It’s the most wonderful time of the year! While a white Christmas may only ever be a dream here in Orange County, there are still endless opportunities to experience holiday cheer and magic of the season. Whether witnessing the twinkling lights of a boat parade or neighborhood light display or experiencing the feelings of warmth that come from an opportunity to give back or a cup of hot cocoa at a holiday festival, discover the top 2024 holiday activities and events across Orange County that make this time of year the most magical and meaningful.

1. Spread Joy by Volunteering to Support Local Families

• Dates: Throughout November and December
• Location: Various locations across Orange County

As the season of giving, there are few things as meaningful and fulfilling during the holiday season than finding ways to give back to those in need. In fact, we put together an entire list of great ways to get involved for Thanksgiving, including taking part in Operation Warm Wishes’ annual Thanksgiving Spectacular in Tustin, where volunteers serve meals, distribute clothing, and provide services like haircuts to those in need. Other opportunties, like Gobble Gobble Give in Garden Grove, invites volunteers to prepare and deliver meals to people experiencing homelessness, along with essentials like toiletries and clothing.

We’ll put together a list of great ways to give back during the rest of the holiday season also (stay tuned!), but in the meantime, check-in with a favorite local nonprofit or church—they’re likely already sharing ways you can get involved!

2. Embrace the Season of Giving at a Holiday Charitable Event

• Dates: Various dates throughout November and December
• Location: Various locations across Orange County

Volunteering isn’t the only way to experience the magic of the holidays through giving back. A number of Orange County based nonprofits hold amazing annual holiday charitable events that bring together the community in support of important causes, from mental health services to affordable housing. Events like the Child Guidance Center’s Holiday Tree Fantasy offer festive experiences with champagne receptions, silent auctions, and the chance to win designer-decorated Christmas trees. Similarly, Friends of CASA’s Holiday Luncheon combines elegance with purpose, featuring a high-fashion runway show and a “Starfish Wish Tree” to fulfill the holiday wishes of children in foster care.

Each event provides a unique way to celebrate the season while making a positive impact, offering attendees memorable experiences and opportunities to support meaningful local initiatives.

3. Witness the Tree Lighting at Huntington Beach’s Magic on Main Street

• Date: November 12, 2024
• Location: Downtown Huntington Beach

There are also a great number of FREE events throughout Orange County to get you into the holiday spirit. For example, you can kick off the holiday season at Surf City Presents Magic on Main Street, a festive event that transforms downtown Huntington Beach into a winter wonderland. The celebration features live holiday tunes, local craft vendors lining Main Street, and even opportunities to win fun prizes.

The event begins at 5 p.m., with an official tree lighting ceremony taking place at 6 p.m. Following the tree lighting, and visitors can take selfies with Santa from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Attendees are also invited to donate an unwrapped, new toy at the HB Santa Claus Ride booth on the 2nd Block of Main Street to be entered into a holiday raffle.

4. Stroll or Drive Through the Elaborate Neighborhood Christmas Light Displays Around Orange County

• Dates: Throughout November and December
• Location: Various neighborhoods in Orange County

Orange County is home to some truly magical Christmas light displays that brighten up the season, and some neighborhoods scattered around the county really go all in. Usually starting around mid-November, many neighborhoods like Sparkle Ball Lane in Fullerton come alive with glittering lights, whimsical decorations, and unique displays that you can’t find anywhere else because they are made by the locals themselves.

While you can easily drive through many of them, others you’re encouraged to walk through for the full experience. For example, on the weekends in neighborhoods like Eagle Creek in Brea, many of the local families keep firepits and their own booths at the end of their driveways serving up churros, hot chocolate and other holiday goodies. You can sometimes even find mailboxes to Santa that kids can drop off their letters.

5. Marvel at the Festival of Lights at Dana Point Harbor

• Dates: November 13, 2024 – January 12, 2025
• Location: Dana Point Harbor

Neighborhoods aren’t the only places in Orange County that go all out with Christmas lights. Dana Point Harbor’s Festival of Lights transforms the harbor into a breathtaking holiday wonderland with over 700,000 twinkling LED lights, providing a magical experience for visitors of all ages.

This FREE, family-friendly event creates a festive ambiance each evening, inviting guests to immerse themselves in the holiday spirit. Stroll along the waterfront and explore themed displays, including the romantic “Merry Kiss Me” arch and a giant illuminated whale sculpture that makes for perfect holiday photo backdrops. With enchanting lights, picturesque views, and plenty of photo opportunities, the Festival of Lights at Dana Point Harbor is a must-visit for celebrating the season in Southern California.

6. Experience Holiday Magic at Disneyland Resort

• Dates: November 15, 2024 – January 6, 2025
• Location: Disneyland Resort, Anaheim

How can we talk about magic and not include Disney? Disneyland Resort transforms becomes even more magical each holiday season, offering festive entertainment, dazzling decorations, and unique holiday-themed attractions. This year, guests can explore the “Disney Festival of Holidays” at Disney California Adventure Park, celebrating multicultural holiday traditions with live music, dance performances, and festive food from around the world.

