Looking for the best Christmas tree lightings and holiday events in Orange County this year?

From festive street fairs to waterfront parades, our 2025 Orange County Holiday Guide has everything you need to plan your most magical season yet. Whether you're into cozy neighborhood gatherings, big tree lighting shows, or free family activities under the stars, we've gathered all the best public events (city by city) across OC.

Use this guide to find tree lightings, boat parades, winter festivals, and more from November through December 2025.

🎄 2025 Orange County Christmas Tree Lightings & Holiday Celebrations

Aliso Viejo

• All Is Bright Holiday Celebration Tree Lighting (Dec 4) – Celebrate with Santa, live performances, holiday crafts, and the lighting of a 22-ft tree. 5:00 PM–8:00 PM | Aliso Viejo Town Center Amphitheater, 26731 Aliso Creek Rd, Aliso Viejo | Event Info

Anaheim

• Anaheim White House 37th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Dinner (Nov 23) – Elegant multi-course holiday dinner featuring lobster bisque, filet mignon, and raspberry mascarpone dessert. Includes Christmas tree lighting and optional Champagne/wine packages. Ticketed Event - Reservations required. 5:00 PM seating | Anaheim White House, 887 S. Anaheim Blvd, Anaheim | Event Info

• Nutcracker Christmas Tree Lighting Festival (Dec 7) – Now in its 31st year, this beloved city tradition transforms downtown into a winter wonderland with a holiday vendor village, live entertainment, snow play area, Santa & Mrs. Claus, and the official tree lighting ceremony. 12:00 PM–7:00 PM | Center Street Promenade, Anaheim | Event Info

Brea

• Christmas Tree Lighting (Dec 4) – Tree lighting ceremony with cookies, carolers, and Santa photos. 6:30 PM–9:00 PM | Civic & Cultural Center, 1 Civic Center Circle, Brea | Event Info

Buena Park

• Knott’s Merry Farm (Nov 21–Jan 5) – A full holiday transformation of Knott’s Berry Farm featuring nightly snowfall in Ghost Town, a Christmas Crafts Village, seasonal shows, festive food, and holiday lights throughout the park. Admission ticket required. Hours vary | Knott’s Berry Farm, 8039 Beach Blvd, Buena Park | Event Info

• Tree Lighting Ceremony (Dec 5) – Entertainment, Santa, food vendors, and a community tree lighting at City Hall. 6:00 PM | 6650 Beach Blvd, Buena Park | Event Info

Costa Mesa

• South Coast Plaza Tree Lighting Ceremony (Nov 20) – A festive outdoor performance followed by the lighting of a spectacular holiday tree. 7:00 PM | Town Center Park, 651 Town Center Dr, Costa Mesa | Event Info

• Winter Fest OC Tree Lighting (Nov 28–Jan 4) – Holiday tree lighting show as part of the Winter Fest OC experience, featuring live entertainment, light displays, and “snowfall.” Admission ticket required. Hours vary | OC Fair & Event Center, 88 Fair Dr, Costa Mesa | Event Info

Cypress

• Holiday Sing & Tree Lighting (Dec 2) – Live music, Santa & Mrs. Claus, train rides, and tree lighting. 6:00 PM | Civic Center Green, 5275 Orange Ave, Cypress | Event Info

Dana Point

• Dana Point Harbor “Merry Kiss Me” Lights (Now–Jan 4) – Holiday lights are back—self-guided, free, and photogenic as ever. Nightly. | Dana Point Harbor | Event Info

• Holiday Tree Lighting, Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel (Nov 23) – Oceanfront tree lighting with festive entertainment, seasonal treats, and Santa photos on the Dana Lawn. Ticket required. 4 PM–7 PM | The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel (Dana Lawn) | Event Info

• La Plaza Park Tree Lighting (Dec 6) – Carolers, hot cocoa, and treats as Santa arrives on the Jolly Trolley. Tree lighting at 5:15 PM. 4:30 PM–5:30 PM | La Plaza Park, 34111 La Plaza St, Dana Point | Event Info

