The most wonderful time of the year is here and it’s the perfect opportunity to spend some quality time with the family. If you’re hoping for the perfect way to get in the holiday spirit while still enjoying that Southern California sun, look no further than these 10 holiday events in Orange County. And if you want to escape and make a weekend getaway of it, Costa Mesa hotels are offering some amazing hotel deals for the holiday season!
Winter Fest
Winter magic comes to sunny SoCal at this annual family-friendly celebration. In its fourth year at the OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa, Winter Fest provides an immersive experience complete with two million holiday lights, an outdoor ice rink, arts and crafts, a play park featuring real snow, the world’s largest rocking horse, strolling carolers and visits with Santa. Make sure to get a run on the Snowflake Summit ice slide before the nightly tree lighting ceremony!
“The Nutcracker” at Segerstrom Center for the Arts
American Ballet Theatre’s annual production of “The Nutcracker” returns to Segerstrom Center for the Arts December 14th through 23rd. As one of the greatest ballet companies in the world, American Ballet Theatre’s performances on the Costa Mesa stage are highly anticipated occasions. The company is backed by Orange County’s Pacific Symphony to bring the colorful Christmas story to life. Principal dancers during the run will also include Misty Copeland and Herman Cornejo.
The center is also presenting a kid-friendly version presented by Pacific Symphony of the beloved story on December 8!
Snoopy House
The Snoopy House is a beloved, 50-year-old tradition in Costa Mesa. From December 14th through 23rd, stop by Costa Mesa City Hall beginning at 5:30 p.m. each night to get your fill of holiday spirit. The event includes live music, free train rides for kids and, of course, everyone’s favorite Peanuts characters. Each night from 7 to 9 p.m., kids and their families will even have the chance to have free photos taken with Santa.
“A Christmas Carol” at South Coast Repertory
Spend an evening with Tiny Tim, the Cratchit family and everyone’s favorite curmudgeon, Ebenezer Scrooge at South Coast Repertory. For nearly 50 years, “A Christmas Carol” has brought everyone together – even the Ghosts of Christmas past, present and yet to come – for a heartwarming tale of redemption and family at South Coast Repertory. Scrooge will be played by actor Hal Landon Jr., who has been playing the part in the annual production for 47 years!
Holidays Around the World
A free community event, Holidays Around the World combines traditions of all kinds on the Segerstrom Center for the Arts Argyros Plaza. Attendees are welcome to share their holiday traditions on the Path of Traditions, decorate cookies, enjoy complimentary treats and take part in crafts and photo opportunities. Each night ends with the falling of snow flurries to bring the season to life!
Make it “A Legendary Christmas”
It’s never too late to celebrate – Award-winning singer songwriter John Legend brings the holiday spirit to Segerstrom Center for the Arts on December 29th! Hear his first-ever holiday album “A Legendary Christmas” live on stage. Among his many accomplishments, Legend has received 10 Grammy® Awards, an Academy Award®, a Golden Globe, a Tony Award® and an Emmy.
Visit Santa’s Village at South Coast Plaza
This free monthlong celebration offers plenty of activities to get families into the holiday spirit. Each day, kids can let their creative spirit fly with different arts and crafts, take a ride on the carousel and enjoy the magical Santa’s Village décor. Afterward, get your photo taken with Santa at the North Pole. Print packages range from $15-51, but you can bring your own camera for just $10 for three shots.
Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade
This year marks the 110th year of the Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade, a much-anticipated holiday tradition in the Newport Beach Harbor. If you want to be part of it you can now purchase your boat or yacht for Zeboats.
The multi-night parade, and one of the largest holiday events in Orange County, runs from December 19th through December 23rd, beginning at 6:30 p.m. each night (with a special firework display opening night at 6:15 p.m.). Watch from Balboa Island or the Balboa Peninsula as hundreds of festive boats of all sizes cruise the harbor bringing Christmas spirit. Find public viewing locations.
Disneyland® Resort
The most wonderful time of the year has officially hit the Happiest Place on Earth! Celebrate the holidays with a trip to Disneyland® Resort and embrace the holiday spirit with themed rides and displays, limited time treats, special performances and nightly snow. You can purchase tickets South Coast Plaza concierge and make sure to ask your hotel how to schedule a convenient Disneyland shuttle to drop you off right at the front gates! This year, catch the “Believe…In Holiday Magic” firework display, the Festival of Holidays at California Adventure and the Christmas Fantasy Parade.
Knott’s Merry Farm
Find more holiday inspiration, festive food and live entertainment at Knott’s Berry Farm® this holiday season. From November 16th through January 6th, visitors can find Knott’s Merry Farm in full swing at one of Southern California’s favorite theme parks. Make sure make it to Ghost Town in time for the nightly snow fall and check out the Christmas crafts village with activities for all ages!
For the full festive experience, find the best Costa Mesa hotel deals for a quick holiday getaway close to everything that Orange County has to offer!
Download our Visitor Guide for more great things to do and see in Costa Mesa and Orange County.
