Christmas Gatherings around Orange County

The holiday season in Garden Grove and Orange County is brimming with festive activities perfect for a first Christmas in California! Here are some delightful events to consider:

Winter in the Grove

Join the community on Saturday, December 7, from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Village Green Park, 12732 Main Street, Garden Grove. This free event features live entertainment, holiday crafts, inflatable activities for children of all ages, a holiday craft boutique with handmade gifts, and a special visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus. The highlight is "Snowtopia," offering free, unlimited snow slides crafted from 50 tons of snow—a rare treat in Southern California!

Capistrano Lights at Mission San Juan Capistrano

Experience the historic Mission adorned with festive decorations. Explore during the day and enjoy Christmas festivities in the evening, including a 10-foot wreath, community Christmas trees, and an 18th-century-inspired nativity scene. Select nights starting December 2.

Winter Fest OC

From November 22 to January 5, the OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa transforms into a winter wonderland with oversized holiday decor, more than a million lights, and endless opportunities for memory-making. Enjoy ice skating, ice tubing, snow play areas, and festive entertainment suitable for all ages.

Holidayz at the Park

Visit the Great Park in Irvine for an outdoor light display with fun, free photo opportunities. Dates and times vary; check the city's website for details.

• Palm Court Light Display

  Experience the magic of the holidays at the Palm Court Light Display during Holidayz at the Park. Stroll through an outdoor wonderland of lights and festive decorations, including a larger-than-life airplane whimsically overtaken by the Grinch—an homage to the park's military heritage. The lights and displays are open daily from dusk to 9 p.m., offering perfect opportunities for memorable photos.

  
  

• Holidayz Pop-Up at the Great Park Studios

  Step into a winter wonderland at the Holidayz Pop-Up. The Great Park Artist Studios transforms into a delightful pop-up museum filled with seasonal backdrops designed for selfies and family photos. Open Fridays from 5 to 9 p.m. and weekends from 1 to 8 p.m., this enchanting exhibit promises fun for all ages.

  
  

• Holiday Market

  December 7: 3–8 p.m.

  December 8: 10 a.m.–3 p.m.

  Great Park Hangar 244

  Enjoy a festive shopping experience at the Holiday Market, held entirely indoors at Great Park. Browse a curated selection of handcrafted goods, including jewelry, ceramics, folk crafts, clothing, and more, from talented artisans. Find unique gifts for everyone on your holiday list in this cozy, artisan-focused setting.

Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade

Watch beautifully decorated boats sail along the harbor in this annual tradition. The parade is held between December 18-22, and it's truly amazing to see all the boats turn into festive floating holiday lights. If you attend the 2024 Newport Beach Boat Parade, you’ll witness a spectacular display of hundreds of boats adorned with extravagant decorations. Yacht owners often invest tens of thousands of dollars to create dazzling designs that go far beyond traditional holiday light displays. From intricate themes to stunning special effects, each vessel becomes a floating masterpiece. The parade features ships of all sizes, ranging from multimillion-dollar yachts to kayaks and canoes, showcasing the community’s creativity and festive spirit. It’s an event where everyone loves to participate and celebrate the holiday season in style!

So grab a warm drink, don your favorite Santa hat, and join the festivities to spread holiday cheer in Orange County this Christmas season!