Last updated: November 11, 2024
Celebrate the season with your Brea neighbors! Explore all the community events with our guide. Whether you're rediscovering Brea or seeing it with fresh eyes, this guide is your key to holiday magic.
Popular events include the enchanting Christmas Village at Irvine Park Railroad, where families can enjoy train rides, festive lights, and holiday crafts. Another highlight, Knott’s Merry Farm, features seasonal attractions, delicious treats, and a lively atmosphere perfect for all ages. And the 31st Annual Festival of Lights in Riverside is something you definitely don't want to miss, showcasing dazzling displays along the riverbank. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
Contact information and details below.
Live music and Santa visit with holiday tree lighting.
The Brea Tree Lighting Ceremony is a community event featuring live music, entertainment, and the lighting of the holiday tree. Children's eyes sparkle when Mr. and Mrs. Claus visit, and pictures with Santa are available for a fee. Cookies and hot chocolate are served.
Where: Brea | More Info: Brea Tree Lighting Ceremony
Seasonal fun with Santa train and local school performances.
Join the Buena Park community for a festive celebration featuring local school performances, food vendors, and photo opportunities with Santa. Enjoy the return of the popular Santa train and witness the lighting of the Christmas tree.
Where: Buena Park | More Info: Buena Park Christmas Tree Lighting
Spectacular 90-foot tree lighting display with snowfall and music.
Watch Fashion Island's beautifully decorated 90-foot tree come to life with snowfall, music, and a choreographed light display in the Neiman Marcus - Bloomingdale's Courtyard every half hour from 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM.
Where: Newport Beach | More Info: Nightly Tree Lighting at Fashion Island
Unique waterfront holiday light display with ice skating and festive activities.
The Lighting of the Bay at Newport Dunes features over fifty holiday light displays floating on the serene, waveless bay. Enjoy holiday crafts, festive food and concessions, photos with Santa, and a holiday movie on the beach. The event also includes an ice skating rink and a holiday tree lot with farm-fresh trees from Oregon.
Where: Newport Beach | More Info: Lighting of the Bay at Newport Dunes
Holiday celebration with train rides and community performances.
The All is Bright Holiday Celebration & Tree Lighting at Aliso Viejo Town Center features train rides, ornament making, community and aerial performances, and a visit from Santa Claus.
Where: Aliso Viejo | More Info: Aliso Viejo All is Bright Celebration & Tree Lighting
Hand-painted vintage sets of "Peanuts" characters.
The Snoopy House Holiday Display at Costa Mesa City Hall features hand-painted vintage sets of "Peanuts" characters, live entertainment, train rides, and a miniature sledding hill. Visitors can enjoy nightly visits from Santa Claus, live musical performances, snacks, and free apple cider.
Where: Costa Mesa | More Info: Costa Mesa Holiday Celebration
Spectacular display of millions of holiday lights and festive activities.
The 31st Annual Festival of Lights in Riverside features millions of holiday lights, live music, rides, and attractions, including an ice rink and Santa's House, set amidst holiday-themed decorations in the downtown area.
Where: Riverside | More Info: 31st Annual Festival of Lights in Riverside
Beloved ice show starring the Peanuts Gang.
Knott’s Merry Farm transforms the entire park into a classic holiday festival with thousands of twinkling lights, themed garland, and jumbo snowflakes. Enjoy Christmas shows, a beloved ice show starring the Peanuts Gang, and delectable holiday dining options. Visit Santa’s Christmas Cabin and explore the Christmas Crafts Village.
Where: Buena Park | More Info: Knott’s Merry Farm
Annual tree lighting ceremony with candlelight choir procession.
The Orange Tree Lighting Ceremony at Old Towne Orange Plaza features a candlelight choir procession, musical program with carols and an orchestra, and the tree lighting. Activities include a photo opportunity with Santa, bounce house, craft house, and more. Food is sold by local non-profit groups at a nominal charge.
Where: Orange | More Info: Orange Tree Lighting Ceremony
Live entertainment by over 17 local bands.
The Corona del Mar Christmas Walk is a 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
Interactive holiday activities for families.
Santa's Village at Irvine Park Railroad offers a variety of activities such as ice fishing, cookie decorating, mini diggers, and photo opportunities. Families can enjoy these activities without reservations, and tickets for activities can be purchased upon arrival.
Where: Orange | More Info: Christmas Village at Irvine Park Railroad
Traditional Hanukkah celebration with community singing.
Celebrate Hanukkah with the Menorah Lighting Ceremony at Fashion Island, a partnership with Chabad Jewish Center, featuring singing and festive traditions in the Atrium Garden Courtyard.
Where: Newport Beach | More Info: Menorah Lighting at Fashion Island
Holiday celebration with diverse activities and events.
Ladera Ranch Winter Fest features a variety of activities including craft fairs, holiday decorating contests, and a menorah lighting ceremony, offering something for all ages.
Where: Ladera Ranch | More Info: Ladera Ranch Winter Fest
Community celebration with traditional Hanukkah activities.
Join Ladera Ranch for an evening of community celebration during Hanukkah. Enjoy music, dancing, dreidels, crafts, candle lighting, and traditional Hanukkah snacks.
Where: Ladera Ranch | More Info: Ladera Ranch Festival of Lights
Interactive activities and live entertainment with Santa's arrival on a fire engine.
Join the community at the Mission Viejo Civic Center for a festive celebration featuring fun interactive activities, a petting zoo, and live entertainment. The event includes a festival celebration from 3 to 5:30 PM, followed by Santa's arrival on a fire engine at 6 PM to turn on the festive lights in Mission Viejo.
Where: Mission Viejo | More Info: Santa’s Arrival and Tree Lighting in Mission Viejo
Whoville-themed activities and festive food options.
The Mission Viejo Holiday Mix and Mingle event offers a variety of holiday activities, including a Whoville-themed Night Market, Grinch's Santa's Workshop, Santa and Mrs. Claus, a snow play area, and Kris Kringle boutique. Enjoy food trucks, firepits with s'mores, candy houses, ornament crafts, beer, wine, and live entertainment.
Where: Mission Viejo | More Info: Holiday Mix and Mingle in Mission Viejo
