Last updated: November 11, 2024
See the best of the holidays in Costa Mesa at a glance. Our guide includes all the key festive activities. For Costa Mesa residents and guests, our guide ensures you experience all the festive fun.
One highlight of the season is the Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade & Holiday Lights Cruises, where beautifully decorated boats light up the harbor, creating a captivating atmosphere. Another delightful option is Winter Fest OC, which offers a variety of holiday-themed activities, including ice skating and festive games. And the Holiday Road is something you definitely don't want to miss, with its enchanting light displays and festive photo opportunities. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Costa Mesa Holiday Light Displays
Marina del Rey Holiday Boat Parade
- What to Expect
- Colorfully decorated boats with festive lights and music.
- Description
- The Marina del Rey Holiday Boat Parade features lighted boats cruising the harbor, accompanied by fireworks and live music, creating a vibrant holiday spectacle.
- Where
- Marina del Rey | More Info : Marina del Rey Holiday Boat Parade
Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade & Holiday Lights Cruises
- What to Expect
- Spectacular holiday light displays and decorated boats.
- Description
- The Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade & Holiday Lights Cruises feature beautifully decorated yachts, boats, kayaks, and canoes sailing through Newport Harbor. The event includes a waterfront decorating competition, fireworks, and drone shows, offering a unique and spectacular holiday experience.
- Where
- Newport Beach | More Info : Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade & Holiday Lights Cruises
Sherman Gardens Nights of 1000 Lights
- What to Expect
- Holiday light display with interactive gardens and festive activities.
- Description
- Sherman Gardens Nights of 1000 Lights features a festive holiday display with light tunnels, 3D experiences, and interactive gardens, including a visit to Santa and a s'mores station.
- Where
- Corona del Mar | More Info : Sherman Gardens Nights of 1000 Lights
Holiday Light Display
- What to Expect
- Annual holiday light display with festive decorations and illuminated walkways.
- Description
- Dana Point Harbor transforms into a vibrant holiday display featuring annual favorites like Happy Harbor Days and Merry Kiss Me, with thousands of LED lights illuminating the waterfront.
- Where
- Dana Point | More Info : Holiday Light Display
Descanso Gardens’ Enchanted Forest Of Light
- What to Expect
- Interactive light installations in a botanical garden setting.
- Description
- Descanso Gardens’ Enchanted Forest of Light is an interactive nighttime experience featuring a one-mile walk through unique lighting installations in beloved garden areas, including an entire town of magical stained glass houses and sparkling geometric installations.
- Where
- La Cañada Flintridge | More Info : Descanso Gardens’ Enchanted Forest Of Light
Lake Forest 2nd Annual Holiday Tree Lighting
- What to Expect
- Family-friendly activities and entertainment.
- Description
- The Lake Forest Holiday Tree Lighting features live music, kids' activities, food and beverages, carolers, and a visit from Santa Claus. Crafts, face painting, and family-friendly games are also part of the celebration.
- Where
- Lake Forest | More Info : Lake Forest 2nd Annual Holiday Tree Lighting
Laguna Niguel City Hall Holiday Event
- What to Expect
- Family-friendly holiday celebration with games, crafts, and Santa visit.
- Description
- Join the City of Laguna Niguel for its annual Christmas Tree Lighting at City Hall. The event features holiday performances, crafts, and Christmas treats, along with a visit from Santa.
- Where
- Laguna Niguel | More Info : Laguna Niguel City Hall Holiday Event
Costa Mesa Holiday Markets and Shopping
Torrance Memorial Medical Center Family-Friendly Holiday Festival
- What to Expect
- Unique blend of holiday activities and fundraising events.
- Description
- The Torrance Memorial Medical Center Family-Friendly Holiday Festival features beautifully decorated trees, entertainment, holiday gifts, children’s activities, and a food court. Special ticketed events include a fashion show and dinner gala.
