🎄 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.
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
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.
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
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
🎄 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
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
Stanton Christmas Tree Lighting – Dec. 4
Photos with Santa, “Holidays Around the World” displays, and musical performances.
6:30–8:30pm · Stanton City Hall
Buena Park Christmas Tree Lighting – Dec. 5
Enjoy a festive night of holiday activities and the official tree lighting.
6–9pm · City Hall
Fullerton Tree Lighting – Dec. 5
Live music, food trucks, vendors, classic cars, and photos with Santa.
5–9pm · City Hall
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
Winter in the Grove – Dec. 6
Snowtopia, craft boutique, games, refreshments, Santa, and entertainment.
3–7pm · Village Green Park
San Juan Capistrano Tree Lighting – Dec. 6
Holiday production, tree lighting, activities, treats, shopping, and live music.
4–8pm · Historic Town Center Park
Laguna Niguel Christmas Tree Lighting – Dec. 6
Cookie decorating, crafts, games, live performances, and Santa!
5–8pm · City Hall
Los Alamitos Winter Wonderland – Dec. 6
Snow play, ice skating, Santa’s Village, tree lighting, and entertainment.
4–7:30pm · 10901 Pine Street
Puttin’ on the Glitz (San Clemente) – Dec. 6
Late-night shopping, live music, carolers, treats, and community fun.
4–9pm · Avenida Del Mar
Ladera Winter Fest – Dec. 6
Holiday performances, inflatables, craft fair, games, and photos with Mr. & Mrs. Claus.
2–5pm · Town Green
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
Dana Point La Plaza Park Tree Lighting – Dec. 6
Santa visits, treats, cocoa, carolers, and tree lighting at 5:15pm.
4:30–5:30pm
Pines Park Tree Lighting (Dana Point) – Dec. 8
More tree lighting festivities with Santa and holiday cheer.
4:30–5:30pm
🎅 Special Holiday Events
Yorba Linda Breakfast With Santa – Dec. 6
Breakfast, crafts, entertainment, and personal Santa visits.
9–11:30am · Community Center
Boat Rides with Santa – Dec. 6–7 (Dana Point)
Cruise the harbor with Santa and snap fun photos!
10am–2pm
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
Brea Holiday Car Show – Dec. 7
Classic cars and festive holiday fun.
10am–4pm
Corona del Mar Christmas Walk – Dec. 7
Bands, Santa visits, beer & wine gardens, kids activities, and unique shopping.
11am–5pm
Placentia Tamale Festival – Dec. 11
Tamales, booths, entertainment, Santa photos, and tree lighting.
4–10pm · Santa Fe Street
Jingle Jam (Garden Grove) – Dec. 12
Santa, train rides, toy drive, raffles, food trucks, and vendors.
5–9pm
🎁 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
Laguna Niguel Holiday Parade – Dec. 13
Floats, marching bands, youth groups, and festive holiday fun.
10am–12pm
Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade – Dec. 17–21
A beloved OC tradition! Opening-night fireworks begin at 6:15pm.
❄️ Family Festivals & Winter Fun
Candy Caneland & Craft Faire (Buena Park) – Dec. 13
Games, food, raffles, snow slide, and Santa.
10am–4pm
Rossmoor Winter Festival – Dec. 13
Snow play, live music, carnival fun, food trucks, vendors, and Santa visits.
4–9pm · Rush Park
Floral Park Holiday Event – Dec. 13
Snow, sledding, cookies