Last updated on April 21st, 2026
Looking for the best things to do during Christmas in Orange County, California?
Here’s your complete guide, filled with festive events, dazzling light displays, and holiday traditions that make this season so magical.
From world-famous theme parks to family-friendly holiday performances, Orange County offers something for everyone. Whether you’re a Southern California local (like me!) or planning to visit Orange County at Christmastime, these holiday activities and events will help you celebrate the season in style.
Orange County Christmas Events & Unique Holiday Experiences
Winter Fest OC
Held at the OC Fair & Event Center, Winter Fest OC is one of the largest holiday festivals in Southern California. It will take place from November 22, 2025 through January 5, 2026.
If you love a carnival atmosphere, this one’s for you. Great for older kids, teens, and adults, although there are activities for little kids, too. Attractions include ice skating, ice tubing, snow play, carnival rides, and a light show. There will also be a holiday market, live entertainment, and photos with Santa.
- 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa
- winterfestoc.com
Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade
The Newport Beach Boat Parade is one of the best holiday events – not just in Orange County, but in all of California! It has been a holiday tradition in Orange County for over 100 years (since 1907, to be exact!) and draws over a million people to view it each year.
For 2025, Newport Harbor light up nightly from December 18 through 22 for the Christmas Boat Parade. Yachts, sailboats, and even kayaks adorned with sparkling lights cruise the harbor, while waterfront buildings and docks join the fun with elaborate decorations. Fireworks mark the opening and closing nights.
Best Spots to Watch the Boat Parade
Newport gets very crowded on parade nights, so be sure to arrive well before dark if you want to nab a parking space. Here are some of the best spots to view the parade.
- Marina Park – A large, family-friendly park with open space, a playground, and a beach area. Great for families with young kids.
- Balboa Island Boardwalk – Offers up-close views of decorated homes and boats passing just a few feet away.
- Balboa Fun Zone – Perfect if you want to pair the parade with arcade games, a Ferris wheel ride, or dining.
- Harborside Restaurants – Book early at waterfront restaurants like Harborside, Bluewater Grill, or The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar for dinner-with-a-view.
- Rent a Boat or Take a Cruise – Several companies offer harbor cruises during parade nights, giving you a front-row seat right on the water.
You can explore options for viewing the Newport Beach Boat Parade here.
- Newport Beach
- christmasboatparade.com
Irvine Park Railroad Christmas Train & Holiday Activities
An absolute family favorite, the Irvine Park Railroad Christmas Train delivers holiday joy through Irvine Regional Park. Here’s everything you need to know.
Irvine Park Railroad Christmas Train: Meet Santa Claus & Ride Through the Tunnel of Lights
All aboard the Christmas Train to the “North Pole”! Running from November 28 through December 23, 2025, this family favorite lets kids meet Santa, decorate cookies, and enjoy cocoa at Santa’s Village. Advance tickets are highly recommended, as this event sells out quickly.
- Train rides run from November 28 through December 23, 2025
- Tickets are online-only, go on sale November 3, 2025, at 10:00 AM, and sell out fast.
- The train departs the festively lit station, takes families to the “North Pole” to meet Santa (photos are available), then returns through a magical Tunnel of Lights back to Santa’s Village—all aboard the same ride.
Santa’s Village: Festive Fun for All
- Runs November 28 through December 30, 2025 (closed December 24–25).
- Entry is free, and no reservation is required – perfect for spontaneous visits.
- Enjoy a variety of festive activities available via activity tickets, including cookie decorating, crafts, ice fishing, carnival games, and more, all designed with kids in mind. Food and drinks will also be available for sale.
Train of Lights: A Glow-Filled Ride
- Following the Christmas Train, the Train of Lights takes over from December 26–30, 2025, with daily rides in the evenings.
- You’ll board the train at the station and travel through a one-mile loop of spectacular illuminations—with no stops, but an unforgettable visual treat.
- There’s no appearance by Santa or Mrs. Claus during these dates, but the lights more than make up for it!
Visiting Irvine Park is one of the best things to do in Orange County with kids any time of year, but the holiday season should not be missed! It is a local favorite for families in Orange County.
