7 Ways to Celebrate the Holidays in Orange County

7 Ways to Celebrate the Holidays in Orange County

The holidays are here with events all over SoCal. Orange County has so much to do all year long but the holiday season is one of the best times to visit Orange County. Thinking about visiting Orange County? Here are 7 ways to get into the holiday spirit in Orange County.

ICE SKATING AT THE IRVINE SPECTRUM

The Irvine Spectrum Center transforms the courtyard into a winter wonderland. Each year the ice rink is sponsored by the Anaheim Ducks. This year the Ice Rink opens November 3rd. Open 7 days a week. Score a “Jump The Line” ticket for $45.00 per person. Adults are $25 per person, children are $21 and the skate rentals are included! Take $2.00 off if you bring your own skates. Get a season pass with no blackout dates for $199 per person. Helmets, socks and lockers are available but based on availability. Visit Irvine Spectrum Center for more information. 

THE NEWPORT BEACH BOAT PARADE

December 13th through December 17th, the Newport Beach Boat parade is back. Decked out Yachts light up Newport Harbor. Lucky participants watch from along the parade route. Can’t make it for the parade? The holiday lights cruise is all month long December 1st through 31st.

HOLIDAY PERFORMANCES AT SEGERSTROM CENTER FOR THE ARTS

Coming to Segerstrom Center for the Arts this holiday season. The Nutcracker for Kids and the American Ballet Theatre The Nutcracker will be at Segerstrom Concert Hall with select dates in December. A silent night silent disco and Dr. Suess’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas will also be featured this December! A timeless masterwork that transcends three centuries of fads and fashions, Handel’s “Messiah” will be at the concert hall December 3rd. Fiesta Navidad takes the stage December 23rd. See the full line up of events at scfta.org

WINTERFEST OC

 Celebrate the magic of Winter at Winterfest OC. The Festival starts November 24th with select dates through January 7th at the OC Fair and Events Center. Play in the snow or go Ice tubing at Southern California’s Largest winter festival drawing crowds from all over SoCal. Immerse yourself in over a million lights at this enchanted festival for all.

SURFING SANTA COMPETITION

What’s more SoCal than surfing? Of course, Orange County’s got to have a Surfing Santa Competition. Santa’s compete in their jolliest gear at Salt Creek Beach in Dana Point. This one day event takes place November 18th and benefits the Surfers Healing Foundation. Come one, come all to this surf and costume contest sponsored by The Ritz Carlton Laguna Niguel, Surfline, Monarch Beach Golf Links, Hobie Surf Shop, Trevor’s at the Tracks, South Coast Plaza and More.

SAWDUST WINTER FANTASY FESTIVAL

Friday November 17th the Sawdust Winter Fantasy Festival opens for select dates through December 17th. Experience the art, creativity and beauty of the season at this one of a kind art festival. Enjoy three stages of live music, thousands of lights and decorations, hand crafted art and gifts from more than 160 SoCal artists

DANA POINT HOLIDAYS AT THE HARBOR

Light up the night with Holidays at the Harbor in Dana Point. Starting November 16, Dana Point Harbor is decked with more than 700,000 LED lights with photo ops all along the pier. Grab a kiss under the “Merry Kiss Me” arch or take a pic next to the giant light whale. The beach all lit up at night is a site for all to see this holiday season.

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