- Where
- Torrance | More Info : Torrance Memorial Medical Center Family-Friendly Holiday Festival
Costa Mesa Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Campana Sobre Campana: Christmas in Mexico
- What to Expect
- Rich cultural tapestry of Mexican Christmas traditions.
- Description
- Celebrate the holiday season with Campana Sobre Campana: Christmas in Mexico, featuring Mariachi Garibaldi de Jaime Cuéllar and Ballet Folklorico del Rio Grande. This vibrant show weaves cherished Mexican traditions into a heartwarming story of the season, capturing the spirit of Posadas, the majesty of the Reyes Magos, and the thrill of breaking piñatas.
- Where
- Rancho Cucamonga | More Info : Campana Sobre Campana: Christmas in Mexico
43rd Annual Corona del Mar Christmas Walk
- What to Expect
- Live entertainment by over 17 local bands.
- Description
- The 45th Annual Corona del Mar Christmas Walk is a community event celebrating merchants and restaurants in Corona del Mar Village with live entertainment, Santa's visits, beer and wine gardens, unique vendor gifts, and children's activities.
- Where
- Corona del Mar | More Info : 43rd Annual Corona del Mar Christmas Walk
South Lake Avenue Holidayfest
- What to Expect
- Live music and holiday activities with local businesses offering prizes.
- Description
- South Lake Avenue Holidayfest is a family-friendly event featuring live music, in-store promotions, holiday activities, and a raffle with prizes from local businesses. Guests can enjoy complimentary activities like cookie decorating and ornament making, as well as photos with Santa and festive characters.
- Where
- Pasadena | More Info : South Lake Avenue Holidayfest
Costa Mesa Other Holiday Activities
Winter Fest OC
- What to Expect
- Interactive farm and garden workshops with live music and family activities.
- Description
- Winter Fest OC at the OC Fair & Event Center offers a variety of activities, including farm garden workshops, live music, and family fun events. The event features educational programs, cultural festivals, and entertainment for all ages.
- Where
- Costa Mesa | More Info : Winter Fest OC
Temecula On Ice
- What to Expect
- State-of-the-art ice rink with its own radio station.
- Description
- Temecula On Ice features a state-of-the-art ice rink, rental skates, Bobby skating aid, and its own radio station playing the best ice skating music. Open daily, including Christmas Day and New Year's Eve, with special hours and fees.
- Where
- Temecula | More Info : Temecula On Ice
Festival of Winter
- What to Expect
- Snow play and live entertainment for all ages.
- Description
- The Festival of Winter at Miller Park Amphitheater features train rides, rides and attractions, live entertainment, photo opportunities with Santa, and a variety of vendors and activity booths. Enjoy snow play and experience winter activities for all ages.
- Where
- Fontana | More Info : Festival of Winter
Santa's Arrival and Illumination
- What to Expect
- Interactive activities and petting zoo
- Description
- 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 petting zoo and live entertainment for all to enjoy. Santa will arrive atop a fire engine at 6 pm to help ring in the holiday spirit by turning on the festive lights in Mission Viejo.
- Where
- Mission Viejo | More Info : Santa's Arrival and Illumination
Holiday Parade in Laguna Niguel
- What to Expect
- Community-driven holiday celebration with diverse entries.
- Description
- The Holiday Parade in Laguna Niguel is a vibrant community event featuring festive floats, marching bands, and holiday cheer. Residents and visitors come together to celebrate the season with a variety of entries showcasing local talent and spirit.
- Where
- Laguna Niguel | More Info : Holiday Parade in Laguna Niguel
Temecula Chilled
- What to Expect
- State-of-the-art ice rink with its own radio station.
- Description
- Temecula On Ice features a state-of-the-art ice rink, rental skates, Bobby skating aids, and its own radio station playing the best ice skating music. The event is open daily, including Christmas Day and New Year's Eve, with special hours and fees.
- Where
- Temecula | More Info : Temecula Chilled