Last updated: November 11, 2024
Holiday magic awaits in Santa Ana! Dive into our guide for all the must-see events and fun. Whether you're intimately familiar with Santa Ana or just getting acquainted, this guide enhances your festive experience.
One of the highlights during this season is the Riverside Festival of Lights, where dazzling holiday lights illuminate the Riverside area, creating a charming atmosphere for visitors. Additionally, the Santa Ana Winter Village features a picturesque setting complete with ice skating and an array of local vendors selling unique gifts. And the Los Angeles Christmas Market is something you definitely don't want to miss, showcasing an expansive selection of arts, crafts, and festive treats. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
Contact information and details below.
Over 10 million lights and decorations in downtown Riverside.
The Riverside Festival of Lights is a spectacular holiday event featuring millions of lights, live music, rides, and attractions. Enjoy holiday-themed decorations throughout downtown Riverside, including an ice rink, Santa's House, and the Merry Art Market.
Where: Riverside | More Info: Riverside Festival of Lights
Family-friendly holiday celebration with Santa, crafts, and shopping.
The Nutcracker Holiday Village & Tree Lighting in Downtown Anaheim features a variety of holiday happenings, including a dog costume contest, holiday crafts, unique shopping, and pictures with Santa. The event culminates with the tree lighting at City Hall.
Where: Anaheim | More Info: Nutcracker Tree Lighting & Holiday Village
Sensory-friendly event with special activities for all ages.
The Snoopy House at Costa Mesa City Hall features scenes populated by "Peanuts" characters, offering a delightful holiday display with Santa, an inflatable slide, and live entertainment.
Where: Costa Mesa | More Info: Snoopy House at Costa Mesa City Hall
Synchronized light and sound show on a 90-foot decorated tree.
Watch Fashion Island's beautifully decorated 90-foot tree come to life with snowfall, music, and a choreographed light display in the Neiman Marcus - Bloomingdale's Courtyard every half hour.
Where: Newport Beach | More Info: Newport Beach Nightly Tree Lighting at Fashion Island
Blends European traditions with local artisans.
The Los Angeles Christmas Market at ROW DTLA offers a diverse array of festive food and drink vendors, twinkling lights, and family-friendly activities. Explore open-air booths featuring seasonal favorites like soft pretzels, hot chocolate, and handicrafts made by local artisans. This event uniquely blends European traditions with cultural heritage in the heart of downtown LA.
Where: Los Angeles | More Info: Los Angeles Christmas Market
Holiday celebration with Santa, crafts, and train rides.
The Anaheim Hills Festival Holiday Spectacular is a free event at the Festival shopping center, featuring photo opportunities with Santa, children's crafts, face painting, balloon art, and train rides.
Where: Anaheim | More Info: Anaheim Hills Festival Holiday Spectacular
Holiday celebration with Santa and festive activities.
Join the City of Laguna Niguel for their annual Christmas Tree Lighting at City Hall. Enjoy an evening filled with games, crafts, performances, and Christmas treats while visiting Santa.
Where: Laguna Niguel | More Info: Laguna Niguel Holiday Magic
Historic ship transformed with elaborate holiday displays and activities for families.
A stunning transformation of the historic Queen Mary into a holiday-themed experience with dazzling décor, festive activities, and unique attractions. Guests can explore beautifully decorated exhibits, enjoy seasonal treats, and partake in entertainment options that create a vibrant atmosphere throughout the event. This annual celebration features a blend of maritime charm and holiday cheer, appealing to visitors of all ages.
Where: Long Beach | More Info: Queen Mary Christmas
Outdoor ice skating in a festive holiday setting.
The Santa Ana Winter Village is a month-long event featuring ice skating, a holiday light show, food vendors, and more. It includes special events like a tree lighting ceremony, breakfast with Santa, and a toy giveaway.
Where: Santa Ana | More Info: Santa Ana Winter Village
Unique outdoor ice skating experience in downtown LA.
The Holiday Ice Rink in Pershing Square offers outdoor ice skating in downtown Los Angeles, open daily from November 21 to January 12, 2025. Sessions are 60 minutes long, and general admission includes skate rental. Special events include weekly DJ Spotlight Nights and Learn to Curl sessions.
Where: Los Angeles | More Info: Holiday Ice Rink in Pershing Square
Community-driven holiday celebration with live music and Santa visits.
The All is Bright Holiday Celebration & Tree Lighting Ceremony is a festive event held at the Aliso Viejo Town Center Fountain & Amphitheater, featuring holiday music, Santa visits, and a tree lighting ceremony.
Where: Aliso Viejo | More Info: All is Bright Celebration & Tree Lighting
Live entertainment by over 17 local bands.
The Corona del Mar Christmas Walk is a free community event celebrating merchants and restaurants in Corona del Mar Village with live entertainment, Santa's visits, beer and wine gardens, unique vendor gifts, children's activities, and merchant promotions.
Where: Corona del Mar | More Info: Corona del Mar Christmas Walk
Family-friendly activities and holiday entertainment.
The Lake Forest Annual Tree Lighting Celebration is a family-friendly event featuring games, crafts, face painting, and a balloon artist. Enjoy inflatables, trackless train rides, food vendors, holiday-themed entertainment, and special guests. The event includes a boutique with a wide variety of last-minute gift choices and a special appearance by Ole St. Nick. The celebration begins at 3 p.m. with the tree lighting scheduled for approximately 6 p.m. at the Civic Center.
Where: Lake Forest | More Info: Lake Forest Annual Tree Lighting Celebration
Interactive activities and live entertainment with Santa's arrival on a fire engine.
Join the community at Mission Viejo's Civic Center for a festive celebration featuring fun interactive activities, a petting zoo, and live entertainment. The festival will be held from 3 to 5:30 PM, culminating in Santa's arrival on a fire engine at 6 PM to turn on the holiday lights.
Where: Mission Viejo | More Info: Mission Viejo Santa's Arrival and Tree Lighting
