The Time for Cheer is Here!
Written By: Sarah Amaral Christmas in Orange County
The holiday season is here! It’s the time of the year that we can throw our Scrooge-like attitudes out the window and celebrate each other and the season of giving! As SoCal natives, we know how hard it is to feel like Christmas is around the corner when it’s 75 degrees and sunny. But don’t fear, because we have some killer holiday events for you to attend that will get you into the spirit! It was almost impossible to narrow it down to such a select few, but make sure you don’t miss these this year because they are gonna rock your world!
Winter Fest OC
When: December 21-January 7
OC Winter Fest is a must for the holidays and has continued to be the perfect destination for all areas of family fun! It’s Southern California’s largest winter tradition and will provide tons of winter-themed activities to kickoff the season! SoCal’s warm weather can’t stop this event from bringing snow to our warm-weathered coast, and festive happenings will range from high-speed tubing to ice skating and a special appearance from Santa and his reindeer flying over the fairgrounds! Don’t worry parents; there’s fun for you too with holiday cocktails around every corner. With so many days to attend, we know you won’t be able to find an excuse to not attend!
OC Fair & Event Center
88 Fair Dr
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
657.333.2520
Winter Market
When: December 2
From classic Santa photos to wine and beer gardens, the Fullerton Downtown Plaza is bringing out all the stops this year. It’s free to attend and is fun for all ages, including bounce houses, face painting, holiday shopping and more!
125 Wilshire Blvd
Fullerton, CA 92832
714.738.6545
Home for the Holidays Pet Adoption Fair
When: December 10
Is there really a better way to celebrate the season of giving than by giving a pet a home this year? For its 11th annual celebration, the Irvine Animal Care Center will be putting on its “Home for the Holidays” adoption event. More than 30 pet rescue groups will be present and there will be over 600 pets ready for adoption ranging from bunnies to dogs and everything in between! Give back this year and adopt a furry friend to become part of your family.
Irvine Animal Care Center
6443 Oak Canyon
Irvine, CA 92618
Skating Under the Stars
When: Until January 7
Aside from Christmas carols, ice skating is next on the holiday to-do list for those who are ready to work off the holiday cheer-calories with some shopping and gliding across the pearly ice! It will be hosted at Irvine Spectrum by the Giant Wheel Court, and in the past it has brought in over 25,000 ice skaters! It’s an awesome opportunity to practice your figure skating skills and can be fun for the entire family!
670 Spectrum Dr
Irvine, CA 92618
949.753.5180
Celebrate the Holidays at Bella Terra
When: Throughout December
Shopping during the holidays just got a whole lot better. At Bella Terra in Huntington Beach, there will be endless opportunities to find delight this holiday season. Enjoy taking a photo with Santa…have your gifts expertly wrapped at the gift wrapping station. There will also be crafts and entertainment for all ages, and the Magical Flurries snow shows every weekend. For complete details, visit www.bellaterra-hb.com
7777 Edinger Ave
Huntington Beach, CA 92647
714.897.2533
Make it a Cool Yule at Pacific City
When: Throughout Dec.
As one of the sweetest beachside spots in the OC, Pacific City in Huntington Beach has plenty of opportunities to get you into the holiday spirit, with stellar Christmas vibes for all ages! Snap a pic with Santa at his airstream and don’t miss out on holiday movie nights featuring classics like The Nightmare Before Christmas and The Polar Express. For complete details, visit www.gopacificcity.com
21010 Pacific Coast Hwy
Huntington Beach, CA 92648
714.930.2345
Trombone Christmas at Anaheim GardenWalk
When: December 16, 1-2 p.m. in the North Court
It’s back again! The All-Western Trombone Christmas concert is making its way to the GardenWalk this year and we couldn’t be more thrilled. Here to encourage all trombone players to embrace their talent and grace the world with their musical mastery, this concert is going to rock your world with their renditions of all of our favorite Christmas tunes.
400 Disney Way
Anaheim, CA 92802
714.635.7410
Winter Fantasy Sawdust Art & Craft Festival
When: December 2, 3, 9, 10, 16 & 17
Come and experience the winter wonderland and all the magical tidings it has to offer this year. With over 175 artist displays, holiday shopping, live entertainment and outdoor crafts, it’s the perfect event for a family fun-filled day!
935 Laguna Canyon Rd
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
949.494.3030
39th Annual Corona Del Mar Christmas Walk
When: December 3
Come join the Corona Del Mar community’s favorite event of the year! It’s filled with events for all ages and brings everyone together to ring in this joyful time. There’s a petting zoo for the young ones and a beer and wine garden for the parents to enjoy themselves, too. Don’t miss out on this Christmas special this year, because there’s a reason it’s been around for 39 years!
2855 E Coast Highway
Corona Del Mar, CA 92625
9 Christmas Events in Orange County That You Cannot Miss