• Pines Park Tree Lighting (Dec 8) – Sunset tree lighting with festive music and Santa on the trolley. 4:30 PM–5:30 PM | Pines Park, 34941 Camino Capistrano, Capo Beach | Event Info

• Boat Parade of Lights (Dec 12–14) – Decorated boats cruise the harbor with dazzling light displays and themed performances on the water. Viewing areas throughout the harbor. Starts at 6:30 PM nightly | Dana Point Harbor | Event Info

Fountain Valley

• Tree Lighting Celebration (Dec 6) – Snow play, crafts, music, and a fireworks finale in some years. 4:30 PM–8:00 PM | Sports Park, 16400 Brookhurst St, Fountain Valley | Event Info

Fullerton

• Annual Tree Lighting (Dec 5) – Family-friendly tree lighting with live entertainment, car shows, craft vendors, and food trucks. 5:00 PM–9:00 PM | City Hall, 303 W. Commonwealth Ave, Fullerton | Event Info

Garden Grove

• Winter in the Grove & Tree Lighting (Dec 6) – Crafters boutique, snow slides, food, Santa, and tree lighting at Village Green Park. 3:00 PM–7:00 PM | 12732 Main St, Garden Grove | Event Info

Huntington Beach

• Old World Christmas Market, Huntington Beach (Nov 16–Dec 28) – German-village vibes with festive goodies, crafts, and holiday gifts in a cozy, old-world setting. Mon–Tue 10 AM–6 PM, Wed–Thu 9 AM–8 PM, Fri–Sat 9 AM–9 PM, Sun 9 AM–8 PM | Old World Village, Huntington Beach | Event Info

• Magic on Main Street Tree Lighting (Nov 25) – Tree lighting at Pier Plaza with live performances, cocoa, and Santa. 5:00 PM–8:00 PM | Main St & Pacific Coast Hwy, Huntington Beach | Event Info

• Old World St. Nikolaus Tree Lighting (Dec 6) – Tree lighting and Christmas market with German holiday traditions. 7:00 PM–8:00 PM | Old World Village, 7561 Center Ave, Huntington Beach | Event Info

• Light a Light of Love Pier Lighting (Dec 7) – Parade down Main Street followed by lighting of the pier with holiday lights. 3:30 PM–6:00 PM | Huntington Beach Pier Plaza | Event Info

• Huntington Harbour Boat Parade (Dec 13 & 14) – Annual holiday boat parade through the Huntington Harbour featuring festively lit boats and music. Spectator viewing along the harbor. 4:30 PM | Huntington Harbour, various viewing points | Event Info

Irvine

• Tanaka Farms Hikari Lights (Nightly, Nov 28–Dec 28) – Wagon ride or walk-through light festival with thousands of lanterns and a Sanrio holiday theme. Hours vary | Tanaka Farms, 5380 University Dr, Irvine | Event Info

• Santa’s Village at Irvine Park Railroad (Nov 28–Dec 30) – Free-to-enter holiday village with festive activities like ice fishing, ornament making, cookie decorating, games, photo ops, and thousands of sparkling lights. Activity tickets sold on-site. Open daily (closed Dec 24 & 25). Weekdays 4:00 PM–9:00 PM; Weekends & Dec 15–30: 10:00 AM–9:00 PM | Irvine Regional Park, 1 Irvine Park Rd, Orange | Event Info

• Irvine Spectrum Nightly Tree Lighting (Nightly, Nov 28–Jan 4) – A 75-foot tree comes to life with a choreographed light show every 30 minutes from 5 PM to 11 PM nightly. 5:00 PM–11:00 PM | Giant Wheel Court, Irvine Spectrum Center, 670 Spectrum Center Dr, Irvine | Event Info

• Illuminate Irvine (Dec 6) – Great Park transforms into a holiday wonderland with crafts, music, and the lighting of a massive tree. 3:00 PM–8:00 PM | Great Park Palm Court, 8000 Great Park Blvd, Irvine | Event Info