- 1 Irvine Park Road, Orange
- irvineparkrailroad.com/events/christmas-train
Dana Point Harbor Lights
Beginning in late November, Dana Point Harbor shines with over 700,000 lights, including light tunnels, giant ornaments, and themed photo spots. Restaurants and shops along the waterfront join in the celebration, making it a festive spot for strolling, dining, and shopping.
Dana Point also holds annual boat parade during the holiday season, and this year it will take place the evenings of December 12, 13, and 14 starting at 6:30 p.m. The 2025 theme will be Golden Jubilee – Carol of the Boats.
- 34571 Golden Lantern, Dana Point
- danapointharbor.com
Capistrano Lights at Mission San Juan Capistrano
Mission San Juan Capistrano, today a historic landmark and museum, is the birthplace of Orange County. Famous for the Annual Return of the Swallows, Mission San Juan Capistrano is known as the “Jewel of the California Missions.”
The historic Mission San Juan Capistrano offers a magical backdrop for holiday festivities. During Capistrano Lights, you can explore the mission grounds illuminated with thousands of lights, take photos under giant wreaths, and enjoy seasonal music. On select evenings, there’s caroling and special community activities.
This year, Capistrano Lights: Mission in Lights will run on select days from December 19, 2025 through December 30.
Activities include a tree lighting, Dickens-era carolers, full-scale nativity, and holiday lights – all are included with any Capistrano Lights ticket which also includes same day admission to the Mission.
What’s great about Capistrano Lights at Mission San Juan Capistrano is there is no extra ticket required to enjoy the extended evening hours and these holiday activities. And since tickets come with “in and out” privileges, you can tour the mission earlier in the day and then come back after dark to enjoy the lights.
- 26801 Old Mission Road, San Juan Capistrano
- missionsjc.com
Outdoor Ice Skating at Irvine Spectrum Center
Does your family love to skate? From mid-November through early January, the Irvine Spectrum Center Ice Rink offers festive skating under the stars, surrounded by shops, restaurants, holiday lights, and a spectacular Christmas tree. It’s a perfect evening outing for families.
A sunny SoCal twist on a classic holiday tradition!
- 670 Spectrum Center Drive, Irvine
- irvinespectrumcenter.com
► Be sure to also check out these Los Angeles Christmas events and activities!
Holidays at the Disneyland Resort
Also happening during this time is the Disney California Adventure’s Festival of Holidays. Expect live music, cultural performances, tasty food booths, and a festive “Disney ¡Viva Navidad!” street party.
► Travel Insight
Honestly, the info in this article barely scratches the surface of everything happening at the Disneyland Resort during the holiday season! Check out our Complete Guide to Disneyland Christmas 2026 for complete details, plus some helpful tips and tricks for making the most of your visit.
Top Tip: Book your theme park reservations early! In addition to being the most magical, Christmastime is one of the busiest times to visit the parks.
Even if you don’t have tickets to visit the parks, you can still go to Downtown Disney and wander around for free! There are shops, restaurants, free entertainment, and lots of lovely holiday decorations to enjoy.
- 1313 Disneyland Drive, Anaheim
- disneyland.com
Knott’s Merry Farm
From November 21, 2025 to January 4, 2026, Knott’s Berry Farm transforms into Knott’s Merry Farm, with Christmas shows, a nightly tree-lighting ceremony, carolers, festive treats, and even snowfall in Ghost Town.
Holiday entertainment includes Home for the Holidays, a dazzling stage show filled with music, dancing toys, and festive lights, all set on an elaborate wintertime stage.
You’ll also find the return of the holiday ice show at Walter Knott Theater at the theme park, starring Snoopy and the Peanuts Gang plus a cast of world-class ice skaters. (We love that Knott’s Berry Farm is the only theme park with ice skating shows year-round!)
- 8039 Beach Blvd, Buena Park
- knotts.com
Neighborhood Holiday Light Displays
There are literally hundreds of homes that go all out when it comes to holiday lights and decorations, but here are two really special neighborhoods in Orange County worth checking out to get your whole family in the holiday spirit.
Candy Cane Lane – Fountain Valley
The neighborhood around El Corzo Street and surrounding cul-de-sacs has been famous for decades as “Candy Cane Lane.” Homes are decorated with dazzling lights, inflatables, and themed displays, some even synchronized to holiday music. Families can walk or drive through, with weeknights being less crowded.
