Join in on All Things Merry and Bright With These Holly Jolly Happenings!
Call it girl math, but let’s be real: we’re 10 months into the year, so it’s officially Christmas. Let the countdown begin! And we may be biased, but Orange County is the ultimate destination for the holidays. What’s better than the sun and Santa? There are merry moments happening every day—from festive makers markets to brilliant light displays and boat parades. There’s a mix of festive fun for everyone, whether you’re on the naughty or nice list! Add these holiday events in Orange County to your best-time-of-year bucket list.
Christmas Eve Feasts at Tavern House + Tavern at the Mission
For a memorable Christmas Eve dining experience in Orange County, Tavern House in Newport Beach and Tavern at the Mission in San Juan Capistrano offer two inviting yet distinct settings to celebrate. Both spots, helmed by renowned restaurateur David Wilhelm, are serving festive three-course menus brimming with comforting holiday dishes for $75 per person. Tavern House, perched on the edge of Newport Harbor, captures the coastal holiday spirit with stunning bay views and a menu that embraces California’s beachy vibes. Diners can savor classics like French 75’s Onion Soup or Maine Lobster Bisque, then dive into mains such as the slow-roasted Christmas Prime Rib with creamy mashed potatoes and horseradish or the decadent ‘French Onion’ Filet Mignon glazed with gruyere cheese and served with bacon and maple-glazed Brussels sprouts. Desserts include the over-the-top Bananageddon, a dessert for two with butter pecan ice cream, banana liqueur pastry cream and salty caramel sauce. Reservations are being accepted from 4-8 p.m.
Meanwhile, Tavern at the Mission, overlooking the historic Mission San Juan Capistrano, provides a charming and rustic dining experience perfect for holiday gatherings, featuring a fireplace lit dining room, bar and a pet-friendly patio. The menu at Tavern at the Mission highlights signature appetizers like Butternut Squash filled Tortellacis with Sage Brown Butter and Terrine of Duck Liver & Cognac Mousse. For entrées, guests can enjoy the Crispy Roast Duck with cornbread stuffing and cherry sauce or Wilhelm’s famous Honey-Buttermilk Fried Chicken with mashed potatoes and thyme gravy. Desserts range from Carrot-Walnut Cake to New York Style Cheesecake. Reservations are accepted from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Christmas Eve featuring a special Wilhelm-created, three-course, $75 per person menu.
Winter Magic at Bella Terra
Bella Terra in Huntington Beach pulls out all the stops when it comes to the holidays, transforming this open-air shopping haven into a lively winter wonderland bursting with seasonal spirit. Starting Nov. 27, families, friends and even pets can enjoy free photos with Santa and his elf—no RSVP required! The celebration peaks with Bella Terra’s 2nd Annual Winter Fest, a day of holiday magic featuring face painting, hot cocoa and live performances from carolers, the Sugarplum Fairy and the Drummer Boy, all adding a spark of enchantment.
Each Saturday and select Sundays, Bella Terra’s Magic Snow Fall Shows bring snowflakes to Southern California, with appearances by holiday characters like the Grinch, Elsa and Anna, creating perfect winter moments from 5 and 6 p.m. Classic carolers also roam the grounds, filling every corner with Christmas tunes that add warmth and cheer. And for a cozy treat, visitors can grab a bite or brew from Bella Terra’s array of restaurants, which include King’s Fish House, Silverlake Ramen, Fogo De Chão (new!) and Flecha by Mark Wahlberg.
Location: Huntington Beach
Jingle and Mingle at Skyloft
If you’re on the hunt for holiday magic with a dash of Laguna Beach charm, look no further than Skyloft—Laguna’s two-story, ocean-view haven for great eats, festive cocktails, live music and all things jolly. Perched above downtown, Skyloft features tons of festive holiday decor and a heated rooftop with ocean views that’ll make you forget winter even exists.
