(Please click on the photo above to view our short YouTube video)
f you live in or are planning a visit to Orange County and are looking for things to do there in December, then please check out this December Orange County Calendar of Events, courtesy of our colleagues at First American Title:
Sawdust Art Festival Winter Fantasy | Through Dec. 16 from 10am-7pm | 935 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach
Experience unique artwork by 180 artists, live holiday entertainment, great outdoor cafes, art classes and demonstrations, petting zoo and Santa! For more information: 949-494-3030 | www.sawdustartfestival.org
Santa’s Workshop | Nov. 28-Dec. 19 from 6-8pm | Civic Center Plaza
Along with Mrs. Claus and the elves, Santa will greet all visitors with a cheerful, Ho! Ho! Ho! and a peppermint candy cane. You are welcome to take pictures of your visit. Wed, Sat and Sun. For more information: www.cityofmissionviejo.org
Crystal Cove Tree Lighting & Holiday Bazaar | Dec. 1 from 10am-5:30pm | Crystal Cove State Park, Newport Beach
A holiday wonderland with vintage ornaments, twinkling lights, and a beautiful, majestic tree on the beach. Santa, carolers, hot chocolate, cider and home- baked goodies will be provided. For more information: www.crystalcove.org
Dana Point Winter Festival & Tree Lighting | Dec. 1 from 12-5:30pm | La Plaza Park
Santa Visits, carnival games, craft fair, face painting, crafts, Lego Santa’s Village Workshop, the Mini Express train ride, petting zoo, pony rides and the annual tree lighting at 5:15 pm. For more information: www.danapoint.org
Lake Forest Breakfast with Santa | Dec. 1 at 8:30am & 11:30am | City Hall
Holiday melodies, cookie decorating, and story-time with Santa to add to the wintertime magic. Registration is required. For more information: www.lakeforestca.gov
Winter in the Grove | Dec. 1 from 4-8pm | Village Green Park, Garden Grove
Enjoy free seasonal refreshments, children’s activities, a visit by Santa and Mrs. Claus, and an unforgettable tree lighting ceremony. Unlimited snow slide rides are $5. For more information: www.ggcity.org
City of SJC’s Annual Christmas Celebration | Dec. 1 from 4-9pm | Historic Town Center Park
Live Nativity, Kids Cookie Decorating & Temporary Holiday Tattoo, Free Photo with Santa, Free Kids Crafts, Christmas Train Ride, Christmas at the Mission and more! For more information: ww.sanjuancapistrano.org
Santa Paws | Dec. 1 from 10am-3pm | El Torito Courtyard
Bring down your pet and have their picture taken with Santa for a small fee. All proceeds go to support the Pet Project Foundation which supports the San Clemente-Dana Point Animal Shelter. For more information: www.petprojectfoundation.org
Fullerton Winter Market | Dec. 1 from 12-4pm | Downtown Fullerton Plaza
Beer & wine garden, pictures with Santa, artisan craft & design vendors, holiday performances and food. Bring a toy to donate! For more information: www.cityoffullerton.com
Santa’s Village by the Sea | Dec. 1 from 5-8pm | Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente
Tree Lighting with Santa arriving from a Firetruck. Christmas at the Casa: Holiday entertainment, crafts, cocoa & cookies. Puttin’ On The Glitz and Community Center Holiday Hoopla. For more information: www.villagesanclemente.org
Fountain Valley Tree Lighting Ceremony | Dec. 1 from 4:30-8pm | Recreation Center & Sports Park
Will feature guests from the North Pole as well as performances by various community groups, delicious food available for purchase from local nonprofit organizations, games, a spectacular fireworks show, and much more! For more information: www.fountainvalley.org
Los Alamitos Winter Wonderland | Dec. 1 from 4-7:30pm | St. Isadore Historical Plaza
Free snow play, musical entertainment, tree lighting, snow sledding, Santa’s Village and toy drive for local charities. For more information: https://cityoflosalamitos.org/recreation/events-facilities/events/winter-wonderland-at-the-plaza/
Yappy Howl-iday Celebration | Dec. 2 from 11am-2pm | The Ritz-Carlton, Dana Point
