It’s not too late to get into the holiday spirit with these events throughout Orange County that are happening later in December and some even through to the New Year.
Seasons Greetings and Merry Christmas to you!
BALBOA PENINSULA
Annual Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade
Newport Beach/Newport Bay
December 18 – 22, 2024
As the 116th Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade moves its way through the Newport Harbor this December, the Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade Committee, with the leadership of The Commodores Club of the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce, will continue with its parade route starting and ending point at Tip of Lido Isle. The parade will begin at approximately 6:30 p.m. each night from December 18 – 22, 2024.
For those of you that would like to be in parade both Newport Landing and Davey’s Locker will offer general admission cruises nightly every night of the parade that are a part of the actual parade. Viewing the parade from a ship means that you see all of the parade and homes in full decor that line the waterfront. General admission tickets can be reserved over the phone.
LOCATIONS FOR CRUISES:
December 2-31, 2024
Offered nightly (check websites for times)
Newport Landing
309 Palm – Suite A, Newport Beach Ca 92661
Davey’s Locker
400 Main St., Newport Beach, CA 92661
INFORMATION:
949-675-0551
BUENA PARK
Candy Caneland & Craft Faire
December 14, 2024
A community holiday carnival that includes food and game booths sponsored by local non-profit groups, entertainment, games, a craft area for kids and their famous snow slides!
In the Craft Faire, you can shop from over 100 local artisans for all those unique holiday gifts.
LOCATION:
Ehlers Community Recreation Center
8150 Knott Ave.
INFORMATION:
(714) 236-3860
Knott’s Merry Farm
Nov 22, 2024 – Jan 5, 2025
The holiday spirit shines bright at Knott’s Merry Farm. Experience a Christmas celebration with winter wonderland-inspired décor transforming the entire park into a classic holiday festival, featuring a landscape of thousands of twinkling lights, miles of themed garland, jumbo snowflakes, and a variety of picturesque seasonal settings. Knott’s Merry Farm offers Christmas activities for families and joyful experiences inspired by the spirit of the holidays.
This holiday season, enjoy Christmas shows like Home for the Holidays, a musical revue featuring classic Christmas tunes, holiday lights, magical dancing toys, and dazzling snow, all set on an elaborate, transforming wintertime stage. The holiday season at Knott’s Merry Farm also means a return of the beloved ice show starring the famous beagle, the Peanuts Gang, and a cast of world-class ice skaters.
‘Tis the season for delectable holiday dining food that can’t be found anywhere else and only offered this time of year.
The streets of Calico play host to a Christmas Crafts Village offering one-of-a-kind gift ideas and a magical Snow and Glow experience dancing to the beat of holiday music. Guests can experience Santa’s Christmas Cabin, a nightly Christmas tree lighting ceremony, plus so much more this wondrous winter season at Knott’s Merry Farm.
LOCATION:
8039 Beach Blvd.
INFORMATION:
(714) 220-5080
CORONA DEL MAR
Annual Nights of 1000 Lights
Public Nights – December 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, 15, 20, 21 and 22, 2024
5 pm – 8 pm each night
The Annual Nights of 1000 Lights will be twelve nights of holiday cheer! Guests will stroll along the Rainbow Trail, past the Lollypop Woods and the Gumdrop Mountains, through the Peppermint Stick Forest, and the glistening light tunnel, on your way to the Candy Heart Carnival, featuring carnival games for kids of all ages. Visit the Molasses Swamp, the Old Peanut Brittle House, and the Candy Land Express Train on your way to visit Santa in his workshop. Then head to the fire pit and whip up your own batch of s’mores.
The Garden Shop will be open and is a must-see for unique holiday gift ideas. Make a wish at “The Wishing Tree” and create lasting memories with friends and family celebrating the holidays at Sherman Library & Gardens.
LOCATION:
Sherman Library & Gardens
2647 East Coast Highway
Corona del Mar, CA 92625
DANA POINT
Annual Boat Parade of Lights
December 13-15, 2024
6:30 pm
Boaters from all around Orange County decorate their boats and vie for awards. You can view the parade free from anywhere in the Harbor, or make reservations at one of our restaurants to view it from a cozy and warm spot. Come on down and enjoy the sights and sounds of the season.
LOCATION:
Dana Point Harbor
34555 Golden Lantern
** Dana Wharf Sportfishing offers boat rides so you too can experience the fun of actually riding on a boat and joining in the parade. Don’t miss the opportunity to become a part of this one-of-a-kind holiday experience. Reservations can be made at www.danawharf.com
Call and make your reservations at (949) 496-5794.
For more information or a boat or sponsor entry form call THE Harbor Info line at (949) 923-2255
The Restaurant at Laguna Cliffs’ Christmas Eve Dinner
Dec 24
2-7 pm
Join us for a memorable Holiday Celebration. Our Holiday Buffet is the perfect way to gather with loved ones and savor the flavors of the season.
LOCATION:
Laguna Cliffs Marriott
25135 Park Lantern
Dana Point, CA 92629
INFORMATION:
For reservations please call: 949-487-7516 or the Concierge at 949-487-7577
FULLERTON
The Muckenthaler Cultural Center Holiday Festival
Sunday, December 22, 2024
12-4pm
The Muckenthaler’s annual Holiday Festival features various activities, including free family-friendly activities, live music, food and drinks, art workshops for kids, and an arts and crafts sale.
