The holiday season is here, and living in Orange County we are blessed with some of the best holiday festivities around. And there’s no better way to get into the holiday spirit than participating in themed events around the community with friends and family. Whether you need a date night idea, a plan for a family outing, or an evening out to celebrate with friends, we list our seven favorite Orange County holiday activities that are perfect for any occasion this season!
1. The Holidays at the Disneyland Resort
November 10, 2017 – January 07, 2018
1313 Disneyland Drive | Anaheim
Disneyland turns its already magical experience into a holiday winter wonderland. With numerous activities to participate in for the whole family throughout this time of year, there’s a holiday occasion that will fit everybody’s liking. From breakfast with Santa to the enchanting holiday light shows, holiday fireworks to the Christmas Fantasy Parade, the resort provides all of the holiday magic you need this season!
2. Knott’s Merry Farm
November 17, 2017 – January 7, 2018
8039 Beach Boulevard | Buena Park
Providing the perfect backdrop for your holiday festivities, Knott’s Merry Farm transforms their park with all of our favorite festive themes. You will experience everything from holiday shows, including the famous Snow and Glow show, which fills the streets with sparkling lights and snow, to Christmas carolers at this amusement park. And don’t forget to stop by the Crafts Village to create unique and personalized giftables for family and friends!
3. Winter Fantasy at the Sawdust Art Festival
Every weekend November 18 – December 17
935 Laguna Canyon Road | Laguna Beach
The Sawdust festival transformed its grounds into a wintery setting where 175 artists create, display, and sell original creations over the course of five weekends. The Winter Fantasy at the Sawdust Art Festival creates a unique holiday shopping experience where you can purchase rare and exclusive gifts for your loved ones this holiday season.
4. American Ballet Theatre’s The Nutcracker
December 7-17, 2017
Segerstrom Center for the Arts
600 Town Center Drive | Costa Mesa
Visions of sugarplums and beautiful ballerinas will dance in your head after seeing one of the great joys of the holiday season, the American Ballet Theatre returns with its critically acclaimed production of The Nutcracker. Travel with curious Clara and her handsome prince as they journey through a kingdom filled with colorful characters and pure holiday magic.
On December 2, the Nutcracker for Kids, condensed Nutcracker performance, is designed for children ages 5-11, making it an annual favorite for the whole family. With selections from Tchaikovsky’s classic, “The Nutcracker,” this holiday tradition features ballerinas from the Festival Ballet Theatre and music from the Pacific Symphony.
5. Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade
December 13-17
309 Palm Street | Newport Beach
A staple in the Newport Beach community, the Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade is celebrating its 109th year of stunning light displays on vessels and homes. If you love seeing Christmas lights with an oceanfront seat, then grab your hot apple cider and a cozy blanket to see this festive spectacle. This year, hosted by the Commodores Club of Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce, the parade will feature yachts, boats, kayaks, and canoes that will sail along the harbor. If you prefer to watch the parade indoors, there are plenty of dining options to choose from with a front row view! Visit the event site to view the parade route.
6. The Queen Mary Chill
December 13, 2017 – January 7, 2018
1126 Queens Highway | Long Beach
The Queen Mary transforms into an international holiday experience with its all-new CHILL event. The first ever Ice Adventure Park in the United States, the event spans 38,000 square feet and pays homage to cultural traditions from around the world showcasing a global sampling of food, music, and live entertainment. Among its global merriment, a one-of-a-kind ice experience fills the CHILL’s arena, such as ice bumper cars, ice tricycles, a zip line, ice shuffleboard, a two-story, 140-foot-long ice tubing slide, and so much more. They also share a nightly Christmas tree lighting, along with visits from Santa and Mrs. Claus, and on Sunday’s they have a spectacular firework show!
7. Winter Fest OC
December 21, 2017 – January 7, 2018
OC Fair & Event Center
88 Fair Drive | Costa Mesa
“SoCal’s ultimate winter festival,” Winter Fest OC brings you a winter wonderland experience filled with food, entertainment, and snowy themed attractions. Whether you are looking for something to do for the entire family or need a winter date night idea, Orange County’s winter tradition at the OC Fair and Event Center has it all. Activities at this whimsical winter wonderland include a snowboard simulator, snow flurries and fireworks, the World’s largest ornament, petting zoo, a nightly Christmas tree lighting, ice-skating, the Candy Cane Carnival with more than 20 rides and attractions, plus a wide selection of seasonally inspired foods, cocktails, craft beers, and wines.
