Best Holiday Activities & Events In Orange County
With mild winter temperatures and tons of fashion, history and culture, Orange County is the premier go-to destination this holiday season. Enjoy a Christmas cruise or do some outdoor shopping and dining before seeing a play. Whatever strikes your fancy this winter, OC can deliver. Holiday visitors can do it all at these top-notch venues, and fill their vacation with loads of holiday cheer.
Newport Landing - Christmas Boat Parade
309 Palm St.
Newport Beach, CA 92661
(949) 675-0551
www.christmasparadeboats.com
Date: Dec. 16 - 20, 2015
For over a century, the Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade has been a must-see holiday event in Orange County. Cruises offered by Newport Landing provide an up-close and personal view of all of the decorated boats in the parade, as well as the beautifully illuminated homes all along Newport Harbor. Three cruises nightly during the five nights of the boat parade give visitors to Orange County tons of options to plan a holiday family outing guaranteed to bring Christmas cheer to all.
Segerstrom Center For The Arts
600 Town Center Drive
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
(714) 556-2787
www.scfta.org
Dates: Various Dates in November/December 2015
Celebrate the holiday season with a little bit of culture provided by the Segerstrom Center for the Arts. Beginning in November, a ton of plays will be on tap for you to see, including "42nd Street," The Nutcracker for Kids" and more. In December, "The Nutcracker" returns to the Segerstrom, as does many holiday themed plays including "Handel's Messiah," "A Cirque Christmas and "Christmas Fantasia."
Christmas At Mission San Juan Capistrano
26801 Ortega Highway
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
(949) 234-1300
www.missionsjc.com
Dates: December 5, 2015 from 5:30pm to 8pm
For a cultural trip through history this holiday season, the San Juan Capistrano Mission has it all. Visiting an original California mission while listening to carolers and mariachi bands gives guests a well-rounded taste of holiday music to enjoy. Kids can enjoy decorating cookies and Christmas ornaments in Santa's Workshop, and a variety of food vendors will be on site to keep everyone well fed. Christmas at the Mission includes a snow play area for kids, the annual tree lighting ceremony and community wide holiday celebration, an exhibition of local musical performances throughout the Mission, and much more. Find out more by visiting www.missionjc.com.
Related: Best Food Tours In LA & OC
"A Christmas Carol" - South Coast Repertory
655 Town Center Drive
Costa Mesa, CA 92628
(714) 708-5555
www.scr.org
Dates: November 27 - December 27, 2015
A must-see event every holiday season is "Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol,' onstage for a month starting on November 27th, 2015 at the South Coast Repertory. Kids and adults will feel the thrill of being whisked away to nineteenth century London, and witness for themselves the transforming power of the Christmas spirit. Celebrating its 36th anniversary showing of "A Christmas Carol," the South Coast Repertory takes pride in its stellar cast and promises an uplifting night at the theater. No "bah humbugs" here - only smiles and holiday cheer for all.
Winter Fantasy Sawdust Art Festival
935 Laguna Canyon Road
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
(949) 494-3030
www.sawdustartfestival.org
Dates: November 21, 22, 27, 28 and 29, 2015 & December 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20, 2015
Set in the beautiful art-centered seaside city of Laguna Beach, the Winter Fantasy Art Festival is a one-of-a-kind holiday shopping experience. Local artists exhibit their various works of art and will be creating on the spot, while live music adds to the festive seasonal ambiance. In addition to shopping for handmade jewelry, ceramics, paintings and more, guests can take an art class for themselves or simply relax and enjoy dining at an outdoor cafe. Guests will be transported to a virtual Santa's Village while shopping for unique gifts for loved ones this holiday season. For Orange County visitors and residents alike, the Winter Fantasy Sawdust Art Festival is simply a do-not-miss event. It runs until December 21st.
Related: A Night At The Laguna Playhouse
