Last updated: November 11, 2024
Plan your festive itinerary in Aliso Viejo with our guide. Discover all the best holiday events and activities. Whether you're an Aliso Viejo local or a globetrotter, this guide ensures a memorable holiday experience.
Popular events this season include the enchanting Knott's Merry Farm, where festive decorations and seasonal treats create a joyful atmosphere. A unique highlight is the All is Bright Celebration & Tree Lighting, featuring stunning displays and a spirited tree lighting ceremony. And the Snoopy House at Costa Mesa City Hall is something you definitely don't want to miss, offering a charming display that captures the holiday spirit. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Aliso Viejo Holiday Light Displays
All is Bright Celebration & Tree Lighting
- What to Expect
- Community and aerial performances with train rides and ornament making.
- Description
- The All is Bright Holiday Celebration & Tree Lighting features train rides, ornament making, community and aerial performances, and a visit from Santa Claus at the Aliso Viejo Town Center Fountain & Amphitheater.
- Where
- Aliso Viejo | More Info : All is Bright Celebration & Tree Lighting
Snoopy House at Costa Mesa City Hall
- What to Expect
- Hand-painted vintage scenes of "Peanuts" characters.
- Description
- The Snoopy House at Costa Mesa City Hall features vintage, hand-painted scenes of "Peanuts" characters, including Snoopy and the Peanuts Gang. The event includes train rides, live performances, food vendors, and special weekend activities like sledding and Santa visits.
- Where
- Costa Mesa | More Info : Snoopy House at Costa Mesa City Hall
Mission of San Juan Capistrano, Capistrano Lights
- What to Expect
- Holiday celebration with unique light features and community involvement.
- Description
- Celebrate the holidays at Orange County’s only Mission, featuring tree lighting, Dickens-era carolers, full-scale nativity, and light features including a new lighted halo grove and scented citrus garden. The event includes same-day admission to the Mission, Community Christmas Trees, Family Wreaths, and a harpist in the Serra Chapel. The Capistrano Lights audio tour is also available throughout December.
- Where
- San Juan Capistrano | More Info : Mission of San Juan Capistrano, Capistrano Lights
Holiday Light Display
- What to Expect
- Dynamic light show with holiday jazz music and snow flurries.
- Description
- The "All That Jazz" Lightshow Spectacular at Hotel del Coronado features a dynamic light display orchestrated to lively holiday jazz music, showcasing the world's first electrically lit outdoor Christmas tree. The show includes a 12-foot-tall replica of the hotel's signature red turret complete with holiday lights, surrounded by Victorian-inspired lounge seating.
- Where
- Corona del Mar | More Info : Holiday Light Display
Aliso Viejo Holiday Markets and Shopping
Corona del Mar Christmas Walk
- What to Expect
- Live entertainment by over 17 local bands.
- Description
- The Corona del Mar Christmas Walk is a free community event celebrating merchants and restaurants in Corona del Mar Village with live entertainment, Santa visits, beer and wine gardens, unique vendor gifts, and children’s activities.
- Where
- Corona del Mar | More Info : Corona del Mar Christmas Walk
Aliso Viejo Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Knott's Merry Farm
- What to Expect
- Christmas celebration with winter wonderland-inspired decor and festive shows.
- Description
- Knott's Merry Farm transforms into a classic holiday festival with thousands of twinkling lights, themed garland, and jumbo snowflakes. Enjoy Christmas shows, ice skating, and delectable holiday dining. Visit Santa's Christmas Cabin and experience the magical Snow and Glow experience.
- Where
- Buena Park | More Info : Knott's Merry Farm
Breakfast With Santa
- What to Expect
- An engaging breakfast event with Santa, featuring activities for kids and family bonding.
- Description
- Families gather for a delightful morning filled with a delicious breakfast and the joyous presence of Santa Claus. Children can share their wish lists and enjoy various holiday-themed activities while parents take in the festive atmosphere. Special treats, crafts, and cheerful decorations create a warm community spirit.
- Where
- Aliso Viejo | More Info : Breakfast With Santa
Aliso Viejo Other Holiday Activities
Crafts With The Clauses
- What to Expect
- Hands-on holiday crafts for all ages.
- Description
- Join us for Crafts With The Clauses, where creativity and holiday spirit come together. Participants will engage in various craft activities, fostering a sense of community and festive cheer.
- Where
- Aliso Viejo | More Info : Crafts With The Clauses
Christmas Chalk Walk
- What to Expect
- Community-driven chalk art exhibition with live music and food donations.
- Description
- The Christmas Chalk Walk is a free community event featuring artwork by local artists, live music, and a holiday celebration. It includes both in-person and drive-thru formats, with optional non-perishable food donations for local charities.
- Where
- Aliso Viejo | More Info : Christmas Chalk Walk
Anaheim Town Square Holiday Carnival
- What to Expect
- Interactive holiday activities for all ages.
- Description
- Anaheim Town Square Holiday Carnival features Santa's arrival, real snow, stilt walkers, bubble elves, face painters, balloon twisters, cookie decorating, bounce houses, and holiday crafts.
- Where
- Anaheim | More Info : Anaheim Town Square Holiday Carnival
Laguna Niguel Holiday Event
- What to Expect
- Community-driven holiday celebration with diverse entries and entertainment.
- Description
- The Laguna Niguel Holiday Parade is a vibrant community event featuring entries, marching bands, and festive activities, celebrating the holiday season with local residents and visitors.
- Where
- Laguna Niguel | More Info : Laguna Niguel Holiday Event
San Clemente Holiday Event
- What to Expect
- Diverse holiday activities celebrating different cultures and traditions.
- Description
- San Clemente's holiday events offer a variety of activities, including the Dia De Los Muertos celebration, Doggie Dive, and the annual Youth Fishing Derby. These events showcase the community's spirit and diversity.
- Where
- San Clemente | More Info : San Clemente Holiday Event
Lake Forest Holiday Tree Lighting
- What to Expect
- Family-friendly activities and special guests.
- Description
- The Lake Forest Holiday Tree Lighting features family-friendly games, crafts, face painting, and inflatables. Enjoy trackless train rides, food vendors, holiday-themed entertainment, and a special appearance by Ole St. Nick. The event includes a boutique and beer/wine garden with last-minute gift choices.
- Where
- Lake Forest | More Info : Lake Forest Holiday Tree Lighting
Fontana Festival of Winter
- What to Expect
- Snow play and sled rides with over 40 tons of fresh snow.
- Description
- The Fontana Festival of Winter is a free community event featuring train rides, attractions, live entertainment, photo opportunities with Santa, and a variety of vendors and activity booths. It includes snow play and sled rides, making it an exciting experience for all ages.
- Where
- Fontana | More Info : Fontana Festival of Winter
Astra Lumina LA
- What to Expect
- Immersive light and sound experience with a celestial pathway.
- Description
- Astra Lumina LA is an immersive night walk experience created by Moment Factory and Fever, using light, scenography, original soundscape, and projection to spark emotion and plunge visitors into an imaginative world. The event invites stargazers to set off across the Garden’s celestial pathway to encounter the wonder of the stars and embrace their own human light.
- Where
- Rancho Palos Verdes | More Info : Astra Lumina LA