Over at Disneyland Park, the “Believe… In Holiday Magic” fireworks show will light up the sky with holiday-themed fireworks, music, and snowfall on Main Street, U.S.A. Popular attractions also receive festive overlays, like “it’s a small world” Holiday, which sparkles with thousands of lights and holiday scenes from around the globe, and Haunted Mansion Holiday, where Jack Skellington and friends will bring a frightfully festive Nightmare Before Christmas element to the ride.

TIP! Enjoy more of the festive fun without the lines by getting a Genie+ Pass!

7. Shop and Explore at the Sawdust Winter Fantasy

• Dates: Weekends, November 22 – December 22, 2024
• Location: Sawdust Art Festival Grounds, Laguna Beach

If holiday shopping is what gets you in the spirit, the Sawdust Winter Fantasy transforms Laguna Beach’s Sawdust Art Festival grounds into a whimsical winter village, offering over 175 artists’ booths filled with one-of-a-kind holiday gifts. Wander through the festival to find everything from hand-blown glass ornaments to unique jewelry and handcrafted pottery. The festival also includes live entertainment across three stages, daily snow flurries, and photo ops with Santa.

Families can enjoy the petting zoo, puppet shows, and a chance to participate in hands-on winter art classes. With several outdoor cafés and a festive saloon, there’s no shortage of seasonal treats and drinks to enjoy as you explore.

8. Enjoy a Winter Wonderland at Winter Fest OC

• Dates: November 22, 2024 – January 5, 2025
• Location: OC Fair & Event Center, Costa Mesa

While we may not see snowflakes in Orange County without driving north into Big Bear mountain, Winter Fest OC brings all the snow fun to us! Winter Fest OC brings the magic of winter to Orange County with an array of seasonal attractions that allow you to skate on a full-sized ice rink, zoom down a 150-foot tubing slide, play in a real snow area, or stroll through the grounds complete with twinkling lights and holiday decor.

The event also includes the magical “North Pole Journey” walk-through experience where kids can meet Santa Claus himself, take holiday photos, and enjoy crafts. With a nightly holiday light show featuring more than 2 million lights and synchronized music, tons of festive photo opportunities, and seasonal food and drinks, Winter Fest OC really is a can’t miss experience for the whole family.

9. Step Into Holiday Nostalgia at Knott’s Merry Farm

• Dates: November 22, 2024 – January 5, 2025
• Location: Knott’s Berry Farm, Buena Park

Knott’s Merry Farm has become a Christmas traditional for many OC families for good reason. The park brings holiday magic to life with an array of festive experiences, thousands of twinkling lights and charming holiday decorations that let you feel like your stepping back in time to a period of classic Christmas nostalgia, where carolers sing and the scent of fresh gingerbread wafts through the air.

Visitors can explore the Christmas Crafts Village, where local artisans showcase unique, handcrafted gifts, grab photos with Santa Claus in his cozy Christmas Cabin, or make decorate cookies with Mrs. Claus in Mrs. Claus’ Kitchen. You can enjoy even more seasonal treats and one-of-a-kind photo opps along the Gold Mine Trail. The “Home for the Holidays” show brings classic Christmas tunes to the stage, with dancing and a delightful nightly snowfall, making every performance feel like a true holiday celebration.

10. Take a Train to the North Pole at Irvine Park Railroad

• Dates: November 29 – December 23, 2024
• Location: Irvine Regional Park, Orange

Irvine Park Railroad is a affordable and magical family outing any time of year, but it’s especially special experience at Christmas time. Guests can make reservations to hop aboard the Irvine Park Railroad Christmas Train to the “North Pole,” where upon arrival children will have the chance to meet Santa Claus to take a photo and share their family wishes. The train ride itself is illuminated with festive lights and set to holiday music, creating an enchanting journey that captures the spirit of the season. However, these reservations sell out FAST, usually on the same day the reservations open, so we recommend jumping into the virtual queue as early that day as possible!

If you can’t get reservations, you can still enjoy Santa’s Village, which is free and requires no reservations at all! Santa’s Village is filled with festive activities and charming holiday decor, and kids can participate in seasonal crafts, decorate holiday cookies, and take part in story time with Mrs. Claus. The village also offers carnival games, bounce houses, and a variety of holiday photo backdrops that make for memorable family snapshots.

11. Light Up the Night at Hikari – A Festival of Lights

• Dates: November 29 – December 29, 2024
• Location: Tanaka Farms, Irvine

Hikari – A Festival of Lights at Tanaka Farms in Irvine offers a one-of-a-kind holiday experience that combines festive charm with Japanese heritage. Meaning “shine” in Japanese, Hikari truly lives up to its name with over a million sparkling lights across the farm, transforming it into a dazzling holiday wonderland. The highlight is the “Land of a Thousand Lanterns,” where guests can take a holiday wagon ride through beautiful themed displays and enjoy caroling along the way.

