Dec1Tue
A Christmas Carol at South Coast Repertory
The Dickens holiday classic returns to the stage in Costa Mesa for its seasonal run.
Seasonal guides: Thanksgiving Week & Weekend Events · Holiday Lights, Christmas & Winter Events
December 2026
48 events
Dec1Tue
Fire & Lights Festival at Newport Dunes
Floating holiday lights on the bay, fire dancing Friday and Saturday evenings, s'mores fire pits, inflatable slides and Santa photos on Saturdays. Thursday through Sun...
Dec1Tue
Hikari: Festival of Lights
A walk-through light festival on the farm grounds, open Wednesday through Sunday evenings, plus Dec 21 to 23. Closed Dec 24 and 25. Last admission is 7:30 PM, and park...
Dec1Tue
Ice Skating at Irvine Spectrum Center
Outdoor holiday ice rink at Irvine Spectrum Center, listed as opening November 1 with evening skate sessions. Check the Spectrum website for current prices, hours and...
Dec1Tue
Irvine Park Railroad Christmas Train
Holiday train rides through the park's decorated grounds. Reservations are required, and a vehicle entrance fee applies.
Dec1Tue
Knott's Merry Farm
Holiday celebration with winter decor, thousands of lights and seasonal attractions across the park.
Dec1Tue
Sawdust Art Festival Winter Fantasy
Twinkling lights, artist-made gifts, live craft demonstrations and seasonal music.
Dec1Tue
WinterFest OC
Ice tubing, outdoor skating, snow play, 30+ carnival rides, nightly tree lightings and holiday treats.
Dec3Thu
All Is Bright Holiday Celebration & Tree Lighting
A free evening of holiday fun and a tree lighting at the Town Center.
Dec3Thu
Brea Tree Lighting Ceremony
Brea's annual community tree lighting at the Civic & Cultural Center.
Dec3Thu
Farmers Market at the OC Fair & Event Center
A weekly Thursday farmers market in Lot D of the OC Fair & Event Center. No market is listed for Thanksgiving week.
Dec4Fri
Buena Park Christmas Tree Lighting
Attractions and vendors open at 5:00 PM, the tree is lit at 6:00 PM, and the evening wraps at 8:00 PM.
Dec4Fri
Laguna Beach Hospitality Night
Downtown Laguna Beach kicks off the season with Santa lighting the tree at 6:10 PM.
Dec4Fri
Tustin Christmas Tree Lighting
Old Town Tustin lights its tree, with a market from 5:00 PM before the ceremony.
Dec5Sat
Boat Rides with Santa
Short harbor rides aboard the Dana Pride with Santa. Reservations required.
Dec5Sat
Breakfast with Santa (Westminster)
Pancake breakfast and photos with Santa. Pre-registration is required; no walk-ins.
Dec5Sat
Crystal Cove 30th Annual Tree Lighting & Holiday Bazaar
A holiday bazaar all day, Santa visits from 3:30 PM and the tree lighting program runs 3:00 to 5:30 PM at the historic cottages.
Dec5Sat
Dana Point Tree Lighting
Dana Point lights its holiday tree at La Plaza Park.
Dec5Sat
Holiday on Main Street
A free holiday evening on Yorba Linda's Main Street.
Dec5Sat
Illuminate Irvine
A City of Irvine holiday lighting celebration at the Great Park.
Dec5Sat
La Habra Tamale Festival
A free street festival of tamales, food and family fun along Euclid Street in La Habra.
Dec5Sat
Make It, Take It: DIY Winter Wreaths
Make a winter wreath at Centennial Farm. Ribbon and décor selection is limited, so feel free to bring your own.
Dec5Sat
Puttin' on the Glitz
Holiday festivities along downtown San Clemente's Avenida Del Mar.
Dec5Sat
Santa's Village by the Sea
A holiday evening with Santa at the San Clemente Community Center.
Running all season
10 listingsSeasonMulti-week
20 Years Later: The Great Picture
A City of Irvine exhibit at Irvine City Hall marking 20 years since The Great Picture.
SeasonMulti-week
American Red Cross Blood Drive at MainPlace
A monthly blood donation drive at MainPlace Mall, noon to 6 PM.
SeasonMulti-week
Courageous Companions: Animals in American Wars
A Heroes Hall exhibition about animals who served in American wars. (End date assumed to be Sept 1, 2027; confirm on the OC Fair site.)
SeasonMulti-week
First Thursdays Art Walk
On the first Thursday of each month, Laguna Beach galleries stay open late for a free, self-guided art walk.
SeasonMulti-week
Juan Manuel Gomez: In the Deep and All Together! (exhibition)
An exhibition by Juan Manuel Gomez, En Lo Profundo / In the Deep and All Together!, on view at the Irvine Fine Arts Center.
SeasonMulti-week
Mini Melodies at MainPlace
A free monthly music session for young children, held the first Wednesday of each month.
Year-round favorites
Good any week of the year∞Any week
Balboa Fun Zone
A waterfront classic with a Ferris wheel, arcade, harbor cruises and dining.
∞Any week
Dana Point Harbor
Waterfront dining, shopping, whale watching, harbor cruises and ocean views.
∞Any week
Fashion Island
Open-air shopping and dining with ocean breezes and events through the year.
∞Any week
San Clemente Pier
Oceanfront dining, beach walks, fishing and Southern California sunsets.
∞Any week
Surf City Nights
Main Street closes for a weekly street fair with vendors, live music and food.
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