Experience the holiday joy in Garden Grove! Our guide has all the exciting festive happenings. Whether you're deeply rooted in Garden Grove soil or just planting holiday seeds, our guide helps your festive spirit bloom.
Celebrate the season with a visit to Knott's Merry Farm, where you'll find a winter wonderland of entertainment and crafts. Marvel at the spectacular lights and incredible floats at the Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade, a unique event bringing holiday cheer to the waterfront. And the Disneyland Christmas Fantasy Parade is something you definitely don't want to miss, featuring beloved characters and enchanting performances. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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The Top Christmas Events in Garden Grove
See these and even more events listed below!Nearby Events
Disneyland Christmas Fantasy Parade (Anaheim)
What to Expect:
Iconic Disney characters in holiday attire
Description:
The Disneyland Christmas Fantasy Parade transforms Main Street U.S.A. into a winter spectacle. Mickey and friends don their finest holiday attire, bringing classic Disney magic to life. Elaborately decorated floats glide by, accompanied by the cheerful melodies of beloved Christmas tunes. You can wave to your favorite characters as they pass. This parade tradition dates back to 1995, evolving into a cherished part of Disneyland's holiday celebrations. The event captures the essence of Disney's storytelling prowess, blending it seamlessly with the spirit of the season.
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Disneyland Christmas Fantasy Parade
Knott's Merry Farm (Buena Park)
What to Expect:
Old West Christmas atmosphere
Description:
Knott's Merry Farm transports visitors to a frontier-style Christmas celebration. The park's Ghost Town area comes alive with holiday cheer, blending Old West charm with seasonal festivities. Artisans demonstrate traditional crafts, offering a glimpse into 19th-century holiday preparations. You can indulge in freshly baked treats with recipes dating back generations. The event pays homage to Knott's Berry Farm's origins as a simple berry stand in the 1920s, which grew into the beloved theme park it is today. Knott's Merry Farm embraces this rich history, creating a unique holiday experience that stands out from typical modern celebrations.
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Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade (Newport Beach)
What to Expect:
Boat parade on the water with elaborately decorated vessels
Description:
Newport Beach's harbor transforms into a floating spectacle as over 100 boats adorned with dazzling lights and decorations glide through the water. This aquatic procession, a tradition since 1908, offers a unique twist on holiday celebrations. Visitors can watch from shore or join a cruise to experience the parade up close. The gentle lapping of waves adds a soothing soundtrack to the visual feast. Newport Beach's maritime heritage shines through this event, showcasing the community's deep connection to the sea. You'll marvel at the creativity displayed by boat owners as they compete for top honors in various categories.
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Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade
OC Winter Fest (Costa Mesa)
What to Expect:
Southern California's largest outdoor ice rink
Description:
OC Winter Fest brings a touch of winter to sunny Southern California. The event boasts the region's largest outdoor ice skating rink, offering a rare opportunity to glide on real ice under palm trees. Visitors can explore an alpine village filled with seasonal treats and activities. You can try your hand at ice tubing, an exhilarating twist on traditional sledding. The festival pays tribute to Orange County's agricultural past with displays of locally grown citrus, a nod to the area's former orange groves. OC Winter Fest blends the charm of a traditional winter carnival with the unique climate and culture of coastal California.
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Huntington Harbour Boat Parade (Huntington Beach)
What to Expect:
Intimate community-driven boat parade
Description:
The Huntington Harbour Boat Parade offers a more intimate holiday experience compared to larger coastal events. Local residents decorate their boats and cruise through the narrow waterways of Huntington Harbour, creating a close-knit community celebration. The parade originated in the 1960s, shortly after the harbor's development, and has become a cherished local tradition. Spectators gather on bridges and waterfront homes to watch the procession of illuminated vessels. You can join a holiday cruise to view the parade from the water, gaining a unique perspective on this neighborhood spectacle.
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Huntington Harbour Boat Parade
Queen Mary Christmas (Long Beach)
What to Expect:
Holiday celebrations aboard a historic ocean liner
Description:
Queen Mary Christmas transforms the iconic 1930s ocean liner into a floating holiday spectacle. The ship's art deco interiors provide a unique backdrop for seasonal decorations, blending maritime history with holiday cheer. Visitors can explore themed areas throughout the vessel, each offering a different facet of Christmas celebrations. You can enjoy a traditional English tea service, a nod to the ship's British heritage. The event highlights the Queen Mary's storied past, including its role as a troopship during World War II, while creating new holiday memories. This distinctive venue sets Queen Mary Christmas apart from land-based holiday events.
