Last updated: November 11, 2024
Plan your festive season in Garden Grove with our itinerary guide. Discover all the top holiday events and activities. Whether you're a Garden Grove insider or an outsider looking in, this guide helps you create lasting memories.
This holiday season, immerse yourself in the enchanting atmosphere of Knott's Merry Farm, where twinkling lights and seasonal treats abound. For a uniquely festive experience, visit Queen Mary Christmas, featuring elaborate decorations and holiday-themed attractions that capture the spirit of the season. And don't forget Disney On Ice, a captivating show that brings beloved characters to life on the ice. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Garden Grove Holiday Light Displays
All is Bright Celebration & Tree Lighting
- What to Expect
- Community-driven holiday celebration with festive activities and performances.
- Description
- The All is Bright Holiday Celebration & Tree Lighting Ceremony features holiday cheer, train rides, ornament making, community and aerial performances, and a visit from Santa Claus 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
- Holiday celebration with dog costume contest and Santa photos.
- Description
- The Nutcracker Tree Lighting & Holiday Village in Downtown Anaheim features a variety of holiday happenings, including a dog costume contest, holiday crafts, unique shopping, and pictures with Santa. Guests will enjoy these activities leading up to the tree lighting ceremony at City Hall.
- Where
- Anaheim | More Info : Nutcracker Tree Lighting & Holiday Village
Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade
- What to Expect
- Spectacular waterfront decorations and fireworks display.
- Description
- The Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade is a 116th annual event featuring beautifully decorated yachts, boats, kayaks, and canoes sailing through Newport Harbor. The parade takes place from December 18 to 22, 2024, with the first public viewing at Marina Park, the largest public viewing location along the parade route.
- Where
- Newport Beach | More Info : Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade
LA Zoo Lights
- What to Expect
- Holiday celebration in a zoo setting with interactive wildlife-inspired lantern displays.
- Description
- LA Zoo Lights features an immersive landscape filled with dazzling new lantern sculptures of animals among blooming flowers, towering trees, and glowing rivers. This nature-focused holiday celebration includes all-new wonders like the magical Holiday Forest and spectacular holiday photo spots. Santa photos are available at an additional fee. The event offers various special experiences, including sensory-inclusive evenings and all-ages Pride Nights.
- Where
- Los Angeles | More Info : LA Zoo Lights
Magic of Lights
- What to Expect
- Dazzling drive-through holiday lights with life-sized dinosaurs and animated characters.
- Description
- Magic of Lights is a drive-through holiday lights spectacle featuring over 2 million sparkling lights, including classic holiday scenes and larger-than-life displays like the Holiday Barbie and Bigfoot Monster Truck.
- Where
- Los Angeles | More Info : Magic of Lights
Garden Grove Holiday Markets and Shopping
The Grove Winterland
- What to Expect
- Seasonal shopping and dining with exclusive collections and live events.
- Description
- The Grove Winterland offers a vibrant atmosphere with seasonal offerings, including exclusive fashion collections, gourmet flavors, and live entertainment.
- Where
- Los Angeles | More Info : The Grove Winterland
Garden Grove Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Knott's Merry Farm
- What to Expect
- Christmas celebration with live entertainment and themed food.
- Description
- Knott's Merry Farm transforms into a classic holiday festival with thousands of twinkling lights, themed garland, and jumbo snowflakes. Enjoy Christmas shows like "Home for the Holidays," a musical revue featuring classic Christmas tunes and holiday lights. The event also includes a beloved ice show starring the Peanuts Gang and delectable holiday dining options.
- Where
- Buena Park | More Info : Knott's Merry Farm
Queen Mary Christmas
- What to Expect
- Interactive holiday festivities with iconic ship decorations and activities.
- Description
- The Queen Mary Christmas event features an 80-foot LED tree lighting, ice skating rink, meet and greets with Santa, holiday entertainment, and more. Guests can stroll through the beautifully decorated Promenade Deck and Main Hall, enjoy live music and handcrafted cocktails at the Observation Bar, and immerse themselves in the festive atmosphere of the ship.
- Where
- Long Beach | More Info : Queen Mary Christmas
John Denver’s Rocky Mountain Christmas
- What to Expect
- Intimate performance of John Denver's iconic songs and carols.
- Description
- Rick Schuler's performance of John Denver's music takes audiences back to the 1970s with 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
Christ Cathedral Christmas Services
- What to Expect
- Candlelit Christmas service with Choral and Congregational Carols.
- Description
- Celebrate the Christmas season at Christ Cathedral with a centuries-old tradition of the Service of Lessons & Carols. This candlelit evening features Choral Christmas favorites and Congregational Carols complementing beloved scripture readings about the birth of Jesus Christ.
- Where
- Garden Grove | More Info : Christ Cathedral Christmas Services
Campana Sobre Campana: Christmas in Mexico
- What to Expect
- Rich cultural tapestry of Mexican Christmas traditions.
- Description
- Campana Sobre Campana: Christmas in Mexico is a vibrant show that weaves cherished Mexican traditions into a heartwarming story of the season. Through the joyous rhythms of mariachi and colorful Mexican dance, it captures 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
Disney On Ice
- What to Expect
- Live-action Disney stories on ice with synchronized skating.
- Description
- Disney On Ice is a touring ice show featuring beloved Disney stories, breathtaking ice skating, and world-class performer athletes. The event brings families together with immersive audience experiences, connecting generations through entertainment.
- Where
- Anaheim | More Info : Disney On Ice
Disneyland Christmas Fantasy Parade
- What to Expect
- Colorful floats showcasing Disney characters in a vibrant holiday parade setting.
- Description
- This annual parade in Disneyland features beautifully decorated floats, beloved characters, and festive music, creating an immersive holiday atmosphere. Families gather to witness the stunning displays and lively performances that celebrate the joy of the season. Each float is adorned with lights and seasonal decorations, making for a visually stunning experience.
- Where
- Anaheim | More Info : Disneyland Christmas Fantasy Parade
Garden Grove Other Holiday Activities
Irvine Park Railroad Christmas Train
- What to Expect
- Family-friendly holiday train ride with Santa and festive activities.
- Description
- Take a festive ride through historic Irvine Regional Park to meet Santa Claus. The Christmas Train offers a fun experience with colorful lights and decorations, including the magical "Tunnel of Lights." Children can share their wish lists with Santa and have their photos taken. Activity tickets are available for various festive activities in Santa's Village.
- Where
- Orange | More Info : Irvine Park Railroad Christmas Train
Anaheim Hills Festival Holiday Spectacular
- What to Expect
- Holiday celebration with Santa, crafts, and train rides.
- Description
- The Anaheim Hills Festival Holiday Spectacular offers photo opportunities with Santa, children's crafts, face painting, balloon art, and train rides in a festive atmosphere.
- Where
- Anaheim | More Info : Anaheim Hills Festival Holiday Spectacular