Starting at the end of November and leading up through December, participate in a tree-lighting and other events that make the holidays sparkle. A celebratory time for the community, watch as Orange County prepares for a dazzling Christmas.
NOV. 21
38TH ANNUAL SOUTH COAST PLAZA TREE LIGHTING
The Segerstrom family continues its annual tradition of illuminating the more than 90-foot white fir tree. The fir is decorated with more than 94,000 colorful LED and strobe lights, giving it picturesque brilliance. Complimentary seasonal drinks and sweet treats will be available along with holiday entertainment, including a live band and carolers. Santa will take part in the evening’s festivities as well. Town Center Park, 686 Anton Blvd., Costa Mesa, 800-782-8888, southcoastplaza.com
NOV. 22 AND 23
FASHION ISLAND TREE LIGHTING
Start the holiday season at 6 p.m. both nights with a 25-minute performance by The Young Americans, a visit from Santa, a magical snowfall, and, of course, the highly anticipated lighting of the 90-foot fir tree. Be sure to visit Santa and take a photo to capture the moment. You’ll find Santa in his custom-designed house on the Atrium Lawn from Nov. 22 through Dec. 24. Neiman Marcus/Bloomingdale’s Courtyard, 401 Newport Center Drive,
Newport Beach, 949-721-2000, fashionisland.com
NOV. 24
HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE AND TREE LIGHTING
The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Nigel kicks off the most wonderful time of the year with the annual holiday open house and tree lighting. Festivities include holiday music performed by The Jeeps and a special appearance from Santa Claus. Holiday cookies and hot chocolate are complimentary with additional beverages available for purchase. Guests are encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped toy for donation to Miracles for Kids or canned goods and nonperishable food items to benefit the Orange County Rescue Mission. Ritz Carlton Laguna Nigel, 1 Ritz-Carlton Drive, Dana Point, 949-240-2000, ritzcarlton.com
NOV. 29
COOL YULE CHRISTMAS TREE-LIGHTING CEREMONY
Join holiday carolers and a singing Santa Claus as they light a 30-foot tree overlooking Pacific Coast Highway for the Second Annual “Cool Yule” Tree Lighting Celebration at Paséa Hotel & Spa. Visitors will be welcomed with complimentary hot cocoa and cookies and are invited to stay for a day of artisan vendors, giveaways, and crafts overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Free to the public. Pasea Hotel and Spa, 21080 Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach, 855-636-6371, hotelpasea.com
NOV. 29 THROUGH DEC. 24
IRVINE SPECTRUM NIGHTLY TREE LIGHTING
Beginning at the end of November until Christmas Eve, the beautiful 75-foot tree at the Irvine Spectrum Center will come to life. Located near the Giant Wheel Court, watch as the tree lights up with a choreographed show every 30 minutes. Irvine Spectrum Center, Irvine Center Drive, Irvine, 949-790-4871, www.irvinespectrumcenter.com
NOV. 30
29TH ANNUAL LIGHTING OF THE BAY
Kick off the holiday season at Newport Dunes’ 29th Annual Lighting of the Bay celebration as Santa picks a lucky kid to help him flip the switch to illuminate the bay with more than 50 electric Christmas trees and holiday decorations. During this free event, families will enjoy live chorale performances by local school choirs, cookie decorating, holiday crafts, train rides, an outdoor holiday movie and a live performance by local favorites, The Tijuana Dogs. Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort, 1131 Back Bay Drive, Newport Beach, 949-999-3100, newportdunes.com
DEC. 1
CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING
Kick off the holiday season with Balboa Bay Resort’s annual tree-lighting ceremony. Enjoy a performance from Orange County School of the Arts’ MONTAGE!, a high-energy performance featuring Santa Claus, Frosty the Snowman, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, and friends. Complimentary treats and beverages complete the festivities. Balboa Bay Resort, 1221 W. Coast Highway, Newport Beach, 949-645-5000, www.balboabayresort.com
