Welcome to our very merry ho-ho-holiday season activities roundup!
If you’re convinced that snowy holidays are the way to go, hold onto your Santa hat! In a place where Christmas Day hits a sunny 72 degrees and Santa might just be riding the waves, OC and greater Palm Springs redefine holiday magic. Get ready for waterfront retail therapy, the world-famous Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade, and a whole lot more! Whether you’re a local celebrating your favorite season or a family trading snow for sand this year, check out our top holiday adventures in Orange County and greater Palm Springs.
Santa’s Arrival Celebration · Lido Marina Village, Newport Beach
12/2, 11:30 a.m.: Get ready! Santa is rollin’ into town on a snazzy Vision Electric Boat this year. Head down to Lido Marina Village with the little ones for a merry celebration packed with cookie decorating, face painting, live tunes, and even a sprinkle of snow.
Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony · Civic Center Park, La Quinta
12/1, 6 – 8 pm: La Quinta’s got the holiday spirit on full blast! Come to Civic Center Park for the FREE grand Tree Lighting Ceremony that marks the start of the jolly season. Get the whole gang together, because there will be loads of activities. And who could forget a special appearance by the man in red himself?
Winter Fest OC · OC Fair & Event Center, Costa Mesa
11/24 – 1/7: Get ready to be swept off your feet at Winter Fest OC! The enchantment of winter is coming to sunny Southern California. This frosty fiesta will fill you with awe and wonder as you make unforgettable memories. Immerse yourself in the magic of the season surrounded by dazzling lights, epic holiday decor, and tons of activities. With over a million twinkling lights, a journey to the North Pole, a thrilling ice tubing slide, a snowy play zone, carnival delights, mouthwatering treats, a holiday bazaar, and so much more, this is where the winter fun happens!
Magic of Lights · Empire Polo Club, Indio
11/17 – 12/31: Get ready to cruise through a winter wonderland at Magic of Lights! With over a mile of mind-blowing, dazzling lights, this event is a total blast for the entire family. There’s something for everyone, from life-sized dinosaurs and monster trucks to a holiday Barbie extravaganza. Buckle up and let the fun begin!
Home for the Holidays · Lido Marina Village, Newport Beach
12/9, 12 – 3 pm: Looking for the paw-fect holiday gift? Swing by Priceless Pets on the Lido Deck and discover your future furry BFF! Whether it’s for you or a loved one, adopting a pet is the ultimate way to sprinkle some extra joy into this season. Get ready for gourmet hot chocolate, a paw-some photo booth with your four-legged friend, and live music. Warning: The cuteness level will be off the charts!
31st Annual Festival of Lights Parade · Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs
12/2, 5:45 pm: Back in the early ’90s, the Palm Springs Festival of Lights Parade made its grand debut along Palm Canyon Drive. And guess what? It’s been a must-see holiday tradition ever since. Picture this: a jingle-filled extravaganza marching down Palm Canyon Drive from Ramon Road to Tachevah Drive. Don’t forget to bring your comfiest chairs for the ultimate parade experience!
All is Bright Celebration and Tree Lighting · Aliso Viejo Town Center Fountain & Ampitheater, Aliso Viejo
11/30, 5 – 8 pm: Get ready for a magical evening with the Aliso Viejo community! The city is turning up the winter vibes with snow, a special Santa visit, train rides, joyful caroling, ornament crafting, and the epic lighting of the towering 22-foot Christmas tree. But the icing on the holiday cake? You get to spread cheer by bringing along an unwrapped toy or cool sports gear for the Spark of Love Toy Drive!
North Pole Village at SnowFest · Civic Center Plaza, Cathedral City
12/9, 1 – 8 pm: Get ready for the most epic holiday extravaganza of the year! SnowFest is packing all the festive cheer you can handle right in front of City Hall. We’re talkin’ holiday tunes, Santa and Mrs. Claus, and a tree lighting ceremony that’ll make your heart swell. Plus, there will be delicious food and even a FREE movie screening at the Mary Pickford Theatre! This place is a selfie paradise with 20 holiday-themed storefronts to explore for the ultimate Insta-worthy shots. Did we mention it’s all FREE, including admission and parking?
Corona del Mar Christmas Walk · Various locations, Corona del Mar
12/3, 11 am – 5 pm: The jolliest event of the year is back, and it’s the talk of the town! This festive extravaganza is a crowd-pleaser, and you won’t want to miss out. Prepare for 17+ local bands jamming to your favorite tunes, a chance to hang with the big man himself (Santa!), and beer and wine gardens to keep the good times flowing. You can also get your shopping fix with tons of local stores and amazing activities that’ll make your day merry and bright.
Photos with Santa · The Gardens on El Paseo, Palm Desert
Get ready to spread some holiday cheer at The Gardens on El Paseo! Come down to the bridge next to the massive holiday tree for an enchanting Photos with Santa experience. During your session, you’ll enjoy a quick chat with the one and only Santa Claus and receive a fantastic 4×6 photo in a festive holiday frame. But wait, it gets better — you’re also spreading joy to a great cause! All proceeds from this event will go to support Big Brothers & Big Sisters, making your holiday memories extra special.
115th Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade · Lido Isle, Newport Beach
12/13 – 12/17, 6:30 pm: Get ready to be dazzled by the parade of beautifully decorated yachts, boats, kayaks, and canoes as they set sail on a spectacular holiday adventure! The fun begins at the east end of Lido Island, and we’re following the celebrated route that promises excitement at every turn. But the real magic happens at the 10.5-acre Marina Park, the ultimate destination for public viewing! At Marina Park, you’ll find a whopping 177 parking spaces, a playground with a nautical twist, a picnic area perfect for snacking, and even a sailing center! It’s like a holiday wonderland just waiting to be explored.
In summary, you absolutely MUST get in on the festive holiday action in OC and the desert! Wouldn’t you love to live just down the street? Whether you’re searching for a vacation home or your next long-term family abode, we’ve got you covered. Reach out to your local real estate specialist today at SurterreProperties.com.
