Newport Christmas Boat Parade
Visitors are invited to watch colorful holiday light displays at Newport Landing throughout December. Bayfront estates will glow with elaborate Christmas light displays as part of their “Ring Of Lights” competition accompanied by one of the largest decorated boat parades in the country. Viewed by over 1.5 million people each season, according to promoters, the Newport Boat Parade hosts hundreds of decorated ships of all sizes, which will compete for awards in over a half dozen categories.
Tamale Festival
The 28th annual Tamale Festival in Placentia will feature live entertainment, food and tamale vendors, non-profit and business booths, a beer garden, pictures with Santa, a holiday tree lighting, and a kid’s gaming area.
Costa Mesa Holiday Market
This family-friendly holiday market will be hosting over 100 local businesses featuring goods including home decor, clothing, pet goodies, holiday gifts, hand-crafted items, and more. The event also features free photos with Santa in front of a Christmas backdrop, tons of food and drinks, and DIY workshops for all ages.
Breakfast With Santa
Santa will be arriving at the Laguna Hills Community Center for a morning full of Christmas cheer. Join in with the locals for a special celebration complete with a scrumptious breakfast provided by Polly’s Pies, photos with Santa, and holiday crafts. Pre-Registration is required.
Irvine Christmas Tree Lighting
Kick off the season with the lighting of the city’s Christmas tree for an evening of holiday cheer. The event will include visits from Santa Claus, live holiday music, and a winter-themed train ride. Guests are encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped gift suitable for infants or children up to age 12, which will benefit families of Irvine’s adopted 2/11 Marine Battalion.
Buena Park ‘Sugar Plum’ Arts and Crafts Festival
Get a head start on holiday shopping at this local fair, which specializes in handcrafted art and holiday crafts, including garden charms and accessories from 150 artists, confectioners, bakers, and more. This fair is ideal for those seeking more individualized or unique gifts this season.
Irvine Toy Drive
Make the season brighter for Irvine’s adopted Marine Battalion families by donating a new, unwrapped gift suitable for infants or children ages 12 and younger. Volunteers will be on-site to collect donations, with participants urged to have toys ready in the trunk or back seat of their vehicle for quick collection.
‘Harold In The Holidays’ Tree Lighting
Join the holiday fun at the Laguna Hills Community Center, where festivities will include a tree-lighting ceremony with holiday music performed by the South Orange County Holiday Brass and the Concordia Community Handbell Ensemble. Refreshments will be provided along with Christmas crafts for the kids. Guests are encouraged to bring toys to donate to Team Darkhorse, a nonprofit providing aid to children in local Marine families, along with canned goods for donation to local food pantries. Dress warm as the festivities will be held outside in the Community Center Plaza, but in the event of inclement weather, it will be moved inside.
Dana Point Christmas Boutique and Craft Fair
Enjoy food trucks and scenic ocean views while shopping from over 50 vendors at this outdoor holiday craft fair. Goods include custom crafts and jewelry, baked goods, clothing, and much more.
Fountain Valley ‘Spark of Love' Toy Drive
The Fountain Valley Fire Department will be supporting the 30th annual Spark of Love Toy Drive to benefit local charities and non-profits providing toys to children who may otherwise not have gifts this holiday season. As such, community members are invited to drop off toys throughout December or donate through the city’s online toy registry “wish list.”
Laguna Hills Parents Night Out
Parents, wouldn’t it be nice to have an evening out without the kids? Community services staff at the City of Laguna Hills have planned two nights in December to take care of your children for you while you enjoy some alone time. The event includes dinner, bounce houses, crafts, and movies to keep the kids entertained throughout the evening. Best of all ... it’s free! This program is offered to children ages 6 to 12.
Evening With Santa
Santa is making another stop at the Laguna Hills Community Center and will be available for pictures inside his signature giant walkthrough holiday ornament. Entertainment includes “The Holiday Carolers,” who will perform Christmas music during Santa’s visit, with refreshments provided along with Christmas crafts available for the kids. Event sponsors will be collecting toys and canned food for local charities.
Placentia Holiday Toy Drive
The City of Placentia will be collecting toys for local children at various locations throughout December to be distributed to families in need in Placentia and surrounding communities. For those interested in donating, drop off a new unwrapped toy for children ages 1 to 18.
Tustin Holiday Artisan Fair
Featuring artisans and their handcrafted jewelry, custom apparel, ceramics, glass, homemade treats, and more, this market specializes in holiday gifts and treats for the whole family. Those looking to support local businesses and vendors are encouraged to visit.