Free Entry / Free Parking
LOCATION:
The Muckenthaler Cultural Center
1201 West Malvern Avenue
Fullerton, California 92833
HUNTINGTON BEACH
Ballet Etudes Presents The Nutcracker – Huntington Beach
December 6-15, 2024
The Nutcracker Ballet presented by Ballet Etudes, a non-profit youth ballet company. Free parking and wheelchair accessible.
LOCATION:
Huntington Beach High School Historic Theater
1905 Main Street
Huntington Beach, California.
INFORMATION/TICKETS:
Tickets: $25-up
The Nutcracker by Ballet Repertory Theatre – Huntington Beach
December 7-24, 2024
Enjoy this cherished tradition of bringing beloved holiday music to life with nearly 300 performers in dazzling costumes. Travel through a magical world of life-size dolls, toy soldiers, and delicate snowflakes to the fabulous Land of Sweets, home of the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier. Exuberant French, Spanish, Arabian, Russian, and Chinese dances await you. Orange County’s longest-running Nutcracker is the ultimate feel-good family tradition.
LOCATION:
Golden West College Theater
15751 Gothard Street
Huntington Beach, CA 92647
INFORMATION:
714-895-8150
Cruise of Lights
December 18 – 23, 2024
The Huntington Harbour Philharmonic Cruise of Lights® offers narrated boat tours through the waterways of Huntington Harbour in Huntington Beach, California. In December both locals and visitors share the beauty of thousands of lights and animated displays on brightly decorated homes, docks, decks and boats.
LOCATION:
Park in the Huntington Harbour Mall lot (corner of Algonquin and Saybrook) and get on the designated buses that travel a short distance to the boat launch area.
INFORMATION:
Advanced ticket purchase call: (714) 840-7542
Annual Live Nativity & International Celebration – Huntington Beach
Sunday, December 15, 2024
6 pm
Each year Old World Village plays host to the International Celebration of Christmas, a celebration that brings together a diverse group of churches, singers, dancers for a celebration that highlights the true meaning of the holiday season.
FREE Admission.
LOCATION:
Old World Village
7561 Center Avenue
Huntington Beach, CA 92647
LAGUNA BEACH
Sawdust Winter Fantasy
Open weekends November 22 – December 22, 2024
10am to 7pm
This unique fair offers shoppers the opportunity to purchase unique artisan crafts from various local artists. Includes live entertainment, hands-on art projects and picture-perfect moments, the Sawdust Art Festival’s Winter Fantasy will become your family’s holiday tradition.
LOCATION:
Sawdust Art Festival
935 Laguna Canyon Rd
INFORMATION:
949-494-3030
LAGUNA HILLS
Breakfast with Santa
Saturday, December 14, 2024
9-11 am
Join Santa for a pancake breakfast. The events will feature crafts, a picture with Santa and a delicious breakfast.
$10 per person, pre-registration required.
LOCATION:
Community Center & Sports Complex
25555 Alicia Parkway
LAGUNA NIGUEL
Laguna Niguel Holiday Parade
Saturday, December 14, 2024
10am
The parade will include beautiful equestrian units, patriotic and inspirational military tributes, world-class athletes, spirit-filled youth groups, classic auto clubs, talented marching bands, and some of the biggest attractions in the nation!
LOCATION:
Crown Valley Parkway between Nueva Vista and Crown Valley Community Park
Holiday Tea at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel
Through Dec 19, 2024
Treat someone special to the timeless tradition of Afternoon Tea in Raya Restaurant featuring an array of teas, savory canapés, and sweet bites in an elegant oceanfront setting. $110 per person. Reservations needed
LOCATION:
The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel
One Ritz-Carlton Drive
Dana Point, CA 92629
INFORMATION:
(949)-240-2000
LA HABRA
The Phantom Projects Theatre presents: The Cat in the Hat – La Habra
December 6-15, 2024
From the moment his tall, red-and-white-striped hat appears around the door, Sally and her brother know that The Cat in the Hat is the funniest, most mischievous cat that they have ever met. With the trickiest of tricks and the craziest of ideas, he is certainly loads of fun. He turns a rainy afternoon into an amazing adventure…but what will mum find when she gets home?
Age Recommendation: All ages. All patrons, regardless of age, must have a ticket.
LOCATION:
La Habra Depot Theatre
311 S Euclid St
La Habra, CA
NEWPORT BEACH
Annual Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade
Newport Beach/Newport Bay
December 18 – 22, 2024
As the 116th Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade moves its way through the Newport Harbor this December, the Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade Committee, with the leadership of The Commodores Club of the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce, will continue with its parade route starting and ending point at Tip of Lido Isle. The parade will begin at approximately 6:30 p.m. each night from December 18 – 22, 2024.
For those of you that would like to be in parade both Newport Landing and Davey’s Locker will offer general admission cruises nightly every night of the parade that are a part of the actual parade. Viewing the parade from a ship means that you see all of the parade and homes in full decor that line the waterfront. General admission tickets can be reserved over the phone.