Haute hounds enjoy lapping up libations, thanks to water in his favorite flavor while human guests relax with a glass of wine or a cocktail. Proceeds support the Veterans Initiative of Canine Companions for Independence. For more information: http://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/california/laguna-niguel/hotel-overview/yappy-hour
Orange Tree Lighting Ceremony and Candlelight Choir Procession | Dec. 2 from 3:30-7pm | Old Towne Orange Plaza
An evening of holiday cheer and family fun as we sing traditional carols of the season with the Orange Community Master Chorale led by musical director Michael Short. For more information: www.cityoforange.org
Irvine Winter Wonderland | Dec. 2 from 3-7pm | Irvine Civic Center
Games, crafts, entertainment, food and a tree-lighting ceremony. Joyful Jingles program and a visit from Santa Claus. Guests are encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped gift suitable for infants or children up to age 12. For more information: www.cityofirvine.org
Winter Toy Drive | Dec. 2 from 11am-3pm | Historic Main St., Garden Grove
The toy drive will include a car show and food sampling. Toys will be donated to local organizations and nonprofits. For more information: www.ggcity.org
Light a Light of Love Holiday Parade | Dec. 2 from 3:30-7pm | Pier Plaza, Huntington Beach
Parade participants include youth groups, a band, several classic cars and Santa and Mrs. Santa Claus on a Huntington Beach Fire Engine. Entertainment at Pier Plaza, a Taste of Main Street, and a snowflake lighting ceremony at the pier. For more information: www.waymakersoc.org
Tree Lighting at Pines Park | Dec. 3 from 3-5pm | 34941 Camino Capistrano
Santa Visits, holiday characters, carnival games, Lil’ Dickens Carolers, dog costume parade, tree lighting, hot chocolate, cookies and dog treats. For more information: www.danapoint.org
Westminster Tree Lighting Ceremony | Dec. 3 at 6:30pm | Civic Center
We will light the tree, sing carols, restock the “food closets” for the needy, and of course...be visited by Santa Claus himself. For more information: www.westminster-ca.gov
Cypress Holiday Sing and Tree Lighting | Dec. 4 from 6-8pm | Civic Center/Library/Tennis Courts
School Performances, Letters to Santa & Veterans, Holiday Craft, Train Rides, Visits with Santa and Refreshments. For more information: www.cypressrec.org
Tamale Festival | Dec. 5 from 4-9:30pm | Santa Fe Street, Old Town Placentia
Additional festival activities include two stages of live entertainment (Darden Sisters, Groupo Fenix & Mariachi Divas), Christmas Palm Tree Lighting and visits with Santa. For more information: www.placentia.org
La Palma Holiday Tree Lighting | Dec. 5 from 5:30-8:30pm | Central Park Amphitheater
Enjoy the musical talents from our local schools and join in during the Community Carol Sing Along. For more information: www.cityoflapalma.org
Brea Tree Lighting Ceremony | Dec. 6 at 6:30pm | Civic & Cultural Center
Live music and entertainment. Watch the holiday tree light up! Pictures with Santa are available for a fee. Cookies and hot chocolate will be served. For more information: www.ci.brea.ca.us
Jingle Jam | Dec. 6 from 5-8pm | Eastgate Park, Garden Grove
Donated toys will go to Spark of Love; those who donate will receive a front of the line pass to see Santa Claus. For more information: www.ggcity.org
Stanton Christmas Tree Lighting | Dec. 6 from 6-7:30pm | Central Park
Enjoy live music, arts & crafts, story time with the Stanton Library, and the lighting of the Stanton Central Park Christmas tree. A visit from Santa! For more information: http://ci.stanton.ca.us
Seal Beach Christmas Parade | Dec. 7 from 7-9pm | Main Street
“The Magic of Christmas” Marching bands, dancing groups, youth groups, equestrians, classic cars, local businesses, floats, military displays and more. For more information: www.sealbeachlions.org
Tustin Christmas Tree Lighting | Dec. 7 from 6-8pm | Tustin Library Courtyard
Enjoy holiday carols, stage entertainment, and tree lighting. For more information: www.tustinca.org
Holly Jolly Lights Tour | Dec. 7-8 from 6pm & 8pm | Mission Viejo Civic Center Plaza
Your ticket includes an outdoor party with live entertainment, a holiday cookie and hot chocolate, a marshmallow for toasting and a warm fire. For more information: www.cityofmissionviejo.org