• Skating Under the Stars, Irvine Spectrum (Now–Jan 4) – Outdoor ice skating under the Giant Wheel with timed sessions, rentals, and themed Thursday nights through the holidays. Multiple afternoon & evening sessions; closed Thanksgiving & Christmas, special hours Christmas Eve & New Year’s | Giant Wheel Court, Irvine Spectrum Center, Irvine | Event Info

• Dream Glow Festival (Now–Dec 31) – Wild Rivers transforms into a glowing holiday walk-through with millions of lights, tunnels, sculptures, music, and seasonal treats. 4:30 PM–10 PM | Wild Rivers Waterpark, Irvine | Event Info

La Habra

• Tamale Festival & Tree Lighting (Dec 6) – All-day street fair with food, music, and a community tree lighting at 5:30 PM. 10:00 AM–10:00 PM | Portola Park, 301 S. Euclid St, La Habra | Event Info

La Palma

• Holiday Tree Lighting (Dec 3) – Crafts, school choirs, Santa & Mrs. Claus, and tree lighting at 5:30 PM. 4:30 PM–7:00 PM | Community Center, 7821 Walker St, La Palma | Event Info

Ladera Ranch

• Winter Fest & Tree Lighting (Dec 6) – Bounce houses, craft fair, games, and Santa & Mrs. Claus lead into the lighting of the Town Green tree. 2:00 PM–5:00 PM | Town Green, 28801 Sienna Pkwy, Ladera Ranch | Event Info

Laguna Beach

• Sawdust Winter Fantasy (Weekends, Nov 21–Dec 21) – Holiday-themed art festival with handcrafted gifts, festive lights, Santa photos, falling snow, and live music. Admission required. 11:00 AM–7:00 PM | Sawdust Art Festival Grounds, 935 Laguna Canyon Rd, Laguna Beach | Event Info

• Hospitality Night & Tree Lighting (Dec 5) – Santa arrives downtown to light the tree at City Hall. Streets close for a holiday street party with carolers, kids’ crafts, and extended shop hours. Tree lighting at 6:10 PM. 5:00 PM–9:00 PM | Peppertree Lot, Forest Ave, Laguna Beach | Event Info

Laguna Hills

• Christmas Tree Lighting (Dec 5) – Music, hot cocoa, and a community tree lighting at the Laguna Hills Community Center. 6:00 PM–8:00 PM | 25555 Alicia Pkwy, Laguna Hills | Event Info

• Holiday Movie Days (Dec 10 & Dec 15) – Free holiday movie screenings at the Laguna Hills Community Center. Enjoy Elf on Wednesday, Dec 10 at 6:30 PM and Miracle on 34th Street on Monday, Dec 15 at 12:00 PM in the Heritage Room. Bring the family and festive cheer — movies are on the house! | Laguna Hills Community Center, 25555 Alicia Pkwy, Laguna Hills | Event Info

Laguna Niguel

• Christmas Tree Lighting (Dec 6) – Family-friendly event featuring cookie decorating, crafts, live entertainment, visits with Santa, and the official lighting of the city’s holiday tree. 5:00 PM–8:00 PM | Laguna Niguel City Hall, 30111 Crown Valley Pkwy, Laguna Niguel | Event Info

• Holiday Parade (Dec 13) – Annual city parade with marching bands, floats, exotic cars, and community groups celebrating the season. 10:00 AM–12:00 PM | Crown Valley Parkway, Laguna Niguel | Event Info

Lake Forest

• Heritage Hill Candlelight Walk & Holiday Lights (Dec 5–7) – Stroll through historic buildings beautifully lit for the holidays, with carolers, Santa visits, crafts, and seasonal treats. 5:00 PM–9:00 PM | Heritage Hill Historical Park, 25151 Serrano Rd, Lake Forest | Event Info 

• Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony (Dec 13) – Celebrate the season with the City of Lake Forest at this community tree lighting event with festive activities and holiday cheer. 3:00 PM–6:00 PM | 100 Civic Center Dr, Lake Forest | Event Info

