I just love this time of year with all of the lights, cozy pajamas, coats and sweaters and, of course, Creme Brulée Lattes at Starbucks! It's also about the real reason for the season, Christ, and being able to share love, joy and peace with my family and friends.
I always look to see what’s new in my area so I can enjoy time and the season together with family and friends. So I thought I'd share a list of these events with you! I hope you can find some time to enjoy with your loved ones!
CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING EVENTS
Deck the Cove - Crystal Cove Tree Lighting – Dec. 7th 10am - 5:30pm
This tree lighting will be like stepping back in time with a vintage look and feel to the decor. There will also be a holiday activities for handcrafted holiday gifts and fine art plus hot cocoa from The Beachcomber. Free event.
Irvine Winter Wonderland - Irvine Civic Center – Dec. 7th 4pm - 6:30pm
Activities include visits with Santa Claus, live holiday music, games, crafts, and winter-themed train route and snow fall!
Everyone who attends is encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped gift for infants or children up to age 12. Donations will help the Irvine 2/11 Marine Adoption Committee Holiday Drive, which benefits the families of Irvine’s adopted 2/11 Marine Battalion.
Laguna Niguel Christmas Tree Lighting - Laguna Niguel City Hall – Dec. 7th 5pm - 7pm
Everything a Christmas tree lighting should be, but with a Hawaiian twist!
Capistrano Lights - San Juan Capistrano Mission – Dec. 8th to Jan. 6th 5:30pm - 9pm
There is so much to do at this event from the tree lighting, to a nativity scene, crafts, mariachi and tamales. Special activities will happen on weekends. You can find ticket prices and more details here
Opening night is Dec. 7th.
Pines Park Tree Lighting - Dana Point – Dec. 9th at 6:30pm
This event will have carolers, carnival games, free hot chocolate and cookies with the tree lighting at 5 pm. But the main reason this got my attention was the dog costume parade!
Balboa Island Tree Lighting - Balboa Island – Dec. 18th at 4pm
Tree lighting and caroling will happen in front of the fire station with cider, cookies and snow on Marine Avenue.
FAMILY FUN CHRISTMAS ACTIVITIES
Holiday Movie Night - Huntington Beach – Dec. 11th & 18th at 6pm
Movies are held at Pacific City on the second level every Wednesday. They will also have a meet and greet with a character from the movie.
Dec 11 - Elf and Dec 18 - The New Grinch Cartoon
Heritage Hill Annual Candlelight Walk – Dec. 13th to 15th 5:30pm - 8:30pm
More than 1,000 luminarias will light the park’s pathways as strolling carolers and musicians fill the air with music. Admission is $5 per person and free if 3yo and under. The event tickets are while supplies last and cash only at the event.
Winter Fest OC - OC Fair – Dec. 19th to Jan. 5th
There is so much to do at this event like ice tubing, snow areas, ice skating, light mazes and fireworks. There is so much more! Find out more details and buy tickets here.
Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade - Newport Beach - Dec 18th to 22nd 5:30pm - 9pm
See homes, yachts and docks decorated with thousands of lights and 200 plus boats pass by fully decked out in holiday lights! You can even get a chance to take a cruise around the bay. Check out this site to get the best viewing spots here.
Huntington Harbour Cruise of Lights - Huntington Beach – Dec. 17th to 23rd 5:30pm - 8:30pm
Similar to the Newport Beach parade but you can do it from the yacht! See more details and purchase tickets here.
Nights of 1,000 Lights - Sherman Library and Gardens - First 3 weekends in Dec. from 6pm - 9pm
Light tunnels, disco and Elvis themes plus sweets in Gingerbread Land. You can make your very own Christmas ornament and enjoy photos, coffee, hot chocolate and even make s'mores! Check out their site for more information and ticket pricing here.
CHRISTMAS PLAYS
"Santa Claus Conquers the Martians" – Fullerton - Maverick Theater – Dec. weekends.
I'd want to see it just for how weird and outrageous it sounds! Santa is kidnapped by Martians and you can join him on his outer space adventure! Buy tickets here.
"A Christmas Carol" - Camino Real Play House - San Juan Capistrano – Dec. 6th to 21st
See the beloved classic with a new twist as Charles Dickens presents his famed story to you, his guests. There are multiple shows each weekend and you can purchase you tickets here.
CHRISTMAS EVENTS
Christmas at the Cathedral - Christ Cathedral - Garden Grove – Dec. 13th, 7:30pm - 9pm
Hear different choirs sing in English, Vietnamese and Spanish new and old Christmas carols. You can purchase tickets here.
19th Annual Live Nativity & International Celebration - Old World Huntington Beach-
Dec 15th, 6pm - 8pm
Old World Village hosts the International Celebration of Christmas, this celebrations main theme in bringing together a different group of churches, singers and dancers that highlights meaning of the holiday season. There will also be a benefit held for the Huntington Beach Police and Community Foundation. Find out more about this event here.
There are so many things to do this time of year that there is something for everyone. I hope you enjoy this list of family fun outings this season. Let me know in the comments if I missed some and if you plan on going to any of them!
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