Last updated: November 11, 2024
Get ready for holiday joy in Cypress! Our guide is packed with must-see events and activities. From Cypress enthusiasts to curious visitors, our guide ensures a season full of wonder and delight.
Popular events await this festive season, starting with Knott's Merry Farm, where visitors can enjoy seasonal shows and festive décor throughout the park. Winter Fest OC presents delightful attractions that transform the venue into a winter wonderland, offering ice skating, carnival rides, and holiday entertainment. And the All is Bright Celebration & Tree Lighting is something you definitely don't want to miss, featuring a stunning display of lights and a community gathering. Check out the rest of the page for more details on these and other fun events and activities!
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Cypress Holiday Light Displays
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 hand-painted vintage scenes of "Peanuts" characters, including Snoopy and the Peanuts Gang, with special activities like train rides, live entertainment, and photos with Santa.
- Where
- Costa Mesa | More Info : Snoopy House at Costa Mesa City Hall
Boat Parade of Lights - Dana Point Harbor
- What to Expect
- Decorated boats competing for prizes in a seaside carnival setting.
- Description
- The 49th Annual Boat Parade of Lights at Dana Point Harbor features a "Santa's Seaside Carnival" theme, with decorated boats competing for prizes. The parade takes place nightly from December 13 to 15, 2024, at 6:30 PM. Spectators can watch from the shoreline or enjoy a holiday cruise with close-up views of the beautifully adorned boats.
- Where
- Dana Point | More Info : Boat Parade of Lights - Dana Point Harbor
Holiday Light Display - Newport Dunes
- What to Expect
- Free public event with over fifty holiday light displays.
- Description
- The 33rd annual Lighting of the Bay at Newport Dunes transforms the serene, waveless bay into a vibrant winter scene with over fifty holiday light displays. The event features holiday crafts, festive food and concessions, photos with Santa, and a holiday movie on the beach. An ice skating rink and hand-picked farm-fresh trees from Oregon are also part of the festivities.
- Where
- Newport Beach | More Info : Holiday Light Display - Newport Dunes
Lighting of the Bay - Newport Dunes
- What to Expect
- Unique waterfront ice skating experience with festive concessions.
- Description
- The Lighting of the Bay at Newport Dunes features over 50 floating holiday light displays transforming the serene, waveless bay into a vibrant winter scene each evening. The event includes holiday crafts, festive food and concessions, photos with Santa, and a holiday movie on the beach. An ice skating rink and holiday tree lot with farm-fresh trees from Oregon are also part of the festivities.
- Where
- Newport Beach | More Info : Lighting of the Bay - Newport Dunes
115th Annual Christmas Boat Parade and Ring of Lights
- What to Expect
- Spectacularly decorated boats and homes along a 14-mile harbor route.
- Description
- The 116th Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade and Ring of Lights features beautifully decorated yachts, boats, kayaks, and canoes sailing through Newport Harbor. This annual event is hosted by the Commodores Club of the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce and offers a variety of viewing options, including public cruises and waterfront dining.
- Where
- Newport Beach | More Info : 115th Annual Christmas Boat Parade and Ring of Lights
Cypress Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Knott's Merry Farm
- What to Expect
- Winter wonderland-inspired decorations and festive holiday dining.
- Description
- 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 food.
- Where
- Buena Park | More Info : Knott's Merry Farm
Disney Merriest Nites
- What to Expect
- Exclusive holiday-themed performances and character interactions throughout the park.
- Description
- This lively event features exclusive holiday entertainment, including themed performances and character appearances across the park. Guests can explore beautifully decorated areas and indulge in seasonal treats, creating a warm and joyful atmosphere for visitors of all ages. Seasonal attractions are enhanced with special shows that celebrate the spirit of the holiday season.
- Where
- Anaheim | More Info : Disney Merriest Nites
Cypress Other Holiday Activities
Winter Fest OC
- What to Expect
- Year-round farm-fresh fun with a working farm and educational exhibits.
- Description
- The OC Fair & Event Center offers a diverse range of activities including a working farm, Centennial Farm, Heroes Hall Museum, and various events and festivals. It provides 157,000 square feet of venue rental space for meetings, parties, corporate events, cultural festivals, trade shows, and concerts. The fairgrounds also host family fun activities, live music, and educational experiences.
- Where
- Costa Mesa | More Info : Winter Fest OC
All is Bright Celebration & Tree Lighting
- What to Expect
- Holiday celebration with train rides and community performances.
- Description
- The All is Bright Holiday Celebration & Tree Lighting features holiday cheer, 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
Anaheim Town Square Holiday Carnival
- What to Expect
- Interactive holiday activities with Santa, snow, and festive fun.
- Description
- Anaheim Town Square Holiday Carnival features Santa's arrival, real snow, cookie decorating, bounce houses, and holiday crafts, making it a joyful celebration for the whole family.
- Where
- Anaheim | More Info : Anaheim Town Square Holiday Carnival
Santa's Village - Irvine Park Railroad
- What to Expect
- Free entry to a festive activity hub with various holiday activities.
- Description
- Santa's Village at Irvine Park Railroad offers a variety of festive activities including ice fishing, cookie decorating, and Rudolph Racers. Visitors can enjoy thousands of sparkling Christmas lights and participate in various fun activities without needing reservations, though Christmas Train tickets are required to meet Santa.
- Where
- Irvine | More Info : Santa's Village - Irvine Park Railroad
Christmas Train - Irvine Park Railroad
- What to Expect
- Interactive holiday experience with Santa Claus.
- Description
- The Christmas Train at Irvine Park Railroad offers a festive ride through historic Irvine Regional Park, where children can share their wish lists with Santa and have their photos taken. The train departs from the station, drops passengers off at the North Pole, and returns to Santa's Village, featuring colorful Christmas lights and decorations.
- Where
- Irvine | More Info : Christmas Train - Irvine Park Railroad
Boat Ride with Santa - Dana Point Harbor
- What to Expect
- Short, festive boat ride with Santa.
- Description
- Take a 20-minute boat ride around Dana Point Harbor with Santa, benefiting Soroptimist of Capistrano Bay. Tickets are $5 per person.
- Where
- Dana Point | More Info : Boat Ride with Santa - Dana Point Harbor
Santa Paws - Dana Point Harbor
- What to Expect
- Pet photos with Santa Paws supporting animal shelter.
- Description
- The Santa Paws event at Dana Point Harbor, hosted by Pet Project Foundation, offers pet photos with Santa Paws. Proceeds support the San Clemente – Dana Point Animal Shelter. The event takes place in the Clock Courtyard outside El Torito Restaurant from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
- Where
- Dana Point | More Info : Santa Paws - Dana Point Harbor