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Best Holiday Events And Celebrations In OC

newport beach christmas boat parade header
(credit: Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade)

The holidays are right around the corner, and Orange County knows how to ring in the season with spirit, entertainment, culture, music and even boat parades. These events will provide you and your loved ones with a mix of traditional, unique and just plain fun activities. No matter your age, the celebrations below promises to help put you in the holiday spirit.

newport beach christmas boat parade
(credit: Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade)

104th Annual Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade
(949) 729-4400
Price: free
Dates/Hours: Dec. 19 to Dec. 23, 6:30 to 9 p.m. each evening
www.christmasboatparade.com

Bring Christmas to life with surf, sand and Santa at this O.C. annual holiday tradition. Held in one of Orange County's beautiful beach communities, the annual Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade provides spectators a scenic view of Newport Beach with up to 75 festive boats, yachts and kayaks sailing the harbor. To get a free copy of the program schedule, stop by the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce located at 1470 Jamboree Road. If you want to enter the parade, the cost is only $25. Click here for more information.

Related: Best Things To Do In Laguna Beach With Kids

Celtic Woman
(credit: Segerstrom Hall)

"Celtic Woman: A Christmas Celebration"
Segerstrom Hall
600 Town Center Drive
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
(714) 556-2787
Price: from $46
Date/Hours: Dec. 11, 7:30 p.m.
www.scfta.org

For those looking for something that is unique yet still traditional, "Celtic Woman: A Christmas Celebration," may be the perfect fit. Celtic Woman is an Irish female ensemble that promises to impress your senses and cultivate the whole audience's holiday spirit. The female vocal group will sing your favorite Christmas tunes with the accompaniment of a live symphony orchestra. This holiday tour last year sold out, so be sure to get tickets soon.

christmas carol south coast repertory 420x316
(credit: South Coast Repertory)

"A Christmas Carol"
South Coast Repertory
655 Town Center Drive
P.O. Box 2197
Costa Mesa, CA 92628
(714) 708-5555
Price: from $43 for children 6 to 12 years old/from $53 for adults
Date/Hours: until Dec. 24, click here for dates and prices
www.scr.org

There's no better way to reign in the meaning of the holidays than watching the classic play, "A Christmas Carol." Take a journey with characters Ebenezer Scrooge, Tiny Tim, the ghosts of Christmas past and the rest of the gang in this endearing tale. Several show dates are available until Christmas eve. For parking, directions and other information to help plan your outing, click here.

Related: 2012 Orange County Holiday Theater Preview

Handel's Messiah
(credit: Segerstrom Hall)

"Handel's Messiah"
Segerstrom Hall
600 Town Center Drive
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
(714) 556-2787
Price: from $25
Date/Hours: Dec. 9, 3 p.m.
www.pacificsymphony.org

In addition to delicious treats, time with family, colorful decorations, gift giving and religious celebrations, holiday music helps make this special time of the year even more memorable. "Handel's Messiah" is a concert composed of majestic horns and uplifting choruses to highlight "joy, reflection and renewal." This popular Orange County event is sure to engage your ears and soul with powerful symphonic music. For details concerning ticket availability and pricing, please click here.

brea city hall
(credit: City of Brea)

Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony
Brea Civic and Cultural Center
1 Civic Center Circle
Brea, CA 92821
(714) 990-2258
Price: free
Date/Hours: Dec. 6, 6 to 8:30 p.m.
cityofbrea.net

Get in the holiday spirit at this festive tree-lighting ceremony held in Brea. Entertainment and live music will be provided, and tasty, cozy Christmas goodies including hot chocolate and cookies will be available. Make sure the kiddos bring their Christmas wish list, because Santa will be at the event. Free pictures with the big guy will also be available.

Stacy Brecht is a professional writer, dancer, marketer and model in the Los Angeles area. Brecht also enjoys traveling, wine, fitness training, volunteering, movies and trying new restaurants. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.

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