DEC. 5
NIGHTS OF 1,000 LIGHTS
The sixth annual Nights of 1,000 Lights will be 12 nights of holiday cheer! Enjoy a “Blue Christmas” with Elvis Presley, take a stroll in the glistening light tunnel, and boogie through the disco inFERNo. Enter a world of sugary sweets in Gingerbread Land, experience the magic of a Scandinavian Christmas, make a traditional Julehjerter, be on the lookout for a family of trolls, follow the gnomes to visit Santa in his workshop, and warm yourself with hot chocolate and s’mores around the bonfire. All guests will enjoy complimentary coffee, hot chocolate, and a make your own s’mores station. Sherman Library and Gardens, 2647 East Coast Highway, Corona del Mar, slgardens.org
DEC. 5
ANNUAL TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY IN BREA
Light up the holiday at Brea’s annual tree-lighting celebration. Live music and entertainment will put everyone in the holiday spirit. Watch the holiday tree light up the evening and meet Santa Claus. Cookies and hot chocolate will be served to top it all off. Brea Civic and Cultural Center, 1 Civic Center Circle, Brea, 714-990-7771
DEC. 6-7 AND 13-14
TIKI HOLIDAY: 45TH ANNUAL BOAT PARADE OF LIGHTS
Families are invited to enjoy festive tiki-themed activities and live entertainment, restaurant offerings, visits with Santa Claus, and the famous parade of local boats adorned with dazzling holiday lights. Each evening of the event, Dana Point Harbor will present a lineup of tiki-themed entertainment, including hula dancers, face painters, seasonal carolers, a Volkswagen bus photo booth, and a photo opportunity with Santa himself. Dana Point Harbor, Dana Point, danapointharbor.com
DEC. 7
DECK THE COVE
Shop the holiday bazaar, sip hot chocolate, and meet Santa during the Deck the Cove event at Crystal Cove historic district. In the weeks leading up to the tree lighting, guests are welcome to bring their own ornament to The Park Store, write your name on it, and have it be included in the tradition. No. 5 Crystal Cove, Newport Coast, 949-376-6200, crystalcove.org
DEC. 7
CAPISTRANO LIGHTS OPENING NIGHT
Mission San Juan Capistrano will kick off its 30-day Capistrano Lights nightly Christmas tree lighting with a special night. During opening night, guests can enjoy the beautifully decorated historic grounds, which also includes 10 community Christmas trees decorated by community groups and a 10-foot-tall LED Christmas wreath. Visit and take “selfies with Santa,” meet Mrs. Claus, decorate holiday cookies, and enjoy holiday musical performances. Mission San Juan Capistrano, 26801 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano, 949-234-1315, missionsjc.com
DEC. 8
25TH ANNUAL ORANGE TREE-LIGHTING CEREMONY
Join an evening of holiday cheer and family fun, and sing traditional carols of the season with the Orange Community Master Chorale led by musical director Michael Short. Old Towne Orange Plaza, 1 Plaza Square, Orange, 714-744-5599, cityoforange.org
DEC. 15
TREE-LIGHTING CEREMONY AT MONARCH BEACH RESORT
Gather for a magical tree-lighting on the resort lawn, capturing the glowing holiday spirit. Elsa, Anna, and Santa Claus will make a fun appearance! All proceeds benefit the Capistrano Unified School District. Monarch Beach Resort, 1 Monarch Beach Resort, Dana Point, 949-234-3900, monarchbeachresort.com
DEC. 18-22
111TH NEWPORT BEACH CHRISTMAS BOAT PARADE
Boasting some of the best views for the 111th Christmas Boat Parade, Balboa Bay Resort will offer its guests special packages for the boat parade and will also host viewing parties each night on its lawn with warming cocktails and mocktails from its waterfront restaurant, A&O Kitchen+ Bar. 1221 W. Coast Highway, Newport Beach, 949-729-4400, christmasboatparade.com
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