Last updated: November 11, 2024
Discover the charm of Irvine during the holidays with our guide. Whether you're familiar with Irvine or seeing it for the first time, our guide reveals the festive treasures.
One popular event is the Irvine Park Railroad Christmas Train, where families can enjoy a scenic ride through enchanting holiday displays. Another highlight is the 114th Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade and Ring of Lights, featuring beautifully decorated boats illuminating the coastline. And the Holidayz at the Park is something you definitely don't want to miss, offering a delightful array of seasonal activities for all ages. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Irvine Holiday Light Displays
Holidayz at the Park
- What to Expect
- Interactive holiday light display with larger-than-life decorations.
- Description
- Holidayz at the Park transforms Great Park into a holiday-themed art and music spectacle with interactive displays and festive photo backdrops.
- Where
- Irvine | More Info : Holidayz at the Park
Snoopy House at Costa Mesa City Hall
- What to Expect
- Interactive holiday display with Peanuts characters and various activities.
- Description
- The Snoopy House at Costa Mesa City Hall features scenes populated by "Peanuts" characters, including holiday light displays, live entertainment, and activities like sledding and train rides. Santa visits are available for photos, and a sensory-friendly event is offered for those with sensory sensitivities.
- Where
- Costa Mesa | More Info : Snoopy House at Costa Mesa City Hall
Mission Inn Festival of Lights
- What to Expect
- Nation's largest holiday light collection with over 4.5 million lights.
- Description
- The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa's Festival of Lights is a cherished annual tradition featuring over 4.5 million twinkling lights, attracting over 500,000 visitors each year. It includes lighted decorations, photo opportunities, food vendors, and activities.
- Where
- Riverside | More Info : Mission Inn Festival of Lights
114th Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade and Ring of Lights
- What to Expect
- Decorated boats and kayaks sailing through Newport Harbor.
- Description
- The 116th Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade and Ring of Lights features beautifully decorated yachts, boats, kayaks, and canoes sailing through Newport Harbor. The event includes a waterfront decorating competition, special commemorative items for participants, and optimal viewing locations like Marina Park. Fireworks kick off the parade on opening night.
- Where
- Newport Beach | More Info : 114th Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade and Ring of Lights
Capistrano Lights
- What to Expect
- Holiday celebration with unique light features and community involvement.
- Description
- Celebrate the holidays at Orange County's only Mission with tree lighting, Dickens-era carolers, full-scale nativity, and light features including a new lighted halo grove and scented citrus garden. The event also includes Community Christmas Trees, Family Wreaths, and a harpist in the Serra Chapel.
- Where
- San Juan Capistrano | More Info : Capistrano Lights
Tanaka Farms Hikari Festival of Lights
- What to Expect
- An impressive display of lights combined with seasonal farm activities.
- Description
- The Tanaka Farms Hikari Festival of Lights invites visitors to stroll through dazzling displays of illuminated pathways and creatively designed light installations. Families can enjoy themed attractions, holiday decorations, and the warm atmosphere that brings everyone together. With activities suited for all ages, the festival offers opportunities to embrace the seasonal spirit alongside Nature.
- Where
- Irvine | More Info : Tanaka Farms Hikari Festival of Lights
Irvine Holiday Shows and Entertainment
John Denver’s Rocky Mountain Christmas
- What to Expect
- Intimate performance of John Denver's classic songs and carols.
- Description
- John Denver's Rocky Mountain Christmas features Rick Schuler performing all your favorite Denver hits, including "Rocky Mountain High," "Sunshine on My Shoulders," and "Take Me Home, Country Roads." The show also includes heartwarming inspirational carols and holiday classics from John Denver's memorable TV specials and Christmas albums.
- Where
- Anaheim | More Info : John Denver’s Rocky Mountain Christmas
Cirque Dreams Holidaze
- What to Expect
- Dazzling circus arts and holiday-themed performances.
- Description
- Cirque Dreams Holidaze is a spectacular holiday show featuring 30 performers from over 12 countries. The troupe combines their talents in 20 acts, transforming into costumed characters and performing astonishing feats that celebrate the holiday season with spectacle, imagination, and whimsical joy. The show includes an original musical score, dazzling costumes, and a sparkling stage set.
- Where
- Riverside | More Info : Cirque Dreams Holidaze
The Polar Express Train Ride
- What to Expect
- Live theatrical onboard entertainment with Santa and his helpers.
- Description
- The Polar Express Train Ride is a family-friendly event where passengers relive the classic holiday story on a real train. Set to the sounds of the motion picture soundtrack, the journey includes hot chocolate, cookies, and a reading of The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg. Santa and his helpers board the train to greet passengers and give each guest the first gift of Christmas—a silver sleigh bell.
- Where
- Perris | More Info : The Polar Express Train Ride
Irvine Other Holiday Activities
Irvine Park Railroad Christmas Train
- What to Expect
- Family-friendly holiday train ride to meet Santa.
- Description
- The Irvine Park Railroad Christmas Train offers a family-friendly holiday experience where guests can ride a decorated train to the North Pole, meet Santa, and enjoy festive activities at Santa's Village.
- Where
- Orange | More Info : Irvine Park Railroad Christmas Train
Aliso Viejo All is Bright Celebration & Tree Lighting
- What to Expect
- Community-driven holiday celebration with diverse activities.
- Description
- The All is Bright Holiday Celebration & Tree Lighting in Aliso Viejo features train rides, ornament making, community and aerial performances, and a visit from Santa Claus as the town center's 22-foot tree is lit.
- Where
- Aliso Viejo | More Info : Aliso Viejo All is Bright Celebration & Tree Lighting
Santa's Arrival and Illumination
- What to Expect
- Interactive activities and live entertainment with Santa's arrival.
- Description
- Join the community at Mission Viejo's Civic Center for an interactive holiday celebration featuring a petting zoo, live entertainment, and Santa's arrival on a fire engine to light the festive lights.
- Where
- Mission Viejo | More Info : Santa's Arrival and Illumination
San Clemente Holiday Event
- What to Expect
- Community-driven celebrations with diverse activities.
- Description
- San Clemente's holiday events offer a variety of activities, including the annual Dia De Los Muertos celebration, Monster Dash 5k and Fun Run, and the San Clemente Day Annual Youth Fishing Derby. These events showcase the community's spirit and diversity.
- Where
- San Clemente | More Info : San Clemente Holiday Event