Looking for some cool sights to see during the month of December? We are fortunate to have lots of fun places to see for the holidays here in Orange County and the surrounding area. Here's a list of some of our favorites for 2023!
Christmas decorations in Orange County
Dana Point Harbor
November 15th through early January
Have you ever seen a Christmas whale? Come check out this beautifully decorated area along the harbor with some local whale watching inspired decorations too! Drive along Dana Point Harbor to see some decorated trees then park near Dana Wharf Whale Watch to walk around for some great photo ops.
Dana Point Boat Parade
December 8th - December 10th
Starts at 6:30pm
Watch beautifully decorated boats with Christmas lights during the Dana Point Christmas Boat Parade! Find a spot along the harbor and watch decorated boats go by. You can also be a part of the parade by booking a trip aboard Dana Wharf Whale Watch who has boats in the parade. This tickets will sell out far in advance so make sure to plan for this. While you can view the parade from pretty much anywhere in Dana Point Harbor, the best spots are from the bridge, island, or up on the headlands.
Hakari - A Festival Of Lights
November 24th through December 30th
4:30pm-10:00pm
Take a wagon ride around the festively lit farm and once off the wagon, you will have the opportunity to wander through light displays with photo opportunities. After the wagon ride, make your way down to the Gingerbread Forest. Delicious food and drinks are available. You can also purchase your Christmas tree here.
Huntington Harbour Boat Parade
December 9th - 10th starting at 6:00pm
Watch beautifully decorated boats travel through Huntington Harbour. There are no boat rides open to the public but find a spot at one of the parks or bridges and enjoy the show!
Irvine Park Railroad
November 24th-December 23rd
Take an enchanting train ride through historic Irvine Regional Park to meet Santa Clause. The train will depart from the train station and drop passengers off at the North Pole. Children can share their wish list with Santa and have their photo taken with him too. There are family activities to do here and great photo ops with beautifully decorated oak trees. This is a must do for families as it's just a great experience.
Irvine Spectrum
November 3rd - January 7th
Ice skate under the stars next to the beautifully decorated 75 foot Christmas Tree and the giant Ferris wheel. The Christmas tree will feature a choreographed light show every 30 minutes after 5:00pm each night.
Newport Beach Boat Parade
December 13th - 17th starting at 6:30pm
Watch beautifully decorated boats in the harbor during the 114th Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade. Beginning at Marina Park, the route will take the parade all along Newport Harbor, typically ending around 9:00pm. This is a massive boat parade with amazingly decorated yachts. During the parade, you may want to talk a walk around Balboa Island to enjoy the houses as well. You can also book a tour with Davey's Locker or Newport Landing which will take you around the harbor to see the decorated houses. The best way to experience this event is to watch the parade go by from shore and also take a harbor cruise to see all the houses, this way you get to take it all in!
Newport Dunes
November 25th - January 1st, 4:30pm - 10:00pm
Floating decorations with lights in the bay with a relaxing atmosphere. You will see decorations for Christmas and Hanukkah here.
Winter Fest OC
November 24th - January 7th.
Experience the magic of the holiday season as Winter Fest OC features more attractions and live entertainment than ever before, featuring the all-new “North Pole Journey” immersive walk-through experience, ice skating under the stars, a nine-lane 150-foot-long ice tubing slide, ice bumper cars, carnival thrills, seasonal food & drinks, and much more. This event is great for the whole family!
South Coast Plaza Tree
November 16th until early January
This 96 foot tall white fir tree holds 150,000 lights! This is a great spot to enjoy a huge Christmas tree without crowds. However, if you'd like to attend the free tree lightning ceremony, stop by in November 17th around 6:30pm. This event is free. The tree sits directly in front of Westin Hotel at South Coast Plaza.
Villa Park Boat Parade
December 10th at 5:00pm
How is there a boat parade in a place where there's no water? Come out to Villa Park on this night to see beautifully decorated boats driving by on trailers! It's a very unique and cool experience.
For more info and map, visit Villa Park Boat Parade
Peltzer Pines
November 19th until Christmas
Come pick out a tree and have it cut fresh right in front of you! This really is so much better than buying a pre-cut tree from your neighborhood store. These trees will last longer and be more fresh since they were growing right up until the time you picked it out, other trees you buy at lots have been cut and shipped weeks before arriving at the lots. This is a family owned business who have been operating this farm since 1963.
San Clemente Pier
Take a walk on San Clemente Pier and enjoy a Christmas tree and decorated lifeguard tower