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Last updated: November 11, 2024


Embark on an exciting festive adventure in Orange with our guide. Discover all the top holiday happenings. Whether you're rediscovering your hometown or visiting Orange for the first time, our guide is here to help you celebrate the season.

Popular events include Knott’s Merry Farm, where guests can enjoy festive decorations and seasonal rides, creating a charming atmosphere for all ages. For a different experience, Winter Fest OC features an array of winter activities like ice skating and whimsical light displays. And the Festival of Lights is something you definitely don't want to miss, showcasing dazzling light displays that illuminate the night. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!

Contact information and details below.



Orange Holiday Light Displays


What to Expect:

Nation's largest holiday light collection with animated figures and festive decorations.

Description:

The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa's Festival of Lights is one of the nation's largest holiday light collections, featuring over 5 million lights, 200 animated figures, and festive decorations. It attracts over 500,000 visitors each year, making it a cherished annual tradition.

Where: Riverside | More Info: Festival of Lights

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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

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What to Expect:

Spectacular 96-foot tree illuminated with 150,000 LED lights.

Description:

The South Coast Plaza Tree Lighting features a 96-foot white fir tree decorated with over 150,000 LED lights, accompanied by holiday entertainment, a visit from Santa, and a performance by the Orange County School of the Arts.

Where: Costa Mesa | More Info: South Coast Plaza Tree Lighting

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What to Expect:

Handcrafted wooden scenes of "Peanuts" characters in a festive holiday setting.

Description:

The Snoopy House Holiday Display at Costa Mesa City Hall features handcrafted wooden scenes of "Peanuts" characters, including Snoopy and friends, in a festive holiday setting. The event includes train rides, live entertainment, carolers, and opportunities for photos with Santa.

Where: Costa Mesa | More Info: Snoopy House at Costa Mesa City Hall

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What to Expect:

Free public event with over fifty floating holiday light displays.

Description:

Newport Dunes presents the 33rd annual Lighting of the Bay, transforming the serene waveless bay into a vibrant winter scene with over fifty holiday light displays. The event features holiday crafts, festive food and concessions, photos with Santa, and a holiday movie on the beach. An ice skating rink and fire pits with s’mores kits add to the festive atmosphere.

Where: Newport Beach | More Info: Newport Dunes, Lighting of the Bay

Event Organizer?

Orange Holiday Shows and Entertainment


What to Expect:

Winter wonderland-inspired decorations and holiday activities.

Description:

Knott’s Merry Farm transforms the entire park into a classic holiday festival with thousands of twinkling lights, themed garland, and picturesque seasonal settings. Enjoy Christmas shows, a beloved ice show starring the Peanuts Gang, and delectable holiday dining food.

Where: Buena Park | More Info: Knott’s Merry Farm

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Orange Other Holiday Activities


What to Expect:

Unique blend of agriculture, entertainment, and educational experiences.

Description:

Winter Fest OC at the OC Fair & Event Center offers a variety of activities and events, including farm garden workshops, live music, and family-friendly entertainment. The event features a working farm with animals and crops, as well as a veterans museum, making it an ideal destination for field trips and educational enrichment.

Where: Costa Mesa | More Info: Winter Fest OC

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What to Expect:

Socially distanced Santa interactions on a festive harbor cruise.

Description:

Take a 20-minute boat ride around Dana Point Harbor with Santa aboard the Dana Pride. All proceeds benefit the Soroptimist of Capistrano Bay. Reservations are required, and children can interact with Santa while maintaining social distancing.

Where: Dana Point | More Info: Santa Boat Rides Aboard the Dana Pride

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What to Expect:

Interactive activities and live entertainment with Santa's arrival.

Description:

Join the community at the Mission Viejo Civic Center for a festive celebration featuring fun interactive activities, a petting zoo, and live entertainment. The event includes a petting zoo and live entertainment, culminating with Santa's arrival on a fire engine at 6 pm to turn on the holiday lights.

Where: Mission Viejo | More Info: Santa's Arrival and Tree Lighting

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What to Expect:

Community celebration with live entertainment and vendor gifts.

Description:

The Corona del Mar Christmas Walk is a community event celebrating merchants and restaurants in Corona del Mar Village with live entertainment, Santa visits, beer and wine gardens, unique vendor gifts, and children’s activities.

Where: Corona del Mar | More Info: Corona del Mar Christmas Walk

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