Holidays in Orange County

Celebrate the holiday season SoCal style! We may not have snow here but Orange County sure knows how to spread the Christmas cheer regardless. There will be plenty of fun activities for family and friends to enjoy including; Santa runs, Christmas boat parade of lights, and much more!

Christmas In Spain!

Dec. 24, 4 pm-1 am

Dec. 25, 11 am-1:30am

Cafe Sevilla Long Beach is located in downtown Long Beach, just steps from the convention center, Queen Mary, Aquarium of the Pacific, The Pike shopping and entertainment center, museums and other Long Beach attractions. Cafe Sevilla is proud to offer the most authentic Spanish ambiance in their tapas bar, restaurant, and nightclub. Join us for live “Gypsy-King” style music several nights a week, flamenco dinner shows on the weekends, salsa dance classes, happy hour and so much more! Christmas day special features a special 3-Course Christmas Menu for $45 a person Full Menu, Live Music 7:30-11:30 pm, DJ to follow.

Knott’s Merry Farm

November 22-January 5

Every winter, Knott’s Berry Farm celebrates the merriest of seasons as the park wondrously transforms into Knott’s Merry Farm, a Christmas celebration for all ages. Spend the most wonderful time of the year with your family at Knott’s Merry Farm enjoying thrilling holiday attractions, live entertainment, a Christmas Crafts Village, festive food, lavish holiday decorations, and nightly snow in Ghost Town. Park-goers of all ages can enjoy classic shows like Merry Christmas, Snoopy!, the beloved ice show starring the famous beagle, the Peanuts Gang and a cast of world-class ice skaters. Use code 101OC for a discount on tickets.

Capistrano Lights

December 8-January 6

Celebrate the holidays at Orange County’s only Mission with 30 days of festive programming and a nightly tree lighting. Create lasting memories with family photos under our 10′ wreath, selfies with Santa on select weekends in December, a photo opportunity with our 30′ Christmas tree and make your prayer for peace and goodwill by placing a candle in the Ruins of the Great Stone Church. Adult ticket prices are $13 and kids are $7.

 

 

Winter Fest O.C.

December 19-January 5 

Celebration Festivals is “bringing winter to the OC” with the return of Southern California’s largest winter tradition – Winter Fest at the OC Fair & Event Center. The event will run from December 19 through January 5, giving families additional time in the new year to enjoy more than 20 wintry activities that are back by popular demand. See Santa and his reindeer fly over the fairgrounds for six nights only before heading back to the North Pole on Christmas Day. Prices vary, check the ticket page for more info.

 

45th Annual Christmas Boat Parade 

Dec 6, 7, 13, 14

Santa and his helpers listen to Christmas wishes during this 20-minute harbor cruise. Bring your camera and enjoy the tradition Dana Wharf has offered families for generations. The 90-minute holiday cruise will include, holiday music, cash bar, up-close view of the boats participating in the parade. Adults cost $39, $19 for kids 12 and under and toddlers are $10. The Christmas boat parade will run from 7:30 pm-9 pm. 

Santa Boat Rides Aboard the Dana Pride

December 7-December 8

Santa and his helpers listen to Christmas wishes during this 20-minute harbor cruise. Bring your camera and enjoy the tradition Dana Wharf has offered families for generations. The event is from 10 am-2 pm on both days.

 

 

 

 

Snow Days with the Critters

December 14-December 15

Join The Santa Ana Zoo for a weekend of winter whimsy at the Santa Ana Zoo! Learn about animal adaptations to snow and cold weather through a variety of fun educational crafts and activities. Delight in watching the animals enjoy real snow enrichment and icy treats. There will even be “magic” snow play for your own little monkeys! The event is from 11 am-2 pm December 14 and December 15. FOSAZ members are free and Santa ana residents are free on December 15th, otherwise, guests will have to pay general admission for $12 adults and $9 for children.

 

Festival of Lights

November 29-December 31

Southern California’s signature event The Mission Inn Hotel and Spa Riverside Festival of Lights welcomes guests to experience holiday lights and decorations, live entertainment and lots of goodies in Downtown Riverside. Tickets are available through the Metrolink App and from ticket vending machines at Metrolink stations. Tickets can be used on all trains heading to Riverside – Downtown on the dates of the special service. Adults are $7 round trip.

 

Santa Claus for A Cause 5K/10K

December 15

Caren Ware Events are something for EVERYBODY and EVERYBODY. This event is meant to get you in the spirit of Christmas! And it gives back. Santa Claus with a Cause uses its proceeds to gift those who otherwise would not experience a hope-filled Christmas and sincerely need staple goods to survive. Ware in the World Foundation connects cultures through Sports, providing hope, happiness, and enhanced life experiences. Santa Claus with a Cause is a festive event that will warm your heart. Race time starts at 9 am at Huntington Beach State Park. 5K is $40 per person and 10K is $45 per person.