Top Tip: Bundle up, bring hot cocoa, and stroll on foot for the best experience.
Balboa Island Lights – Newport Beach
Balboa Island is known for its spectacular bayfront homes decorated with Christmas lights and holiday displays throughout December. From nautical themes to classic Christmas scenes, the decorations reflect the island’s seaside charm.
Visitors can walk the sidewalks along the waterfront or drive the narrow streets to enjoy the show. Pair your visit with dinner nearby for a perfect festive evening.
Top Tip: Parking on Balboa Island in Newport Beach is limited, so plan to arrive early.
The Nutcracker Ballet Performances in Orange County
Experience the holiday magic of The Nutcracker at some of Southern California’s top venues this Christmas season. From full-scale productions with live orchestras to kid-friendly versions perfect for young audiences, there’s a performance for every family.
American Ballet Theatre at Segerstrom Center for the Arts (Costa Mesa)
- December 11–21, 2025
- A lavish, high-caliber production accompanied by the Pacific Symphony in Segerstrom Hall. This is definitely our top recommendation if you want to see a beautiful performance of The Nutcracker in Orange County.
- scfta.org
Festival Ballet Theatre at Irvine Barclay Theatre
- December 6–24, 2025 (select dates)
- Traditional full-length show featuring over 200 dancers, elegant sets, and the option to attend a themed Nutcracker Tea Party before select performances.
- thebarclay.org
Nutcracker for Kids (Festival Ballet Theatre at Irvine Barclay Theatre)
- December 5, 2025
- An abridged, narrated version tailored for younger children. This is a great introduction to ballet.
- thebarclay.org
► Be sure to also check out our guide to where to see the Nutcracker in San Diego this holiday season.
More Holiday Shows & Concerts
Here are some additional shows you can catch in Orange County this holiday season.
Tis the Season! – Pacific Chorale
- December 21-22 at the Segerstrom Concert Hall in Costa Mesa
- A beloved concert featuring chorale, orchestra, children’s chorus, and festive carols.
- pacificchorale.org/events/tis-the-season-2025
A Christmas Carol
- November 29 through December 28 at South Coast Repertory in Costa Mesa
- A heartwarming stage adaptation of Dickens’ classic, with festive music and family-friendly performances.
- scr.org
Handel’s Messiah – Pacific Symphony
- December 7 at the Segerstrom Concert Hall in Costa Mesa
- A stirring holiday tradition with full orchestra and chorus, best for adults and older kids.
- pacificsymphony.org/show-details/handels-messiah
Fiesta Navidad
- December 23 at the Segerstrom Concert Hall in Costa Mesa
- A vibrant celebration of Mexican holiday traditions featuring the Grammy Award-winning Mariachi Los Camperos in a vibrant concert filled with music, dance, and joyful celebration.
- scfta.org/events/2025/fiesta-navidad
A Snow White Christmas at Laguna Playhouse
- Performances throughout December at the Laguna Playhouse
- The perfect show to see if you are visiting Laguna Beach with kids during the holiday season.
- Named “Best in OC” in Live Theatre by the OC Register, the Laguna Playhouse is a small, historic space that has been around since 1920.
- lagunaplayhouse.com
Candlelight Christmas Concerts at the Nixon Library
- December 14 at the Nixon Library in Yorba Linda
- Intimate candlelit performances of classic carols in a unique, historic setting.
- nixonlibrary.gov
Final Thoughts: Holiday Fun in Orange County
From the glittering lights of Dana Point Harbor to holiday shows at Segerstrom Center, the season in Orange County is filled with holiday cheer, music, and family traditions. Whether you’re skating under the stars, watching a harbor parade, exploring historic missions, or taking the kids on a Christmas train, the region offers countless ways to celebrate the holidays.
Christmas in Orange County is festive, family-friendly, and full of Southern California charm, perfect for making magical memories in 2025.
Wishing you happy holidays and a very Merry Christmas in the OC or wherever you’re celebrating this year!
Save These Orange County Christmas Events & Activities for Later!
Planning a visit to the Orange County and Los Angeles Area during the holidays? Pin the image below for future reference.
Leave a Reply