🎄 December 2025: Orange County Holiday Events & Festivities
Your Ultimate Guide to All Things Merry & Bright
The holidays are officially here, and Orange County is bursting with festive events, sparkling lights, winter wonderlands, and family-friendly celebrations all month long. Whether you’re looking for tree lightings, magical performances, local markets, or places to play in the snow, there’s something happening in every corner of the county. Here’s your guide to the best holiday happenings this season!
🌟 Featured Events
Anaheim Town Square Holiday Carnival – Nov. 30
Kick off the season with Santa, Mrs. Claus, falling snow, a magician, cookie decorating, and more!
12–3pm · 2180 E. Lincoln Ave.
🔗 Details: https://www.anaheimtownsquare.com
The Holiday Gem – Through Dec. 21
A beloved OC tradition! Enjoy live musicians, dazzling costumes, tap-dancing elves, and a whimsical holiday stage show.
The Gem Theatre, Garden Grove
🔗 Details: https://www.thegemoc.com
Sawdust Art Festival’s Winter Fantasy – Nov. 22–Dec. 22
Laguna Beach’s eucalyptus grove transforms into a glowing winter art village. Explore 175+ artists, handmade treasures, food, and live entertainment.
Fri–Sun, 10am–7pm · 935 Laguna Canyon Rd.
🔗 Details: https://www.sawdustartfestival.org
Old World Christmas Market – Through Dec. 28
Shop artisan gifts while sipping festive treats and enjoying live classical holiday music.
Sat 1–6pm, Sun 12–4pm · Old World Village, Huntington Beach
🔗 Details: https://www.oldworldhb.com
Winter Fest OC – Nov. 28–Jan. 4
SoCal’s largest winter festival! Ice tubing, ice skating under the stars, carnival rides, nightly tree lightings, falling snow, live shows, and more.
OC Fair & Event Center, Lot A
🔗 Details: https://www.winterfestoc.com
🎄 Tree Lightings & Community Celebrations
La Palma Holiday Tree Lighting – Dec. 3
Arts and crafts, visits with Mr. & Mrs. Claus, and festive family fun.
4:30pm · City Hall
🔗 https://www.lapalmaca.gov
Aliso Viejo Holiday Celebration & Tree Lighting – Dec. 4
Holiday cheer, train rides, ornament making, live performances, snowfall, and Santa!
5–8pm · Town Center Fountain & Amphitheater
🔗 https://www.avcity.org
Stanton Christmas Tree Lighting – Dec. 4
Photos with Santa, “Holidays Around the World” displays, and musical performances.
6:30–8:30pm · Stanton City Hall
🔗 https://www.stantonca.gov
Buena Park Christmas Tree Lighting – Dec. 5
Enjoy a festive night of holiday activities and the official tree lighting.
6–9pm · City Hall
🔗 https://www.buenapark.com
Fullerton Tree Lighting – Dec. 5
Live music, food trucks, vendors, classic cars, and photos with Santa.
5–9pm · City Hall
🔗 https://www.cityoffullerton.com
Tustin Christmas Tree Lighting & Holiday Stroll – Dec. 5
Dreamers Market, snow village, stage entertainment, kids activities, and Santa photos.
6–8:30pm · Old Town Tustin
🔗 https://www.tustinca.org
Winter in the Grove – Dec. 6
Snowtopia, craft boutique, games, refreshments, Santa, and entertainment.
3–7pm · Village Green Park
🔗 https://www.ggcity.org
San Juan Capistrano Tree Lighting – Dec. 6
Holiday production, tree lighting, activities, treats, shopping, and live music.
4–8pm · Historic Town Center Park
🔗 https://www.sanjuancapistrano.org
Laguna Niguel Christmas Tree Lighting – Dec. 6
Cookie decorating, crafts, games, live performances, and Santa!
5–8pm · City Hall
🔗 https://www.cityoflagunaniguel.org
Los Alamitos Winter Wonderland – Dec. 6
Snow play, ice skating, Santa’s Village, tree lighting, and entertainment.
4–7:30pm · 10901 Pine Street
🔗 https://www.cityoflosalamitos.org
Puttin’ on the Glitz (San Clemente) – Dec. 6
Late-night shopping, live music, carolers, treats, and community fun.
4–9pm · Avenida Del Mar
🔗 https://www.scdba.org/Glitz
Ladera Winter Fest – Dec. 6
Holiday performances, inflatables, craft fair, games, and photos with Mr. & Mrs. Claus.
2–5pm · Town Green
🔗 https://www.laderalife.com
Rancho Santa Margarita Tree Lighting – Dec. 6
Hot cocoa, cookies, Mickey & Minnie meet-and-greet, crafts, and Santa arriving by boat.
4–6pm · Lago Santa Margarita
🔗 https://www.samlarc.org
Dana Point La Plaza Park Tree Lighting – Dec. 6
Santa visits, treats, cocoa, carolers, and tree lighting at 5:15pm.
4:30–5:30pm
🔗 https://www.danapoint.org
Pines Park Tree Lighting (Dana Point) – Dec. 8
More tree lighting festivities with Santa and holiday cheer.
4:30–5:30pm
🔗 https://www.danapoint.org
🎅 Special Holiday Events
Yorba Linda Breakfast With Santa – Dec. 6
Breakfast, crafts, entertainment, and personal Santa visits.
