Orange County Events - December 2024
❄️ ✨ Must-Experience Holiday Events in Orange County: Your Ultimate December Guide ✨ ❄️
Get into the holiday spirit with festive events all around Orange County! 🍊✨ From sparkling Christmas lights to the magical Knott's Merry Farm, there's something for everyone this December. Enjoy winter fun at SoCal’s Ultimate Winter Festival, explore the Sawdust Winter Festival for art and holiday cheer, or head to Laguna Beach Hospitality Night for festive street celebrations. 🎁 Don't miss the Tamale Festival, Dana Point Parade of Lights, and more local festivities like the Fountain Valley Tree Lighting and Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade. Check out these must-see events to make your season merry and bright! 🎄🎉
If you have an event that’s important to you, feel free share the details with us, and we’ll 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
Ice Rink at the Spectrum Throughout Fall/Winter
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. 5
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. 5
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 Friday, Saturday, & Sunday through Dec. 22
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
Hospitality Night in Laguna Beach Dec. 6
Street closures in downtown Laguna Beach will begin at 3:00 p.m. 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/
Tamale Festival Dec. 7
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
Fountain Valley Tree Lighting Ceremony Dec. 7
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/
49th Annual Parade of Lights Dec. 13-15
Get ready for a “Surfin’ USA” takeover at Dana Point Harbor during the 49th 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. 14
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/
2024 Laguna Niguel Holiday Parade Dec. 14
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
Santa Claus for a Cause Dec. 14
This Christmas themed race is everything Christmas! Live carolers, hot chocolate, cookies, treats, and snow! Proceeds from the event will be donated to children in Africa to provide Christmas dinner, gifts, school fees, clothing, and medical expenses.
https://runsignup.com/Race/CA/HuntingtonBeach/SantaClausForACause
116th Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade Dec. 18-22
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
Seal Beach Clean Up Dec. 21
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. 29
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
First Night Fullerton Dec. 31
Ring in the New Year at Fullerton’s First Night event. There will be fireworks, live music, activities for kids, and much more!
https://www.cityoffullerton.com/home