Santa’s Village is packed with holiday activities, including carnival games, mini-ATV rides, arts and crafts, and the chance to meet Santa Claus. Kids can enjoy face painting and get hands-on at Santa’s Stables, where they can interact with a variety of friendly farm animals. The festive spirit continues with live entertainment on weekends, a holiday market, and a Christmas Tree Lot where visitors can pick out the perfect tree for their home.

12. Embrace the Season’s Religious Roots at Capistrano Lights at Mission San Juan Capistrano

• Dates: Select Dates December 7 – 29, 2024
• Location: Mission San Juan Capistrano

For those looking to embrace both the joyful traditions of the holidays and the season’s religious roots, there are few experiences more magical than that of Capistrano Lights, held at the stunning Mission San Juan Capistrano. During this annual celebration, the mission grounds are adorned with thousands of sparkling lights, a towering Christmas tree, and festive decorations that highlight the site’s Spanish architecture.

Each evening, visitors can witness a tree lighting ceremony accompanied by traditional caroling that fills the air with timeless holiday tunes. The mission offers moments for reflection, such as lighting a prayer candle, and features a beautifully arranged nativity scene honoring the story of Christmas. Guests can enjoy seasonal refreshments, stroll under glittering lights, and capture family photos throughout the scenic grounds, making Capistrano Lights a rich blend of holiday cheer and cultural heritage for all ages to enjoy.

13. Take a Walk Through Holidayz at the Park at Great Park

• Dates: December 7 – December 29, 2024
• Location: Great Park, Irvine

The Great Park in Irvine holds amazing special seasonal events year round. During the holiday season, they hold Holidayz at the Park, where the grounds transform into a festive winter wonderland with holiday-themed art, music, and dazzling light displays in the Palm Court Arts Complex and Artist Studios.

For an extra-special experience, we recommend visiting during the opening weekend, December 7–8, when the park will host additional seasonal events. On December 7, the festivities expand with “Illuminate Irvine,” offering holiday-inspired activities, classic seasonal music, and the lighting of the holiday tree. Guests are invited to bring an unwrapped gift for the Irvine 2/11 Marine Adoption Committee Holiday Toy Drive. A special indoor Holiday Market also takes place December 7 and 8 at Hangar 244, featuring a curated selection of artisan-made jewelry, ceramics, clothing, and more.

14. Watch the Nutcracker Tree Lighting & Explore Anaheim’s Holiday Village

• Date: December 8, 2024
• Location: Center Street Promenade, Anaheim

Step into a festive scene at Anaheim’s Nutcracker Tree Lighting & Holiday Village, where the holiday season comes alive with the lighting of a towering Christmas tree surrounded by sparkling decorations. Beginning at 11 a.m., the Holiday Village features a fun market with local artisans selling handcrafted gifts and seasonal treats. Families can enjoy festive activities throughout the day, including a dog costume contest, holiday crafts, and photo opportunities with Santa.

The highlight of the day is the tree lighting ceremony at 6 p.m. in front of City Hall, complete with live performances by local musicians and characters from The Nutcracker ballet.

15. Enjoy the Huntington Harbour Boat Parade & Cruise of Lights

• Dates: December 14–15, 2024 (Boat Parade); December 18–23, 2024 (Cruise of Lights)
• Location: Huntington Harbour, Huntington Beach

For a truly enchanting experience, the Huntington Harbour Boat Parade offers a more intimate take on Orange County’s holiday boat parades. Boats decked out in sparkling holiday lights and creative decorations sail through the harbor where you can enjoy not only the spectacle of the other boats but also the beautifully lit up homes along the harbor.

For those seeking an up-close view, the Cruise of Lights provides narrated boat tours through the decorated canals. This relaxing cruise offers a chance to enjoy the lights and decorations from the water itself alongside the other cruisegoers.

16. Experience the 116th Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade

• Dates: December 18 – 22, 2024
• Location: Newport Harbor, Newport Beach

As an alternative to the Huntington Beach boat parade, the Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade has captivated locals and visitors for over a century, transforming Newport Harbor into a glowing holiday spectacle. This five-day event showcases boats of all shapes and sizes, each adorned with dazzling lights, festive decor, and sometimes even live performers on board, all of which you can watch and enjoy from anywhere on shore or aboard one of the festive boats yourself!

However, we recommend those going on opening night on December 18 to view from one of two places: Marina Park, where you can also enjoy a special holiday market open that day only, OR anywhere with a view of Newport Pier where you’ll get to view a spectacular fireworks display!

Know of any other things to do in Orange County that bring out the magic of the season? Tell us about them in the comments or submit them to our event listing!