Nights of 1000 Lights | Dec. 7-8 from 6-9pm | Sherman Library & Gardens, Corona del Mar
Holiday celebration featuring a dazzling display of lights, live music, visits with Santa, hot chocolate and ‘smores! For more information: 949-673-2261 | www.slgardens.org
Dana Point Boat Parade of Lights | Dec. 7-8 & 14-15 from 7-9pm | Dana Point Harbor
“Western Wonderland” Boaters from all around Orange County decorate their boats and vie for the awards. Festivities begin at 4:30pm. For more information: For more information: www.danapointharbor.com
Candlelight Walk | Dec. 7-9 from 5:30-8:30pm | Heritage Hill Historical Park
Luminaria-lit paths and historic buildings and trees aglow with Christmas lighting. Victorian carolers, live entertainment, storytellers, visits with Santa, and refreshments. For more information: www.lakeforestca.gov
Yorba Linda Breakfast with Santa| Dec. 8 from 9-11:30am | Yorba Linda Community Center
Breakfast, crafts, live entertainment and chance to meet Santa! For more information: www.yorbalindaca.gov
Laguna Hills Breakfast with Santa | Dec. 8 from 9-11am | Community Center & Sports Complex
Join us for a special celebration complete with a scrumptious breakfast, photos with Santa and holiday crafts. For more information: www.ci.laguna-hills.ca.us
Westminster Breakfast with Santa | Dec. 8 from 9-10:30am | Community Services Building
After a visit with Santa, enjoy a morning of arts and crafts. For more information: 714-895-2860 | http://www.westminster-ca.gov
Home for the Holidays Pet Adoption Fair | Dec. 9 from 10am-2pm | Irvine Animal Care Center
More than 40 pet rescue groups and animal shelters will bring about 600 homeless dogs, cats, rabbits and small animals for adoption. Vendors, gourmet food trucks, a silent auction, low-cost microchipping on-site and an opportunity drawing. For more information: www.irvineanimals.org
Villa Park Dry Land Boat Parade | Dec. 9 from 5-9pm | Village Park Towne Center
An asphalt harbor tour where 50 + vessels travel through Villa Park. Activities at the VP Towne Center following parade. For more information: https://villapark.co
Balboa Island Holiday Home Tour | Dec. 9 from 11am-4pm | Balboa Island
Nine uniquely holiday decorated bayfront and island homes. Be sure to visit the shops on Marine and Agate Avenues for your holiday shopping and refreshments! For more information: www.balboaislandnb.org
Cruise of Lights | Dec. 14-17 & 20-23 from 5:30-8:30pm | Huntington Harbour Mall
Join us for our 45-minute narrated boat tour through the sparkling waterways of Huntington Harbour. See thousands of lights on boats, decks, docks and homes, plus incredible animation. Benefits the Philharmonic Society of Orange County’s nationally recognized Youth Programs. For more information: 714-840-7542 | www.cruiseoflights.org
OC Autism Breakfast with Santa | Dec. 15 from 10am-2pm | Atlantis Play Center, Garden Grove
A Family Resource Fair, continental breakfast, healthy snacks, refreshing beverages, and live entertainments in a safe and inviting atmosphere for children with Autism and other disabilities and their families and caregivers. For more information: www.ocautism.org
Christmas and Nativity Play | Dec. 16 from 5:30pm | Old World Village, Huntington Beach
Old World Village plays host to the International Celebration of Christmas, a celebration that brings together a diverse group of churches, singers & dancers for a celebration that highlights the true meaning of the season. For more information: www.oldworld.ws
Muckenthaler Holiday Festival | Dec. 16 from 12-4pm | 1201 W. Malvern Ave., Fullerton
Family-friendly activities, Live music, art workshops for children, Arts & crafts sale, appearance by Santa Claus. For more information: www.themuck.org
Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade | Dec. 19-23 from 6:30 to 10 pm Newport Beach Harbor
The parade starts at Collins Island at 6:30pm and will last approximately 3.5 hours. Over 250 ships participate in the parade along with hundreds of water front estates. For more information: 949-675-0551 | www.christmasboatparade.com