(Please click on the image above to view our short YouTube video)
Live in or planning a visit to Orange County in December? Looking for things to see and do there? Then please check out our December Orange County Calendar of Events, courtesy of our colleagues, Peggy Sue, Catherine and Kathleen, at First American Title:
Newport Landing Boat Parade & Holiday of Lights Cruises | Nov. 30-Jan. 1 | Newport Landing Whale Watching
Newport Bay is richly illuminated with millions of lights and hundreds of themed estates. The parade takes place over 5 nights from the third Wednesday to the third Sunday in December. For more information: www.christmasparadeboats.com
Sawdust Winter Fantasy | Through Dec. 22 from 10am-7pm | 935 Laguna Canyon Rd.
This unique fair offers shoppers the opportunity to purchase unique artisan crafts from various local artists. Live entertainment, hands-on art projects and picture-perfect moments. For more information: www.sawdustartfestival.org
La Habra Tamale Festival | Dec. 1 from 9am-6pm | Euclid Street
Tamale contest, dance performances by local studios, and musical performances by Soto, with its top 40, cumbias and salsa tunes, and the Mariachi Divas. There will be many vendors selling a variety of items, as well as many tamale vendors. For more information: www.lahabratamalefestival.com
Cars & (Santa) Claus | Dec. 2 from 10am-2pm | The Marconi Automotive Museum, Tustin
Get a family photo with jolly St. Nick and our red Ferrari, or simply tour the museum with a cup of hot cocoa and brownie. For more information: 714-258-300 | www.marconimuseum.org
Westminster Tree Lighting Ceremony | Dec. 2 from 6:30pm | Civic Center Sunken Garden
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 & Tree Lighting | Dec. 3 from 6-10pm | Civic Center Green
School performances, letters to Santa and veterans, holiday activities, train rides, visits with Santa and refreshments. For more information: www.cypressca.org
La Palma Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony | Dec. 4 at 4pm | Central Park Amphitheater
Enjoy the musical talents from our local schools and join in during the Community Carol Sing Along. Take a picture with Santa and his elves. Crafts, an opportunity to write a letter to Santa, and of course, the young and young-at-heart won’t want to miss an early visit from Santa Claus! For more information: www.cityoflapalma.org
West Grove Jingle Jam | Dec. 5 from 5-8pm | Eastgate Park, Garden Grove
Performances, vendors, train rides, Santa and more! Bring a toy donation for Spark of Love for a front line pass to see Santa. For more information: www.ggcity.org
Brea Tree Lighting Ceremony | Dec. 5 at 6:30pm | Brea Civic & Cultural Center
Live music and entertainment. Watch the holiday tree light up the evening and see children’s eyes sparkle when Mr. and Mrs. Claus drop in for a visit. Pictures with Santa are available for a fee. Cookies and hot chocolate will be served. For more information: www.ci.brea.ca.us
Stanton Christmas Tree Lighting | Dec. 5 from 6-8pm | Stanton City Hall/Civic Center
“Celebrate Holidays Around the World” Live music, arts & crafts, storytime with Stanton Library, and the lighting of the Stanton Christmas tree. For more information: www.ci.stanton.ca.us
Seal Beach Christmas Parade | Dec. 6 from 7-8:45pm | Main Street from Ocean Ave to PCH
Our theme this year is “Christmas Movies” and with more than 100 entries and 3,200 participants, Main Street will be alive with the sights and sounds of Christmas. For more information: www.sealbeachlions.org
Tustin Christmas Tree Lighting | Dec. 6 at 6pm | Tustin Library Courtyard
Tustin Family and Youth Center Kids Corner Preschool, Tustin Dance Center, HBP Dance Extreme, Academy of Dance, CT Middle School Choir and Compass Bible Church. Letters to Santa, Craft Area, Booths, Pictures w/Santa and Tree Lighting. For more information: www.tustinca.org
Dana Point Boat Parade of Light | Dec. 6-7 & 13-14 at 4:30pm. Parade begins at 7:30pm | Dana Point Harbor
Enjoy this holiday extravaganza throughout the harbor each night of the Boat Parade that features carolers, superheroes, games, crafts, and free photos with Santa, and culminates with the Boat Parade. For more information: www.danapointharbor.com
Nights of 1000 Lights | Dec. 6-8, 12-15 & 19-22 | Sherman Library & Gardens, Corona del Mar
Guests will enjoy a ‘Blue Christmas’ with Elvis. Complimentary coffee, hot chocolate, and a make your own ‘smores station. There will also holiday photo booth and fun arts and crafts activities. Additionally, there will be a no-host wine and beer bar, food available for purchase and holiday shopping in the Garden Shop. For more information: 949-673-2261 | www.slgardens.org
Anaheim Nutcracker Tree Lighting & Holiday Village | Dec. 7 from 10am-7pm | Downtown Anaheim
Holiday craft activities, a real snow play area, a children’s train ride, free photos with Santa and holiday musical performances by local schools and community groups throughout the day. For more information: www.downtownanaheim.com
Los Alamitos Winter Wonderland | Dec. 7 from 4-7:30pm | St. Isidore Historical Plaza
Play in the snow, activities, Santa’s Village, a tree lighting ceremony, refreshments, and entertainment. For more information: www.cityoflosalamitos.org
Crystal Cove Tree Lighting & Holiday Bazaar | Dec. 7 from 10am-5:30pm | Crystal Cove, Newport Coast
Crystal Cove is transformed into a holiday wonderland with vintage ornaments, twinkling lights, and a beautiful, majestic tree on the beach. The tree lighting ceremony begins at dusk. For more information: www.crystalcove.org
