Orange County transforms into a holiday wonderland with a plethora of festive events that promise to fill your holiday season with joy and excitement. You’ll find a diverse array of Christmas activities that cater to families of all sizes and ages. From enchanting light displays illuminating the night sky to interactive holiday experiences that let you meet Santa Claus himself, Orange County is the perfect backdrop for unforgettable holiday memories. Join us as we explore the best Christmas events in the area, each designed to bring festive cheer and warmth to your family’s winter celebrations.

Important Note: Please visit the websites of attractions before visiting for the latest information and particular guidelines that apply per listed attraction.  Information may change after posting on our website.

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Christmas Events Anaheim

Anaheim Ballet’s Nutcracker with Symphony Irvine

Anaheim Ballet’s Nutcracker is a captivating production that brings the holiday season to life. It tells the heartwarming tale of Clara and her Nutcracker Doll, who transforms her winter woes into a delightful journey through Candyland. This ballet is a beloved tradition and a must-see for families, combining artistry, storytelling, and breathtaking performances. Anaheim Ballet’s staging of this family classic is constantly refreshed, ensuring a fresh and engaging experience. Celebrating its 38th season, Anaheim Ballet’s Nutcracker showcases the visionary staging and choreography of Sarma Lapenieks Rosenberg, the acclaimed Artistic Director of the company.

Date: November 28-29 2025
Location: City National Grove of Anaheim – 2200 E. Katella Ave. Anaheim, CA 92806
Event Information: https://www.anaheimballet.org/events

Anaheim – Disney Festive Holidays and Christmas Celebration

Celebrate Christmas at Disneyland in a seasonal celebration of diverse cultural festivities with music, food, and fun for all.

Disney Festival of Holidays at California Adventure features the multicultural Disney Festival of Holidays, Viva Navidad celebration of holiday traditions from Mexico and Brazil, and Festival Feasting of tasty foods.  See the World of Color – Season of Light nighttime spectacular, and see a seasonal transformation at Luigi’s Joy to the Whirl Rollickin’ Roadsters.

Dates: November 14, 2025 – January 7, 2026
Location: 1313 Disneyland Dr., Anaheim, CA 92802
Website: Holidays at Disneyland

Stay Nearby – Best Western Plus Anaheim Inn 
Rated 9.2 on Expedia

Find an Overnight Stay Near Disneyland

Anaheim – Disney on Ice Presents Magic in the Stars

Experience the enchantment of Disney On Ice, where beloved tales and characters come alive on the ice. Join Mickey, Minnie, and beloved friends as they glide through classic stories like Cinderella, Aladdin, Toy Story, and Cars, while also showcasing modern favorites such as Encanto, Frozen 2, and Moana. Meet new characters like Raya from Raya and the Last Dragon and Asha from Wish, and be captivated by Tiana, Rapunzel, and the Disney Princesses. This magical performance promises to create unforgettable memories for audiences of all ages.

Dates: December 11 – 15, 2025
Location: Honda Center, Anaheim, United States
Book Tickets for Disney on Ice

Anaheim – Trans-Siberian Orchestra

Don’t miss an all new version of The Lost Christmas Eve – the final chapter of Trans-Siberian Orchestra’s Christmas trilogy – this holiday season!  

Date: November 29, 2025 – 2 shows
Time: 3:00 pm & 7:30 pm
Location: Honda Center, Anaheim, United States
Book Tickets for Trans-Siberian Orchestra

Christmas Events Buena Park

Buena Park – Knotts Merry Farm

Enter a winter wonderland at Knott’s Merry Farm. It’s another great place with Christmas events in Orange County. The park is transformed into a classic holiday festival suitable for park-goers of all ages. Picturesque seasonal settings come to life with twinkling lights, jumbo snowflakes, and miles of garland.

Entertainment the Home for the Holidays musical review. Featuring classic Christmas tunes, magical dancing toys, and dazzling snow, the joy of the season comes to life on the wintertime stage. The beloved ice show returns featuring the Peanuts Gang, our favorite beagle, and a cast of world-class ice skaters.

And you’ll find plenty of holiday treats to eat. There’s everything from crispy breaded turkey balls filled with seasonal stuffing to sweet treats.

Stroll through a Christmas Crafts Village in the streets of Calico. You’ll find unique gifts amid a magical Snow and Glow experience accompanied by upbeat holiday music. Visit Santa’s Christmas Cabin, watch a nightly Christmas tree lighting ceremony, see the Christmas light show in Camp Snoopy, and there’s so much more.

Dates: November 21, 2025 – January 4, 2026
Location: 8039 Beach Blvd, Buena Park, CA 90620
https://www.knotts.com/events/merry-farm

Stay Nearby – Courtyard by Marriott Anaheim Buena Park 
Rated 8.6 on Expedia

Christmas Events Costa Mesa

Costa Mesa – Winter Fest OC

Winter Fest OC is a spectacular holiday event that will be held at the Orange County Fair & Event Center. It promises to be a magical Winter Wonderland for the whole family, featuring exciting activities such as a North Pole Journey, ice skating under the stars, a thrilling 150-foot ice tubing slide, a snowboard simulator, carnival thrills, delicious food and drinks, a festive holiday market, and countless photo opportunities. This immersive walk-through experience will captivate visitors with dazzling lights, captivating music, and engaging interactive activities. Don’t miss out on Winter Fest OC, the holiday extravaganza of the season!

