Get excited for the holidays, Norwalk! Our guide will help you discover all the seasonal happenings. The magic of the season is right around the corner with plenty of events to make your holidays bright and merry.
One popular event is the Disneyland Christmas Fantasy Parade, offering an enchanting cavalcade of festive floats and joyous music. Another must-see attraction is Knott's Merry Farm, where the transformation into a winter wonderland includes live entertainment and holiday treats. And the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony is something you definitely don't want to miss, lighting up the night with holiday cheer. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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The Top Christmas Events in Norwalk
See these and even more events listed below!Norwalk Holiday Light Displays
Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
What to Expect:
Community-centered celebration with local performances
Description:
Norwalk's Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony illuminates the city's heart with a towering evergreen. Local choirs and dance troupes showcase their talents, filling the air with joyous melodies. Visitors can decorate ornaments to hang on a community tree, fostering a sense of togetherness. This tradition dates back to 1954, when Norwalk first held its public tree lighting to boost community spirit during the post-war era. The event transforms the city center into a twinkling spectacle, uniting residents in holiday cheer.
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Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
Nearby Events
Disneyland Christmas Fantasy Parade (Anaheim)
What to Expect:
Disney characters in holiday attire
Description:
Disneyland's Christmas Fantasy Parade marches through Main Street U.S.A., bringing beloved characters to life in festive attire. Mickey and Minnie lead the procession, donning their holiday best. You'll spot Toy Story favorites riding atop giant toys and Disney princesses waving from snow-covered floats. The parade culminates with Santa Claus himself, spreading yuletide cheer. This Anaheim tradition began in 1994, evolving into a cherished part of the park's holiday celebrations. Children can join in the fun by dressing as their favorite characters.
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Disneyland Christmas Fantasy Parade
Knott's Merry Farm (Buena Park)
What to Expect:
Blend of Wild West theme with holiday celebrations
Description:
Knott's Merry Farm transforms America's first theme park into a holiday haven with a unique Wild West twist. Ghost Town's streets bustle with craftspeople demonstrating traditional skills like glassblowing and candle making. The Calico Saloon Show injects holiday humor into its rootin' tootin' performances. Visitors can pan for gold while surrounded by twinkling lights. This event pays homage to Knott's Berry Farm's origins as a simple berry stand in the 1920s, which grew into the beloved attraction it is today.
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Queen Mary Christmas (Long Beach)
What to Expect:
Holiday celebrations aboard a historic ocean liner
Description:
Queen Mary Christmas transports visitors to a bygone era of luxury ocean travel, now adorned with holiday splendor. The grand ship, docked in Long Beach since 1967, opens its decks for seasonal exploration. Stroll through the vintage staterooms decked out in period-appropriate holiday decor. On the sports deck, an outdoor ice skating rink offers breathtaking views of the Long Beach skyline. This unique celebration blends maritime history with holiday traditions, creating an experience unlike any other in Southern California.
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Marina Festival of Lights (Long Beach)
What to Expect:
Boat parade in a working marina
Description:
The Marina Festival of Lights illuminates the waters of Long Beach with a dazzling display of decorated boats. Vessels of all sizes, from small dinghies to luxury yachts, parade through the harbor, their reflections shimmering on the water's surface. Spectators can vote for their favorite boat designs via a mobile app. This event, which began in the 1980s, highlights the city's rich maritime culture. The festival transforms the working marina into a floating holiday spectacle, showcasing the community's creativity and nautical spirit.
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Holiday Boat Parade (Newport Beach)
What to Expect:
One of the longest-running boat parades in the country
Description:
Newport Beach's Holiday Boat Parade, a Southern California tradition since 1908, sets the harbor aglow with a procession of illuminated vessels. Over 100 boats, from kayaks to multi-million dollar yachts, cruise the 14-mile route. Homeowners along the bay join in, decorating their waterfront properties in elaborate displays. Visitors can watch from public beaches or reserve spots on restaurant patios for prime viewing. This historic event has earned Newport Beach the moniker "Christmas Capital of the West," attracting thousands of spectators annually.
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The Nutcracker Ballet (Cerritos)
What to Expect:
Professional ballet performance in an intimate venue
Description:
The Nutcracker Ballet graces the stage of the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts, bringing Tchaikovsky's timeless masterpiece to life. Professional dancers execute intricate choreography, transporting the audience to a world of sugar plum fairies and toy soldiers. The intimate setting of the theater allows for an up-close experience of the performers' athleticism and artistry. Patrons can participate in a pre-show talk to learn about the ballet's history and symbolism. This production continues a tradition that began with the ballet's first full performance in America in 1944.
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Holidays at Universal Studios (Universal City)
What to Expect:
Movie-themed holiday celebrations
Description:
Holidays at Universal Studios infuses silver screen magic into seasonal celebrations. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter transforms into a wintry landscape, complete with "The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle" light show. Grinchmas brings Who-ville to life, featuring a towering topsy-turvy tree. Visitors can meet and greet with movie characters in holiday attire. This event seamlessly blends Universal's cinematic legacy, dating back to 1915, with cherished holiday traditions, creating a unique experience for film buffs and holiday enthusiasts alike.
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Polar Express Train Ride (Perris)
What to Expect:
Immersive holiday train ride experience
Description:
The Polar Express Train Ride in Perris whisks passengers away on a journey to the North Pole. Based on the beloved children's book, this adventure unfolds aboard a real train, complete with hot chocolate service and a reading of the story. The one-hour round trip features singing, games, and a special visit from Santa himself. Passengers are encouraged to wear pajamas, just like in the book. This event takes place on the historic Southern California Railway Museum grounds, which has preserved the region's rail history since 1956.
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Griffith Park Holiday Lights (Los Angeles)
What to Expect:
Drive-through light display in a historic park
Description:
Griffith Park Holiday Lights transforms one of Los Angeles' largest urban parks into a twinkling winter spectacle. This mile-long driving route winds through the park, showcasing larger-than-life light displays and animated installations. Visitors tune their car radios to a special station for synchronized holiday music. The event takes place in Griffith Park, which was donated to the city in 1896 and has since become an iconic Los Angeles landmark. This drive-through format allows for a safe, socially-distanced celebration of the season.
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A Victorian Christmas (Torrance)
What to Expect:
Historical reenactment of 19th-century holiday traditions
Description:
A Victorian Christmas at the Torrance Historical Society transports visitors to the 1800s. Costumed interpreters bring the era to life, demonstrating traditional crafts and customs. The air fills with the aroma of freshly baked gingerbread as visitors learn about 19th-century holiday recipes. Guests can try their hand at making Victorian-style ornaments to take home. This event provides a glimpse into Christmas celebrations of the past, highlighting how holiday traditions have evolved over time. The historical society, founded in 1973, preserves and shares Torrance's rich heritage through this annual celebration.
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Winter Fest OC (Costa Mesa)
What to Expect:
Outdoor winter activities in sunny Southern California
Description:
Winter Fest OC brings frosty fun to Costa Mesa, defying Southern California's perpetual sunshine. This outdoor extravaganza features a 9-degree ice tubing slide, allowing visitors to experience the thrill of winter sports. A sprawling ice skating rink invites guests to glide under the stars. You can wander through an Alpine Village, complete with falling snow. This event, which began in 2015, has quickly become an Orange County tradition, offering a taste of winter wonderland in a region known for its year-round mild climate.