9–11:30am · Community Center
🔗 https://www.yorbalindaca.gov
Boat Rides with Santa – Dec. 6–7 (Dana Point)
Cruise the harbor with Santa and snap fun photos!
10am–2pm
🔗 https://www.danawharf.com
Light a Light of Love Pier Lighting (HB) – Dec. 7
Sponsor glowing snowflakes on the pier in support of OC youth.
3:30–6pm · Main Street & Pier Plaza
🔗 https://www.waymakersoc.org
Brea Holiday Car Show – Dec. 7
Classic cars and festive holiday fun.
10am–4pm
🔗 https://www.breadowntown.com
Corona del Mar Christmas Walk – Dec. 7
Bands, Santa visits, beer & wine gardens, kids activities, and unique shopping.
11am–5pm
🔗 https://www.cdmchamber.com
Placentia Tamale Festival – Dec. 11
Tamales, booths, entertainment, Santa photos, and tree lighting.
4–10pm · Santa Fe Street
🔗 https://www.placentiatamalefestival.org
Jingle Jam (Garden Grove) – Dec. 12
Santa, train rides, toy drive, raffles, food trucks, and vendors.
5–9pm
🔗 https://www.ggcity.org
🎁 Holiday Parades
Dana Point Boat Parade of Lights – Dec. 12–14
Boats decorated to the theme “Carol of the Boats,” competing for cash prizes.
6:30–8pm · Dana Point Harbor
🔗 https://www.danapointharbor.com
Laguna Niguel Holiday Parade – Dec. 13
Floats, marching bands, youth groups, and festive holiday fun.
10am–12pm
🔗 https://www.cityoflagunaniguel.org
Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade – Dec. 17–21
A beloved OC tradition! Opening-night fireworks begin at 6:15pm.
🔗 https://www.christmasboatparade.com
❄️ Family Festivals & Winter Fun
Candy Caneland & Craft Faire (Buena Park) – Dec. 13
Games, food, raffles, snow slide, and Santa.
10am–4pm
🔗 https://www.buenapark.com
Rossmoor Winter Festival – Dec. 13
Snow play, live music, carnival fun, food trucks, vendors, and Santa visits.
4–9pm · Rush Park
🔗 https://www.rossmoor-csd.org
Floral Park Holiday Event – Dec. 13
Snow, sledding, cookies, crafts, carriage rides, and Santa.
4:30–7:30pm
🔗 https://www.floralpark.com
Surfing Santa Competition – Dec. 13 (Dana Point)
Surfers dress like Santa to raise funds for Surfers Healing.
🔗 https://www.surfingsantacontest.org
A Winnie the Pooh Christmas Tail – Dec. 19
Hot cocoa, cookies, Santa photos, and a festive family show.
6–8:30pm · La Habra
🔗 https://www.lahabrachamber.com
Cruise of Lights – Dec. 19–23
A 50-minute narrated boat tour through holiday-lit Huntington Harbour.
🔗 https://www.cruiseoflights.org
Floral Park Walk of Lights – Dec. 22
Stroll through a neighborhood glowing with elaborate holiday displays.
🔗 https://www.floralpark.com
🎉 Ring in the New Year
First Night in Fullerton – Dec. 31
A lively New Year’s Eve celebration filled with entertainment and festivities.
7pm–12am · Downtown Fullerton Plaza
🔗 https://www.cityoffullerton.com
🌟 Featured Holiday Shows & Ballets
American Ballet Theatre’s The Nutcracker – Dec. 11–21, 2025
A lavish, full-scale production of the timeless holiday ballet at Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa. Expect snowflakes, toy-soldiers, a towering Christmas tree, and all the magic of Clara’s journey — complete with live orchestra by Pacific Symphony.
🔗 More info: https://www.scfta.org Events In California+2Popsicle Blog+2
Nutcracker for Kids at Segerstrom – Dec. 6, 2025
A shorter, family-friendly version of the classic ballet — perfect for younger children or first-time ballet-goers. Held at the same Segerstrom venue with kid-oriented performances.
🔗 More info: https://www.pacificsymphony.org/show-details/the-nutcracker-for-kids-2025 Patch+1
Festival Ballet Theatre’s The Nutcracker – Dec. 6–24, 2025
Performed at Irvine Barclay Theatre, this full-length version features vibrant sets, beautiful costumes, and a cast that combines company dancers and talented young artists. A lovely, slightly smaller-scale option for a holiday ballet outing.
🔗 More info: https://www.festivalballet.org/the-nutcracker-2025/ Festival Ballet+1
Anaheim Ballet's Nutcracker – Nov. 28–29 & Dec. 20–21, 2025
This local ballet production offers another accessible Nutcracker option, with shows at the City National Grove of Anaheim and other venues — ideal for families near Anaheim or those looking for more flexible dates.
🔗 More info: https://www.anaheimballet.org/events Anaheim Ballet+1
🎭 Bonus: Additional Holiday Stage Shows at Segerstrom
Holiday Organ Spectacular — festive organ-led classics, Dec. 9
Holidays with Canadian Brass — brass-band renditions of holiday favorites, Dec. 10
More concerts and seasonal productions throughout December — a great option if ballet isn’t your thing.