The holiday season will soon be upon us, and there are plenty of events where you can celebrate the season with your family and friends. Orange County will have many opportunities – from music events and Christmas lights to gift exchanges and shopping opportunities – and there will be no shortage of fun things to do over the next two months. 

Whether you are looking for a cozy event to hang out and spend time with others or a festive concert or light-up event to spread the cheer, there will be something for you. You should check out these upcoming events to spend with your family and friends this holiday season. 

Orange County Holiday Events and Light Displays

Holiday Lights in Orange County

#1 Tree Lighting at Aliso Viejo

#2 Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade

#3 Tree Lighting & Holiday Village

#4 Brea Tree Lighting Ceremony 

Holiday Performances & Entertainment Events

#5 Pirates Take Christmas 

#6 Holiday Pops with Manhattan Transfer

#7 American Ballet Theatre’s The Nutcracker

#8 Laguna Niguel Holiday Parade

Holiday Shopping and Fairs

#9 Corona Del Mar Christmas Walk

#10 Bella Terra Holidays

Holiday Lights in Orange County

Light-up events and illumination festivals are a staple of the holiday season. They are family-friendly and offer a hearty way to enjoy the season with your partner, family, and friends. Here are a few light-up events in Orange County for you to check out this holiday season. 

#1 Tree Lighting at Aliso Viejo

On December 1st, visit the Aliso Viejo Town Center Fountain & Amphitheater to enjoy a fun holiday celebration featuring train rides, ornament making, and aerial performances as Santa lights a 22-foot Christmas tree. What better way to kick off the holiday season than a fun night full of holiday-themed activities and a giant Christmas tree?

When: December 1, 5 PM – 8 PM

Where: Town Center, Aliso Creek Rd, Aliso Viejo, CA 92656

Cost: Free Admission

Website: https://avcity.org/162/Recreation-Community-Services

#2 Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade

Between December 14th and 18th, you can watch beautifully decorated yachts, boats, and kayaks sail along the harbor for the 114th Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade every night from 6:30 p.m. You can enjoy an evening at one of the harbor’s many restaurants for the best view of the parade. If you prefer a more festive approach, there are many picnic spaces along the parade route to relax and enjoy the show. 

When: December 14 – 18

Where: 309 Palm St, Newport Beach, CA 92661

Cost: Free Admission

Website: https://www.christmasboatparade.com 

#3 Tree Lighting & Holiday Village

For a day of shopping and other festive activities, join the community this year at the West Center Street Promenade 201 on December 3rd for the annual Anaheim Tree Lighting Festival & Holiday Village. Children will have a chance to take photos with Santa and dress their furry pals for the Candy Canine dog costume contest while you can shop amongst the local vendors in search of holiday-themed gifts. The tree lighting will begin at 6:00 p.m., so don’t be late! 

When: December 3, 12 PM – 7:30 PM

Where: 201 West Center Street, Promenade Anaheim, CA 92805

Cost: Free Admission

Website: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/anaheim-tree-lighting-festival-holiday-village-tickets-439866611877

#4 Brea Tree Lighting Ceremony 

The City of Brea is hosting its annual Tree Lighting Ceremony to kick off the holiday season. In addition to witnessing the ceremony and enjoying the holiday illumination, there will be opportunities to meet Mr. And Mrs. Claus with cookies and hot cocoa. Join the community for this free event and help spread holiday cheer. 

When: December

Where: Civic Center Cir, Brea, CA 92821

Cost: Free Admission

Website: https://www.ci.brea.ca.us/448/Annual-Events

Holiday Performances & Entertainment Events

There are more than just tree lighting ceremonies and illumination festivals this holiday season. If you are looking for other ways to fill your calendar, check out these performances and entertainment events to celebrate the holiday season.

#5 Pirates Take Christmas 

Are you looking for a fun holiday event? Celebrate the holiday season with a Pirates Dinner Adventure near Knott’s Farm in Buena Park, where you can laugh and cheer as a pirate crew attempts to steal Christmas. Whether they succeed or not, the only way to find out is by attending! Buy tickets now for this swashbuckling and jolly holiday show that includes dinner! 

When: All Season

Where: 7600 Beach Blvd, Buena Park, CA 90620

Cost: Adult (Ages 12+): $65.95, Child (Ages 3-11): $38.95, Infant (2 and under): Free

Website: https://piratesdinneradventureca.com/dinner-shows/pirates-take-christmas/

#6 Holiday Pops with Manhattan Transfer

Spread the holiday cheer this year with the critically acclaimed jazz vocal group The Manhattan Transfer. Music lovers and enthusiasts of performance arts alike with appreciate this spectacular group who will be performing classics like “Happy Holiday,” “Let It Snow,” “Christmas Time Is Here,” “Jingle Bells,” and more.

When: December 16 -17, 8 PM

Where: Segerstrom Center for the Arts, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, CA

Cost: Tickets Starting $43

Website: https://www.scfta.org/events/2022/manhattan-transfer

#7 American Ballet Theatre’s The Nutcracker

There is nothing like reliving childhood memories through a rendition of The Nutcracker. One of our favorite holiday traditions is here again, created by one of the most talented choreographers, Alexei Ratmansky. Packed with gorgeous sets, costumes, and a roster of superstar dancers, this is a family-friendly event that everyone can enjoy. 

When: December 9 – 18

Where: Segerstrom Center for the Arts, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, CA

Cost: Tickets starting $29

Website: https://www.scfta.org/events/2022/the-nutcracker

#8 Laguna Niguel Holiday Parade

Experience unique sights and sounds at the Laguna Niguel Holiday Parade, featuring marching bands, floats, exotic cars, horseback riders, and much more. The parade route starts at Nueva Vista before coming to an end at Community Park, so be sure to arrive early to grab your spot and enjoy the show. 

When: December 10, 10 AM – 12 PM

Where: Nueva Vista, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677

Cost: Free Admission

Website: https://www.cityoflagunaniguel.org/Calendar.aspx?EID=4781&month=12&year=2022&day=10&calType=0

Holiday Shopping and Fairs

In addition to festivals and performances, the holiday season is a great time to take advantage of shopping events and deals. If you fancy a day shopping with your friends and family, check out these events and fairs in Orange County. 

#9 Corona Del Mar Christmas Walk

This year marks the 42nd annual Corona Del Mar Christmas Walk, a popular community event that celebrates the small businesses and restaurants of the Corona del Mar Village. It is an opportunity to spend time with your friends and neighbors, with live entertainment from over 17 bands and more. You can shop around for unique gifts from local vendors, and you can take advantage of merchant and restaurant promotions you can find throughout the event. 

When: December 4, 11 AM – 5 PM

Where: 2855 E Coast Hwy, Corona del Mar, CA

Cost: Free Admission

Website: https://www.cdmchamber.com/events/43rd-annual-corona-del-mar-christmas-walk/

#10 Bella Terra Holidays

A long-standing tradition in Bella Terra is a mall-wide festive event that includes everything from shopping to food and live music. Whether you are looking for a live music event or a photo session with Santa to bring your kids along to, Bella Terra will have events you can enjoy – almost every day throughout the end of November and December. Head over to their website to learn more about specific events. 

When: Throughout November and December

Where: 7777 Edinger Ave, Huntington Beach, CA 92647

Cost: General admission: Free of Cost 

Website: https://www.bellaterra-hb.com/events

These are just a few festive events in Orange County this holiday season. Grab your tickets for spots at some of the best performances, or get your gift shopping done at special holiday-themed shopping fairs!