The holiday season is all about celebrating with family and enjoying all that this magical time of year has to offer. In Orange County, there are plenty of activities for the entire family to take part in and make memories. Some of these events require tickets, so planning is a must!
We have compiled a list of 10 family activities in Orange County so you can start mapping out all your family activities this holiday season.
10 Orange County Family Activities for the Holidays
Nutcracker Tree Lighting + Holiday Village
The Nutcracker Tree Lighting + Holiday Village has been an annual favorite in Downtown Anaheim since 1995. This year’s festivities kick off on Sunday, December 8th. You not only get to watch the tree being lit but also a brief performance by some of your favorite Nutcracker characters. Don’t forget holiday crafts, shopping, pictures with Santa, and a dog costume contest. The tree lighting ceremony is at 6 p.m. in front of City Hall.
Knott’s Merry Farm
Visit Knott’s Berry Farm as it is transformed for the holiday season into a celebration the entire family can enjoy. There is live entertainment, Christmas crafts, festive food, and nightly snow! There are also classic shows like “Merry Christmas, Snoopy!” that are fun for kids and adults of all ages. “Knott’s Merry Farm” opens November 22, 2024, and runs through January 5, 2025.
Capistrano Lights
Visit Orange County’s only Mission for festive programs and nightly tree lighting at Capistrano Lights. During select weekends in December, create lasting memories by taking family photos under the 10’ wreath, and selfies with Santa. The Capistrano Lights audio tour is also available throughout the entire month of December allowing guests to hear the Gospel and the Night Before Christmas reading while learning more about the Capistrano Lights.
Winter Fest OC
Don’t miss out on Winter Fest OC, Southern California’s largest winter festival. There are activities the whole family will enjoy from dazzling displays of lights to ice tubing and more. This year marks the festival’s 10th anniversary, so it’s bound to be filled with unforgettable experiences. Winter Fest OC runs from November 22, 2024, to January 5, 2024.
Dana Point Harbor Festival of Lights
The holiday season isn’t complete without plenty of lights! Enjoy the Festival of Lights at Dana Point Harbor. This annual tradition kicks off on November 13, 2024, and runs through January 12, 2025. Displays include holiday favorites like Happy Harbor Days, Merry Kiss Me, and much more!
Snowflake Lighting Ceremony
Take the family down to the Huntington Beach Pier for “Light a Light of Love”. Sponsor a snowflake to benefit Waymakers Huntington Beach Youth Shelter and watch it light up with countless others. This fun family event also features a children’s parade, entertainment, and photos with Santa. All the fun happens on Sunday, December 8th.
Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade
The Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade is a holiday must! Watch beautifully decorated boats, kayaks and yachts sail along the harbor. The 116th Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade will be held December 18-22, 2024. Don’t let this annual favorite cruise by without catching a glimpse!
Festival of Lights
The Festival of Lights at The Mission Inn Hotel and Spa is full of holiday lights, decorations, and live entertainment. There will also be plenty of food vendors and activities. This switch-on ceremony will take place on November 23, 2024, and runs through December 31st. This has become one of the nation’s most popular holiday events and lights display.
Irvine Park Christmas Train
All aboard the Irvine Park Christmas Train! This annual event includes a ride through historic Irvine Regional Park to meet Santa! The train departs from the station and brings passengers to the North Pole. Let your children share their wish list and have their picture taken with Santa. During the ride, take in the colorful Christmas lights and decorations as well as the magical “Tunnel of Lights” as you make your way back to Santa’s Village. The train ride runs from November 29th through December 23rd.
Holiday Carnival at Anaheim Town Square
The Holiday Carnival at Anaheim Town Square is a spectacular event you don’t want to miss. Santa arrives to kick off the event to hear what each child would like for Christmas and their photo taken with him. There’s even real snow in the square to enjoy sledding and building a snowman. As of this writing, the date for the carnival has not been announced, but be sure to check back here for more details.
As you can see, there are plenty of activities for the entire family to enjoy in Orange County this holiday season. Be sure to set aside plenty of time to take in all the area has the offer!