Los Alamitos

• Winter Wonderland & Tree Lighting (Dec 6) – Snow play, ice skating, Santa’s Village, crafts, and community tree lighting. 4:00 PM–7:30 PM | St. Isidore Plaza, 10961 Pine St, Los Alamitos | Event Info

Mission Viejo

• Santa’s Arrival & Tree Lighting (Nov 30) – Santa rides in on a fire truck to light the 30-ft tree. Includes petting zoo, kids’ crafts, and games. 3:00 PM–6:00 PM | Civic Center Plaza, 200 Civic Center Dr, Mission Viejo | Event Info

• Kaleidoscope Tree Lighting (Dec 5) – Cookie decorating, hot cocoa, petting zoo, snow globe performance, and tree lighting in the mall courtyard. 6:00 PM–9:00 PM | Kaleidoscope Center, 27741 Crown Valley Pkwy | Event Info

• Santa’s Workshop (Dec 3–21, Select Days) – Stop by for free photos with Santa & Mrs. Claus at this festive drop-in experience! Enjoy enhanced lighting for great photos, plus hot cocoa and desserts from the Dezzertaholic food truck. Open Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays from Dec 3–21, 6:00 PM–8:00 PM | 200 Civic Center, Mission Viejo | Event Info

Newport Beach

• VEA Annual Tree Lighting (Nov 20) – Family-friendly tree lighting with hot cocoa, treats, live entertainment, Santa sightings, and complimentary valet parking. Open to the community. 5:30 PM–7:30 PM | VEA Newport Beach, 900 Newport Center Dr, Newport Beach | Event Info

• Fashion Island Tree Light Shows (Nightly, Nov 21–Dec 28) – A 90-foot Christmas tree comes to life with music and snowfall in nightly shows every hour. 5:30 PM–8:00 PM | Fashion Island, 401 Newport Center Dr, Newport Beach | Event Info

• Lighting of the Bay (Nov 28) – Opening night celebration with Santa visits, holiday crafts, festive food, and more than 50 floating holiday light displays in the bay. 4:00 PM–9:00 PM | Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort, 1131 Back Bay Dr, Newport Beach | Event Info

• Pendry Tree Lighting (Nov 28) – Tree lighting ceremony open to the public featuring carolers, Santa, holiday treats, and a hot chocolate bar. 4:30 PM–7:30 PM | Pendry Newport Beach, 690 Newport Center Dr, Newport Beach | Event Info

• Balboa Bay Resort Tree Lighting (Nov 30) – High-energy holiday show featuring live singers, dancers, Santa & friends, and the lighting of a brand-new 20-foot tree with a snow-filled finale. Complimentary treats and beverages with toy donation for Toys for Tots. 5:00 PM–10:00 PM | Balboa Bay Resort, 1221 Coast Highway, Newport Beach | Event Info

• Via Lido Plaza Holiday Tree Lighting (Dec 4) – Intimate neighborhood-style tree lighting with Santa visits, festive music, and activities for families. Presented by the Lido Marina Village team. 5:00 PM–7:00 PM | Via Lido Plaza, 3425 Via Lido, Newport Beach | Event Info

• Crystal Cove Holiday Bazaar & Tree Lighting (Dec 6) – Local artisan fair with live music, cocoa, and a sunset tree lighting right on the beach. Santa arrives in a lifeguard vehicle. 10:00 AM–6:00 PM | Crystal Cove Historic District, Newport Coast | Event Info

• Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade (Dec 18–22) – One of the nation’s most iconic holiday boat parades featuring hundreds of decorated yachts, boats, and kayaks cruising Newport Harbor. Spectator viewing available all along the waterfront. Parade begins nightly at 6:30 PM | Newport Harbor, Newport Beach | Event Info

Orange

• Old Towne Christmas Market & Tree Lighting (Dec 7) – Full day of holiday activities in the Plaza, including a Christmas market, kids’ crafts, and food vendors. At dusk, enjoy the official tree lighting ceremony. 10:00 AM–7:00 PM (Christmas Program 5:15–7:00 PM) | Old Towne Orange Plaza, Chapman Ave & Glassell St, Orange | Event Info

