Looking for one of the best places to enjoy the beautiful Christmas lights in Orange County? As the holiday season casts its spell over OC, Irvine’s Tanaka Farms welcomes visitors to its annual Hikari Festival of Lights. This event transforms the farm into a dazzling wonderland with over a million twinkling lights, offering a unique family-friendly holiday experience steeped in both tradition and innovation.
To learn more and get tickets, visit www.tanakafarms.com/hikari. Use code ‘LIFEISGOODOC’ at checkout for 10% OFF .
An Orange County Holiday Festival
Hikari, which means ‘shine’ in Japanese, does just that with over a million lights illuminating the farm. This display is not just a visual spectacle but a cultural experience, blending the warmth of traditional holiday lights with a hint of Japanese heritage.
Dazzling Light Displays
- Over a Million Lights: The festival is illuminated with an impressive array of lights, creating a magical atmosphere and festive ambiance.
- Themed Displays: Enjoy the mesmerizing “Land of a Thousand Lanterns” and other interactive light features.
- Instagram-Worthy Photo Ops: Capture perfect holiday photos at numerous picturesque spots throughout the festival.
Enchanting Rides:
- Holiday Wagon Ride: Journey through “Land of a Thousand Lanterns,” enhanced by singing Christmas carols to light up the displays. Available from 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM.
- Tractor-Pulled Bee Train: Enjoy a family-friendly ride in bee-painted cars illuminated with Christmas lights for a festive feel.
Festive Activities
- Carnival Games: Play classic games, putt-putt, mini-ATVs, and walk on glowing light-up floors.
- Arts and Crafts: Participate in coloring gingerbread men, creating tree ornaments, and more.
- Santa Meet and Greet: Capture holiday moments with Santa Claus.
- Face Painting: Add to the fun with festive face painting, perfect for all ages.
Educational and Fun Animal Interactions
- Santa’s Stables: The barnyard transforms into Santa’s Stables, adorned with seasonal decor.
- Interact with Farm Animals: Visitors can meet a variety of rescued farm animals such as chickens (festively named “Living Snowballs,” which you can hold), donkeys, goats, sheep, turkeys, a pig, a pony, and a mini cow.
- Educational Experience: The exhibit is designed to be an educational opportunity, focusing on safe and caring interactions with the animals.
Live Entertainment
- Lively Music and Entertainment: On weekends, the festival comes alive with the sound of live music, adding to the festive atmosphere. These performances feature local artists and bands, providing a perfect backdrop for an evening stroll through the lights.
Holiday Shopping and Decor
- Christmas Tree Lot: The festival includes a Christmas Tree Lot, open from 9 am to 9 pm Wednesday through Sunday, and 9 am to 6 pm on Mondays and Tuesdays. Here, visitors can choose from a variety of fresh-cut Christmas trees. The lot features different types of trees, each with their unique qualities, making it a perfect spot for families to find their ideal Christmas tree.
- Holiday Market: Adjacent to the Christmas Tree Lot is the Holiday Market, which is accessible without needing tickets to the main festival. The market offers a range of treats and holiday decor, providing visitors with an opportunity to shop for festive items and indulge in seasonal delicacies.
Visiting the Festival:
- Dates and Times: Hikari is typically open from late November through December, with specific dates available on the Tanaka Farms website. Gates open at 4:30 PM each evening, with the last entry at 8 PM. The festival closes each night at 10 PM.
- Tickets: The pricing for adults (13 years and older) ranges from $25 to $35, and for children (3-12 years), it ranges from $15 to $25. Children under 2 years are admitted free and do not require a ticket. It is advisable to book reservations in advance as walk-ups without a prior reservation will pay the highest price. Use code ‘LIFEISGOODOC’ for 10% OFF at checkout!
- Parking: There is a parking fee of $10 per vehicle, which you can purchase online with your order.
- Location: The festival is held at Tanaka Farms, a landmark in Irvine known for its commitment to sustainable farming and community engagement.
Special Pricing for Educators, Healthcare Workers, Military Members, and First Responders:
- Educators, Healthcare Workers, and First Responders: Tanaka Farms honors these professionals with special admission offers. On designated days, educators, healthcare workers, and first responders receive free admission to Hikari with one paid adult admission. A work ID or paystub is required at check-in for the free entry. To check these special dates, click here.
- Military Appreciation: Active military personnel, as well as veterans and military retirees, receive free admission. A valid military ID must be shown at check-in for the free entry.
The Hikari Festival of Lights offers a delightful escape into a world of light, laughter, and holiday cheer. Whether you’re seeking a family outing, a romantic evening, or a festive gathering with friends, this event promises to be a highlight of the holiday season in Orange County.
To learn more and get tickets, visit www.tanakafarms.com/hikari. Use code ‘LIFEISGOODOC’ at checkout for 10% OFF .