LOCATIONS FOR CRUISES:
December 2-31, 2024
Offered nightly (check websites for times)
Newport Landing
309 Palm – Suite A, Newport Beach Ca 92661
Davey’s Locker
400 Main St., Newport Beach, CA 92661
INFORMATION:
949-675-0551
SAN CLEMENTE
Christmas Nights at the Casa – San Clemente
December 12-20, 2024
5-7 pm
Celebrate the holidays at Casa Romantica with thousands of twinkling lights and festive activities.
Cost 5-15
LOCATION:
Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens
415 Avenida Granada
San Clemente, CA 92672
INFORMATION:
(949) 498-2139
SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO
Camino Real Playhouse presents: Miracle on 34th Street
November 29 – December 22, 2024
Kris Kringle, an old man in a retirement home, gets a job working as Santa for Macy’s and unleashes waves of good will by referring customers to other stores to find exactly the toy their child has asked for. Seen as deluded and dangerous by a Macy’s counselor, she plots to have Kris taken to Bellevue Psychiatric Hospital. In a dramatic court decision, Kris is confirmed as the true Santa, allowing countless children and all of us to experience the joy of childhood fantasy. This heartwarming holiday story is what we want Christmas to be all about.
LOCATION:
Camino Real Playhouse
31776 El Camino Real
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675 675
INFORMATION:
(949) 489-8082
SANTA ANA
Discovery Cube Presents: Winter Lights Holiday Musical & Festival
November 23 – December 23, 2024
Showtimes vary on select dates
Winter Lights: A Journey Home magically weaves together an enchanting story of family through the eyes of a tenacious young girl who wants to make the world a better place. The show brings to life unique characters, including a science fairy and a lovable robot crafted from a toaster. Set against the backdrop of the Aurora Borealis, the show blends hope, resilience, and the magic of discovery. With Pamela Winslow Kashani, a Tony Award-winning Broadway veteran, bringing her musical talent, each song explodes with joy and emotion, resonating with audiences of all ages.
LOCATION:
Discovery Cube
2500 N. Main St.
Santa Ana, CA 92705
INFORMATION:
714-542-2823
VILLA PARK
The Great Dry Land Yacht Parade
Sunday, December 15, 2024
Be a part of this great event and celebration as parade participant, viewer, or vendor.
The Villa Park asphalt harbor will be filled with “Yachts and Yachts of Holiday Fun” as the annual procession of wheeled vessels sets sail for the VP Towne Centre celebration with many happy campers waving to them from neighborhood shorelines. Great food, and fun and/or funky vendors, plus musical entertainment await everyone in the Centre, as do special trophies for many unique crafts. Why knot seize the opportunity to decorate and enter your truck, trailer, ski boat, homemade submarine or jazzy yacht full of friends or kids in this wacky entourage.
LOCATION:
Parade starts at Villa Park High School & ends at Towne Centre
WESTMINSTER
Santa on the Go
December 7 & 14, 2024
Ho, Ho, Ho – Santa is on the Go! Santa is on his way to Westminster! He will be making a special appearance at Westminster parks for some holiday fun and pictures. Visit with Santa, plus enjoy holiday crafts, treats and activities!
LOCATIONS & TIMES:
Saturday, December 7th
10 – 11:30 am. – Goldenwest Park (13200 Siskiyou St.)
1 – 2:30 pm – Sigler Park (7200 Plaza St.)
Saturday, December 14th
10 – 11:30 am – Bowling Green Park (14700 Bowling Green St.)
1 – 2:30 pm – Russell C. Paris Park (8600 Palos Verdes Ave.)
INFORMATION:
For more info contact Community Services & Recreation Department at (714) 895-2860 or visit www.westminster-ca.gov
YORBA LINDA
A Nutcracker Sweet Christmas at the Nixon Library
December 17, 2024
5:00 – 8:00 PM
Prepare to be whisked away to the magical realm of the Nutcracker — join us at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library & Museum for a Nutcracker Sweet Christmas!
Your ticket unlocks the magic — snap photos with Santa Claus in the Cabinet Room, help feed Santa’s Reindeer before their big trek, craft magical ornaments, build a hot cocoa confection, enjoy Back-Burner Soup from Polly’s Pies, sing along with Christmas-clad carolers, and hear the sweet melodies of the Nutcracker ballet, as well as other Christmas favorites, from the Concordia University Orchestra. The Concordia University Orchestra will be joined by the Orange County Ballet Academy, directed by April Ebru Sayin, who will be performing different selections from the Nutcracker Ballet.
But that’s not all — at 5:00 PM a dazzling tree lighting ceremony will take place that would make the Sugar Plum Fairy proud!
You won’t want to miss this sparkling after-hours presidential museum experience.
Tickets for this event are:
Member Adult Admission: $35.00
Member Child Admission: $20.00
Adult Admission: $40.00
Child Admission: $25.00
All children under the age of 4 are free.
LOCATION:
The Richard Nixon Library & Museum
18001 Yorba Linda Blvd
Yorba Linda, CA
INFORMATION:
714-349-2581