Placentia

• Tamale Festival & Tree Lighting (Dec 11) – Tamale vendors, music, kids’ games, and tree lighting in Old Town. 4:00 PM–10:00 PM | Santa Fe Ave & Bradford Ave, Placentia | Event Info

Rancho Santa Margarita

• Lakeshore Tree Lighting (Dec 6) – Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive by boat to light the lakeside Christmas tree. Includes free cocoa, cookies, crafts, and live music. Open to all residents and guests. 4:00 PM–6:00 PM | Lago Santa Margarita, Rancho Santa Margarita | Event Info

• Carols Around the Lake (Dec 13) – Community caroling event with luminaries floating on the lake, holiday lights, and festive music. 6:00 PM–7:00 PM | Lago Santa Margarita, Rancho Santa Margarita | Event Info

San Clemente

• Outlets at San Clemente Tree Lighting (Sat, Nov 22) – Kick off the season with live entertainment and the big tree lighting experience! 5:00 PM | Outlets at San Clemente | Event Info

• Santa’s Village by the Sea & Tree Lighting (Dec 6) – Holiday fair with snow play, crafts, live entertainment, and photos with Santa. All Day | Avenida Del Mar & Community Center, 100 N. Calle Seville, San Clemente | Event Info

• Christmas Nights at the Casa (Dec 12, 13, 19) – Stroll the grounds of Casa Romantica decorated with thousands of twinkling lights and enjoy festive activities in a historic oceanfront setting. Ticket required; Kids 12 and under FREE. 5:00 PM–7:00 PM | Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens, 415 Avenida Granada, San Clemente | Event Info

San Juan Capistrano

• Tree Lighting & Downtown Holiday Festivities (Dec 6) – Celebrate the season in Historic Town Center Park with live performances, kids’ activities, and the official city tree lighting at 5:45 PM. Afterward, stroll through the decorated Los Rios Historic District and enjoy music, shopping, and family fun. 4:00 PM–8:00 PM | Historic Town Center Park, 31857 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano | Event Info

• Capistrano Lights at the Mission (Dec 19–30) – Evening holiday experience featuring festive lights in the Mission’s gardens, a tree lighting, Christmas music, and a live nativity scene. Admission ticket required. 3:30 PM–6:30 PM | Mission San Juan Capistrano, 26801 Ortega Hwy, San Juan Capistrano | Event Info

• Country Christmas at the Inn at the Mission (Dec 20) – A festive Western-style evening with line dancing, country music, themed food and drinks, holiday vendors, and photos with Cowboy Santa. Free to attend. 4:00 PM–9:00 PM | Inn at the Mission, 26907 Old Mission Rd, San Juan Capistrano | Event Info

Santa Ana

• Plaza Navideña, Santa Ana (Nov 22) – Downtown holiday celebration with photos with Santa, kids’ crafts, a tree lighting, and community activations. 5 PM–8 PM (tree lighting around 5:30 PM) | Plaza Calle Cuatro, 325 E. Fourth St., Santa Ana | Event Info

Seal Beach

• Christmas Tree Lighting (Nov 22) – Festive community event at the base of the pier featuring snow play, kids’ crafts, hot cocoa, cookies, and Santa photos. The evening concludes with the lighting of the community tree near the ocean. 4:00 PM–7:00 PM | Eisenhower Park, Ocean Ave at Main St, Seal Beach | Event Info

• Seal Beach Christmas Parade (Dec 6) – A nighttime parade on Main Street featuring floats, marching bands, classic cars, and community groups. Arrive early for parking and a good viewing spot. 7:00 PM | Main Street (Ocean Ave to Pacific Coast Hwy), Seal Beach | Event Info

Stanton

• Tree Lighting Ceremony (Dec 4) – Community celebration featuring the city’s official tree lighting, holiday crafts, live choir performances, and visits with Santa. 6:30 PM | Stanton City Hall, 7800 Katella Ave, Stanton | Event Info