This year, the venue is pulling out all the stops to make sure your holidays are equal parts festive and fabulous. Start with a holiday cocktail—Skyloft’s seasonal drink lineup is enough to make even the Grinch crack a smile. Think Poinsettia Spritzes, with prosecco, cranberry and a sprig of rosemary for that classic holiday touch, and the adorably green Grinchtini—a mix of gin, elderflower liquor, Midori and Sprite with a cherry on top. For something wintery, go for the Polar Espresso, featuring Tito’s vodka, crème de menthe, Baileys and whip cream with an espresso drizzle, or the Mistletoe Margarita, a dreamy blend of Buffalo Trace bourbon, cranberry and mint.
Skyloft’s also rolling out the red carpet with festive events to keep holiday spirits high. Don your tackiest attire for the annual Ugly Sweater Party on Dec. 13, or channel your inner artist at the Holiday-Themed Paint Night on Dec. 18. For those planning a grand holiday get-together, Skyloft’s private event spaces are perfect for hosting—from cozy gatherings in intimate rooms for up to 20 guests to big bashes on the rooftop for 100, all with those classic ocean views.
Local Insight: Santa will be making an appearance at Herb’s Place, Skyloft’s “barbecurated lounge,” on Dec. 7 from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Be sure to stop by and snap some photos!
Location: Laguna Beach
Tree Lighting + Holiday Hideout at VEA Newport Beach
Get ready to jingle all the way to VEA Newport Beach as this Newport Beach hotel kicks off the season with its 3rd Annual Holiday Tree Lighting on Thursday, Nov. 21 at 5:30 p.m. This sparkling soirée promises a cozy evening of hot cocoa, sweet treats and merry live entertainment—all with a chance to spot Santa himself! Whether you’re a resort guest or part of the local community, this free event welcomes all to soak in the holiday spirit, complete with complimentary valet parking.
But the merriment doesn’t stop there! Starting on Nov. 15, VEA’s Holiday Hideout returns to bring some extra holiday cheer. This pop-up winter wonderland is a chic twist on the classic lounge, offering a lineup of seasonal cocktails and picture-perfect backdrops to make your holiday Instagram-worthy. Open every Friday and Saturday from 6 p.m. to midnight (plus an early start on the tree lighting night), this 21+ lounge is the ultimate spot for anyone looking to sip on festive libations and savor jolly appetizers. Reservations? Not necessary! Just bring your holiday spirit and get ready for a little holly and a whole lot of jolly at this popular reindeer pit stop.
Location: Newport Beach
Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade
If you are local to Orange County, you know it’s not the holiday season without the Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade. This time-honored waterfront show features a lineup of lit-up yachts filling the harbor with jolly good cheer! Head down the Balboa Peninsula, Balboa Island or dine at one of the city’s bayside restaurants to view this spectacle for the 116th annual parade running Dec. 18-22. Or better yet, cruise on one of the sleigh-like boats yourself with a holiday lights cruise.
Location: Newport Beach
Winter Fest OC
Walk in a winter wonderland at Winter Fest OC! This immersive experience brings the North Pole’s magic to Orange County with over a million lights and a 150-foot ice tubing slide! Add being a certified elf to your resume after embarking on the North Pole Journey and going snow tubing in Costa Mesa—a Christmas miracle! This holiday event in Orange County is truly a scene out of a Hallmark movie. Look out for elves roaming around the fairgrounds, and be sure to reserve your very own fireside igloo for a festive evening under the stars! Winter Fest OC is open on select dates from Nov. 22 to Jan 5.
Location: Costa Mesa
Holiday Tea at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel
The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel invites OC locals and visitors to experience the timeless tradition of afternoon tea during the holidays, with a seasonal twist at the property’s on-site restaurant RAYA. Sip on festive, holiday-inspired teas while overlooking the Pacific, and savor gourmet bites, from savory canapés to sweet confections. Topped off with a glass of champagne, this elegant experience is perfect for those looking to enjoy an elevated, refined holiday treat that marries coastal charm with classic holiday decadence.
