With the holiday season in full swing, Orange County is jam-packed with upcoming festivities. This time of year is filled with local events to enjoy with loved ones and with special opportunities to give back to those in need.
Newport Christmas Boat Parade
Visitors are invited to watch colorful holiday light displays at Newport Landing throughout December. Bayfront estates will glow with elaborate Christmas light displays as part of their “Ring Of Lights” competition accompanied by one of the largest decorated boat parades in the country. Viewed by over 1.5 million people each season, according to promoters, the Newport Boat Parade hosts hundreds of decorated ships of all sizes, which will compete for awards in over a half dozen categories.Newport Landing at 309 Palm St., Newport Beach. Dec. 2 to Dec 31. Free. For more information.
Tamale Festival
The 28th annual Tamale Festival in Placentia will feature live entertainment, food and tamale vendors, non-profit and business booths, a beer garden, pictures with Santa, a holiday tree lighting, and a kid’s gaming area.Old Town Placentia on the 100 and 200 blocks of Santa Fe Ave. and the 200 block of Bradford Ave. Thursday, Dec. 8 from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Free admission. For more information.
Costa Mesa Holiday Market
This family-friendly holiday market will be hosting over 100 local businesses featuring goods including home decor, clothing, pet goodies, holiday gifts, hand-crafted items, and more. The event also features free photos with Santa in front of a Christmas backdrop, tons of food and drinks, and DIY workshops for all ages.OC Fair and Event Center at The Hangar: 88 Fair Dr, Costa Mesa. Saturday Dec. 3 from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Free. Parking $10. For more information.
Breakfast With Santa
Santa will be arriving at the Laguna Hills Community Center for a morning full of Christmas cheer. Join in with the locals for a special celebration complete with a scrumptious breakfast provided by Polly’s Pies, photos with Santa, and holiday crafts. Pre-Registration is required.Laguna Hills Community Center at 25555 Alicia Pkwy, Laguna Hills. Saturday, Dec. 10 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. $10 for residents, $15 for non-residents. To register.
Irvine Christmas Tree Lighting
Kick off the season with the lighting of the city’s Christmas tree for an evening of holiday cheer. The event will include visits from Santa Claus, live holiday music, and a winter-themed train ride. Guests are encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped gift suitable for infants or children up to age 12, which will benefit families of Irvine’s adopted 2/11 Marine Battalion.Irvine Civic Center at 1 Civic Center Plaza, Irvine. Saturday, Dec. 3 from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Free. For more information.
Buena Park ‘Sugar Plum’ Arts and Crafts Festival
Get a head start on holiday shopping at this local fair, which specializes in handcrafted art and holiday crafts, including garden charms and accessories from 150 artists, confectioners, bakers, and more. This fair is ideal for those seeking more individualized or unique gifts this season.Buena Park Downtown at 8320 On The Mall, Buena Park. Located at the mall’s lower level. Thursday, Dec 1 to Sunday, Dec. 4, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Admission opening day $5, then free remaining days. For more information.
Irvine Toy Drive
Make the season brighter for Irvine’s adopted Marine Battalion families by donating a new, unwrapped gift suitable for infants or children ages 12 and younger. Volunteers will be on-site to collect donations, with participants urged to have toys ready in the trunk or back seat of their vehicle for quick collection.Irvine Civic Center Parking Lot 3 next to Deanna Manning Stadium at Colonel Bill Barber Marine Corps Memorial Park: 1 Civic Center Plaza, Irvine. Sunday, Dec. 4 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. For more information.
‘Harold In The Holidays’ Tree Lighting
Join the holiday fun at the Laguna Hills Community Center, where festivities will include a tree-lighting ceremony with holiday music performed by the South Orange County Holiday Brass and the Concordia Community Handbell Ensemble. Refreshments will be provided along with Christmas crafts for the kids. Guests are encouraged to bring toys to donate to Team Darkhorse, a nonprofit providing aid to children in local Marine families, along with canned goods for donation to local food pantries. Dress warm as the festivities will be held outside in the Community Center Plaza, but in the event of inclement weather, it will be moved inside.Laguna Hills Community Center at 25555 Alicia Pkwy, Laguna Hills. Thursday, Dec. 8 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Free. For more information.
Dana Point Christmas Boutique and Craft Fair
Enjoy food trucks and scenic ocean views while shopping from over 50 vendors at this outdoor holiday craft fair. Goods include custom crafts and jewelry, baked goods, clothing, and much more.South Shores Church at 32712 Crown Valley Pkwy, Dana Point. Saturday, Dec. 3 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Free. For more information.
Fountain Valley ‘Spark of Love' Toy Drive
The Fountain Valley Fire Department will be supporting the 30th annual Spark of Love Toy Drive to benefit local charities and non-profits providing toys to children who may otherwise not have gifts this holiday season. As such, community members are invited to drop off toys throughout December or donate through the city’s online toy registry “wish list.”Fountain Valley City Hall at 10200 Slater Ave., Fountain Valley, and numerous other locations. Now through Dec. 24. For more information.
Laguna Hills Parents Night Out
Parents, wouldn’t it be nice to have an evening out without the kids? Community services staff at the City of Laguna Hills have planned two nights in December to take care of your children for you while you enjoy some alone time. The event includes dinner, bounce houses, crafts, and movies to keep the kids entertained throughout the evening. Best of all ... it’s free! This program is offered to children ages 6 to 12.Laguna Hills Community Center at 25555 Alicia Pkwy, Laguna Hills. Saturday, Dec. 10 and Friday, Dec. 16 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Free. To register.
Evening With Santa
Santa is making another stop at the Laguna Hills Community Center and will be available for pictures inside his signature giant walkthrough holiday ornament. Entertainment includes “The Holiday Carolers,” who will perform Christmas music during Santa’s visit, with refreshments provided along with Christmas crafts available for the kids. Event sponsors will be collecting toys and canned food for local charities.Laguna Hills Community Center at 25555 Alicia Pkwy, Laguna Hills. Wednesday, Dec. 14, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Free. For more information.
Placentia Holiday Toy Drive
The City of Placentia will be collecting toys for local children at various locations throughout December to be distributed to families in need in Placentia and surrounding communities. For those interested in donating, drop off a new unwrapped toy for children ages 1 to 18.Placentia City Hall at 401 E. Chapman Ave. Placentia, and other locations. Dec. 1 to Dec. 15, Mondays through Thursdays, 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information.
Tustin Holiday Artisan Fair
Featuring artisans and their handcrafted jewelry, custom apparel, ceramics, glass, homemade treats, and more, this market specializes in holiday gifts and treats for the whole family. Those looking to support local businesses and vendors are encouraged to visit.Chemers Gallery at 17300 17th St, Suite G, Tustin. Saturday, Dec 3 from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Free. For more information.
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