The holidays are in full swing in Fullerton! Discover all the festive events with our guide. For Fullerton experts and beginners alike, our guide is your passport to yuletide adventures.
Kick off the season with the Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade, featuring stunningly decorated boats that light up the bay. You'll also be mesmerized by the Disneyland Christmas Fantasy Parade, where you can experience magical floats and holiday cheer. And Knott's Merry Farm is something you definitely don't want to miss – it transforms into a winter wonderland with holiday-themed shows and crafts. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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The Top Christmas Events in Fullerton
See these and even more events listed below!Fullerton Holiday Markets and Shopping
Downtown Fullerton Winter Market
What to Expect:
European-style outdoor market in historic downtown
Description:
Downtown Fullerton's Winter Market brings a touch of European charm to Southern California. The outdoor market fills the historic streets with local vendors offering artisanal goods and seasonal treats. The aroma of mulled wine and roasted chestnuts wafts through the air, transporting visitors to a traditional Christmas market. You can browse handcrafted gifts while enjoying live performances by local musicians. This event celebrates Fullerton's rich history, taking place amidst beautifully preserved early 20th-century architecture.
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Downtown Fullerton Winter Market
Nearby Events
Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade (Newport Beach)
What to Expect:
Over 100 decorated boats parading through Newport Harbor
Description:
Newport Beach's harbor transforms into a floating spectacle as over 100 decorated boats glide through the water. This century-old tradition illuminates the night with twinkling lights reflecting off the waves. Visitors can watch from waterfront restaurants or book a spot on a parade boat for an up-close experience. The parade's roots trace back to 1907 when an Italian gondolier began decorating his boat to entertain visitors. Today, it's a dazzling display of creativity and holiday spirit that captivates thousands each year.
Website:
Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade
Disneyland Christmas Fantasy Parade (Anaheim)
What to Expect:
Disney characters in holiday attire parading down Main Street U.S.A.
Description:
Disneyland's Christmas Fantasy Parade brings beloved characters to life in their holiday finest. Mickey, Minnie, and friends dance down Main Street U.S.A., accompanied by the cheerful sounds of classic Christmas tunes. You'll spot toy soldiers marching in perfect formation and gingerbread men twirling with glee. This parade has been a park tradition since 1995, evolving each year with new floats and performances. Guests can secure a prime viewing spot along the parade route to catch every festive moment.
Website:
Disneyland Christmas Fantasy Parade
Knott's Merry Farm (Buena Park)
What to Expect:
Ghost Town transformed into a Christmas village
Description:
Knott's Berry Farm's Ghost Town sheds its Wild West persona for a jolly makeover during Knott's Merry Farm. The park's iconic area becomes a charming Christmas village, complete with snow-capped buildings and twinkling lights. Visitors can meet Santa Claus in his cozy cabin or catch the "Home for the Holidays" musical revue. The event pays homage to the park's humble beginnings as a berry farm, with special holiday treats featuring their famous boysenberries. Knott's Merry Farm offers a unique blend of thrill rides and seasonal cheer.
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Balboa Island Holiday Home Walking Tour (Newport Beach)
What to Expect:
Self-guided tour of elaborately decorated island homes
Description:
Balboa Island's Holiday Home Walking Tour showcases the community's most elaborately decorated residences. Stroll along the charming streets, admiring the creativity and effort homeowners pour into their displays. You might spot themes ranging from classic Americana to tropical Christmas. The tour highlights the island's unique character, blending coastal charm with holiday spirit. Balboa Island, artificially created in the early 1900s, has become a sought-after residential area known for its tight-knit community and festive traditions.
Website:
Balboa Island Holiday Home Walking Tour
Huntington Beach Surf City Winter Wonderland (Huntington Beach)
What to Expect:
Beachside ice skating rink with ocean views
Description:
Huntington Beach's Surf City Winter Wonderland brings a frosty touch to the sunny shores. The centerpiece is an outdoor ice skating rink overlooking the Pacific Ocean, offering a unique California twist on winter activities. Skaters glide across the ice with the sound of crashing waves in the background. This event celebrates Huntington Beach's surfing heritage while embracing holiday traditions. Visitors can also explore the nearby holiday village, featuring local artisans and seasonal treats.
