Best Free Winter Activities For Families In Orange County
The budget for extra activities can be lower during the winter months due to the holiday season. Many spend a great deal on gifts, decorations and celebrations. Thankfully, these free events can entertain the entire family without subtracting from your bank account.
Nutcracker Christmas
205 Center St. Promenade
Anaheim, CA 92805
(714) 956-3586
www.downtownanaheim.com
Date: Dec. 6, 2014
Nutcracker Christmas hosts several free activities to help put you and your family in the holiday spirit such as train rides, live music, craft workshops, pictures with Santa and playtime in the "snow." Additionally, a 50-foot Christmas tree will be lit up for all to see at 6 p.m., and for a low price, tickets can be purchased for "Santa's Pancake Breakfast" that will be held 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. There will also be food trucks on site and holiday gifts on sale.
Candy Caneland & Craft Faire
Ehlers Community Center
8150 Knott Ave.
Buena Park CA 90620
(714) 562-3860
www.buenapark.com
Date: Dec. 6, 2014
This free winter event will cater to all ages. The kiddos can exert extra energy going down the Candy Caneland & Craft Faire's well-known "snow" slides and jumping about in the bouncy houses. There will also be a petting zoo, craft booths, live entertainment and free gift raffles. To fuel up with more energy and satisfy your holiday cravings, you can chow down on the food vendors' tasty dishes.
Holiday In The Harbor
Dana Point Harbor
34555 Golden Lantern
Dana Point, CA 92629
(949) 923-2255
www.danapointharbor.com
Date: Dec. 5, 2014
Not only is admission to this event free, but parking is free too. Bring the entire family for pictures with Santa (it's suggested that everyone brings their own camera), face painting and live entertainment. The family fun will begin in front of Harpoon Henry's and carry on throughout the day at Dana Wharf, Mariners Village and Mariners Alley. Who knows, you may get to see a whale or two surface the harbor during your visit to make for an unforgettable family outing.
Annual Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade
Davey's Locker
400 Main St.
Newport Beach, CA 92661
(949) 673-1434
www.christmasboatparade.com
Date: Dec. 17-21, 2014
Known as one of the most notable holiday celebrations in the country, the Annual Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade is sure to impress. The coastline will be illuminated with colorful lights adorning the multi-million dollar estates, yachts, canoes, kayaks and boats. Most parade participants go all out for this special event. Some have spent about $50,000 to make their boat festive for all to see. You can watch the parade from several waterfront locations including yacht charters and restaurants. Explore the parade route and viewing locations on the website.
Dana Point Illumin Ocean
34415 Park Lantern
Dana Point, CA 92629
(949) 923-2255
www.danapointharbor.com/illuminocean
Date: Nov. 26, 2014 through Jan. 4, 2015
Dana Point will be lit up like never before during the city's first Illumin Ocean event. Bright, vibrant colors will highlight an array of sculptures during the 40-day celebration such as dolphins, boats, "a 50-foot GlowMotiontree" and " Lightwave tunnels that stretch longer than a football field!" You will be part of Orange County history by attending this premiere celebration of community, art and holiday spirit.