Dates: November 28, 2025 – January 4, 2026
Location: 88 Fair Dr., Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Website: https://www.winterfestoc.com/

Christmas Events Fullerton

Fullerton – Darden Christmas Concert

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas! Share your holidays with the Dardens enjoying an evening of fun and folly as they perform classic Christmas yuletide carols and contemporary holiday songs. Darden may frost the night with a few original Christmas tunes. Here’s to a merry and magical season and celebrating Christmas!

Date: December 11, 2025
Location: The Muckenthaler Cultural Center | – 1201 W. Malvern Ave, Fullerton, CA 92833
Website: Darden Christmas Concert

Fullerton – The Tipsy Elf

Join the Electric Company Theater for a holiday concert like no other! Acoustic covers of traditional holiday tunes, drinking songs, and some hilarious storytelling from your favorite ECT performers. Come pass a pint with ECT! 

Date: December 18, 2025
Time: 7:30 pm
Location: Muckenthaler Cultural Center – 1201 W. Malvern Ave, Fullerton, CA 92833
Website: The Tipsy Elf

Christmas Events Irvine

Irvine – A Festival of Lights at Tanaka Farms

Experience the magic of Hikari Festival of Lights at Tanaka Farms, where the holiday season comes alive with over a million twinkling lights. Take a cozy wagon ride to the dazzling “Land of a Thousand Lanterns” and stroll through enchanting light displays, perfect for capturing memorable photos.

Enjoy festive activities at the Festival Grounds, including visiting barnyard animals, indulging in delicious food from the Tanaka Grill, and creating arts and crafts. Don’t miss a chance to meet Santa for a holiday photo amidst the glow of holiday lights. Each activity is individually priced, ensuring a delightful evening for all ages.

Dates: November 28 – December 28, 2025 (review website for closed dates)
Location: 5380 University Dr, Irvine, CA 92612
https://www.tanakafarms.com/hikari

Irvine – Holidayz at the Park

Holidayz at the Park offers a festive escape filled with holiday-themed art, music, and lights at the Great Park. Visitors can explore the interactive displays and festive backdrops at the Palm Court Arts Complex, with highlights including a playful light display featuring a Grinch-taken airplane. The event also includes the Holidayz Pop-Up at the Artist Studios, where visitors can enjoy winter-themed photo opportunities on Fridays and weekends.

A special Illuminate Irvine event on December 6th features winter activities, classic holiday music, and the ceremonial lighting of the Holiday Tree. Guests are encouraged to bring toys for donation to support the Irvine 2/11 Marine Adoption Committee. Additionally, the holiday market on December 7 and 8 showcases artisan vendors, and holiday-themed classes offer fun for the whole family. Registration is required for classes through yourirvine.org.

Check the website for specific times of listed events.

Dates: December 6, 2025 – January 4, 2026
Time: Holiday Lights: Dusk–9:30 p.m.
Location: 8000 Great Park Blvd., Irvine
Website: https://www.cityofirvine.org/great-park/holidayz-park

Christmas Events Newport Beach

Newport Beach – Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade

The event has been dubbed “one of the top 10 holiday events in the country” by the New York Times.  The area also celebrates the “Ring of Lights,” in which Bayfront estates compete for the top holiday decorations.

Experience the 117th sailing of boats through Newport Harbor in December.  The parade route starts and ends at the Tip of Lido Isle. Watch as beautifully decorated boats, yachts, kayaks, and canoes make their way through the harbor, all aglow with holiday lights.

Download a printable map of the route

Dates: December 17 – 21, 2025
Location: 309 Palm St, Newport Beach, CA 92661
https://www.christmasboatparade.com/

Stay Nearby – Bay Shores Peninsula Hotel 
Rated 9.6 on Expedia

Christmas Events Orange

Orange – Irvine Park Railroad

Experience the magic of the holiday season with Irvine Park Railroad’s Christmas Train. Embark on a delightful ride through the historic Irvine Regional Park to the North Pole, where families and friends can meet and take photos with Santa Claus himself. After sharing their wishes with Santa, guests will be treated to a scenic return trip adorned with vibrant Christmas lights, decorations, and the enchanting Tunnel of Lights, culminating in the festive ambiance of Santa’s Village. This timeless holiday adventure promises joyful memories for all who attend.

The Christmas Train operates rain or shine. The Christmas Train requires reservations.

Dates for Christmas Train: November 28 – December 23, 2025
Dates for Santa’s Village: November 28 – December 30, 2025
Location: 1 Irvine Park Road, Orange, 92869
Website: https://www.irvineparkrailroad.com/events/christmas-train/

Bookmark our Orange County Christmas Events Guide

The O.C. offers many things to do between November and January to keep you in the holiday spirit.  We hope you’ve found this Orange County Christmas Events directory helpful and wish you a wonderful winter season.  Thanks for visiting our website.

We hope to see you at the places where we go.

Julie & Art

Check out more seasonal event guides

Halloween events in Southern California – Bookmark it for next year!
Julefest Christmas in Solvang, California
Celebrate Victorian Christmas in Nevada City, California

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