Tustin

• Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony & Holiday Stroll (Dec 5) – Celebrate the season in charming Old Town Tustin with a community tree lighting, live entertainment, food trucks, crafts, and refreshments. Santa arrives for photos and holiday cheer. Tree lighting at approximately 6:30 PM. 6:00 PM–8:30 PM | Old Town Tustin, El Camino Real & 3rd St, Tustin | Event Info

Villa Park

• Santa Tour (Dec 6) – A decades-long tradition where Santa, Mrs. Claus, and the City Council “Elves” ride through town on an OCFA fire engine, stopping at neighborhoods throughout the city to hand out candy canes, take photos, and greet families. Times and stops vary — see city map for full schedule. Various locations throughout Villa Park | Event Info

• Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony (Dec 6) – Community tree lighting featuring ten decorated trees, caroling by the Villa Park High School Choir, holiday cookies, the “world-famous” hot chocolate, and a special visit from Santa. 6:00 PM–8:00 PM | Villa Park Towne Centre, 17855 Santiago Blvd, Villa Park | Event Info

• Dry Land Boat Parade (Dec 14) – A holiday classic! Over 50 decorated and brilliantly lit “vessels” cruise through Villa Park’s asphalt harbor. Themed “Reeling in the Holidays,” the parade is celebrated with neighborhood watch parties all along the route. 5:00 PM–6:00 PM | Parade route through Villa Park, ending at Towne Centre | Event Info

Westminster

• Tree Lighting Ceremony (Dec 1) – Kick off the season with the city’s official tree lighting, holiday crafts and games, live entertainment by local performers, and free photos with Santa. 5:30 PM–7:30 PM | Civic Center, 8200 Westminster Blvd, Westminster | Event Info

• Santa on the Go (Dec 6 & 13) – Santa visits neighborhood parks across Westminster for festive crafts, treats, and family holiday activities. Catch him at Bowling Green Park (10:00–11:30 AM) and Blakey Park (1:00–2:30 PM) on Dec 6, or College Park (10:00–11:30 AM) and Bolsa Chica Park (1:00–2:30 PM) on Dec 13. | Various park locations, Westminster | Event Info

Yorba Linda

• Town Center Tree Lighting (Dec 6) – Celebrate the season with Yorba Linda’s community tree lighting at the fountain plaza. Enjoy live performances, family fun, and holiday spirit in the heart of the Town Center. Tree lighting at 6:00 PM. | Yorba Linda Town Center, 18300 Yorba Linda Blvd, Yorba Linda | Event Info

• Friends Church Tree Lighting with Friends (Dec 6) – Community tree lighting following a holiday music service featuring crafts, snow play areas, hot cocoa, and food trucks. Tree lighting at 6:30 PM. 6:00 PM–8:30 PM | Friends Church, 5091 Mountain View Ave, Yorba Linda | Event Info

• East Lake Holiday of Lights Boat Parade (Dec 13 & 14) – Celebrate the 38th annual boat parade around East Lake, with festively decorated vessels lighting up the water and spreading holiday cheer. Free and open to the public. Food trucks available from 5:00–7:00 PM at the Clubhouse parking lot. Parade begins at 6:30 PM. | East Lake Village, Yorba Linda | Event Info

Whether you're looking for magical lights by the coast, local parades with small-town charm, or iconic tree lightings in city plazas, Orange County is full of holiday joy in 2025. Bookmark this guide and share it with friends and neighbors — and be sure to tag @TheThriveOC when you’re out enjoying the lights!

Happy Holidays from all of us at Thrive OC!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best Christmas tree lightings in Orange County for families?

Events like Dana Point's Boat Parade, Irvine Spectrum's nightly tree shows, and the Old Towne Orange tree lighting are especially popular with families.

Are Orange County tree lightings free to attend?

Most events are free and open to the public. Some, like Winter Fest OC or Capistrano Lights, may require paid admission.