Website:
Huntington Beach Surf City Winter Wonderland
Dana Point Harbor Boat Parade of Lights (Dana Point)
What to Expect:
Boats decorated to match an annual theme
Description:
Dana Point Harbor's Boat Parade of Lights dazzles spectators with creatively themed vessels. Each year, boat owners rise to the challenge of a new theme, transforming their crafts into floating works of art. The parade illuminates the harbor, reflecting off the water and creating a mesmerizing display. You can watch from the shore or join a special cruise for an immersive experience. This event has been a local tradition since the 1970s, growing from a small community gathering to a major attraction.
Website:
Dana Point Harbor Boat Parade of Lights
Sawdust Winter Fantasy Festival (Laguna Beach)
What to Expect:
Artist-created holiday village with handcrafted gifts
Description:
Laguna Beach's Sawdust Winter Fantasy Festival transforms the famous art colony into a holiday haven. Local artists construct a whimsical village, filling it with their handcrafted creations. Visitors can wander through the sawdust-covered paths, discovering unique gifts and watching artisans at work. The festival, which began in 1990, celebrates Laguna Beach's rich artistic heritage. You'll find everything from hand-blown glass ornaments to intricately carved wooden Santas, each piece a testament to the artists' skill and creativity.
Website:
Sawdust Winter Fantasy Festival
Mission Inn Festival of Lights (Riverside)
What to Expect:
Historic hotel covered in over 5 million lights
Description:
Riverside's Mission Inn Festival of Lights bathes the historic hotel in a sea of twinkling brilliance. Over 5 million lights adorn the Spanish Mission-style building, creating a breathtaking spectacle. Visitors can explore the hotel's grounds, marveling at animated displays and towering Christmas trees. The tradition began in 1992 when the hotel's owner decided to share his love of holiday decorations with the community. Today, it's grown into a six-week celebration that draws visitors from across the region.
Website:
Mission Inn Festival of Lights
Dana Point Ocean Institute Holiday Boutique (Dana Point)
What to Expect:
Ocean-themed holiday gifts supporting marine education
Description:
Dana Point Ocean Institute's Holiday Boutique offers a unique shopping experience with a marine twist. The boutique features ocean-inspired gifts, many handcrafted by local artisans. Shoppers can find everything from sea glass jewelry to marine life-themed ornaments. Your purchases support the Institute's educational programs, helping to foster ocean stewardship. The Ocean Institute, founded in 1977, has been a cornerstone of marine education in Orange County, making this boutique a meaningful way to combine holiday shopping with environmental awareness.
Website:
Dana Point Ocean Institute Holiday Boutique
Irvine Park Railroad Christmas Train (Orange)
What to Expect:
Nighttime train ride through illuminated scenes
Description:
Irvine Park Railroad's Christmas Train takes passengers on a journey through a twinkling wonderland. As the train chugs along its 1/3-scale track, riders are treated to a series of illuminated scenes depicting holiday stories and characters. Children can visit with Santa in his workshop before boarding. The railroad, which opened in 1996, pays homage to the park's history – Irvine Regional Park is the oldest county park in California, established in 1897.
Website:
Irvine Park Railroad Christmas Train
Laguna Niguel Holiday Parade (Laguna Niguel)
What to Expect:
Parade featuring both land and equestrian entries
Description:
Laguna Niguel's Holiday Parade marches down Crown Valley Parkway, showcasing a unique blend of traditional floats and equestrian entries. The event highlights the city's connection to its ranching past, with beautifully adorned horses prancing alongside marching bands and community groups. Spectators line the streets to catch glimpses of colorful floats and wave to local dignitaries. You might spot everything from miniature horses to majestic Clydesdales in this celebration of community spirit and holiday cheer.