Christmas is right around the corner and yet there’s still tons of fun stuff to do in Orange County to celebrate the magical season! Check out the list below for the best events.

Now through January 1, 2012

Science of Gingerbread Houses

You can learn all about the science of gingerbread houses at the Discovery Science Center! Children and adults alike can participate in hands-on kitchen science activities, learn all about kitchen tools, recipe science and check out Gingerbread competition entries. There are even special events going on at the DSC now too! See Santa, decorate cookies and create a cookie car to compete in the Gingerbread Derby and more.

Admission: Adult: $14.95 Children: $12.95

Saturday, December 24th

Christmas Eve Services

The Crystal Cathedral includes a congregation of over 10,000 members and the internationally televised “Hour of Power.” Join them on Christmas Eve where you will be surrounded by sparkling trees, magnificent wreaths, and gently falling snow as you enjoy the music of the choir and these talented soloists. Christmas Eve Services are free.

When: Christmas Eve services at: 4:30 pm, 6:00 pm, 7:30 pm, 9:00 pm, 10:30 pm

Christmas Eve: Latin Midnight Mass

On Christmas Eve at Midnight on Saturday, December 24, 2011 the San Juan Capistrano Mission will be holding a festive, bi-lingual Mass in the Serra Chapel. A pre-service concert with Carols will begin at 11:30pm.

When: Christmas Eve 11:30 PM – 1:00 PM

Now through December 24th

The Nutcracker

Looking for art and culture that is family friendly and affordable? Now until December 24th celebrate the season with visions of the Sugar Plum Fairy, her dashing prince and heroine Clara, while a talented cast of over 100 takes you back in time to mystical lands of old world charm at the Irvine Barclay Theatre and Cheng Hall’s professional production of the Nutcracker.

Tickets: $40.00 adults; $37.00 seniors; $35.00 children
Parking: $10.00

Family Nights: 16 at 7:00 PM – Buy 4 or more tickets for $30 each

Now through December 23rd

Cruise of Lights

Support the Youth Music Education Programs by joining hundreds of other holiday-sea-adventurers for a narrated boat tour through the waterways of Huntington Harbor to view hundreds of brightly decorated homes, docks, decks and boats.

Tickets: Adults: $17.00 Children 2-12 years old: $10.00

Now through January 1, 2012

Irving Berlin’s White Christmas

Previously called the Orange County Performing Arts Center, the Segerstom Center for the Arts presents the classic holiday movie “White Christmas” where it will come to life on the stage. This family friendly production will leave you feeling merry and bright. This musical will feature “Blue Skies,” “How Deep is the Ocean?” and of course Irving Berlin’s most famous: “White Christmas.”

Tickets: Start at $20.00