The short answer
Tree lighting ceremonies in Orange County and LA County in 2026 run from Saturday, November 7 through Monday, December 7. This guide lists 26 lightings with announced 2026 dates. The busiest stretches are November 20 to 22 and December 2 to 7.
Some are city events listed at no cost. Some are hotel evenings, and a few are ticketed. Check each one before you head out.
Christine Almarines is a top real estate agent in Buena Park and Cerritos helping homeowners sell in Orange County and Los Angeles County. She hopes this calendar helps you pick a night and enjoy the season close to home.
Dates, times and prices in this guide come from event organizers and local event listings as of November 3, 2026. They can change, so confirm with each organizer before you go. This list is not an endorsement of any event, and Christine is not affiliated with the events listed.
Which tree lightings happen before Thanksgiving week in 2026?
Nine lightings come before Thanksgiving week, starting with Citadel Outlets on November 7. Newport Beach alone has two in this stretch.
| Date | Event | City | Time | What to expect | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sat, Nov 7 | Citadel Outlets 25th annual tree lighting concert | Commerce (LA County) | Concert 5 p.m. | 100 Citadel Drive | No cost. Performers not announced, confirm |
| Mon, Nov 16 | 25th annual Christmas at The Grove | Los Angeles | Not announced | 189 The Grove Drive | No cost, space limited. Confirm time |
| Wed, Nov 18 | Chapman Winterfest and Doy’s Tree Lighting | Orange | Activities 5 p.m., program 5:30 p.m. | Chapman University, Attallah Piazza. Holiday music | No cost |
| Thu, Nov 19 | VEA Newport Beach annual tree lighting | Newport Beach | 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. | Santa, holiday music, hot cocoa | Hotel event |
| Thu, Nov 19 | Rodeo Drive holiday lighting celebration | Beverly Hills | To be announced | Rodeo Drive | No cost. Confirm time |
| Fri, Nov 20 | Fashion Island tree lighting | Newport Beach | 5 to 7:30 p.m. | 90-foot tree, Santa, a Sugarplums performance, snowfall effects | Shopping center |
| Sat, Nov 21 | Plaza Navideña tree lighting | Santa Ana | 5 to 8 p.m., lighting about 5:30 p.m. | Plaza Calle Cuatro. Santa, entertainment, treats | No cost. Confirm lighting time |
| Sun, Nov 22 | Anaheim 39th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting | Anaheim | Guests 6 to 6:30 p.m., lighting 7 p.m. | Anaheim White House Restaurant. Santa, Rudolph, Frosty, toy drive | Ticketed formal dinner |
| Sun, Nov 22 | Tree lighting at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel | Dana Point | 4 to 7 p.m. | Music, holiday marketplace, treats | Ticketed. Benefits Surfers Healing |
What tree lightings are on during Thanksgiving week?
Thanksgiving week has four: a Tuesday evening in Huntington Beach, two openings the Friday after Thanksgiving, and a Sunday lighting in Mission Viejo.
| Date | Event | City | Time | What to expect | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tue, Nov 24 | Magic on Main Street | Huntington Beach | 4 to 7 p.m. | Main St and Pacific Coast Hwy. Entertainment, community activities | City street event |
| Fri, Nov 27 | Winter Fest OC opening night and tree lighting | Costa Mesa | 4 to 9:30 p.m. | OC Fair & Event Center | Opening night |
| Fri, Nov 27 | Pendry Newport Beach holiday tree lighting | Newport Beach | 6:30 to 9 p.m. | 30-foot tree, Santa photos, OCSA performances | Complimentary |
| Sun, Nov 29 | Santa’s Arrival and Lighting Celebration | Mission Viejo | 3 to 5:30 p.m., lighting 6 p.m. | City Hall. Santa, family activities | City event |
Where are the tree lighting ceremonies in Orange County and LA County the first week of December 2026?
The first week of December is the fullest of the season, with a lighting every night from December 2 to December 7. Buena Park, La Palma, Brea, Tustin, Irvine, Garden Grove and Anaheim light up, along with Altadena, Long Beach and Downey in LA County.
