Last updated: November 11, 2024
Feel the warmth of the holidays in Fullerton! Discover all the community events with our guide. From Fullerton natives to wandering souls, our guide ensures a holiday season to treasure.
This festive season, experience the charm of Knott’s Merry Farm, where you can enjoy holiday-themed shows, handcrafted treats, and seasonal decorations throughout the park. Winter Fest OC brings a wintry wonderland to life, offering ice skating, carnival rides, and a spectacular holiday light display. And the Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade is something you definitely don't want to miss, featuring beautifully decorated boats gliding through the waters in a vibrant display. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Fullerton Holiday Light Displays
Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade
- What to Expect
- Spectacularly decorated boats and kayaks in a festive waterfront setting.
- Description
- The Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade is a 116-year-old tradition featuring beautifully decorated yachts, boats, kayaks, and canoes sailing through Newport Harbor. The event is hosted by the Commodores Club of the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce and offers optimal viewing at Marina Park, with fireworks kicking off the parade on opening night.
- Where
- Newport Beach | More Info : Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade
All is Bright Celebration & Tree Lighting
- What to Expect
- Community and aerial performances with a visit from St. Nick.
- Description
- The All is Bright Holiday Celebration & Tree Lighting features holiday cheer, train rides, ornament making, community and aerial performances, and a visit from jolly ole St. Nick as the 22-foot tree is lit.
- Where
- Aliso Viejo | More Info : All is Bright Celebration & Tree Lighting
Nutcracker Tree Lighting & Holiday Village
- What to Expect
- Family-friendly holiday celebration with tree lighting and festive activities.
- Description
- The Nutcracker Holiday Village & Tree Lighting in Downtown Anaheim features a variety of holiday happenings, including a dog costume contest, holiday crafts, unique shopping, and pictures with Santa. The event culminates in a special tree lighting ceremony at City Hall.
- Where
- Anaheim | More Info : Nutcracker Tree Lighting & Holiday Village
South Coast Plaza Tree Lighting
- What to Expect
- Spectacular LED light display on a 96-foot white fir tree.
- Description
- The South Coast Plaza Tree Lighting features a 96-foot white fir tree decorated with over 150,000 LED lights, accompanied by holiday entertainment, a visit from Santa, and a performance by Orange County School of the Arts.
- Where
- Costa Mesa | More Info : South Coast Plaza Tree Lighting
Fullerton Holiday Markets and Shopping
Fullerton Winter Market
- What to Expect
- Unique holiday shopping experience with diverse vendors.
- Description
- The Fullerton Winter Market offers a variety of vendors selling unique gifts and seasonal items, creating a vibrant atmosphere perfect for holiday shopping.
- Where
- Fullerton | More Info : Fullerton Winter Market
Fullerton Holiday Shows and Entertainment
John Denver’s Rocky Mountain Christmas
- What to Expect
- Intimate performance of John Denver's music by America's Top John Denver Tribute.
- Description
- John Denver's Rocky Mountain Christmas features Rick Schuler performing iconic hits like "Rocky Mountain High," "Sunshine on My Shoulders," and holiday classics from John Denver's TV specials and Christmas albums.
- Where
- Anaheim | More Info : John Denver’s Rocky Mountain Christmas
Darden Christmas Concert
- What to Expect
- Crystal clear harmonies and angelic melodies in a modern Americana feel.
- Description
- Darden presents a concert experience with crystal clear harmonies and angelic melodies, featuring modern versions of classic songs in an Alternative and Modern Americana style.
- Where
- Fullerton | More Info : Darden Christmas Concert
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
Fullerton Winter Movie Night
- What to Expect
- Santa photo opportunity and Grinch movie screening.
- Description
- The Fullerton Winter Movie Night at the Fullerton Community Center features a photo opportunity with Santa, letter-writing to Santa, arts and crafts, and a screening of "How the Grinch Stole Christmas." Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets and lawn chairs for a cozy evening. The event includes an onsite concession stand with popcorn, soft drinks, and more for sale. No alcohol is permitted.
- Where
- Fullerton | More Info : Fullerton Winter Movie Night
Knott’s Merry Farm
- What to Expect
- Beloved ice show starring the Peanuts Gang.
- Description
- Knott’s Merry Farm is a holiday celebration featuring winter wonderland-inspired decor, thousands of twinkling lights, and miles of themed garland. Enjoy Christmas shows, a beloved ice show starring the Peanuts Gang, and delectable holiday dining food. The event includes a Christmas Crafts Village and a nightly Christmas tree lighting ceremony.
- Where
- Buena Park | More Info : Knott’s Merry Farm
Santa Claus Conquers the Martians
- What to Expect
- Campy stage adaptation of a B-movie classic.
- Description
- Join Santa on a light-hearted, madcap adventure in outer space as he battles to save Christmas for the children of Earth. This campy stage production is suitable for children and even cranky adults, featuring cheesy costumes and plenty of humor.
- Where
- Fullerton | More Info : Santa Claus Conquers the Martians
Holiday Series at the Chance Theater
- What to Expect
- Romantic comedy musical adaptation of Jane Austen's novel.
- Description
- Jane Austen's Emma, The Musical, a romantic comedy musical based on the novel by Jane Austen, features an intelligent and buoyant score by Tony-nominated composer Paul Gordon. Directed by Casey Long, this production brings to life the enduring love story of Emma, a well-meaning but disaster-prone matchmaker.
- Where
- Anaheim | More Info : Holiday Series at the Chance Theater
Segerstrom Holiday Events - Nutcracker
- What to Expect
- World-class ballet performance with elaborate sets and costumes.
- Description
- American Ballet Theatre's critically acclaimed production of The Nutcracker features a cast of over 100 performers, gorgeous sets and costumes by Tony winner Richard Hudson, and Pacific Symphony playing Tchaikovsky’s timeless score. The tale of young Clara and her adventures with the nutcracker doll comes to life on stage.
- Where
- Costa Mesa | More Info : Segerstrom Holiday Events - Nutcracker
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
Fullerton Other Holiday Activities
Fullerton Holiday Festival
- What to Expect
- Free family-friendly activities and live music.
- Description
- Celebrate the holiday season with free family-friendly activities, live music, food and drinks, art workshops for kids, and an arts and crafts sale.
- Where
- Fullerton | More Info : Fullerton Holiday Festival
Festival of Winter
- What to Expect
- Snow play and train rides in a festive atmosphere.
- Description
- The Festival of Winter at Miller Park features train rides, rides, attractions, live entertainment, photo opportunities with Santa, and a variety of vendors and activity booths. It also includes snow play and a Tot Lot for kids to experience snow for the first time.
- Where
- Fontana | More Info : Festival of Winter
Fullerton Snow Day
- What to Expect
- Interactive snow activities for kids.
- Description
- Fullerton Snow Day features tons of frosty snow for sledding, making snowmen, and having old-fashioned snowball battles.
- Where
- Fullerton | More Info : Fullerton Snow Day
Winter Fest OC
- What to Expect
- Interactive agricultural and culinary workshops.
- Description
- Winter Fest OC at OC Fair & Event Center offers a variety of activities, including farm garden workshops, food preservation classes, and chocolate truffle making. The event features a working farm with animals and crops, as well as a veterans museum, making it an ideal destination for educational enrichment and family fun.
- Where
- Costa Mesa | More Info : Winter Fest OC