Orange County Events - December 2023
Embrace the holiday spirit with this curated November activity calendar featuring the finest festivals and events in Orange County. 🎄🌴 Whether you live in OC or are just visiting,
Carpe Diem.
If you have an event that’s important to you, feel free to share it so that we may add it to our event calendar.
ORANGE COUNTY FARMER’S MARKETS - ONGOING
List of Farmers Markets in Orange County www.orangecounty.net/html/farmersmarkets.html
Outdoor skating rink at the Irvine Spectrum.
Located in Giant Wheel Court adjacent to Nordstrom and Macy’s.
https://www.irvinespectrumcenter.com/entertainment/attractions/ice-rink
Christmas Lights Through December
http://www.orangecounty.net/html/christmas_lights.html
Knott’s Merry Farm Through Jan. 1
Guests of all ages can embrace the joy of Christmas at Knott’s Merry Farm, with classic shows like the Holiday Ice Show featuring Snoopy, the Peanuts Gang and a cast of world class ice skaters, the nightly tree lighting ceremony and The Christmas Carol. Plus stroll through the merry streets of Calico for unique seasonal treats, Santa’s Christmas Cabin, traditional live Christmas Carolers, a Christmas Crafts Village, an enchanting Snow and Glow show with nightly falling snow, and so much more.
https://www.knotts.com/play/merry-farm/attractions
SoCal’s Ultimate Winter Festival Through Jan. 7
Come experience the magic when winter comes to SoCal! This festival features loads of winter fun including: outdoor ice skating, ice tubing down a 9 lane, 150 foot mountain, snow play area, a light maze, live music, food, drinks, and MUCH more.
https://winterfestoc.com/
Sawdust Winter Festival Weekends through Dec. 17
The Festival will feature 160 artists, three stages of live music, holiday inspired festival classes and ceramics, art demonstrations, daily visits with Santa, carolers, a petting zoo, and thousands of lights and decorations to capture your perfect festive selfie, and so much more! https://sawdustartfestival.org
Tamale Festival Dec. 2
This event is the largest tamale festival in Orange County, and is held on Euclid St., between La Habra Blvd. and Bridenbecker Avenue. Activities will include a tamale contest, dance performances by local studios, musical performances, and the Mariachi Divas.
http://www.lahabraca.gov/677/Tamale-Festival
Hospitality Night in Laguna Beach Dec. 2
Street closures in downtown Laguna Beach will begin at 3:30 p.m. on Friday. Portions of Forest Avenue, Ocean Avenue, Beach Street, and the Peppertree Parking Log will be closed to vehicular traffic prior to and during the event.
https://www.lagunabeachcity.net/
Fountain Valley Tree Lighting Ceremony Dec. 2
This special holiday event will feature guests from the North Pole as well as performances by various community groups, delicious food available for purchase from local non-profit organizations, games, a spectacular fireworks show, and much more! The fun begins at 4:30 p.m. and is FREE to attend!
https://www.fountainvalley.org/
48th Annual Boat Parade Dec. 8-10
Get ready for a “Surfin’ USA” takeover at Dana Point Harbor during the 48th Annual Boat Parade of Lights! Visit Santa, do some shopping, and enjoy all the holidays have to offer!
https://danapointharbor.com/
Candy Caneland & Craft Faire Dec. 9
This is a winter holiday celebration featuring wonderful activities for the whole family! This year’s event will once again feature snow slides, live entertainment, a petting zoo, more than 100 artisan craft booths, and a visit from Santa!
http://www.buenapark.com/
2023 Laguna Niguel Holiday Parade Dec. 9
The parade includes beautiful equestrian units, patriotic and inspirational military tributes, world-class athletes, spirit-filled youth groups, classic auto clubs, talented marching bands, and some of the biggest attractions in the nation!
https://www.cityoflagunaniguel.org/563/Holiday-Parade
Home for the Holidays Dec. 10
The Home for the Holidays Pet Adoption Fair will feature pet rescue groups and animal shelters along with, pet-related vendors (food, toys,micro-chipping, etc.). Help us find 500 furry friends a home this holiday season!
https://www.cityofirvine.org/irvine-animal-care-center/home-holidays-pet-adoption-fundraiser
115th Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade Dec. 13-17
FREE to the public. The boat parade will light up the harbor for five consecutive nights. The parade starts at Bay Island at 6:30 p.m. each night.
https://www.christmasboatparade.com
DesignerCon Dec. 15-17
DesignerCon is an annual art and design convention that smashes together collectible toys, customs, plush, designer apparel and so much more with urban, underground and pop art!
www.designercon.com
Beach Clean Up Dec. 16
All are welcome! Join us as we preserve our beach’s natural beauty!
http://www.saveourbeach.org/
Run in the New Year 5K/10K Dec. 31
Write a New Year resolution on the back of your bib and RUN, JOG, or WALK it into the new year!
https://runsignup.com/Race/33119/PrivacyPolicy
New Year’s Eve Celebrations Dec. 31
A list of New Year’s Eve celebrations in Orange County.
https://www.orangecounty.net/html/new_years.html