| Date | Event | City | Time | What to expect | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wed, Dec 2 | La Palma Tree Lighting and Santa’s Village | La Palma | Village 4:30 p.m., lighting 5:30 p.m. | La Palma Central Park. Santa and Mrs. Claus, school performances, crafts | City event |
| Wed, Dec 2 | Paséa Hotel & Spa tree lighting | Huntington Beach | 6 to 8 p.m. | 30-foot tree, Santa photos, OCSA carolers, hot chocolate | No cost |
| Thu, Dec 3 | All Is Bright Celebration | Aliso Viejo | 5 to 8 p.m. | Aliso Viejo Town Center. Train rides, face painting, ornament making | No cost |
| Thu, Dec 3 | Brea Tree Lighting Ceremony | Brea | 6:30 to 9 p.m. | Brea Civic & Cultural Center | No cost, parking at no cost |
| Fri, Dec 4 | Buena Park Christmas Tree Lighting | Buena Park | Lighting 6 p.m. | City Hall Plaza. Santa Train, toy drive | City event |
| Fri, Dec 4 | Tustin Christmas Tree Lighting and Holiday Stroll | Tustin | 6 to 8:30 p.m., market from 5 p.m. | Old Town Tustin | City event |
| Sat, Dec 5 | Crystal Cove 30th annual tree lighting and holiday market | Newport Coast | Program 3 to 5:30 p.m. | Tree lighting and holiday market | Afternoon program |
| Sat, Dec 5 | Illuminate Irvine | Irvine | 3 to 8 p.m. | Great Park Palm Court Arts Complex | Afternoon into evening |
| Sat, Dec 5 | Winter in the Grove | Garden Grove | 3 to 7 p.m. | Village Green Park | Confirm lighting time |
| Sat, Dec 5 | Christmas Tree Lane lighting ceremony | Altadena (LA County) | 6 p.m. | Santa Rosa Ave and Mariposa St. A slow drive under lit cedars | No cost |
| Sun, Dec 6 | Nutcracker Holiday Village and tree lighting | Anaheim | Santa photos 3 to 5 p.m., lighting 6 p.m. | Downtown Anaheim | City event |
| Mon, Dec 7 | Visit Long Beach Christmas Tree Lighting | Long Beach (LA County) | 5 to 8 p.m. | Terrace Theater Plaza | Tickets at no cost required |
| Mon, Dec 7 | Downey Civic Center tree lighting | Downey (LA County) | 6 to 8:30 p.m., lighting 6:30 p.m. | Downey Civic Center | Confirm tickets with the city |
Which LA County tree lightings need a ticket or date check first?
Long Beach and Downey need a ticket check. Pasadena, Santa Monica and San Pedro have not announced 2026 dates yet.
- Long Beach, Dec 7. Tickets at no cost are required, released in weekly batches starting November 9 at visitlongbeach.com. One listing says tickets may be sold out, so confirm availability.
- Downey, Dec 7. One listing says tickets are not on sale. Confirm with the city.
- Pasadena (La Pintoresca Park), Santa Monica Promenade and San Pedro (Holidays by the Sea). Date not announced yet, confirm with the city.
Which kind of tree lighting fits your evening?
Pick by the kind of night you want. Each type feels different.
- City plazas with Santa. Plaza Navideña in Santa Ana and Brea are listed at no cost. La Palma, Buena Park, Tustin, Mission Viejo and Downtown Anaheim are city events with Santa, music or a market.
- Hotel and resort lightings with performances. Pendry Newport Beach is complimentary and Paséa Hotel & Spa is listed at no cost. Both list OCSA performers.
- Ticketed evenings. The Anaheim White House lighting is a formal dinner. The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel lighting is ticketed.
- Big shopping-center lightings. Fashion Island, Citadel Outlets, The Grove and Aliso Viejo Town Center.
What should you know before you go?
Confirm the details and give yourself extra time.
- Confirm with the organizer the week of the event. Times, tickets and performers can change.
- Arrive early. Give yourself time to park before the lighting.
- Check parking yourself. Only Brea lists parking at no cost.
- Check ticket rules. Ticketed events and timed releases can fill.
- Check the weather. Look at the forecast and bring a layer.
- Plan your evening. Pick one lighting, decide where you will eat, and know your route home.
Can a holiday evening help you get a feel for a city?
It can. Walking a downtown or civic plaza on a holiday night is one way to get a feel for a city you might want to live in someday. If you are thinking about a move, Christine is happy to talk it through, with no pressure and no timeline.
Are you thinking about a move in the new year?
If a move is on your mind, start with a conversation and a clear plan.
- Book a consultation
- Get your complimentary market evaluation
- Start with the Sure Seller Course
- Start the Buyer Bootcamp course
Message Christine when you are ready, and she will help you map the next step.
FAQ
When are the Christmas tree lightings in Orange County and LA County in 2026?
Tree lighting ceremonies in Orange County and LA County in 2026 run from Saturday, November 7 through Monday, December 7. The busiest stretches are November 20 to 22 and December 2 to 7.
Are tree lighting ceremonies in Orange County at no cost?
Many are. Chapman University, Plaza Navideña, Paséa Hotel & Spa, Aliso Viejo Town Center and Brea are listed at no cost, and Pendry Newport Beach is complimentary. The Anaheim White House and Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel lightings are ticketed.
Do I need tickets for the Long Beach tree lighting?
Yes. Tickets at no cost are required, released in weekly batches starting November 9 at visitlongbeach.com. One listing says they may be sold out, so confirm availability.
How do I confirm the details before I go?
Check each organizer’s website or city page the week of the event. Dates, times and prices in this guide come from organizers and local event listings as of November 3, 2026, and can change.
Where can I find more November events in Orange County?
See Christine’s 100+ Things to Do in Orange County in November 2026. For holiday races, see the turkey trots guide.
Who can help me if I am thinking about a move in Orange County or LA County?
Christine Almarines of CA Real Estate Group, licensed since 2004, helps homeowners and buyers in Orange County and LA County plan their next move. Book a consultation or get your complimentary market evaluation.
Related reading
- 100+ Things to Do in Orange County in November 2026
- Market Updates hub
- Complimentary Market Evaluation
- Buyer Bootcamp Course
Source: Event dates, times, venues and listed prices come from the event organizers’ websites and local event listings (Enjoy Orange County, The Guide OC, Venture OC, race registration pages and Los Angeles-area event guides), reviewed November 3, 2026. Details can change. Confirm with each organizer before you go.
If you’d like to talk about your next move in Southern California real estate, I’d be happy to help.
