Enjoy the holidays in Huntington Beach with our ultimate guide to festive fun. Whether you're a Huntington Beach local or a temporary resident, this guide helps you make the most of the holidays.
One of the season's highlights is the Huntington Beach Christmas Boat Parade, where dazzlingly decorated boats light up the waters. Twinkling lights and floating displays mark the unique charm of the Balboa Island Christmas Boat Parade. And the Riverside Festival of Lights is something you definitely don’t want to miss, featuring lively entertainment and spectacular light displays that brighten up the season. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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The Top Christmas Events in Huntington Beach
See these and even more events listed below!Huntington Beach Holiday Light Displays
Huntington Beach Christmas Boat Parade
What to Expect:
Boat parade featuring uniquely decorated vessels
Description:
Huntington Beach's coastline transforms into a nautical holiday spectacle. Dozens of boats, from small dinghies to luxury yachts, cruise the harbor adorned with dazzling lights and creative decorations. Visitors can watch from the shore or join a harbor cruise for an up-close view. The parade's origins date back to the 1960s, reflecting the city's rich maritime heritage. Captains compete for prizes in various categories, showcasing their ingenuity and holiday spirit. The gentle lapping of waves adds a soothing backdrop to this illuminated maritime procession.
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Huntington Beach Christmas Boat Parade
Huntington Beach Other Holiday Activities
Annual Christmas Tree Lighting & Holiday Village
What to Expect:
Surfing Santa and beachside tree lighting
Description:
Huntington Beach's tree lighting ceremony embraces its surf city identity. The event kicks off with Surfing Santa riding the waves to shore, a unique twist on the traditional Santa arrival. The massive Christmas tree, adorned with beach-themed ornaments, stands proudly near the iconic pier. Visitors can explore the holiday village, featuring local artisans and coastal-inspired gifts. This event, which began in the early 2000s, has become a beloved local tradition. The sound of crashing waves provides a distinctly Californian backdrop to the holiday festivities.
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Annual Christmas Tree Lighting & Holiday Village
Nearby Events
Balboa Island Christmas Boat Parade (Newport Beach)
What to Expect:
Historic parade route around Balboa Island
Description:
Newport Beach's Balboa Island comes alive with a century-old tradition. The Christmas Boat Parade circles the island, offering spectators a 360-degree view of the illuminated vessels. This unique route allows you to follow the parade on foot, experiencing different vantage points. Dating back to 1908, it's one of the oldest boat parades in California. Homeowners along the route join in, decorating their waterfront properties to complement the floating displays. The aroma of hot cocoa and cinnamon wafts through the air as families gather to witness this aquatic procession.
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Balboa Island Christmas Boat Parade
Riverside Festival of Lights (Riverside)
What to Expect:
Millions of lights illuminating a historic courthouse
Description:
Riverside's Festival of Lights centers around the stunning Mission Inn Hotel & Spa. Over 5 million lights adorn this National Historic Landmark, creating a breathtaking display. Visitors can explore the surrounding pedestrian mall, filled with holiday-themed vendors and performers. The festival, which began in 1992, has grown into a beloved regional tradition. Animated light displays synchronize with holiday music, creating a multi-sensory experience. You'll find unique photo opportunities throughout, including larger-than-life nutcrackers and a towering Christmas tree.
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Dana Point Harbor Boat Parade (Dana Point)
What to Expect:
Intimate harbor setting with a "Fantasea Holiday" theme
Description:
Dana Point Harbor's boat parade offers a cozy, community-focused celebration. The "Fantasea Holiday" theme inspires creative and whimsical boat decorations, from mermaids to sea monsters. Spectators can stroll along the harbor's edge, getting close-up views of the decorated vessels. This parade began in the 1970s, shortly after the harbor's construction. Local restaurants and shops stay open late, allowing visitors to warm up and refuel between viewings. The gentle clinking of boat masts adds a maritime melody to the evening's festivities.
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Christmas in the Park (Long Beach)
What to Expect:
Diverse cultural celebrations in a historic park setting
Description:
Long Beach's Bixby Park hosts a multicultural holiday celebration. This event showcases holiday traditions from around the world, featuring performances, crafts, and food representing various cultures. Visitors can participate in hands-on workshops to create traditional holiday decorations. The park, established in 1903, provides a picturesque backdrop for this inclusive celebration. Children delight in the petting zoo, which features animals often associated with nativity scenes. The event emphasizes community unity, bringing together Long Beach's diverse population to share in the holiday spirit.
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Holidays at the Disneyland Resort (Anaheim)
What to Expect:
Disney characters in holiday attire and themed attractions
Description:
Disneyland Resort undergoes a complete holiday transformation. Beloved attractions receive seasonal overlays, like "it's a small world" Holiday and Haunted Mansion Holiday. Visitors can meet Disney characters dressed in their holiday finest, perfect for unique photo opportunities. The resort's holiday celebration dates back to 1955, with traditions evolving over the decades. Special holiday treats tempt taste buds throughout the park, from candy cane beignets to festive churros. You'll discover holiday touches in every corner, from the towering Main Street Christmas tree to the snow-capped Sleeping Beauty Castle.
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Holidays at the Disneyland Resort
Christmas at the OC Fair & Event Center (Costa Mesa)
What to Expect:
Blend of traditional Christmas and county fair attractions
Description:
The OC Fair & Event Center combines classic holiday elements with fair-style fun. Visitors can ice skate on a synthetic rink, then warm up with a ride on the Ferris wheel overlooking the twinkling lights. The event features artisan craft booths, perfect for finding unique gifts. This celebration began in the 1980s, growing from a small community gathering to a major regional attraction. Children can visit Santa's barn, where live reindeer reside alongside traditional farm animals. The scent of freshly baked cookies wafts from Mrs. Claus's kitchen, where cooking demonstrations take place throughout the event.
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Christmas at the OC Fair & Event Center