Best Winter Festivals In Orange County
As the seasons change in Orange County, so does the nature of activities and events offered in the area. Winter welcomes different flavors and time old customs each year. Christmas traditions, the magic of Winter Solstice and the colorful festivities of Chinese New Year will bring the community together in Orange County.
108th Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade
Balboa Village
600 E. Bay Ave.
Newport Beach, CA 92661
www.christmasboatparade.com
Dates: December 14 - 18, 2016
Celebrate the holidays at the docks this year. Newport Beach's annual Christmas boat parade, which is hosted by the Commodores Club of the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce, lights up the harbor and goes five nights strong. Masterfully decorated with colorful lights, live carolers in costume and animated Christmas characters, Newport Beach boat owners go all out for this festive occasion. Spectators will see everything from multi-million dollar grandiose yachts to the practical kayaks and canoes floating along the 14-mile parade pathway in the harbor. Check out this holiday tradition from Balboa Village, which offers free admission and lots of parking. The 2015 theme is "Seas the Holidays."
Holiday Festival
The Muckenthaler Cultural Center
1201 W. Malvern Ave.
Fullerton, CA, 92833
(714) 738-6595
themuck.org
Dates: December 18, 2016 from 12pm to 4pm
Santa Claus is always a huge draw to both kids and adults at The Muckenthaler's annual Holiday Festival. This free holiday event welcomes guests to tour the magnificent home and gallery, peruse and shop the arts & crafts fair and enjoy holiday performances. The kids especially like playing and participating in the free art workshop and visiting with Santa, of course. Food vendors will be on hand, and exclusive beer selections will be available, too. The Muckenthaler mansion was built in 1924 and today welcomes more than 43,000 visitors each year. Standing as a historic landmark designated by the National Register of Historic Places in Fullerton, The Muckenthaler is utilized as a community cultural center.
Brew Ho Ho Holiday Ale Festival
The Phoenix Club
1340 S. Sanderson Ave.
Anaheim, CA 92806
www.socalwinterbrewfest.com
Date: December 10, 2016
The much-anticipated So Cal Winter Brew Fest is the perfect time for unlimited tastings of the 90 best seasonal craft winter beers and specialty hard ciders curated from select breweries. The festival ticket, which gets you unlimited tastings and a souvenir tasting glass, is the perfect place to also peruse the many premier food trucks (additional cost), giveaways, contests and games, a live performance, holiday music, pictures with Santa and much more. This winter fest is a feel good for beer enthusiasts and is also put on for a good cause.
Asian Pacific Lunar Festival
Downtown Riverside
Riverside, CA 92501
(951) 453-3548
www.lunarfestriverside.org
Date: January 28, 2017
Chinese New Year, or Lunar New Year, is based on the lunisolar Chinese calendar, and one of the most important Chinese holidays observed. Celebrate the Year of the Monkey with the Asian Pacific Cultural Association, the hosts of Festival. Kicking off the free Lunar Fest 2016 is the customary Parade of Nations, which will be followed by opening ceremonies, performances featuring traditional Asian music, dance and taiko drums. Guests, who are encouraged to dress in customary Asian and South Pacific attire, can explore daylong art exhibits, martial arts demonstrations and anime cosplayers. Events also include free arts and crafts for children, a health expo, authentic Asian cuisine and teas at the Tea Pavilion. The day will end with a fireworks display and closing ceremonies.
Related: Best Hot Drinks In Orange County
Sheryl Craig is a writer with a passion for interesting finds and treasures in Los Angeles. She has a background in journalism and public relations. A mother of two daughters, Sheryl integrates her healthy lifestyle into raising her children. Her work can be found at Examiner.org
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