The holidays are here! Time for sharing the beauty of the season with your family. Lights, ribbons, tree, parades and even some snow are just a few of the festive holiday sights you will find in Orange County this season. We recommend checking event websites for more details and ticket or reservation information.
Annual Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade
Date/Time: December 18 – 22, 2013 6:30pm-9:00pm
Location: Newport Beach/Newport Bay, 400 Main Street, Newport Beach, CA 92661
Cost: FREE
Website: www.christmasboatparade.com
Phone: 949-673-1435
This annual Newport Beach tradition features a boat parade that lights up the harbour. More than 250 boats and many waterfront homes participate in the parade. This parade normally attracts nearly 1.5 million people. It is a free holiday festivity that is not to be missed!
A Christmas Carol
Date/Time: November 30, 2013 – December 27, 2013
Location: South Coast Repertory, 655 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, CA 92628
Cost: $56/ticket
Website: www.scr.org
Phone: (714) 708-5555
The South Coast Repertory presents the 34th annual production of this 19th century classic, A Christmas Carol. Recapture the spirit of an old-fashioned Christmas with this timeless Dickens classic and all your favorite characters!
St. Regis Resort Holiday Afternoon Tea
Date/Time: December 5 – December 21, 2013
Held each Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 12pm-3pm
Location: St. Regis Monarch Beach, One Monarch Beach Resort, Dana Point, CA 92629
Cost: $49 per person; $24 per child (5-12)
Website: www.stregismb.com
Phone: 1-800-722-1543
Enjoy a scrumptious holiday tea buffet with an international selection of teas along with many delicious sweets created by Frederic Moreau, our Award-winning Pastry Chef.
Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort Christmas Dining
Date/Time: Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, December 24-25, 2013
Location: 25135 Park Lantern, Dana Point, CA 92629
Cost: 4 Courses: Soup, Salad, Entrée & Dessert @ $75.00 (Children’s Menu Available)
Website: www.lagunacliffs.com/vue/index.asp
Phone: For reservations please call: 949-487-7516 or the Concierge at 949-487-7577
If you are looking for the perfect holiday meal on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, join us for a delicious food, decor, and a holiday menu. With complimentary valet parking, this will make for a special and elegant holiday celebration for your family. Very kid friendly as well with kids menus available for both the Christmas Eve and Christmas Day meals.
The Muckenthaler Cultural Center Holiday Festival
Date/Time: December 22, 2013 12-4pm
Location: The Muckenthaler Cultural Center, 1201 West Malvern Avenue, Fullerton, California 92833
Cost: FREE
Website: themuck.org
The Muckenthaler’s annual Holiday Festival features various activities, including home and gallery tours, performances, and an arts & crafts fair. The family-friendly event also provides free art workshops for kids, a children’s play area, as well as a special appearance by Santa Claus
The Nutcracker Ballet
Date/Time: December 8-24, 2013
Location: Golden West College Mainstage Theater, 15744 Golden West Street, Huntington Beach, CA
Cost: $18 General Admission, $14 for Seniors, Students and Children (under 12)
Website: www.gwctheater.com/nutcracker-ballet-december-8-24-2013/
Phone: 714-895-8150
For the 37th consecutive year, Ballet Repertory Theatre happily returns with its exuberant full-length Nutcracker. Nearly 300 performers in dazzling costumes gracefully bring to life beloved holiday music.
Cruise of Lights
Date: December 14, 15 and 19-23, 2013
Location: 16889 Algonquin Street, Huntington Beach, CA 92649
Cost: Adult $17; Children (2-12) $10; Children under 2 are free
Website: www.cruiseoflights.org
Phone: (714) 840-7542 (advance purchase recommended)
Take a narrated cruise through the waterways of Huntington Harbour to see the beautiful homes festively decorated. Organizers of the event recommend that you park in the Huntington Harbour Mall lot (corner of Algonquin and Saybrook) and get on the designated buses that travel a short distance to the boat launch area.
Ice Rink at the Spectrum
Date/Time: November 1st through February 17
Location: Irvine Spectrum, 71 Fortune Drive, Irvine, CA
Cost: Adults/Kids $14; Toddlers $13
Website: www.skatespectrum.com
Phone: 949-456-6937
Enjoy outdoor ice skating at the holiday ice rink at Irvine Spectrum. Located in Giant Wheel Court adjacent to Nordstrom and Macy’s.
