A VERY MERRY LOOK AT HOLIDAY EVENTS HERE AND AROUND SOCAL
It’s time to start thinking about the many ways you and your family can celebrate the holiday season throughout Southern California.
Here’s a sampling of what to expect.
WINTER FEST OC
Held at the OC Fair & Event Center, Winter Fest OC is one of the largest holiday festivals in Southern California.
It runs Nov. 22 through Jan. 5, 2026.
Winterfest offers a carnival atmosphere with dozens of family attractions, including ice skating, ice tubing, snow play, carnival rides, and a light show.
There’s also a holiday market, live entertainment, and photos with Santa.
Location:
88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa
Website:
www.winterfestoc.com
NEWPORT BEACH BOAT PARADE
A holiday tradition for more than 100 years, the Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade lights up Newport Harbor nightly Dec. 17–21. Decorated yachts, sailboats and even kayaks cruise the harbor while waterfront homes, buildings and docks sparkle with lights and decorations. Fireworks are scheduled for the opening night with drone shows nightly.
Best viewing spots: Marina Park, Balboa Boardwalk, and Balboa Fun Zone
Website:
www.christmasboatparade.com
CHRISTMAS TRAIN & SANTA’S VILLAGE
The Irvine Park Railroad Christmas Train runs Nov. 28 through Dec. 23. Children can meet Santa, decorate cookies, and sip cocoa at Santa’s Village.
The train departs from a festively lit station and travels to the “North Pole” to visit Santa before returning through the Tunnel of Lights. Advance tickets are required and may be purchased online.
Santa’s Village runs an additional week, Nov. 28–Dec. 30, but is closed Dec. 24–25. Entry is free and does not require reservations. Activity tickets are available for cookie decorating, crafts, ice fishing, carnival games and more. Food and drinks are available for purchase.
Location:
1 Irvine Park Road, Orange
Website:
www.irvineparkrailroad.com/events
DANA POINT HARBOR LIGHTS
Starting in late November, Dana Point Harbor shines with more than 700,000 lights, including light tunnels, giant ornaments, and themed photo spots. Restaurants and shops along the waterfront join in the celebration.
Dana Point holds its annual boat parade starting at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 12-14.
Location:
34571 Golden Lantern, Dana Point
Website:
www.danapointharbor.com
CAPISTRANO LIGHTS
Mission San Juan Capistrano presents Capistrano Lights on select days from Dec. 19-30.
Activities include a tree lighting, Dickens-era carolers, full-scale nativity,
and holiday lights. All are included with any Capistrano Lights ticket, which also includes same-day admission to the Mission.
Guests can tour the mission during the day and re-enter after dark to enjoy the lights.
26801 Old Mission Road
Website:
www.missionsjc.com
L.A.’s wildest holiday tradition returns as L.A. Zoo Lights: Animals Aglow transforms the zoo into a glowing wonderland of lanterns and lights. This year’s display celebrates the “weird and wonderful world” of plants and pollinators, featuring larger-than-life butterflies, birds, and blooms.
Guests can enjoy interactive displays, a giant walk-in kaleidoscope, festive treats, and cocktails under the stars. Meet Santa for photos, ride the carousel, or warm up with churros, s’mores, and hot cocoa.
The event takes from Nov. 13 until Jan. 11, but is closed most Mondays and Tuesdays and on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Eve.
Tickets start at $19, with discounts for members. Parking is free.
Location:
5333 Zoo Drive, Los Angeles
Website:
www.lazoo.org/zoolights
CLOSER TO HOME
TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY
Fountain Valley’s annual Tree Lighting Ceremony takes place Saturday, Dec. 6, 4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Fountain Valley Sports Park. The event includes live entertainment, crafts, games, photos with Santa, a Snow Zone, food booths and a fireworks show.
CHRISTMAS IN THE GAZEBO
The Fountain Valley Historical Society hosts its annual Christmas in the Gazebo from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 13 in Heritage Park. The free event features local entertainment, vendor booths, hot chocolate and cookies, and a visit from Santa.
New this year: a Christmas Village with Santa nestled among a forest of decorated trees.
CANDY CANE LANE
The neighborhood around El Corzo Street and nearby cul-de-sacs has been known for decades as “Candy Cane Lane.” Homes shine with dazzling lights, themed displays, and inflatables—some synchronized to music. Visitors can walk or drive through. Weeknights tend to be less crowded.
CRECHE FESTIVAL
The annual Creche Festival takes place Dec. 5–7 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Enjoy live nativity reenactments, inspirational art, musical performances by local artists and a display of nativity scenes from around the world. Live nativity shows take place every 30 minutes.
Location:
17500 Bushard St.
More info:
Call Jynene Johnson at (714) 609-4693