Top Holiday Events In Orange County

Before the holiday season hits full gear—we wanted to arm you with ten ‘must try’ holiday activities in Orange County. Grab your family, friends, or perhaps a visiting out-of-town guest to surprise with an extravaganza of festivities.

Holidays at the Disneyland® Resort

The season sparkles even brighter during the Disneyland® Resort Diamond Celebration, where holiday excitement meets Disney magic. At the Disneyland® Park, there are fanciful decorations, ginormous trees and festive holiday attractions. The Christmas Fantasy Parade is always a crowd-pleaser. They’ve sure “decked the hulls” with Christmas cheer on the famous Jingle Cruise. Jack Skellington takes over the delightful Holiday Haunted Mansion to the tune of Tim Burton’s The Nightmare before Christmas. At the Paint the Night Parade—millions of glowing lights with Disney friends sharing holiday cheer.

Unwrapping the holiday fun at Disney California Adventure® Park is just as magical. With the Frozen Sing-Along Musical Celebration, Elsa and Anna entertaining guests of all ages and you might leave with a famous song stuck in your head. The World of Color features dazzling lights, soaring music, a spectacular water and pyrotechnic effects show. There is a Viva Navidad Street Fiesta---a celebration with live music, and story-telling, face painting and tasty Mexican specialties. And don’t miss the Cars Land Holiday décor all “geared up” for the holidays.

Now through January 6, 2016.
disneyland.com/holidays

Downtown Disney® District - Winter Village

Are you headed to Downtown Disney for its famous shops or restaurants? Well, you’re in for a treat! Live winter entertainment, ice-skating, holiday shopping, restaurants and other festive activities are ready for the whole family to enjoy. Guests can discover a fantastic Olaf’s Frozen-themed ice skating rink, and quaint shopping chalets. In a “snowy” pine forest, lights twinkle and cheerful garlands create an enchanting holiday setting—ideal for that perfect winter-themed family photos. Holiday music and favorite songs from the movie Frozen fill the air to create a wonderfully festive mood. If that’s not enough—throughout the day, Downtown Disney® District carolers walk around and spread their holiday cheer.

Now through January 3, 2016, ~ Daily until 10:00 pm and 11:00 pm on weekends
disneyland.com/downtown-disney-district

Knott’s Berry Farm - Knott's "Merry" Farm

During the winter months, Knott's Berry Farm turns into Knott’s “Merry” Farm. The park goes through a wondrously transformed---creating a place where holiday memories can be thoroughly enjoyed. Knott’s Christmas Crafts Village Inn is a shopping wonderland filled with dozens of local artisans selling their unique gifts. No visit to Knott's Merry Farm would be complete without catching a performance of the sensational Snoopy Ice Show, live shows and their nightly festive Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony!

Now through January 3, 2016 (closed Christmas Day)
knotts.com

Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade

Celebrating its 107th year with a “Seas the Holidays” theme. For only five nights— elegantly adorned yachts, boats, and even kayaks and canoes get into the act as they glide along Newport’s harbor with colorful lights, an array of characters, animation, and some even have music and live entertainment on-board.

Wednesday, December 16th through Sunday, December 20th from 6:30-9:00 pm.

To view the Parade Route, please visit www.christmasboatparade.com.
To view on the water dining options, visit: www.visitnewportbeach.com/wheretodine

Cruise of Lights® Huntington Beach Harbour

Celebrating their 53rd year, The Huntington Harbour Philharmonic Cruise of Lights® offers narrated boat tours through the waterways of Huntington Harbour. Guests will enjoy the beauty of thousands of lights and animated displays on brightly decorated homes, docks, decks and boats. Funds benefit the Youth Programs of the Philharmonic Society of Orange County. Tickets are $12-$19 with children under two free.

December 17-23, 2015
Cruise Hours are hourly 5:30-8:30 pm, with shuttles to the cruise from the Huntington Harbour Mall parking lot.
cruiseoflights.org

Dana Point Boat Parade of Lights

This is the 41st Annual Boat Parade and will be held on two weekends in December. The parade will begin at 7:30 pm at the waters’ edge. Guests can select their favorite perch to view the fun by visiting the website to see the route map. Guests can also make reservations at one of the many restaurants, and Dana Wharf Sports Fishing offers boat rides to join in the parade (for a fee) (949) 496-5794.

December 18 &19
danapointharbor.com

Sawdust Winter Art Festival

This is the 25th Annual Winter Art Festival, which is held on the weekends leading up to Christmas. The festival grounds have been transformed into a winter wonderland where 175 artists create, display and sell their creations. This includes jewelry, clothing, blown and fused glass, ceramics, woodwork, forged metals, painting, photography, sculpture and textiles. There is also live holiday entertainment, great outdoor cafes, art classes and demonstrations, a petting zoo and even Santa!

December 19th & 20th ~ 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
visitlagunabeach.com/Sawdust-Winter-Fantasy

Nutcracker at Segerstrom Center for the Arts

A new tradition begins with American Ballet Theatre's newest Nutcracker. Young Clara and a cast of more than 100 members, all embark on a dreamlike journey amid colorful, larger-than-life scenery, magical toy soldiers, mischievous mice, sparkling snowflakes, and a glittering Christmas tree! Created by Artist in Residence Alexei Ratmansky and featuring sets and costumes from Richard Hudson (Broadway's Lion King). This is a “not to be missed” performance.

December 10, 2015, to December 20, 2015
www.scfta.org/events