Location: Dana Point
Holiday Happenings at Fashion Island
Ready for a little shopping with a side of cheer? Fashion Island’s iconic nightly tree lighting begins Nov. 22, illuminating the season with a spectacular show every thirty minutes from 5:30-8 p.m. Through Dec. 29, the dazzling display casts a warm holiday glow over this outdoor center, where you’ll find seasonal treats and a special toy drive benefiting local foster children. On the inaugural night, Santa himself will light up the massive tree, kicking off a season of holiday joy at one of Orange County’s favorite shopping and dining destinations.
Location: Newport Beach
Holiday Happenings at Lido Marina Village
Celebrate the holidays at Lido Marina Village starting Dec. 7, when Santa arrives by boat to kick off the season with a grand arrival celebration. Live music, face painting and visits from holiday characters create a magical, family-friendly atmosphere as Santa makes his rounds throughout the season. Holiday shopping is made even more festive with the Female Maker Market on Dec. 14 and a Vintage Holiday Market on Dec. 21, each offering unique gifts and artisan items. The village’s entertainment lineup includes a brass quartet, holiday jazz performances and the contemporary sounds of Jingle 5. With a prime view of the Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade, Lido Marina Village offers a distinctly coastal twist on holiday traditions.
Location: Newport Beach
Night of 1,000 Lights
Sherman Library and Gardens’ Night of 1,000 Lights is celebrating its 10th anniversary with a spectacular holiday event, blending beloved installations from past years with new festive highlights. Guests can stroll through dazzling gardens, encountering favorites like the grand Christmas tree, iconic light tunnel and the mystical Moon Goddess. This year’s displays include a 3D experience in the conservatory, a Scandinavian Christmas in the sun garden and a funky Crystal Disco Christmas complete with a wishing tree. Visitors can enjoy s’mores by the fire pit, visit Santa in his adobe and shop for unique holiday gifts. This event will run on from Dec. 5-22, and tickets are $30 for members and $50 for non-members.
Location: Corona del Mar
Inn at the Mission San Juan Capistrano
Situated in the heart of San Juan Capistrano’s historic downtown, Inn at the Mission offers a luxury escape steeped in history and charm. This hotel draws inspiration from its iconic surroundings, showcasing Spanish Revival architecture, hacienda-style guest rooms and serene olive tree groves. Located steps from the famed Mission San Juan Capistrano, the hotel is a sanctuary of timeless elegance, and this holiday season, it’s pulling out all the stops with a lineup of enchanting events! Families can enjoy hot cocoa nights, photo ops with Cowboy Santa and his miniature ponies, holiday treats and festive cocktails. For an elevated celebration, Ysidora Restaurant & Lounge is offering a Spanish-inspired pre-set menu on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, complete with rich flavors and an inviting ambiance. Whether sipping hot cocoa by lantern-lit olive trees or savoring a festive feast, Inn at the Mission creates holiday memories as timeless as its historic setting.
Location: San Juan Capistrano
Capistrano Lights: Mission in Lights
Who needs the Rockettes when you have dancing swallows? Church bells chime, and carols of Dickens characters fill the streets of San Juan all the way from the mission at this Orange County Christmas event. Walk the grounds with hot cocoa in hand or a glass of wine and witness everything from a tree lighting and a full-scale nativity to a lighted halo grove and scented citrus grove. The Capistrano Lights audio tour will also be available all December, allowing guests to listen to the Gospel and a reading of “The Night Before Christmas” while exploring the festive evening experiences at Capistrano Lights.
Location: San Juan Capistrano
Knott’s Merry Farm
Running from Nov. 22-Jan.5, Knott’s Merry Farm is a sparkling celebration where Old West charm meets winter magic. The entire theme park becomes a seasonal showcase with garlands, glowing snowflakes and thousands of lights. Festive entertainment takes center stage with the iconic “Home for the Holidays” musical revue featuring lively tunes, enchanting toy characters and a snowfall finale designed to captivate all ages. Families won’t want to miss the ice-skating show starring Snoopy and the Peanuts gang, set against a backdrop of dazzling lights. With the park’s seasonal menu offering everything from warm treats to holiday bites, plus Santa’s Christmas Cabin and a charming Christmas Crafts Village, Knott’s Merry Farm captures holiday joy at every turn.