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Irvine Park Railroad Christmas Train (Orange)
What to Expect:
Nighttime train ride through illuminated scenes
Description:
The Irvine Park Railroad Christmas Train offers a journey through a twinkling landscape of holiday displays. As the train winds through the historic Irvine Regional Park, passengers are treated to a series of illuminated vignettes depicting classic Christmas scenes. The park, established in 1897, is California's oldest county park, adding a layer of historical significance to the ride. You can visit Santa's Village before or after your train adventure, extending the holiday experience. The nighttime setting of this train ride creates a cozy atmosphere, distinct from daytime holiday events.
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Irvine Park Railroad Christmas Train
Dana Point Harbor Boat Parade (Dana Point)
What to Expect:
Boats decorated to match an annual theme
Description:
The Dana Point Harbor Boat Parade stands out with its annually changing theme, challenging participants to creatively decorate their vessels. This coastal event illuminates the harbor with a procession of uniquely adorned boats, each interpreting the theme in its own way. The parade celebrates Dana Point's rich maritime history, which dates back to the early 19th century. Spectators can enjoy the parade from various vantage points around the harbor. You can participate in voting for your favorite boat, directly influencing the outcome of the competition. This thematic approach ensures that each year's parade offers a fresh and exciting experience.
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Mission Inn Festival of Lights (Riverside)
What to Expect:
Millions of lights adorning a historic hotel
Description:
The Mission Inn Festival of Lights transforms the iconic Mission Inn Hotel into a breathtaking display of illumination. Over five million lights adorn the hotel's unique Spanish Mission-style architecture, creating a stunning visual spectacle. The event began in 1992 and has since grown into one of the nation's largest holiday light collections. Visitors can explore the hotel's grounds, discovering intricate light displays and decorations at every turn. You can take a guided tour to learn about the hotel's rich history, which dates back to 1876. The festival seamlessly blends holiday cheer with the architectural beauty of this National Historic Landmark.
Website:
Mission Inn Festival of Lights
Los Alamitos Winter Wonderland (Los Alamitos)
What to Expect:
Small-town charm with a focus on local businesses
Description:
Los Alamitos Winter Wonderland brings holiday spirit to this small Orange County city with a focus on community and local businesses. The event transforms the downtown area into a festive hub, showcasing the charm of small-town America. Local shops and restaurants offer special holiday treats and gifts, encouraging visitors to support the community. You can participate in old-fashioned holiday games and activities, reminiscent of simpler times. The celebration pays homage to Los Alamitos' history as a sugar beet farming town in the early 20th century, with displays and information about the city's agricultural roots. This event stands out for its emphasis on local culture and small-business support.
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Los Alamitos Winter Wonderland
Surf City Winter Wonderland (Huntington Beach)
What to Expect:
Beach-themed holiday celebration
Description:
Surf City Winter Wonderland in Huntington Beach offers a unique coastal twist on holiday festivities. The event blends traditional Christmas elements with Southern California beach culture, creating a distinctive celebration. Palm trees wrapped in lights and surfboard Christmas trees showcase the area's surfing heritage. Visitors can enjoy beachside ice skating with ocean views, a rare experience that combines winter and summer activities. You can build a sandman instead of a snowman, putting a sunny spin on a classic holiday tradition. The event pays tribute to Huntington Beach's surfing history, which dates back to the early 1900s, infusing the celebration with local flavor.
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Capistrano Lights at Mission San Juan Capistrano (San Juan Capistrano)
What to Expect:
Holiday lights illuminating a historic mission
Description:
Capistrano Lights bathes the historic Mission San Juan Capistrano in a warm glow, creating a serene and reflective holiday atmosphere. The 18th-century Spanish colonial architecture provides a unique backdrop for the light displays, blending Christmas traditions with California's mission history. Visitors can explore the illuminated gardens and courtyards, discovering the mission's rich past through special exhibits. You can participate in traditional Las Posadas processions, connecting with the cultural heritage of the region. The event highlights the mission's role in early California history, including its famous association with migrating swallows. Capistrano Lights offers a contemplative and culturally rich alternative to more commercial holiday celebrations.
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Capistrano Lights at Mission San Juan Capistrano