The Holidays are Coming to Orange County!

It’s finally November and for us that means the kickoff to celebrating all the love and fun of the holidays! There is so much to do in our community this season so gather your family, friends or loved one and enjoy some of the magic events throughout Orange County. We have made a list below, organized by date, of some of our favorite local activities that are sure to get you into the holiday spirit!

November 3rd-January 1st – Outdoor Ice Rink at the Irvine Spectrum ($19-45)

Have a romantic time holding hands and ice skating at the Irvine Spectrum or take your kids for some family fun!
See here for schedule and pricing details: https://www.irvinespectrumcenter.com/entertainment/attractions/ice-rink

November 16th-December 24th – Holiday Festivities in the Dana Point Harbor

Starting November 16th, come see this annual light display consisting of over 700,000 LED lights, set to illuminate the Harbor. Themed light exhibits throughout the Harbor include a giant whale sculpture, lighted palm trees, giant beach-ball-like ornaments, the popular “Merry Kiss Me” arch and much more. This is a great place to take family holiday photos and create everlasting memories (FREE)
November 27th & December 10th, 10am-1pm – Photos with Santa ($150)December 9th-11th, 6:30pm – Boat Parade (FREE)
December 17th-18th, 10am-3pm – “Santa Paws” get a photo of your pooch with Santa and let them play with other furry friends! ($15 per photo)

November 17th, 10am-5pm – Jack and Jill Home Tour ($65)

Tour some of the most gorgeous and impressive homes in Lemon Heights and Orange Park Acres that will be decorated to the nines. All proceeds go to the Children’s Hospital of Orange County and since it is the season of giving, this is the perfect opportunity to give back while having a lovely time and perhaps becoming inspired on how to decorate your own home this year.
Buy a ticket here: https://e.givesmart.com/events/xbc/?isOrderFormActive=true

November 17th-December 17th, Weekends Only, 10am-7pm, Sawdust Art Festival’s Winter Fantasy ($5-10)

Shop in Laguna Beach at the Sawdust Art Festival’s Winter Fantasy where they sell handcrafted art and gifts that make perfect holiday presents to loved ones.
Enjoy live entertainment at three different stages, take photos with Santa, attend winter themed art classes, watch glassblowing and other demonstrations, take your kids to the petting zoo and puppet shows and delight in falling snow, carolers and more!
See site for more details: https://www.visitlagunabeach.com/events/annual-events/sawdust-art-winter-fantasy/

November 17th-December 24th – Photos with Santa at Fashion Island ($40-50)

Come meet Santa and get professional photos at Fashion Island in Newport Beach
For Santa’s full schedule please visit: https://www.fashionisland.com/events/photos-with-santa

November 21st, 5pm-9pm – Enderly Center Holiday Open House (FREE)

Come by and enjoy Dickens Carolers, a handbell choir, dance performances, face painting, a balloon artist and see the Tustin Police Department dressed as Santa! There will be fun times for the whole family at no cost!

December 3rd, 11am-5pm, Corona Del Mar Christmas Walk (FREE)

Dress up for the holidays and enjoy live performances from over 17 local bands, visit and get a photo with Santa, imbibe at the beer & wine gardens and take advantage of promotions from local merchants and restaurants

December 13th-17th, 6:30pm-9pm – Newport Beach Boat Parade (FREE)

A parade of boats, big and small, decorate their vessel with lights, blow up characters, music, animatronics and even fire and live performances sure to dazzle everyone at any age. Bundle up and watch the parade for free from places like Lighthouse Park or along the outer sidewalks of Balboa Island where there are vendors selling hot cocoa and holiday treats.
Enjoy the firework show at the Newport Pier on the 13th at 6:15pm to kick it off and at the Balboa Pier on the 17th at 9pm to celebrate the finale of the parade!
For more details visit: https://www.christmasboatparade.com/

Holiday Themed Classes at the Fairgrounds in Costa Mesa