“The Nutcracker” At the Barclay Theater
Date/Time: December 13-24, 2013
Location: 4242 Campus Drive, Irvine, CA 92612
Cost: Adults $40; Children $35
Phone: (949) 854-4646
Celebrate the season this magical performance of The Nutcracker at the Barclay Theater. This production is family friendly and utilizes the Festival Ballet Theatre’s company dancers.
The Maple Youth Ballet proudly presents The Nutcracker
Date: December 21-23, 2013
Location: Northwood Performing Arts Theatre, 1824 Kaiser Ave, Irvine, CA 92614
Cost: General Admission: $30
Website: mapleconservatory.com
Phone: 949-660-9930
Your entire family will enjoy this adaptation of the holiday inspired score based on one of the world’s most beloved ballets.
Laguna Playhouse presents: “A Christmas Memory”
Date: December 3 – 29, 2013
Location: Laguna Playhouse, 606 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, CA 92652
Cost: General Admission $32-$46/ticket
Website: www.lagunaplayhouse.com
Phone: (949) 497-ARTS (2787) Box Office
This family friendly holiday event, based on Truman Capote’s Depression-era short story, A Christmas Memory. You will enjoy a tender portrait of a rare friendship across the generations with a musical score that will bring love and light to your hearts for the holiday season.
Orange County Christmas Lights
Date: Thanksgiving night – New Years Eve from 5-9pm
Location: 25473 Nellie Gail Road, Laguna Hills, CA 92653
Cost: FREE
Website: www.orangecountychristmaslights.com
Prepare to be wowed by this free community event that features over 100,000 christmas lights and a home decorating show, festive music and warm apple cider!
Irvine Park Railroad – Annual Christmas Train to Meet Santa Claus
Date: November through December (Santa Claus arrives on November 29th!)
Location: Irvine Park Railroad, 1 Irvine Park Road, Orange, CA 92869
Cost: $10 to ride the Christmas Train (kids under 2 ride free). Prices for other activities vary
Website: www.irvineparkrailroad.com
Phone: (714) 997-3968
Take an enchanting night ride through historic Irvine Regional Park to meet and have your picture taken with Santa Claus. Other activities include story time with Mrs. Claus, Christmas cookie decorating, a Santa Claus moon bounce, Christmas coloring corner, carnival games, picture stands and more. Hot food and snacks are available for purchase.
Camino Real Playhouse presents: ‘Miracle on 34th Street’
Date: November 29 – December 22, 2013
Location: Camino Real Playhouse, 31776 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
Cost: $24-$34/ticket
Website: www.caminorealplayhouse.org
Phone: (949) 489-8082
A classic and enchanting Christmas story to warm your heart during the holiday season. If you doubt the existence of Santa Claus this play will make you a believer! A holiday treat for the entire family.
Discovery Science Center Presents: Science of Gingerbread
Date: November 29, 2013 – January 5, 2014
Location: Discovery Science Center, 2500 N. Main St., Santa Ana, CA 92705
Cost: Entry to museum: Adults $15.95/Children (3-14) $12.95
Website: www.discoverycube.org
Phone: 714-542-2823
The holiday season is back at Discovery Science Center for the 8th Annual Holiday Festival! Participate in hands-on kitchen science activities, see award-winning gingerbread creations, and enjoy a classic gingerbread derby. Holiday fun for the whole family!
Las Posadas
Date/Time: December 21, 2013 5-7 pm
Location: Bowers Museum, 2002 North Main Street, Santa Ana, CA
Cost: FREE
Website: www.bowers.org/index.php/events/calendar
Phone: (714) 567-3679
A Traditional Mexican Christmas Celebration re-enacting Mary and Joseph’s journey as they seek shelter in Bethlehem. Join us for traditional music, dance and food. Entertainment by the Guitar ensemble of OCCTAC (Orange County Children’s Therapeutic Arts Center) and Cantamerica. Enjoy traditional Mexican hot chocolate and pan dulce (sweet bread). Mexican dress is encouraged. Museum and Gallery Store will be closed.
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