Location: Buena Park
Sawdust Art Festival Winter Fantasy
Laguna Beach’s Sawdust Art Festival grounds will be brimming with handcrafted holiday wonders during Winter Fantasy, running Nov. 22-Dec. 22. The eucalyptus grove is transformed into a picturesque village, hosting over 175 artisans who present unique, handmade gifts from jewelry and ceramics to paintings and ornaments. Spread across three weekends, the festival also features live art demonstrations, free art classes and a rich lineup of live performances on multiple stages. With the scent of holiday treats in the air, visitors can enjoy mulled wine and indulge in local food favorites as they wander among whimsical winter decorations. Santa will make special appearances, and kids can join in on balloon art, marionette shows and tree decorating too!
Location: Laguna Beach
34th Annual Lighting of the Bay + Fire & Lights Festival
Newport Dunes shines brighter than ever with the 34th Annual Lighting of the Bay, from Nov. 29-Jan. 5. Picture more than fifty vibrant, lighted displays reflecting off the calm Back Bay waters each night, creating a serene holiday scene. Adding to the spectacle, the Fire & Lights Festival brings unique entertainment from Thursdays through Sundays, including fire dancing shows, an igloo-themed bar and marshmallow roasting around cozy fire pits. Family-friendly activities like giant inflatables, a holiday-themed “Elf Yourself” photo booth and Snowzilla slides kick off in mid-December, promising hours of fun. Admission is free, with opportunities to savor festive treats and visit the tree lot brimming with fresh-cut evergreens.
Location: Newport Beach
Candy Caneland and Craft Fair
On Dec. 14, head to Buena Park’s Candy Caneland and Craft Fair at Ehlers Event Center for a day filled with holiday festivities. Notably, this free holiday event in Orange County combines artisan crafts and family fun, featuring over 100 local vendors showcasing handmade gifts ranging from candles and jewelry to woodwork and seasonal decor. Additionally, kids can zoom down the snow slide and meet Santa Claus, who will be there to spread cheer and pose for photos. Furthermore, with live entertainment and festive food stands, this cozy community celebration is perfect for both last-minute gift shopping and family bonding.
Location: Buena Park
Dana Point Harbor Parade of Lights
The Dana Point Harbor Parade of Lights on Dec. 13, 14, and 15 brings Santa’s Seaside Carnival theme to life, with decked-out boats gliding through the harbor in a spectacle of light and color. Moreover, attendees can enjoy the view from the harbor’s shores or opt for a special holiday cruise, complete with holiday music and access to a cash bar. Additionally, competing boats, adorned with lights and festive decorations, vie for awards. Ultimately, this is a vibrant celebration of nautical charm that makes the harbor sparkle with holiday spirit!
Location: Dana Point
Winter in the Grove
Garden Grove’s Winter in the Grove takes place on Dec. 7, transforming Village Green Park into a snowy retreat from 3-7 p.m. Specifically, with 50 tons of snow creating nine hills, families can experience the thrill of winter right here in SoCal. Additionally, local performances add to the festivities, while an artisan holiday boutique invites guests to shop for unique, handcrafted gifts. Furthermore, Santa and Mrs. Claus are expected to make an appearance. Children will have the chance to share holiday wishes before they explore inflatable activities and holiday crafts.
Location: Garden Grove
Festivities by the Bay at Balboa Bay Resort
Balboa Bay Resort is ringing in the holidays with a series of spirited events beginning on Dec. 1, starting with the annual Christmas tree lighting accompanied by a theatrical performance from OCSA’s MONTAGE! Meanwhile, later in the month, guests can celebrate with Moët & Chandon at the Holiday Brunch and visit the Moonlight Market from Dec. 5-8. There will also be a Santa Brunch held on Dec. 22! Additionally, each event offers an array of festive food and seasonal entertainment, making this resort a premier holiday destination.
Location: Newport Beach
