festive holiday celebration featuring live music, holiday treats, and a visit from Santa Claus. Take a stroll through the beautifully decorated community park, featuring festive lights and decorations.

When:

Early December

Where:

Laguna Hills Community Park

Time:

3 pm to 6 pm

10. Brea Downtown Holiday Decorating and Tree Lighting

The city of Brea is transformed into a winter wonderland during the holiday season. Join the city for a festive holiday decorating and tree lighting ceremony, featuring live music, holiday treats, and a visit from Santa Claus. Take a stroll through the beautifully decorated downtown area, featuring festive lights and decorations.

When:

Early December

Where:

Downtown Brea

Time:

6 pm to 8 pm

We hope you enjoyed this list of 10 festive Christmas activities in Orange County. Whether you're looking for a fun outing with the family or a romantic holiday date, there's something for everyone in OC. Don't forget to share your holiday experiences with us on social media using the hashtag #OCChristmas!