Winter in the Grove | Dec. 7 from 3-7pm | Village Green Park, Garden Grove
Holiday refreshments and kids’ activities. $5 unlimited snow slides. Tree lighting. Visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Donate and unwrapped $10 toy and receive two snow slide wrist bands. For more information: www.ggcity.org
Fullerton Winter Market | Dec. 7 from 12-4pm | Downtown Fullerton Plaza
Come enjoy the entertainment, take free pictures with Santa, grab a bite to eat, do some holiday shopping and visit the beer and wine garden. “Spark of Love” toy drive with Fullerton Firefighters will also be there for those who wish to donate. For more information: www.cityoffullerton.com
Fountain Valley Tree Lighting Ceremony | Dec. 7 from 4:30-8pm | Recreation Center and Sports Park
Features 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: 714-839-8611 | www.fountainvalley.org
Candy Cane Land & Craft Faire | Dec. 7 from 10am-4pm | Ehlers Event Center, Buena Park
This year’s event will once again feature snow slides, live entertainment, a petting zoo, and over 100 artisan craft booths. For more information: www.buenapark.com
Dana Point Winter Festival & Tree Lighting | Dec. 7 from 12-5:30pm | La Plaza Park
Features Santa, entertainment, an artisan craft fair, carnival games, rides, crafts for kids, cookie decorating and more! The Tree Lighting takes place at 5:15pm with free hot chocolate and cookies. For more information: www.danapoint.org
Santa’s Village by the Sea | Dec. 7 - See website for schedule of events | San Clemente
Children’s activities, tree lightings, Santa, shopping and more! Features Holiday Hoopla at the Community Center, Christmas at the Casa, and Puttin’ on the Glitz. City Tree Lighting event with the Mayor will be held at 5:15pm. For more information: www.san-clemente.org
SJC Tree Lighting Ceremony | Dec. 7 from 4:15-9pm | Historic Town Center Park, San Juan Capistrano
Includes dance, orchestra, mariachi and musical theater performances. Holiday activities throughout downtown following the event. Downtown shops will host “Open House” with special sales and complimentary refreshments. For more information: www.sanjuancapistrano.org
Irvine Holiday Tree Lighting | Dec. 7 from 4-6pm | Irvine Civic Center
Celebrate the season as “snow” falls and the community gathers for the holiday tree lighting ceremony. The free event will include visits with Santa Claus, live holiday music, games, crafts, and winter-themed train route. For more information: www.cityofirvine.org
Capistrano Lights | Dec. 7-Jan. 6 from 5:30-6pm | Mission San Juan Capistrano
Experience the Mission at Night featuring a nightly tree lighting and music program. For more information: www.missionsjc.com
Corona del Mar Christmas Walk | Dec. 8 from 11am-4pm | Village of Corona del Mar
High School bands, Fireman’s BBQ, live entertainment, restaurant tastings, beer & wine garden, bouncy houses, Santa Visits and a grand opportunity drawing. For more information: www.cdmchamber.com
Orange Tree Lighting Ceremony & Candlelight Choir Processional | Dec. 8 at 3:30pm / Old Towne Orange Plaza
Join us for 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. The Main Musical Program and Tree Lighting Ceremony begins at 5:15pm. For more information: www.cityoforange.org
Home for the Holidays Pet Adoption Fair | Dec. 8 from 10am-2pm | Irvine Animal Care Center
Features dozens of pet-related vendors, gourmet food trucks, a silent auction, low-cost microchipping, and an opportunity drawing. For more information: www.cityofirvine.org
Laguna Niguel Holiday Parade | Dec. 14 at 10am | Crown Valley Parkway
‘Jingle All the Way’ The parade will include beautiful equestrian units, patriotic and inspirational military tributes, world-class athletes, spirit-filled youth groups, classic auto clubs, talented marching bands, and some of the biggest attractions in the nation! For more information: www.lagunaniguelparade.com
Yorba Linda Breakfast with Santa | Dec. 14 from 9-11:30pm | Yorba Linda Community Center
Join Santa for breakfast, crafts, entertainment and photos! Parent participation is required and all participants must be registered. For more information: www.yorbalindaca.gov
Live Nativity & International Celebration | Dec. 15 from 6-8pm | Old World Village, Huntington Beach
Brings together a diverse group of churches, singers, dancers for a celebration that highlights the true meaning of the holiday season. For more information: www.oldworld.ws
The Great Dry Land Yacht Parade | Dec. 15 at 4pm | Villa Park High School & ends at Towne Centre
Procession of wheeled vessels sets sail for the VP Towne Centre celebration. Great food, and fun and/or funky vendors, plus musical entertainment await everyone in the Centre, as do special trophies for many unique crafts. For more information: www.villapark.org
Huntington Beach Cruise of Lights | Dec. 17-23
Take a narrated cruise through the waterways of Huntington Harbour to see the holiday lighted homes and decorations in this annual event. For more information: 714-840-7542 | www.cruiseoflights.org
Winter Fest OC Dec. 19-Jan. 5 | OC Fair & Event Center, Costa Mesa
Ice tubing down an 8 lane, 150 foot mountain, massive snow play and slide area, ice skating on SoCal’s largest outdoor ice rink, nightly Christmas tree lighting celebration with a parade of the Winter Fest OC characters. For more information: www.winterfestoc.com
The Muckenthaler Cultural Center Holiday Festival | Dec. 22 from 12-4pm | 1201 West Malvern Avenue, Fullerton
Live stage performances and an arts and crafts fair. Plus, delicious food vendors and exclusive craft beer selections! For more information: www.themuck.org